cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth of gallium nitride via fluid transport in supercritical ammonia

Abstract Ammonothermal growth of GaN was studied through three types of experiments: synthesis of powder GaN from metallic Ga with various kinds of mineralizers, a weight loss measurement of polycrystalline GaN, and growth of GaN via fluid transport. Hexagonal (wurtzite) GaN was exclusively synthesized with basic mineralizers, whereas neutral and acidic mineralizers resulted in a mixture of hexagonal and cubic (zinc blende) phases, confirming that basic mineralizers are suitable for growing hexagonal GaN. Through a dissolution study of GaN in basic supercritical ammonia, it was discovered that the solubility of GaN has negative temperature dependence. Based on these results, the Ga nutrient was placed in a lower temperature zone and GaN was precipitated on single crystalline GaN seeds. Seeds placed in a higher-temperature zone showed more weight gain than those in a lower-temperature zone. Spontaneously nucleated precipitates on the GaN seeds showed clear crystallographic facets. The maximum size obtained in 24-h growth was about 10 μ m. Deposition of planar GaN on seed surfaces was also confirmed.
Factorial validity of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale short form in older population in China.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to explore the factor structure of a shortened ten-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D 10) used in a national survey in China. METHODS This secondary research is based on the wave I (2011) of the China Health Aging Retirement and Longevity Study (CHARLS). CHARLS recruited a nationally representative community sample of households with members aged 45 years or above. A subsample of 742 respondents aged 60 years and older were used for this study. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test three competing models and determine the best-fit model for the elderly Chinese sample. Factorial invariance across gender was also examined. R2 coefficient was used to measure the reliability of each item. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-factor model as having the best fit. Depressive affect and somatic symptoms were the first factor while positive affect was loaded as the second factor. The multi-group analysis showed that the two-factor structure varied across the male and female groups in China (χ2 (df = 86) = 144.13, p < 0.001). Moreover, gender differences were indicated by individual item reliability scores, mean score, and prevalence rate of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION The CES-D 10 Scale indicated adequate reliability and validity for the community-dwelling older population in China. In addition, the data revealed that perception and expression of depressive feelings was different between male and female elderly people.
An efficient synthesis of the crustacean hormone [12-3H]-methyl farnesoate and its photolabile analog [13-3H]-farnesyl diazomethyl ketone

Tritium-labelled methyl farnesoate ([3H]-MF, 6.6 Ci/mmol) was prepared from a tritiated allylic alcohol derivative by an efficient new one-pot halogen exchange-reductive dehalogenation sequence. The resulting [3H]-MF was converted in three steps to a diazomethyl ketone analog, [3H]-FDK, which can be used for the photoaffinity labelling of MF binding proteins.
Prophylactic Treatment of Depression Induced by Interferon-α

Received August 13, 1999; revised September 29, 1999; accepted December 29, 1999. From the Department of Psychiatry, Portland VAMedical Center, Portland, Oregon; the Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland Medical Center & Psychiatry Service, Baltimore VAMedical Center, Baltimore, MD; and the Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Address reprint requests to Dr. Hauser, Director, Joint VA/University Mood Disorders Programs, Baltimore VA Medical Center, 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Copyright 2000 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. Interferons (alpha, beta, and gamma) are a family of proteins that produce a regression or control over disease processes in more than a dozen cancers. In particular, interferon-alpha (IFN) has been shown to be an effective therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) as well as inhibiting malignant cell growth in multiple myeloma. 3 More recently, IFNin combination with ribavirin has been an efficacious initial treatment for chronic hepatitis C, a disease that is estimated to affect between 3 and 4 million Americans. However, the benefits of IFNcan be overshadowed by its neurotoxicity, including fatigue, apathy, confusion, and impaired concentration. In particular, the occurrence of depression as a common side effect of IFNtherapy has only recently begun to be fully appreciated. Although the specific incidence of IFN–induced depression is not known, preliminary results from a prospective neuropsychological study of patients with CML before and during IFNtherapy found significant increases in depression subscales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory in 70% of patients during treatment. The pathophysiologic mechanism that causes the neuropsychiatric side effects, particularly depression, is unclear although various hypotheses have been suggested including a perturbation of serotonergic neurotransmitters. Case reports suggest that various pharmaceutical agents including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, and opioid antagonists effectively ameliorate the central nervous system (CNS) side effects of IFNtreatment. However, there have been no controlled studies of antidepressant treatment in patients with IFN–induced depression. Despite the paucity of published reports, antidepressants are commonly used to treat IFN–induced depression, and activating antidepressants are believed to be advantageous. To date, no studies have examined the efficacy of antidepressants as prophylactic therapy against depression induced by IFN. This case report shows the benefits of prophylactic treatment of depression with an SSRI in a 67-year-old man with melanoma. IFNtherapy was initiated and subsequently discontinued twice—secondary to development of severe depression and anxiety. Fluoxetine (20 mg/day) was started 2 weeks before restarting IFNtherapy for the third time. This prevented depression from developing and allowed him to remain on IFNtherapy.
Phase II study of docetaxel plus enoxaparin in chemotherapy-naive patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: preliminary results.

