cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends in Reoperative Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery for Older Adults in the United States, 1998 to 2017.

Background The likelihood of undergoing reoperative coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is important for older patients who are considering first‐time CABG. Trends in the reoperative CABG f...
Optimization of [68Ga] Production via Cyclotron Irradiation of a 1.0 M [68Zn]Zn(NO3)2 liquid target for Synthesis of [Ga-68] PSMA-11 HBED

1125 Purpose: To elucidate the optimal cyclotron conditions for the production of consistently high yields of [68Ga], using a [68Zn] Zn(NO3)2 in 0.2 M HNO3 target solution, as well as validating the FASTlab synthesis of the PET drug 68Ga-PSMA-11 from cyclotron produced [68Ga]. Methods: A GE medical cyclotron was used, along with a 2.3 mL niobium target insert. The target incorporated a 200 µm aluminum degrader foil, a 25 µm niobium foil in contact with the target solution, and a 25 µm havar foil to support the niobium foil. The target solution was irradiated for 60 minutes at 38 µA. Clean runs, involving a 15-30-minute irradiation of a 0.2 or 0.6 M HNO3 solution were performed before and/or after production runs. This was done in order to prevent buildup of zinc salts in the target and delivery line. At the end of bombardment, the activity was delivered to a FASTlab unit for synthesis of 68Ga-PSMA-11. Results and Discussion: Initially, the amount of activity at the end of synthesis was variable, ranging from ~20-40 mCi. However, once a process of routine cyclotron target use, including pre- and post-clean runs with 0.6 M HNO3, were routinely implemented, the end of synthesis yield became more consistent and increased. Use of the 0.6 M HNO3 appeared to be more effective than the 0.2 M. Yields of 38.88 ± 8.35 mCi were observed. This corresponded to an end of bombardment yields of ⋯ The time required for FASTlab synthesis was approximately 36 minutes, with labelling taking 5 minutes. The final product passed all quality control tests. Radiochemical purity determined by HPLC was well within typical acceptance limits at 99.45 ± 0.77%, while purity determined by iTLC was 97.81 ± 2.19%. The pH of the final product ranged from 6.5-7.1, close to physiological pH. The half-life of [68Ga] is 67.6 minutes, and the observed half-life was very similar, at 69.66 ± 0.92 minutes. Conclusion: Production of [68Ga] via cyclotron irradiation of a liquid target in consistent amounts is achievable, provided the target is properly maintained. This [68Ga] can then be successfully used to produce 68Ga-PSMA-11 via FASTlab synthesis.
Hybrid and parallel extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuits.

Although hybrid and parallel ECMO circuits may prove useful in managing certain patients, generally these strategies should not be used as the initial means of cannulation. Rather, patients should be supported with isolated VA or VV ECMO with the understanding that patient conditions are dynamic and they may require a modification to their modality of support during their course. This may require optimization of the existing circuit, changing cannulation site (eg, femoral artery to axillary artery), conversion from one modality to another, the employment of hybrid or parallel ECMO circuits, or even conversion to central cannulation, and de-escalation from there as the patients’ status changes. Further, cannula position should be optimized and medical management should be maximized. Patients who ultimately require a hybrid or parallel ECMO support represent a small fraction of total patients receiving ECMO, as illustrated by Extracorporeal Life Support Organization data. In general, survival is lower in these patients, with adult respiratory patients having a survival of 32% with V-AV support compared to 60% with VV support, and adult cardiac patients having a survival of 32% with V-AV support compared with 41% with VA support.7 There are currently no data that clearly establish a mortality benefit of the use of hybrid or parallel circuits. The high mortality associated with these strategies likely reflects the severity of illness of patients who require hybrid strategies compared with those who are supported with isolated VV or VA ECMO. Mechanical circulatory support is a complex landscape, and patients requiring support have dynamic disease processes. With the myriad of ECMO configurations and mechanical circulatory support devices that are available, each patient requires an individualized approach. The determination must be made of the appropriate cannulation strategy for ECMO and whether to use it in isolation or in concert with another circulatory support device to best fit each patient. Conflict of Interest Statement David J. Kaczorowski has a patent for devices for endovascular access through extracorporeal life support circuits. All other authors reported no conflicts of interest. The Journal policy requires editors and reviewers to disclose conflicts of interest and to decline handling or reviewing manuscripts for which they may have a conflict of interest. The editors and reviewers of this article have no conflicts of interest.
Medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis in cystic fibrosis: a systematic review.

