cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of post-oxidation annealing on 3nm-thick low-temperature-grown gate oxide

Abstract The reduction of the oxidation temperature is effective for atomically-controlled gate oxide growth. We focus the effects of post-oxidation annealing on oxides grown at a low temperature from 650 to 850°C. The N 2 annealing drastically decreased the leakage current at the low gate voltage below 1.5 V. The interface trap density was also reduced by the N 2 annealing. We confirmed the correlation between the interface trap density and the leakage current at a low voltage below 1.5 V. We also found that the stressing immunity of the ultrathin oxides grown at a low temperature, 650°C, is dramatically improved by post-oxidation annealing at 850°C.
Combined antenatal thyrotropin-releasing hormone and low-dose glucocorticoid therapy improves the pulmonary biochemical immaturity in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

The lungs of patients born with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are biochemically and morphologically immature. Because antenatal glucocorticoid therapy can accelerate pulmonary maturation in premature neonates who have respiratory distress syndrome, we hypothesized that it may correct the pulmonary biochemical and morphological immaturity associated with CDH. We showed in previous experimental studies that antenatal low-dose dexamethasone improved the biochemical and morphological parameters of pulmonary immaturity in rats that had severe CDH. Somatic and pulmonary growth were inhibited with high doses of dexamethasone. In the present study, we examined the effects of antenatal low-dose dexamethasone and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), alone or in combination, on the pulmonary maturation in CDH. Combined antenatal low-dose dexamethasone and TRH significantly reduced mean lung glycogen concentration (P = .001), and increased mean disaturated phosphatidylcholine content (P < .005) to better than that observed with either therapy alone, without changing mean body or lung weight. Combined TRH and low-dose glucocorticoid as an antenatal therapy may reduce the morbidity and mortality of CDH.
Outcomes of Patients with Prostate Cancer Receiving Zoledronic Acid or Pamidronate for Prevention of Skeletal-Related Events

Study Objective. To determine the relative effectiveness of two bisphosphonates—pamidronate and zoledronic acid—for preventing skeletal-related events (SREs) in patients with prostate cancer metastatic to bone. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. Large, tertiary care cancer center. Patients. One hundred thirty-seven patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer who received either pamidronate or zoledronic acid between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2004, were identified in the electronic medical records; 24 of these patients met all prespecified eligibility criteria, and 105 patients met relaxed eligibility criteria. Measurements and Main Results. Using a binary logistic regression model, we explored the effect of the bisphosphonate received on development of an SRE. Whether the patient was receiving chemotherapy as of the date of first receipt of a study drug, the number of bisphosphonate doses received, time since the diagnosis of prostate cancer, and the number of previous SREs were included as covariates. The odds ratio for developing an SRE after receiving zoledronic acid was 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.08–7.50) compared with the reference group that received pamidronate. This difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.84). Because of the limited number of patients who met all prespecified eligibility criteria, various post hoc analyses were performed in the 105 patients with use of relaxed eligibility criteria. None provided definitive evidence of the superiority of one agent versus the other. Conclusion. No definitive evidence of a difference in the efficacy for preventing the development of an SRE was found between pamidronate and zoledronic acid, although a smaller-than-expected sample size impairs the interpretability of this finding. In the absence of additional research, it seems reasonable to assume that no clinically important difference exists between the two agents.
Mitogenic properties of two carbohydrate binding proteins from the Dolichos biflorus plant

Most lectins described to this date have been isolated from the seeds of leguminous plants. One such lectin is the glycoprotein isolated from the seeds of the Dolichos biflorus plant expressing an activity for terminal non-reducing a-linked Nacetyl-D-galactosamine residues [ 11. In addition to this seed lectin the stems and leaves of the Dolichos bijlorus plant contain another glycoprotein that crossreacts with antibodies against the lectin from the seeds of this plant. This cross-reactive material (CRM) was isolated and characterized 121 and was shown to have an amino acid and carbohydrate composition very similar to that of the seed lectin 12~31. CRM and the seed lectin both contain apparently equal amounts of two types of subunits; one CRM subunit is identical in electrophoretic mobility to subunit I of the seed lectin [2]. Both CRM subunits have. a NHz-terminal amino acid sequence identical to the sequence of the seed lectin subunits with the exception of an aspartate in place of an asparagine at the second residue [2,4]. It has also recently been shown that CRM, at low ionic strength, has carbohydrate binding activity [S] although its specificity is somewhat broader that that of the seed lectin. Despite this close structural resemblance between these two carbohydrate binding proteins
Structural properties of some monosubstituted cyclobutanes, C4H7X, determined by ab initio calculation II. X = OH, NH2 and CH3