Objectives/Hypothesis To systematically review existing literature on the effectiveness of medical management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Study Design Systematic review. Methods We performed a literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL from 1987 to 2012. Inclusion criteria included English language as containing original data, with five or more subjects, measurable clinical outcomes, and readily available interventions. Data were systematically collected on study design, patient demographics, clinical characteristics and outcomes, and level of evidence. Two investigators independently reviewed all manuscripts and performed a comprehensive quality assessment. Results Of 415 abstracts identified, 12 articles were included. These 12 studies reported on 701 adult and pediatric CF patients who underwent medical therapy. Medical treatment included antibiotics (4/12), topical steroids (4/12), dornase alfa (3/12), and ibuprofen (1/12). Outcome measures included symptom scores (7/12), endoscopic findings (7/12), radiographic findings (4/12), pulmonary function testing (4/12), and rhinomanometry (2/12). Most studies found improvement in at least one of the outcome measures. There was statistical significance in clinical outcomes with dornase alfa, beclomethasone, and betamethasone. Most studies were level 3 or 4 evidence (9/12), but three studies were level 1 or 2 evidence (two dornase alfa studies, one betamethasone study). Conclusions Dornase alfa and, to a lesser extent, topical steroids demonstrated significant benefits in the medical treatment CRS in CF. There was a lack of evidence to support antibiotic therapy in the outcomes assessed. Further high-quality studies should be carried out to determine the efficacy of various medical therapies for CRS in CF. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 124:1308–1313, 2014
Inhibition and Acclimation of Photosynthesis to Heat Stress Is Closely Correlated with Activation of Ribulose-1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase

Increasing the leaf temperature of intact cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants caused a progressive decline in the light-saturated CO2-exchange rate (CER). CER was more sensitive to increased leaf temperature in wheat than in cotton, and both species demonstrated photosynthetic acclimation when leaf temperature was increased gradually. Inhibition of CER was not a consequence of stomatal closure, as indicated by a positive relationship between leaf temperature and transpiration. The activation state of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), which is regulated by Rubisco activase, was closely correlated with temperature-induced changes in CER. Nonphotochemical chlorophyll fluorescence quenching increased with leaf temperature in a manner consistent with inhibited CER and Rubisco activation. Both nonphotochemical fluorescence quenching and Rubisco activation were more sensitive to heat stress than the maximum quantum yield of photochemistry of photosystem II. Heat stress led to decreased 3-phosphoglyceric acid content and increased ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate content, which is indicative of inhibited metabolite flow through Rubisco. We conclude that heat stress inhibited CER primarily by decreasing the activation state of Rubisco via inhibition of Rubisco activase. Although Rubisco activation was more closely correlated with CER than the maximum quantum yield of photochemistry of photosystem II, both processes could be acclimated to heat stress by gradually increasing the leaf temperature.
Divergence and Fair Testing

This paper develops a new testing-based semantic theory of processes that aims to circumvent difficulties that traditional testing/failures theories have in dealing with divergent behavior. Our framework incorporates a notion of fairness into the determination of when a process passes a test; we contrast this definition with existing approaches and give characterizations of the induced semantic preorders. An example highlights the utility of our results.
"A Good Citizen is What You'll Be": Educating Khmer Youth for Citizenship in a United States Migrant Education Program

Citizenship education is a complex and multidimensional construct. This article adds to the discussion of citizenship education by examining, ethnographically the ways the “vision” of a US Migrant Education Program is circulated through the program’s discourse practices to Khmer American children of migrant agricultural workers. The article does not discuss the formal legal status of citizenship, but the program coordinators’ beliefs about the skills and dispositions needed for the Khmer youth to become “good citizens.” Within the coordinators’ visions, the fixing of the youth’s perceived deficiencies drive the curriculum, and as such the full participation of the youth as active citizens is not achieved.
Adenosine discriminates between the caffeine and adenine nucleotide sites on the sheep cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-release channel

Calcium-release channels of sheep cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum were incorporated into phosphatidylethanolamine bilayers and single channel currents were recorded under voltage-clamp conditions. The effect of adenosine on single channel conductance and gating was investigated, as were the interactions between adenosine and caffeine and adenosine and α,β-methylene ATP.
Surface-associated glycosyltransferase activities in rat Sertoli cells in vitro.

We have previously demonstrated fucosyltransferase (FT) activity on mouse germ cell surfaces at different stages of spermatogenesis. To complement these findings, here we report FT activity on the Sertoli cell (SC) surface. SC isolated and cultured from 20-day-old rat testes displayed FT activity with a Vmax of 12.5 pmoles/mg protein/min and a Km of 22 μM, while purified Sertoli cell plasma membranes (SCPM) showed FT activity with a Vmax of 10 pmoles/mg protein/min and a Km of 18.2 μM for GDP-[14C]-L-fucose. Fucosyltransferase activities were 16.7 and 2.6 pmoles/mg protein/min in SC and SCPM, respectively; 16% of FT activity is, therefore, on the cell surface. To test whether the expression of FT activity in SC was regulated by hormones and growth factors, SC were cultured in serum-free medium supplemented with insulin, transferrin, sodium selenite, and epidermal growth factor (medium 4F) or in 4F plus follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, hydrocortisone, and vitamin E (medium 8F). We found that FT activity in SC is not modulated by these hormones or growth factors (4F or 8F). For comparison with FT, galactosyltransferase (GalTase) activities in SC and SCPM were also determined. SC displayed GalTase activity with a Vmax of 50 pmoles/mg protein/min and a Km of 38.5 μM, while SCPM showed GalTase activity with a Vmax of 25 pmoles/mg protein/min and a Km of 20.8 μM for UDP-[3H]-galactose. Galactosyltransferase activities were 29.2 and 9.6 pmoles/mg protein/min in SC and SCPM, respectively. Therefore, ∼33% of the total cell GalTase activity was detected on the surface membranes of rat Sertoli cells. These results suggest that cell surface glycosyltransferases may be involved in Sertoli cell function during mammalian spermatogenesis. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The hydrolysis of sucrose by dextransucrase

Abstract Dextransucrase was shown to catalyze the hydrolysis of sucrose. The hydrolytic activity was found to be directly correlatable with dextransucrase activity on poly-(acrylamide) disc-gel electrophoresis. In studies on the hydrolysis of sucrose and formation of dextran as a function of time and substrate concentration, the two activities were found to be competitive with each other. Competition was also observed between hydrolysis and the transfer of d -glucosyl groups to added acceptors. The results suggest that the three activities, namely, polymerization, d -glucosyl transfer, and hydrolysis, compete for a form of the enzyme that is common to all three reactions. It is proposed that this form may be a d -glucosylated derivative of the enzyme.
Germination and Heat Resistance of Bacillus cereus Spores from Strains Associated with Diarrheal and Emetic Food‐Borne Illnesses

Bacillus cereus has been implicated as the cause of both diarrheal and emetic forms of food-borne illness. Spores of eight strains of B. cereus, representing diairheal, emetic and atoxigenic origins, were examined for heat resistance and germination responses. No correlation was observed between heat resistance at 85° or 90°C and origin of the strain. Germination of spores in Trypticase soy broth at 30°C, measured by loss of heat resistance, was more extensive for diarrheal strains than for emetic strains. These data should be useful in evaluating potential hazards from B. cereus in foods.
The allantoic placenta of the vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus murinus): a reinterpretation of its structure based on electron microscopic observations.

The chorioallantoic placental barrier of the vampire bat Desmodus rotundus murinus has been studied by electron microscopy. The following elements of the placental labyrinth separate the maternal and fetal circulations: (1) An initially continuous but later discontinuous maternal endothelium, (2) a discontinuous amorphous interstitial membrane, (3) syncytial trophoblast, (4) cytotrophoblast intermingled with a few light cells, (5) a thick basement membrane, (6) mesenchyme, and (7) fetal endothelium. The mesenchyme as a constituent of the barrier is partly bypassed by fetal capillaries. The maternal endothelial cells diminish in number as gestation proceeds, but the interstitial membrane persists. Cytoplasm from the syncytium penetrates defects in the membrane, replaces the lost maternal endothelium, and forms membrane bounded compartments above the former interstitial membrane, which becomes now mainly an intrasyncytial structure. The endotheliochorial relationship originally existing is gradually converted into a hemodichorial condition, if the continuing presence of the amorphous membrane of initially maternal origin is disregarded. The definitive structure of the allantoic placental barrier thus differes somewhat from the organization earlier proposed by one of us on the basis of light microscopic observations. The persistence of an intrasyncytial lamina derived at least initially from maternal tissue is a novel if not a unique feature of the placenta in higher Chiroptera.
Dose-volume relationships associated with temporal lobe radiation necrosis after skull base proton beam therapy.

Purpose We evaluated patient and treatment parameters correlated with development of temporal lobe radiation necrosis. Methods and Materials This was a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 66 patients treated for skull base chordoma, chondrosarcoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, or sinonasal malignancies between 2005 and 2012, who had at least 6 months of clinical and radiographic follow-up. The median radiation dose was 75.6 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]). Analyzed factors included gender, age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking status, use of chemotherapy, and the absolute dose:volume data for both the right and left temporal lobes, considered separately. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression analysis evaluated potential predictors of radiation necrosis, and the median effective concentration (EC50) model estimated dose–volume parameters associated with radiation necrosis. Results Median follow-up time was 31 months (range 6-96 months) and was 34 months in patients who were alive. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of overall survival at 3 years was 84.9%. The 3-year estimate of any grade temporal lobe radiation necrosis was 12.4%, and for grade 2 or higher radiation necrosis was 5.7%. On multivariate GEE, only dose–volume relationships were associated with the risk of radiation necrosis. In the EC50 model, all dose levels from 10 to 70 Gy (RBE) were highly correlated with radiation necrosis, with a 15% 3-year risk of any-grade temporal lobe radiation necrosis when the absolute volume of a temporal lobe receiving 60 Gy (RBE) (aV60) exceeded 5.5 cm 3 , or aV70 > 1.7 cm 3 . Conclusions Dose–volume parameters are highly correlated with the risk of developing temporal lobe radiation necrosis. In this study the risk of radiation necrosis increased sharply when the temporal lobe aV60 exceeded 5.5 cm 3 or aV70 > 1.7 cm 3 . Treatment planning goals should include constraints on the volume of temporal lobes receiving higher dose. The EC50 model provides suggested dose–volume temporal lobe constraints for conventionally fractionated high-dose skull base radiation therapy.
The relationship of transform coefficients for differing transforms and/or differing subblock sizes