Complete equilibrium geometries have been determined for all stable conformations of cyclobutanol, C4H7OH, cyclobutylamine, C4H7NH2, and methyl cyclobutane C4H7CH3, by ab initio Hartree—Fock gradient calculation with a 4–21 basis augmented by d functions on O and N. Conformations differ in having the substituent equatorial (eq) or axial (ax) on the puckered ring and by gauche (g) or anti (a) orientation of the substituent hydrogen with respect to the ring hydrogen. For C4H7NH2 four stable conformers exist, a—g—eq being the most stable with ΔE for the others being: g—g—eq, 3.2; g—g—ax, 4.2; and a—g—ax, 6.5 kJ mol−1. For C4H7OH only three conformers are found with a—eq most stable, ΔE for g—eq, 2.1, ΔE for g—ax, 8.1 kJ mol−1, and no minimum found for a—ax. For C4H7CH3, only two conformers can exist when the CH3 group staggers the adjacent CCH group. The eq form is 1.7 kJ mol−1 more stable than the ax. These results extend our earlier series and show that the equatorial position is most favored by the most electronegative substituent. The axial conformer becomes increasingly more stable in the series F < OH < NH2 < Cl < CH3 < Li. Ring structural parameters show only small differences, but these vary quite systematically with substituent electronegativity. Trends are established for differences in adjacent vs. opposite CC bond lengths, ring puckering angle, distortions of the CH2 groups, ∠HCX and ∠XC2C1C4.
Do Business Travelers Who Belong to Frequent Guest Programs Differ from Those Who Don't Belong?:

Most major hotel chains have developed programs that reward travelers for repeat visits. These programs, often called frequent guest programs, have been controversial promotional techniques primarily because of their cost. The study reported here examines a sample of business travelers to see if the characteristics of those who belong to frequent guest programs are different from those who do not belong to the programs.Key Words:promotion, frequent guest programs, market ing.
High pressure preparation of Hg2V2O7

Hg2V2O7-II has been prepared at 30 to 65 kbars pressure. This new compound has a structure related to that of pyrochlore, but the symmetry is distorted from cubic to monoclinic. Hg2V2O7-II is a dark-red semiconductor.
East Timor, twenty years after: Resistir e Vencer (to resist is to win)

Indonesia has occupied East Timor for the past twenty years. In spite of continuous military actions, and the death or displacement of one‐third of its population, East Timor has not been conquered. During the course of the struggle, the East Timorese have developed a distinct sense of nationality and adopted the major vernacular language, Tetun, for communication. More than ninety per cent of the population are Roman Catholics, and the Church has become the moral fortress of the oppressed. A change of leadership in Indonesia could trigger off great upheavals and give the East Timorese another chance at independence.
Predictor(s) of Abnormal Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization Results in Patients With Cleft Lip and/or Palate.

Objectives: Cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) occurs either as an isolated anomaly or as one manifestation of genetic syndromes. Chromosomal abnormalities from karyotype analysis are commonly seen in cases of nonisolated CL/P. This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of clinical array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) testing in patients with CL/P. Our objectives were to identify the clinical phenotypes that are predicative of an abnormal aCGH result, correlate aCGH results with language outcome, and analyze the data in the abnormal aCGH results group. Methods: Nonisolated CL/P patients who had clinical aCGH testing performed between 2009 and 2012 in the University of Alabama at Birmingham cytogenetics lab were enrolled. The demographic data, clinical phenotypes, and speech outcome were collected. Results: Two hundred forty-five nonisolated CL/P patients were studied, with 62 having an abnormal aCGH result compared to 183 patients with a normal aCGH result. The presence of developmenta...
ANALYZING SYSTEM TRAVEL TIME IN ARTERIAL CORRIDORS WITH UNCONVENTIONAL DESIGNS USING MICROSCOPIC SIMULATION

Recent studies have identified the median U-turn (MUT) design as having potential for improving intersection stopped delay at isolated intersections. This study was an effort to quantify the reductions in travel time and other critical traffic operation measures of effectiveness for the MUT and super-street median (SSM) geometric designs over a system of signals compared with the traditional two-way left-turn lane (TWLTL) design. The key function of the MUT design is removal of all left-turn movements at signalized intersections, creating two-phase signal operations and increased progression opportunities. The SSM design allows perfect progression of through traffic in both directions because signals on both sides of the arterial can operate independently. The analysts constructed models of a typical suburban arterial corridor near Detroit, Michigan, in CORSIM according to a fixed external-node coordinate system and fixed origin-destination volumes. These allowed an equitable systemwide comparison of measures of effectiveness between the arterial designs. An analysis of variance determined the importance of arterial geometry related to total system time, average stops per vehicle, and average speed. Results showed that the MUT and SSM designs improved system travel time and average speed compared with the TWLTL design. Analyzing geometry as a function of the time of day showed that the MUT and SSM alternatives significantly reduced system travel time and increased average speeds during the a.m. and p.m. peak hours and showed very similar results compared with the TWLTL design during off-peak conditions. The authors recommend that engineers analyzing alternatives for arterials similar to that tested consider the MUT and SSM designs.
VUV absorption and its relation to the effects of ionizing corpuscular radiation.