Jiang and Feng have developed a relationship between the discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficients of a block and those of its subblocks. Their derivation of this result can be significantly simplified. The new derivation also generalizes to all linear, invertible transforms and any separable subblock geometry.
An empirical taxonomy of part-whole relations: Effects of part-whole relation type on relation identification

Abstract A taxonomy of part-whole (meronym) relations was developed (Experiment 1). Subjects sorted examples of relations and named each relation with a part-term, e.g. component, member, portion The resulting empirical taxonomy distinguished three major types of meronymy: part-whole (cup-handle), stuff (cup-china), and phase (growing up-adolescence). The part-whole relations were further subdivided into eight types: integral object-component (car-wheel), event-feature (circus-trapeze act), topological part-area (room-corner), collection-member (forest-tree), area-place (desert-oasis), time-occasion (February-Valentine's Day), measure-unit (mile-yard) and mass-portion (pie-slice). Relations adjacent in the taxonomy tended to be named with the same part-term. In Experiment 2 subjects made yes/no decisions about word pairs in answer to the question, “Is A part of B?” Types of meronym pairs were presented in blocks Responses were slower at the start of a new block. This result indicated that the type of mero...
Group‐contribution estimation of activity coefficients in nonideal liquid mixtures

A group-contribution method is presented for the prediction of activity coefficients in nonelectrolyte liquid mixtures. The method combines the solution-of-functional-groups concept with a model for activity coefficients based on an extension of the quasi chemical theory of liquid mixtures (UNIQUAC). The resulting UNIFAC model (UNIQUAC Functional-group Activity Coefficients) contains two adjustable parameters per pair of functional groups. By using group-interaction parameters obtained from data reduction, activity coefficients in a large number of binary and multicomponent mixtures may be predicted, often with good accuracy. This is demonstrated for mixtures containing water, hydrocarbons, alcohols, chlorides, nitriles, ketones, amines, and other organic fluids in the temperature range 275° to 400°K.
Extracting coupling and loss coefficients from a ring resonator

A method is developed for extracting the coupling and loss coefficients of ring resonators from the peak widths, depths, and spacings of the resonances of a single resonator. Although the formulas used do not distinguish which coefficient is coupling and which is loss, it is shown how these coefficients can be disentangled based on how they vary with wavelength or device parameters.
Instrumental method for evaluating static control in laundry

The most difficult performance attribute to measure when evaluating a fabric softener has been static control. Several instrumental methods have been used in the past, all with limited success. The most frequently used method has been a subjective evaluation by an experienced operator, but this also has obvious short-comings. The topic method is based on a Faraday Cage. Test swatches are removed from the dryer and placed in an insulated stainless steel tank. As each swatch is removed, a corresponding charge is induced on the tank, which is measured by a high impedence volt meter.
Simulation of optical breast density measurements using structured light illumination

Breast density is a risk factor for breast cancer and we propose using diffuse optical tomography with structured light illuminations (SLI) to quantify the percentage of the fibroglandular (dense) tissue within the breast. Segmentations of dense tissue from breast MRI cases were used to create a geometric model of the breast. COMSOL-generated Finite Element Method (FEM) meshes were used for simulating photon migration through the breast tissue and reconstructing the absorption maps. In these preliminary simulations, the absorption coefficients of the non-dense and dense tissue were assigned using literature values based on their concentrations of water, lipid, oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin as they are the main chromophores, or absorbers of light, within the breast. Synthetic SLI measurements were obtained using a FEMbased forward solver. During the simulation, 12 distinct patterns consisting of vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, and checkerboard patterns were used for illumination and detection. Using these simulated measurements, FEM-based inverse solvers were used to reconstruct the 3D absorption maps. In this study, the methods are applied to reconstruct the absorption maps for multiple wavelengths (780nm, 830nm, 900nm, 1000nm) using one case as an example. We are currently continuing these simulations with additional cases and reconstructing 3D concentration maps of the chromophores within the dense and non-dense breast tissue.
Ribonucleic acids from pancreas which contain new components.

Abstract The method of Crestfield, Smith and Allen 3 for the isolation of the ribonucleic acids from yeast has been modified and applied to the isolation of the ribonucleic acids of pancreas. In order to assess the possibilities of enzymic degradation and fractionation, the nucleotide composition of the isolated ribonucleic acids has been compared with that found for the ribonucleic acids prior to isolation from pancreatic tissue and found to be identical. The ratios of purine to pyrimidine are unity which are similar to those for undergraded ribonucleic acids from other sources. The fifth nucleotide which has been reported by Davis and Allen 4 to be present in the fractions of the ribonucleic acids from yeast has been found to be present in the ribonucleic acids isolated from the pancreas. In addition certain unknown nucleotide components which occur with the guanylic acid fraction in paper chromatography are reported.
Motor organization after early middle cerebral artery stroke: a pet study

Abstract The brain organization for movement in a 20-year-old man with a history of intrauterine or perinatal right middle cerebral artery stroke was studied. [ 15 O]-water positron emission tomography demonstrated a normal pattern of activation during finger movement in the right hand. Movement of the hemiparetic left hand was associated with activation in the supplementary motor area bilaterally and in the left premotor cortex. Blood flow increase was observed in the right temporal lobe adjacent to an extensive area of encephalomalacia, suggesting atypical motor function in the temporal lobe.
Construction of asymmetrical orthogonal arrays having factors with a large non-prime power number of levels

Abstract A general construction method is proposed for asymmetrical orthogonal arrays that have factors with a large number of levels and where that number is a non-prime power. In addition, the method's goal is to construct orthogonal arrays that are nearly saturated main-effect plans. The technique makes use of the method of replacement, in which a p1-level factor and a p2-level factor are replaced by a p1p2-level factor. For q an odd prime power, the existence of orthogonal arrays with 4q2 runs and 2q + 1 factors having 2q and q levels is proved. This theorem produces many new orthogonal arrays. Other results include the construction of a new 72-run orthogonal array having factors with 12, 6, 3, and 2 levels that is more nearly saturated than other 72-run arrays, in the literature, that have more than one factor with 12 or 6 levels. New 144-run arrays are also constructed, such as one having seven factors with 12 levels and six factors with 2 levels and another array having factors with 12, 4, and 3 levels that is more nearly saturated than other known orthogonal arrays having more than two factors with 12 levels.
Sliding wear behavior of PTFE composites

The tribological behavior of polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) and PTFE composites with filler materials such as carbon, graphite, E glass fibers, MoS 2 and poly-p-phenyleneterephthalamide (PPDT) fibers, was studied. The present filler additions found to increase hardness and wear resistance in all composites studied. The highest wear resistance was found for composites containing (i) 18% carbon + 7% graphite, (ii) 20% glass fibers + 5% MoS2 and (iii) 10% PPDT fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to examine composite microstructures and study modes of failure. Wear testing and SEM analysis showed that three-body abrasion was probably the dominant mode of failure for PTFE + 18% carbon + 7% graphite composite, while fiber pull out and fragmentation caused failure of PTFE + 20% glass fiber + 5% MoS2 composite. The composite with 10% PPDT fibers caused wear reduction due to the ability of the fibers to remain embedded in the matrix and preferentially support the load. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis was also performed to study the relative heat absorbing capacity and thermal stability of the various composites in an effort to correlate these properties to the tribological performance. The results indicated that composites with higher heat absorption capacity exhibited improved wear resistance. The dominant interactive wear mechanisms during sliding of PTFE and its composites are discussed in view of the present findings. © 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
A prospective randomized comparison of endoscopic ultrasound- and computed tomography-guided celiac plexus block for managing chronic pancreatitis pain.

A prospective randomized comparison of endoscopic ultrasound- and computed tomography-guided celiac plexus block for managing chronic pancreatitis pain
Transgenic technology: an overview of approaches useful in surgical research

Advances in transgenic science have created powerful tools for the investigation of both genetic and protein regulatory systems. Recently, transgenic animals have been utilized in several vascular and transplantation research laboratories. The ability to specifically mutate genes important in oncologic and cardiovascular research is leading to a greater understanding of the role of gene and protein regulatory systems in cancer and cardiovascular disease. The expanding use of transgenic animals will undoubtedly increase our insight into complex problems in surgical research. This review briefly describes the various techniques utilized to create transgenic animals including: transgene design, gene-transfer utilizing transfection, microinjection and retroviral infection, as well as the use of embryonic stem cells, and methods for screening transgenic offspring.
Statistics of peculiar velocities from cosmic strings

We calculate the probability distribution of a single component of peculiar velocities due to cosmic strings, smoothed over regions with a radius of several $h^{-1}$ Mpc. The probability distribution is shown to be Gaussian to good accuracy, in agreement with the distribution of peculiar velocities deduced from the 1.9 Jy IRAS redshift survey. Using the normalization of parameters of the cosmic string model from CMB measurements, we show that the rms values for peculiar velocities inferred from IRAS are consistent with the cosmic string model provided that long strings have some small-scale structure.
Mathematical modeling of transient diffusion and adsorption of cyclopropane in NaX, Ni/NaX and Eu/NaX zeolites