Elements of the physics of photoabsorption as well as of energy transfer from fast charged particles are discussed. Among the key notions there are oscillator-strength spectra, quantum yields, and action spectra. Throughout the discussion, emphasis is put on the important role of soft X-rays and VUV light as obtained from a synchrotron radiation source in the understanding of actions of ionizing radiations in general.
MSH3 deficiency is not sufficient for a mutator phenotype in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the mutS homolog protein products MSH3 and MSH6, each in cooperation with MSH2, play well-defined and specific roles in the repair of DNA mismatches and nucleotide loops. The discrete functions of the human homologs hMSH3 and hMSH6 are less clear and current evidence suggests that the substrate specificity of these proteins may be less strict. To determine the role of MSH3 in mammalian mismatch repair, we employed MSH3-deficient Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines. No significant changes in mutation rate were detected in the MSH3-deficient strain and there were no differences in sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents. Further analysis of hprt mutants did not show a MSH3dependent shift in the mutant spectrum. Interestingly, thorough examination of four dinucleotide microsatellite regions revealed instability at only one locus in one of the MSH3-deficient cell lines. These data support the idea of a high degree of redundancy in the function of the MutS homologs MSH3 and MSH6, at least with respect to the control of microsatellite instability.
Psychophysiologic Assessment and Combat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health outcome associated with combat operations. Since October 2001, more than 1.6 million U.S. troops have deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Current estimates for postdeployment post-traumatic stress disorder in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans range from 5%–30%. This paper will briefly review a series of new and ongoing projects that utilize psychophysiologic assessment for patients with Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom combat-related PTSD. Two treatment studies are supported by the Office of Naval Research, one assessment study is supported by the Veterans Health Administration, and a second assessment study is supported by the Department of Defense. Psychophysiologic reactivity is not new to combat-related PTSD, but there are new technologies that may enhance our ability to assess and understand this aspect of the condition. Papers describing t...
ASSESSMENT OF LABORATORY MEDIA CONTROLS FOR DETERMINING SALMONELLA VIRULENCE POTENTIAL OF POULTRY WATER SOURCES USING A HILA:LACZY FUSION STRAIN

Salmonella is regarded as a primary foodborne pathogen commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and internal organs of poultry. However, Salmonella is also capable of surviving in fresh water supplies. In this study, our efforts were to determine which media controls of varying nutrient availability would allow for accurately assessing the potential of a poultry house water source to influence virulence gene expression in Salmonella. The cages of the sampled layer house were divided into four separate quadrants. Virulence expression was measured using a β-galactosidase assay on a hilA:lacZY fusion strain of S. Typhimurium and calculated as Miller units to adjust for bacterial cell concentration measured as optical density. Virulence assays were performed with brain heart infusion broth (BHI) serving as the primary overall control which yielded values ranging from approximately 60–100 Miller units. Results showed that standing water obtained from quadrant 2 yielded a significantly different (P<0.05) virulence responses compared to other standing water samples from other quadrants. However, no significant difference was observed between the quadrants for the fresh water samples. BHI media proved to be the most consistent negative control for evaluating hilA response to poultry house water by yielding the lowest overall Miller unit values compared to other laboratory control media.
Indian Epigraphy: A Guide to the Study of Inscriptions in Sanskrit, Prakrit and other Indo-Aryan Languages

Salomon surveys all the inscriptional material - documents written in ink on various surfaces, or carved into stone and metal, as well as seals - in the Indo-Aryan languages. He presents the entire corpus of these inscriptions in a way accessible to specialists in the field as well as non-specialists. This book is intended for scholars of South Asia, Epigraphy.
Event History Analysis

Introduction What is Event History Analysis? Discrete Time-Logit Model The Analysis of One-Way Transition Discrete Time-Logit Model The Analysis of Two-Way Transitions Log-Rate Models for Piecewise Constant Rates Continuous-Time Models with Cox's Method Proportional Hazards Models, Non-Proportional Hazards Models, and Stratified Models Continuous-Time Models with Cox's Method Use of Time-Dependent Covariates and Related Issues Final Remarks Before Getting One's Own Research Started
JNK and p38 MAP kinases in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells

The c-Jun aminoterminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathways have been associated with cell death, differentiation and proliferation. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells have different effector functions after antigen stimulation and control specific aspects of the immune response. The studies carried out in our group indicate that the role of JNK and p38 MAP kinases in CD4+ T cells is different from their role in CD8+ T cells. Moreover, these two pathways are not redundant in either T cell population. We have also shown that p38 MAP kinase regulates early stages of T cell development in the thymus. It is therefore important to consider the specific function of these kinases in each T cell population when pharmacological inhibitors of JNK and p38 MAP kinases are used for therapeutic purposes to control the immune response.
Loss of NADPH Quinone Oxidoreductase in the Prostate and Enhanced Serum Levels of Cytokine-Induced Neutrophil Chemoattractant 2α in Hormone-Stimulated Noble Rats: Potential Role in Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia Development

The Noble rat is an established model for studying hormone-induced development of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostatic adenocarcinoma. It is known that for a period, hormones in the prostate generate reactive molecules that have the capacity to overwhelm intracellular defenses, damage macromolecules, and modulate redox-regulated signaling pathways leading to increased oxidative stress. Such hormone-induced imbalance in the oxidative stress/antioxidant defense enzymes may lead to neoplastic transformation of the prostate. We investigated alteration in the expression of critical antioxidant defense enzymes, a redox-regulated transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and its downstream target inflammation-associated cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) in the prostate from hormone-stimulated Noble rats using immunohistochemistry. Further, we also analyzed serum levels of cytokines and chemokines associated with inflammation using multiplex immunoassay. Our results show that there was no significant change in the expression of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase pi, superoxide dismutase, or catalase. However, the level of NADPH quinone oxidoreductase decreased in hormone-stimulated animals compared with their unstimulated counterparts. Further, the prostate from hormone-stimulated rats showed very strong expressions of p65, Cox-2, and NFκB DNA binding activity. In addition, the cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 2α was significantly upregulated by more than 10-fold (P = .001) in serum from animals stimulated with hormones. Although further studies are required, we speculate that activation of NFκB/cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 2α/Cox-2 along with modulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms may create a proinflammatory environment suitable for tumor growth and survival.
Lytic therapy in the treatment of axillary and subclavian vein thrombosis

The importance of individualized treatment of patients with primary and secondary axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis is described with special emphasis on the use of thrombolytic therapy. Nine patients were treated with streptokinase or urokinase. Balloon dilation of the axillary or subclavian vein and first rib resection were also selectively used. Of the five patients with primary axillary-subclavian thrombosis, three did not have symptoms after the thrombus was lysed. Two had successful lysis of the thrombus but later suffered a rethrombosis, one of which most likely resulted from an untreated stenosis. All four of the patients with secondary thrombosis had successful thrombolysis. Patients with primary axillary-subclavian thrombosis are usually young and as many as 40% continue to have intermittent upper extremity edema or pain. For this reason we believe aggressive attempts to reestablish normal venous return through the axillary and subclavian veins are warranted. Patients with secondary axillary-subclavian thrombosis usually require prolonged venous catheterization for chemotherapy or total parenteral nutrition. Since patency of major upper extremity veins is extremely important in these patients with secondary thrombosis, we believe that vigorous attempts to restore these venous access routes are indicated and appropriate.
Tumor necrosis factor β gene polymorphism and early primary kidney allograft loss

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the association of TNFB alleles and genotypes in recipients experiencing early cadaveric kidney graft loss and non-early graft loss. Because the TNFB1 allele is associated with increased production of the TNF β lymphotoxin following PHA mitogenic stimulation in vitro , the frequency of this allele was examined in renal transplant recipients experiencing early graft loss. A similar expression of TNFB alleles and genotypes was found in the early regraft loss group (≤ 3 months; n = 16) and non-early graft loss group ( n = 81 ). We conclude that alleles of the TNFB gene are not risk factors for early cadaveric kidney graft loss. Human Immunology 50, 148–150 (1996)
Games are made for fun: Lessons on the effects of concept maps in the classroom use of computer games

Does using a computer game improve students' motivation to learn classroom material? The current study examined students' motivation to learn history concepts while playing a commercial, off-the-shelf computer game, Civilization III. The study examined the effect of using conceptual scaffolds to accompany game play. Students from three ninth-grade classrooms were assigned to one of three groups: one group used an expert generated concept map, one group constructed their own concept maps, and a control group used no map. It was predicted that the use of concept maps would enhance the educational value of the game playing activity, in particular students' motivational levels; however, the opposite happened. Students who used a concept map showed lower motivation on the task relative to their baseline motivation for regular classroom instruction. In contrast, the levels of motivation in playing the game, for students in the control group, met or exceeded their levels of motivation during regular classroom instruction. These results suggest that using a conceptual scaffold can decrease students' motivation to learn classroom material through game play, perhaps because conceptual maps can (a) focus students' attention on the difficulty of learning the concepts and on the extrinsic rewards for playing the game and (b) make game play less autonomous, less creative, and less active. All of these can negate the primary property that provides playing its principal potential pedagogical power: fun.
A preliminary study of the dynamics of a modern draa, Algodones, southeastern California, USA