Abstract The transient uptake of cyclopropane gas in NaX zeolite under isothermal conditions has been simulated by a mathematical model. The model has been curve-fit to the experimental data obtained in a stainless steel microreactor with a small bed of catalyst (NaX zeolite). Intra-crystalline diffusion of cyclopropane gas was assumed to play a significant role in the uptake of the adsorbate gas in the zeolite. Based upon this assumption, the response to a switch from a stream of pure non-adsorbing argon to one of 0.5% cyclopropane/argon (a step function) was simulated by assuming an effective intracrystalline diffusivity of the cyclopropane/argon mixture and also taking into account the CSTR conditions in the microreactor. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm was also used to explain the adsorption of the cyclopropane gas in the active sites of the zeolite catalyst. From the simulation results and subsequent curve-fit of the experimental data, the effective diffusivity of the cyclopropane/argon was estimated to be about 2 × 10 −11 cm 2 /s. The diffusivity of the cyclopropane in Ni/NaX was estimated to be about 2 × 10 −12 cm 2 /s and 3 × 10 −12 cm 2 /s for the Eu/NaX system. These values of the diffusion coefficient seem reasonable in comparison to the results of diffusion coefficients obtained by similar methods such as Zero Length Chromatography and gravimetric techniques for other organic components in different zeolites. A non-isothermal model taking into account the heat of adsorption of cyclopropane and the activation energy of diffusion of the gas mixture was also formulated to observe any possible temperature rise in the catalyst bed. The temperature of the bed rose not more than 2°C, causing very little changes in the effective diffusivity of the gas mixture, thereby justifying the assumption of isothermality of the uptake process, according to the modeling data.
Architecture design of variable block size motion estimation for full and fast search algorithms in H.264/AVC

Fast search algorithms (FSA) used for variable block size motion estimation follow irregular search (data access) patterns. This poses as the main challenge in designing hardware architectures for them. In this study, we build a baseline architecture for fast search algorithms using state-of-the-art components available in academia. We improve its performance by introducing: (1) a super 2-dimensional (2-D) random access memory architecture for reading regular and interleaved two-rows or two-columns as opposed to one-row or one-column accessibility of the state of the art; (2) a 2-D processing element array with a tuned interconnect to support neighborhood connections required by the conventional fast search algorithms and to exploit on-chip data reuse. Results show that our design increases system throughput by up to 85.47%, and achieves power reduction by up to 13.83% with an area increase in the worst case by up to 65.53% compared to the baseline architecture.
Ab initio calculation of interatomic force constants in H 6 Si 2 O 7 and the bulk modulus of α quartz and α cristobalite

Ab initio force constants calculated for Si-O stretch and Si...Si non-bonded interactions in H6Si2O7 are found comparable with experimental values derived from the lattice dynamics of α quartz. The bulk moduli of α quartz and α cristobalite are calculated using the molecular Si...Si force constant and assuming rigid regular SiO4 tetrahedra. In the case (α quartz) where data are available the calculation agrees well with experiment.
BACK TO BASICS AGAIN – A SCIENTIFIC DEFINITION OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

The major confusion with the understanding of systems engineering and improving its scientific basis is the failure to define the system of interest. Given a clear definition of the system of interest, engineered functions of that system can be identified, and applications of systems engineering concepts to those activities can be examined. A systems framework is suggested to classify basic engineering and systems engineering activities. This framework allows a better definition and search for scientific foundations of systems engineering.
Titration and double responding as techniques promoting proficient learning in retardates.

Abstract Seventy-two retarded Ss were presented a color discrimination problem in which the spatial contiguity between the stimulus (S) and response (R) was varied. Two techniques were introduced which required Ss to make a double response or to achieve at minimal separations of S and R before an increase in discontiguity was instituted (titration); a third technique combined the latter two in an attempt to reduce or eliminate the notable inefficiency in learning found under discontiguous conditions. The most proficient learning took place when S and R were completely contiguous. Performance was severely impaired when S and R were discontiguous but was significantly improved when the experimental techniques were introduced to the discontiguous condition.
SiGe optoelectronic metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor.

We propose a novel semiconductor optoelectronic switch that is a fusion of a Ge optical detector and a Si metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). The device operation is investigated with simulations and experiments. The switch can be fabricated at the nanoscale with extremely low capacitance. This device operates in telecommunication standard wavelengths, hence providing the surrounding Si circuitry with noise immunity from signaling. The Ge gate absorbs light, and the gate photocurrent is amplified at the drain terminal. Experimental current gain of up to 1000× is demonstrated. The device exhibits increased responsivity (∼3.5×) and lower off-state current (∼4×) compared with traditional detector schemes.
Integrating desktop publishing into a systems analysis and design course

This paper describes an experiment to incorporate the new Desktop Publishing technology into our traditional Systems Analysis and Design course. The experiment was first conducted during the Fall 1987 semester and is being repeated and expanded in the Spring 1988 term. The course is considered to be a Junior level Computer Science course. Desktop Publishing systems are sometimes hard to learn and use but are very powerful and flexible tools for developing system reference manuals that contain text, graphics, line art and images. It was difficult to determine the amount of time to spend on this topic and to place this material in its proper place in the course curriculum. Some of our experiences, both positive and negative, are reported for those responsible for conducting similar courses and may be interested in implementing this new technology.
Influence of standardized pollen extracts (Cernitin) on the respiratory activity of some tissues of rats subchronically exposed to ammonium fluoride.

Summary The respiratory activity of tissue slices of liver, kidney, lung and trachea of rats subchronically exposed to ammonium fluoride was studied. It was demonstrated that pollen extracts have protective properties evidenced by normal oxygen consumption rates of tissues from rats exposed to NH 4 R
Current concepts of fetal growth restriction: part II. Diagnosis and management.

Abstract Objective: To update diagnostic concepts and management strategies of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Data source: An English literature search was conducted for pertinent articles related to FGR from 1976 to 1997 including original research articles, review articles, and book chapters. Methods of study selection: In part II, clinical studies involving both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the management of FGR were included. Throughout the study period, the evolution of concepts is demonstrated. Tabulation, integration, and results: Diagnostic methods including two- and three-dimensional ultrasound for diagnosis of fetal structural abnormalities, organ volumetry, and estimating fetal weight are presented. Clinical tools to assess fetal well-being such as nonstress tests, contraction stress tests, biophysical profile scores, and Doppler blood flow velocimetry of fetal circulation and funicentesis are discussed. Correlations between these indirect fetal evaluations and fetal blood biochemical parameters obtained by funicentesis are also reviewed. Finally, various therapeutic approaches, especially timing of delivery of growth-restricted fetuses, are formulated. Conclusion: We suggest that both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to FGR should be modified. With the current development of technology, newly available three-dimensional ultrasound might offer more precise diagnostic data than conventional two-dimensional ultrasonography in the near future. From current concepts of pathophysiology of FGR, morphometric measurement abnormality alone should not be a basis for intervention. Combined use of morphometric measurements and functional evaluation tests and good clinical judgment using flexibility and individualization are the key elements in successful management of FGR.
A Multiregion Model Describing Water Flow and Solute Transport in Heterogeneous Soils

Many different processes influence chemical breakthrough patterns from soil columns, including chemical kinetics, diffusion, matrix geometry, and flow heterogeneity. TRANSMIT, a multiregion model that reflects many of these features, was used to simulate a suite of solute breakthrough curves from soil columns subjected to both transient and steady-state flow. When utilized as a two-region model, TRANSMIT matched analytical solutions for steady-state flow through two-region soils. The TRANSMIT model is easily expanded to describe a wide range of multiregion and two-dimensional geometries and is applicable to transient and steady-state flow typical of both laboratory experiments and field situations. Sorption and degradation parameters can be varied, and nonuniform surface boundary conditions, resulting from irrigation method and banded chemical placement, can be described.
Kinetic Monte Carlo method for dislocation migration in the presence of solute

We present a kinetic Monte Carlo method for simulating dislocation motion in alloys within the framework of the kink model. The model considers the glide of a dislocation in a static, three-dimensional solute atom atmosphere. It includes both a description of the short-range interaction between a dislocation core and the solute and long-range solute-dislocation interactions arising from the interplay of the solute misfit and the dislocation stress field. Double-kink nucleation rates are calculated using a first-passage-time analysis that accounts for the subcritical annihilation of embryonic double kinks as well as the presence of solutes. We explicitly consider the case of the motion of a -oriented screw dislocation on a {l_brace}011{r_brace}-slip plane in body-centered-cubic Mo-based alloys. Simulations yield dislocation velocity as a function of stress, temperature, and solute concentration. The dislocation velocity results are shown to be consistent with existing experimental data and, in some cases, analytical models. Application of this model depends upon the validity of the kink model and the availability of fundamental properties (i.e., single-kink energy, Peierls stress, secondary Peierls barrier to kink migration, single-kink mobility, solute-kink interaction energies, solute misfit), which can be obtained from first-principles calculations and/or molecular-dynamics simulations.
Tai Dam health care practices: Asian refugee women in Iowa.

Abstract This study discusses several aspects of health care utilization and health care practices for a group of Tai Dam refugee women who today are living in central Iowa. Several important variables examined in this discussion include: ideas about illness etiology, choice and use of health care providers, birth control practices, and the use of preventive health care in the form of prenatal health care visits. Salient findings include: (1) Tai Dam belief that the majority of illnesses are caused by temperature and weather changes or bad food and water, or that illnesses are caused by the supernatural. (2) Two-thirds of the women do not use and have never used any form of birth control. (3) Although the average Tai Dam woman had been living in the U.S. for seven years at the time of the study, communications with physicians and understanfing of written medicine instructions is difficult for many due to language problems. (4) One-quarter of the women are not covered by medical insurance of any kind.
Spotlighting the role of photodynamic therapy in cutaneous malignancy: an update and expansion.