A transverse crescentic draa in the Algodones dune field, California, was monitored for a year using surface process mapping, aerial photography and supplemental wind measurement. The draa is oriented by the long-term resultant wind, whereas its superimposed features are in equilibrium with the bedform-modified secondary airflow. Surface airflow and the movement of superimposed bedforms is typically oblique or parallel to the draa brinkline, particularly on the lee slope. Comparison of measurements of draa movement and sand deposition on the lee slope, with expected rates calculated from wind data and draa size, confirm that there is a significant component of sand flow parallel to the draa brinkline. The internal structure being generated at the base of the draa lee slope is inferred from the surface processes active there. Within the space of a kilometer two types of compound cross-strata, separated by an area of simple cross-strata, are being produced. This has significant implications for interpretations of ancient aeolian strata. Variations in internal structure types found in lateral sequence may be generated by one complex bedform, and these cross-strata may be simple or compound. Second-order bounding surface orientations indicate resultant primary palaeowind directions; compound cross-strata dip directions indicate secondary flow conditions. The existence of cross-strata dip directions oblique or perpendicular to the second-order surface indicates longitudinal secondary flow on the lee face, but not necessarily a longitudinal or oblique draa. Without further detailed knowledge about various draa configurations and behaviour, stratification attributed to draas can be used only to interpret activity on the lower draa lee face.
The Echocardiogram in Nonrheumatic Mitral Insufficiency

Echocardiography is the procedure of choice in separating rheumatic and nonrheumatic types of mitral insufficiency, and usually provides fair quantitative data to substantiate the degree of insufficiency. Angiography, in contrast, rarely furnishes additional information, and is usually less informative than echocardiography in the diagnosis of mitral insufficiency and its variants. Echocardiography will not routinely differentiate the subvarieties of mitral insufficiency, though it occasionally is diagnostic in establishing the presence of a ruptured chord or papillary muscle injury.
Automatic Computation of Spot Diagrams

The spot diagram is a useful device for estimating the distribution of light over an optical image. A method has been devised in which spot diagrams are obtained by an interpolation process which uses automatic computing and plotting machines. From a single object point a number of rays are traced through an optical system, providing data which determine the coefficients of high-degree polynomials. These polynomials replace the exact ray tracing formulas and are used to calculate the intersections with the image plane of a large number of rays distributed uniformly over the entrance pupil. The coordinates of these rays on the image plane are then fed into a plotting machine which produces the spot diagram.
Sex disparities in arrests by residence, race, and age: An assessment of the gender convergence/crime hypothesis

In this report we examine whether differences in sex disparities in crime exist by population subgroup (residence, race, and age), using arrest data from the Uniform Crime Reports. We assess the utility of the gender equality/crime position as an explanation of any differences that do exist, and we propose alternative interpretations of the data. The major finding is that for most offenses, the differences in the female percentage of arrests (FP/A) are borderline or negligible. In those few instances where differences in FP/A exist across the comparison groups, they appear to have little or no relation to levels of gender-role convergence from one subgroup to another. Instead, we conclude that the differences in FP/A can be explained better as due to differences in willingness to sanction female offenders, to variations in opportunities for traditional female-based consumer crimes, and/or to differing levels of economic vulnerability among some groups of females.
Effect of topical loteprednol on intraocular pressure after selective laser trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma.

To determine whether there is a statistically significant difference in the decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) after selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) between patients receiving a 5–7 days co-administration of loteprednol versus no loteprednol over the course of 1 year. We conducted a retrospective chart review to evaluate use of loteprednol in patients aged 30–85 years undergoing SLT for open-angle glaucoma at our center over a 3-year period. Three hundred and eighteen eyes from 313 patients who underwent a 360° SLT treatment between January 2008 and August 2011 were included in the analysis. Patients who received loteprednol showed a mean reduction of 2.5 (±SE 0.3) mmHg or 11.8% (±1.5%) in IOP versus a mean reduction of 3.2 (±0.6) mmHg or 14.9% (±2.5%) in those not treated with loteprednol. This difference showed a trend toward lower IOP without loteprednol, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.29). Postoperative use of loteprednol does not appear to significantly affect IOP in patients undergoing SLT. A randomized double-blinded study in a larger group of patients would be required to clarify this issue. Until such information is available, we recommend that individual clinical judgment be used regarding whether to use topical steroids in patients undergoing SLT.
Cardiovascular Trials of Estrogen Replacement Therapy

An impressive body of evidence has suggested that estrogen therapy should be helpful to slow the pathogenesis or progression of atherosclerosis. Estrogen's favorable effects on lipids and endothelial function, coupled with extensive observational epidemiology and data from animal models of atherosclerosis, persuaded many that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) would be helpful for both primary and secondary prevention of coronary disease. Recently, several randomized clinical trials of HRT have been completed, and several more are currently under way. These trials include both primary and secondary prevention cohorts and use clinical as well as anatomic manifestations of atherosclerosis as outcomes. These trials are producing surprising and controversial results that will radically alter contemporary understanding of the role of HRT for cardiovascular disease prevention. This review briefly describes the findings of the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study, the Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis Trial, and other recently completed clinical trials. Trials that are under way are also described and discussed.
Hypothesis testing in path models

Abstract The three prior criteria for linear recursive causal (path) model evaluation are shown to be equivalent to a more general technique. Hotelling's T2 is introduced as a means of evaluating general hypotheses for the entire model, and some consequences of treating the model as a whole are discussed. The “twice standard error” rule is shown to be misleading for a number of reasons. An example of the application of the procedure and the computational technique is given, and some additional applications are suggested.
Integrating Design Across the Engineering Curriculum: A Report From the Trenches

The emphasis from ABET to integrate the design experience across the curriculum has initiated a call for action to engineering departments across the country. This challenges engineering educators to include design in a wide variety of engineering courses and to prevent this emphasis from foreshadowing the subject material of each course. A comprehensive approach is needed where the design work is not a separate entity, but rather is an additional tool which can be used to teach the fundamentals of engineering. This paper reports on the advances of one institution in responding to the call to integrate design across the engineering curriculum. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) has established a design philosophy that treats design education as a developmental process to be practiced during each of the four undergraduate years. To put that philosophy into practice, the USCGA has restructured the engineering curriculum to ensure that students experience design content in their courses each year. This viewpoint of design as a developmental process is consistent with the broad educational objectives of the institution. This paper presents examples of design work from courses in each year of the students' education to illustrate the variety of design problems used to incorporate design across the curriculum. The experiences at the U. S. Coast Guard Academy have been positive and indicate the design across the curriculum initiative can be implemented without drastically impacting faculty workload.
Population Genetic Structure of Arctomecon californica Torrey & Frémont (Papaveraceae) in Fragmented and Unfragmented Habitat

Arctomecon californica (the Las Vegas bearpoppy) is endemic to gypsum outcrops of the northern Mojave Desert. Native habitat of this plant in the Las Vegas Valley has been severely fragmented, while relatively undisturb ed, unfragmented habitat still exists in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Allozyme data from seven loci for 16 populations indicate high levels of genetic variability. Neis genetic identity and GST values suggest that populations in fragmented habitat are more differentiated with increasing geographic distance. Populations in unfragmented habitat show no relationship between geographic distance and genetic identity. Three indices of genetic variation were significantly lower for populations in fragmented habitat. However, there was little evidence of increased inbreeding, as indicated by fixation indices, for any population. Habitat fragmentation is discussed as a possible contributing factor to reduced levels of genetic variation in populations in the Las Vegas Valley.
The Implications of Colorectal Cancer Molecular Biology in Clinical Practice

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy in the United States. Advances in molecular biology have enhanced the understanding of colorectal carcinogenesis. Approximately 75% of CRCs are sporadic; the rest are hereditary or belong to a familial syndrome. Identification of familial forms of CRC have enabled the development of several models of carcinogenesis and made CRC a well-studied malignancy in terms of molecular pathogenesis. Pathways containing multiple mutations and genetic alterations that play a role in hereditary CRC pathogenesis have been elucidated. Many of the molecular changes seen in these pathways also are involved in the development of sporadic cancers.
Molecular modeling of polymer-clay nanocomposite precursors: Lysine in montmorillonite interlayers

The layered structure of clays with interlayer cations leads to unique chemical and mechanical properties, which have been capitalized on in the field of polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites. Hydrophilic silica surfaces can become organophilic with the inclusion of alkylammonium cations, which improve the wetting characteristics of the polymer matrix. In fact, the molecular level interactions of amino acids, either natural or non-natural, with clay surfaces are at the heart of fields of study as diverse as nanocomposites fabrication, drug delivery, bio-remediation of soils and catalysis of biological polymers, to name a few. The ubiquity of these systems and the potential uses to which they could be put suggests the necessity of a deeper understanding of the interplay of bonds, conformations, and configurations between the molecules and the hosts. The interactions of the amino acid lysine with sodium montmorillonite were studied using theoretical molecular modeling methods. The interlayer spacing of montmorillonite was increased by incorporating water molecules and allowing the system to evolve with molecular mechanics. Care was taken to retain the sodium cations in the interlayer. The initial amino acid conformation was obtained surrounding the molecule with numerous discrete water molecules and minimizing the system at the semi empirical level. The optimized amino acid was then placed in the interlayer space in a series of initial positions. Molecular mechanics calculations were performed and the final positions were analyzed. The results tended to indicate the preponderance of configurations which included surface-sodium-amino acid complexes with a variety of spatial arrangements. These results were compared with molecular dynamics calculations of similar systems from the literature.
Spillover and Partial-Volume Correction for Image-Derived Input Functions for Small-Animal 18F-FDG PET Studies