BACKGROUNDTopical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an option for the treatment of cutaneous malignancy.OBJECTIVETo present an update and expansion on a previous review of the use of PDT in the current literature in the treatment of actinic keratoses (AK), superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma (s
InGaN-based true green laser diodes on novel semi-polar {202̄1} GaN substrates

531 nm InGaN-based true green LDs on semi-polar {2021} GaN substrates were demonstrated under pulsed operation. 520 nm cw lasing was also achieved by adopting a ridge-waveguide structure. The advantages of this particular semi-polar plane for green LDs will be discussed in the talk.
An Overview of Recent Scholarly Literature on Philippians

In 1991 the Expository Times published an article by I. H. Marshall entitled `Which Is the Best Commentary? . . . Philippians'. In his essay Marshall noted and evaluated Philippians commentaries available in English that had appeared in print since the middle of the twentieth century (see vol. 103, pp. 39—42). In addition to bringing Marshall's earlier commentary survey up-to-date, this bibliographic essay considers academic studies on various aspects of the letter that have been published over the course of the last twenty or so years.
Routine use of completion imaging after infrainguinal bypass is not associated with higher bypass graft patency

Background Significant variability exists in completion imaging (CIM) after infrainguinal lower extremity bypass (LEB). We evaluated the use of CIM and compared graft patency in patients treated by surgeons who performed routine CIM vs those who performed selective CIM. Methods We reviewed the Vascular Study Group of New England database (2003-2010) and assessed the use of CIM (angiography or duplex ultrasound) among patients undergoing LEB. The surgeon-specific CIM strategy was categorized as routine (≥80% of LEBs) vs selective ( Results Among 2032 LEB procedures performed by 48 surgeons, CIM was used in 1368 cases (67.3%). CIM was performed in 72% of autogenous LEBs and 52% of prosthetic grafts. Dialysis (odds ratio [OR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.6; P = .01), elective LEB (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4-4.8; P = .002), great saphenous vein conduit (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.6-2.5; P P P = .64) or at 1 year (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.7-1.2; P = .47). Sixteen surgeons (33%) were routine users and 32 (67%) were selective users of CIM. Among patients of routine vs selective CIM users, primary graft patency at discharge and at 1 year was 96% vs 94% ( P = .21) and 68% vs 72% ( P = .09), respectively. In multivariate analysis, routine or selective CIM strategy was not associated with improved discharge (rate ratio, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.6-1.1; P = .31) or 1-year (rate ratio, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.9-1.2; P = .56) graft patency. Conclusions In our observational cohort, CIM does not improve short-term and 1-year bypass graft patency in infrainguinal LEB. The surgeon-specific strategy of selective CIM after LEB has outcomes comparable to those of routine CIM.
Abstract 2701: RORα suppresses breast tumor progression by inducing cell polarization and inhibiting cell invasion

Background: Disruption of tissue polarity is one of hallmarks of breast cancer development, which is associated with cell invasion and cancer dissemination. Therefore, identifying proteins and pathways that modulate cell polarity is crucial not only to advancing our knowledge of breast cancer, but also to discovering potential therapeutic targets. Methods: To identify potential regulators of tissue polarity, we analyzed over-represented DNA motifs in the promoter regions of the polarization genes that are significantly up-regulated genes in polarized human mammary epithelial cells in a physiologically relevant three-dimensional (3D) culture system. We assessed the protein levels of RORα by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry in malignant and non-malignant human mammary epithelial cells as well as human breast cancer tissue array. To explore the functional significance of RORα down-regulation the malignance of breast cancer cells, we restored RORα expression in malignant T4-2 cells, MDA231 cells and silenced RORα expression in non-malignant S1 cells. The growth and malignant phenotypes of these cells were examined in 3D culture and xenograft model. Results: Results from promoter analysis suggest that RORα is a potential regulator of mammary tissue polarity and is inactivated in disorganized HMECs. Expression of RORα protein is significantly reduced in malignant breast cancer cell lines and this reduction is associated with disruption of acinar structure in 3D culture. Both mRNA and protein level of RORα were significantly reduced in human breast cancer tissues. Restoring RORα expression in T4-2 and MDA-MB 231 cells significantly suppressed proliferation, invasion and the malignant phenotypes in 3D culture. Silencing RORα expression in non-malignant S1 cells disrupts the polarized acinar morphogenesis. Restoring RORα expression in T4-2 and MDA-MB 231 cells also inhibits the tumor growth in nude mice. Moreover, patients with reduced expression of RORα in cancer tissue have significantly shorter survival. Conclusion: Together these results indicate that inactivation of RORα promotes the breast cancer development and progression by enhancing cell invasion and disturbing normal tissue architecture. RORα provide a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2701. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2701
Transennella Dall versus Nutricola Bernard (Bivalvia : Veneridae) an argument for evolutionary systematics

L'examen de ce genre et des caracteres utilises par Bernard relevent des doutes sur l'ancetre commun de ces bivalves et l'utilite de regrouper ces taxons au niveau de la sous-famille. Les ressemblances utilisees par Bernard pour regrouper ces genres peuvent resulter de la convergence associee a la petite taille des individus