We present and validate a method to obtain an input function from dynamic image data and 0 or 1 blood sample for smallanimal 18F-FDG PET studies. The method accounts for spillover and partial-volume effects via a physiologic model to yield a model-corrected input function (MCIF). Methods: Imagederived input functions (IDIFs) from heart ventricles and myocardial time–activity curves were obtained from 14 Sprague–Dawley rats and 17 C57BL/6 mice. Each MCIF was expressed as a mathematic equation with 7 parameters, which were estimated simultaneously with the myocardial model parameters by fitting the IDIFs and myocardium curves to a dual-output compartment model. Zero or 1 late blood sample was used in the simultaneous estimation. MCIF was validated by comparison with input measured from blood samples. Validation included computing errors in the areas under the curves (AUCs) and in the 18F-FDG influx constant Ki in 3 types of tissue. Results: For the rat data, the AUC error was 5.3% 6 19.0% in the 0-sample MCIF and 22.3% 6 14.8% in the 1-sample MCIF. When the MCIF was used to calculate the Ki of the myocardium, brain, and muscle, the overall errors were 26.3% 6 27.0% in the 0-sample method (correlation coefficient r 5 0.967) and 3.1% 6 20.6% in the 1-sample method (r 5 0.970). The t test failed to detect a significant difference (P . 0.05) in the Ki estimates from both the 0-sample and the 1-sample MCIF. For the mouse data, AUC errors were 4.3% 6 25.5% in the 0-sample MCIF and 21.7% 6 20.9% in the 1-sample MCIF. Ki errors averaged 28.0% 6 27.6% for the 0-sample method (r 5 0.955) and 22.8% 6 22.7% for the 1-sample method (r 5 0.971). The t test detected significant differences in the brain and muscle in the Ki for the 0-sample method but no significant differences with the 1-sample method. In both rat and mouse, 0-sample and 1-sample MCIFs both showed at least a 10-fold reduction in AUC and Ki errors compared with uncorrected IDIFs. Conclusion: MCIF provides a reliable, noninvasive estimate of the input function that can be used to accurately quantify the glucose metabolic rate in small-animal 18 F-FDG PET
Adherence of the Lyme Disease Spirochete to Glial Cells and Cells of Glial Origin

Lyme disease, a tick-borne spirochetosis caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, produces protean neurologic manifestations, yet its neuropathogenesis is poorly understood. The affinity of the spirochete for cells of primary rat brain cultures and of the C6 glioma cell line was studied. B. burgdorferi adhered to both types of cells in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited an affinity for an extracellular matrix produced by the primary and by glioma cell cultures. Adherence of the spirochetes to the glial components of the primary brain culture could be an early event in the production of neurological injury; its affinity for cells could be the reason for its infrequent isolation from cerebrospinal fluid.
Effects of combination therapy with captopril and nifedipine in severe or resistant hypertension

To assess the effect of potent vasodilator therapy in patients with severe or resistant hypertension, 10 patients underwent therapy with captopril and nifedipine alone and in combination. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and blood chemistry values were monitored for 4 weeks during captopril monotherapy and after 8 weeks during combination therapy with captopril and nifedipine. Compared with baseline, the BP decreased during captopril monotherapy (180 +/- 11/98 +/- 7 vs. 209 +/- 16/118 +/- 12 mm Hg; P less than 0.005). After the addition of nifedipine, the BP was further reduced (148 +/- 23/85 +/- 16 mm Hg), but there was no change in heart rate. In three patients not achieving the diastolic BP goal during combination therapy with dosing every 8 hours, automatic 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring demonstrated lack of antihypertensive control for only the last 2 to 3 hours of the dosing interval. These data demonstrate that combination therapy with captopril and nifedipine is effective in patients with severe hypertension, but frequent dosing intervals are necessary for adequate antihypertensive control.
Face detection for automatic exposure control in handheld camera

Face detection is a widely studied topic in computer vision, and advances in algorithms, low cost processing, and CMOS imagers make it practical for embedded consumer applications. As with graphics, the best cost-performance ratio is achieved with dedicated hardware. The challenges of face detection in embedded environments include bandwidth constraints set by low cost memory and a need to find parallelism. Consumer applications need reliability, calling for a hard real-time approach to guarantee that deadlines are met. We present a face detection system for automatic exposure control in a handheld digital camera or camera phone. Contributions include a complexity control scheme to meet hard real-time deadlines, a hardware pipeline design for Haar-like feature calculation, and a system design exploiting several levels of parallelism. The proposed architecture is verified by synthesis to Alteras low cost Cyclone II FPGA. Simulation results show the algorithm can achieve about 80% detection rate for group portrait pictures.
Who’s Better at Defending Criminals? Does Type of Defense Attorney Matter in Terms of Producing Favorable Case Outcomes

The role of defense counsel in criminal cases constitutes a topic of substantial importance for judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, scholars, and policymakers. What types of defense counsel (e.g., public defenders, privately retained attorneys, or assigned counsel) represent defendants in criminal cases and how do these defense counsel types perform in terms of securing favorable outcomes for their clients? These and other issues are addressed in this article analyzing felony case processing data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). Specifically, this paper examines whether there are differences between defense counsel type and the adjudication and sentencing phases of criminal case processing. Results show that private attorneys and public defenders secure similar adjudication and sentencing outcomes for their clients. Defendants with assigned counsel, however, receive less favorable outcomes compared to their counterparts with public defenders. This article concludes by discussing the policy implications of these findings and possible avenues for future research.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy Reduces Anxiety Sensitivity

Anxiety sensitivity (AS), the fear of the consequences of anxiety, is known to be a risk factor in the development and maintenance of anxiety psychopathology. In recent years, AS has been shown to be responsive to a variety of interventions aimed at reducing this malleable risk factor. Motivational interviewing (MI) and motivation enhancement treatment (MET) have been shown to be effective in enhancing the treatment of anxiety disorders. Thus, it was hypothesized that motivational interventions may also be effective in those with elevated AS. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the use of MI/MET would be effective in reducing AS. Participants (N = 80) with elevated AS were randomized into an MET or health-focused psychoeducation control group. Results revealed that the MET condition showed a significant reduction in AS in comparison to the control group. These findings are comparable to reductions in AS observed in other AS interventions. Further, changes in motivation mediated the association between experimental group and post-intervention AS. This study is the first to demonstrate the efficacy of MI/MET strategies in the reduction of AS. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Prolonged continuous in vitro human platelet production using three-dimensional scaffolds.

Objective Methods producing human platelets using growth on plastic, on feeder layers, or in suspension have been described. We hypothesized that growth of hematopoietic progenitors in a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold would enhance platelet production sans feeder layer. Materials and Methods We grew CD34 positively selected human cord blood cells in surgical-grade woven polyester fabric or purpose-built hydrogel scaffolds using a cocktail of cytokines. Results We found production of functional platelets over 10 days with two-dimensional (2D), 24 days with 3D scaffolds in wells, and more than 32 days in a single-pass 3D perfusion bioreactor system. Platelet numbers produced daily were higher in 3D than 2D, and much higher in the 3D perfusion bioreactor system. Platelet output increased in hydrogel scaffolds coated with thrombopoietin and/or fibronectin, although this effect was largely obviated with markedly increased production caused by changes in added cytokines. In response to thrombin, the platelets produced aggregated and displayed increased surface CD62 and CD63. Conclusion Use of 3D scaffolds, especially in a bioreactor-maintained milieu, may allow construction of devices for clinical platelet production without cellular feeder layers.
Central gadolinium enhancement of an acute spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma

Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma (SSEH) is uncommon, but central gadolinium (Gd) enhancement of the haematoma is even rarer. To our knowledge, only one case has been reported, but no explanation was given concerning the mechanism of this enhancement. We present a case of SSEH with unusual central Gd enhancement which we believe is due to oozing from the injured posterior internal venous plexuses. Therefore, although rare, central Gd enhancement of an epidural mass should not rule out the possibility of a haematoma.
Does Environmental Degradation Influence Migration? Emigration to Developed Countries in the Late 1980s and 1990s*

Objective. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that climate change will intensify during the 21st century. The exact distribution of impacts will likely be complex in nature. Although some areas may exhibit benefits, many areas will likely experience environmental decline. The objective of this article is to answer the following question: What are the potential implications of deteriorating environmental conditions for human migration? This is not an easy question to answer because the full effects of climate change are not yet completely evident. Yet by studying the impact of environmental forces on migration in recent decades, we can offer some insight to this question. Methods. In implementing this approach, we employ theoretical and empirical methods. Our theoretical model suggests that environmental degradation should promote out-migration from affected areas, all other things being equal. To test this prediction empirically, we conduct a large-N statistical analysis focusing on the role of several environmental factors in emigration to developed countries. Our empirical sample covers the late 1980s and the 1990s. Results. The empirical results suggest that environmental decline plays a statistically significant role in out-migration, pushing people to leave their homes and move to other countries. Conclusions. In the conclusions section of this article, we evaluate the policy implications of these findings for developed countries in the context of climate change and national security.