Abstract Activation of coagulation appears to play a role in tumor progression. This report describes the preliminary results of a phase II study using docetaxel plus enoxaparin in 15 patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Time to progression was the primary endpoint. Several surrogate markers of coagulation and angiogenesis were evaluated. Enoxaparin was administered at a daily dose of 1 mg/kg (subcutaneously). The initial dose of docetaxel was 100 mg/m2, given as a 60 min infusion every 21 days with prophylactic dexamethasone. Eight patients achieved an objective response (53%) and four had stable disease, with a median duration of 3.5 months. The median time to progression was 5 months (range, 2 to >15 months). The median survival was 11 months. The most frequent toxicities were neutropenia and asthenia. No significant bleeding or thrombotic events were observed. Eleven patients had elevated D-dimer plasma levels prior to therapy, and seven of these patients with a response or stable disease had a significant decline of the D-dimer during therapy. There were no consistent changes of the plasma levels of the angiogenic factors, except for transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1). The median baseline level of TGF-β1 prior to therapy was 34,867 pg/ml. Twelve out of 13 patients who achieved a response or stable disease had a significant reduction of the TGF-β1 levels during therapy. Enoxaparin in combination with chemotherapy was safe and well tolerated in patients with advanced NSCLC. This preliminary data suggests that enoxaparin may prolong the time to progression, and therefore justify the continuation of this trial.
Cynical hostility, powerful others control expectancies, and patient adherence in hemodialysis

OBJECTIVE The present study examined the joint role of cynical hostility and powerful others health locus of control expectancies in predicting regimen adherence in a sample of center hemodialysis patients. METHOD Forty-eight hemodialysis patients completed the Cook-Medley Hostility (Ho) Scale and the Powerful Others Health Locus of Control (PHLC) scale. Adherence to the fluid-restriction and phosphorus reduction components of the treatment regimen was assessed by examining patients' interdialysis session weight gains and serum phosphorus (P) levels. RESULTS In a hierarchical regression analysis, higher hostility was associated with significantly higher serum P levels indicating poorer dietary and medication adherence. The main effect for hostility was qualified by the interaction of hostility and PHLC. This pattern indicated that the deleterious effect of hostility on adherence was most pronounced among patients possessing the expectancy that positive health outcomes are not strongly contingent on the actions or advice of powerful others (eg. health care providers). Similar analyses failed to show significant effects for hostility or PHLC in the prediction of interdialytic weight gain. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that jointly assessing hostility and health-related expectancies may be useful in identifying chronically ill patients who are potentially at risk for difficulties in performing a prescribed regimen.
A Changing Electorate in a Majority Black City: The Emergence of a Neo‐Conservative Black Urban Regime in Contemporary Atlanta

In Atlanta, Georgia, many middle-class blacks are migrating from the city to the suburbs. Simultaneously, middle-class whites are moving into the city. These contrasting migrations contribute to a reduction in the voting power of black Atlantans, while increasing that of white Atlantans. One outcome predicted in the literature is the establishment of a progressive urban regime; another outcome suggested is the continuation of a black urban regime. The former emphasizes populist policies, while the latter promotes pro-growth programs in a majority black city. This study seeks to determine the most appropriate explanation. Using a longitudinal opinion survey of Atlanta neighborhood leaders and secondary data, it was determined that a modified black regime identified as a neo-conservative black regime exists. This governance supports conservative pro-growth policies. A similar urban regime is predicted to emerge in several majority-black cities.
Sustained increases in activating transcription factor-2 and activator protein-2 in the rat supraoptic nucleus during water deprivation.

During increases in plasma osmolality, extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli converge on the neuroendocrine cells within the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus and evoke the release of vas
Arguments against routine contralateral mastectomy or undirected biopsy for invasive lobular breast cancer.

Background. Management of the contralateral normal-appearing breast in a patient with ipsilateral invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is controversial. Methods. The case histories of patients with histologically proven ILC who underwent definitive surgery at our institution from 1978 to 1991 were retrospectively reviewed. Results. Of the 419 women with ILC, 36 (8.6%) had bilateral cancer, with a cumulative risk of 10% at 10 years. Twenty five (69%) of these cancers were suspected before operation. From 105 contralateral prophylactic surgical procedures, seven (64%) in-situ and four (36%) invasive cancers were detected. The age at presentation and multifocality of the index cancer were significantly different between patients with unilateral and those with bilateral cancers. No survival difference was noted between patients whose contralateral cancers were suspected clinically and those whose cancers were detected prophylactically. Survival rates between patients with unilateral versus bilateral cancers were also not different. However, patients with contralateral prophylactic surgery had a better prognosis than those with unilateral tumors and no prophylaxis. Conclusions. Ten percent of patients with ILC experienced bilateral cancers during a period of 10 years. Survival was not influenced by the development of a second cancer, but it improved with surgical prophylaxis. (SURGERY 1995 ;118 :640-8.)
Tumor immunity directed against MOPC 104E: Effect of various therapeutic regimens

Animals bearing the passable plasmacytoma MOPC 104E could be cured of palpable tumors (0.6–2.0×108 cells) with single 10–250 mg/kg doses of cyclophosphamide or single localized x-ray doses greater than 1600 R. Residual tumor immunity of cured animals was determined by their ability to reject graded numbers of viable MOPC 104E cells 30 days following curative therapy. High doses of cyclophosphamide (250 mg/kg), although curative, left significantly less residual tumor immunity than either low dose cyclophosphamide (10 mg/kg) or localized irradiation. Animals cured of palpable tumors by high doses of cyclophosphamide nonetheless rejected greater numbers of cells in secondary challenge than did untreated control animals.
Classical coherence in decay rate of an atom near solid surfaces

Abstract Spontaneous decay rate of an atom near solid surfaces is studied. Novel phenomenon of classical coherence is revealed that the oscillation in one component of decay rate versus sizes of a nearby solid film shows collapse and revival. The effects of properties of the solids on the coherence are discussed.
cPLA2-interacting protein, PLIP, causes apoptosis and decreases G1 phase in mesangial cells.

The balance between proliferation and apoptosis of mesangial cells is a critical component of proliferative glomerulonephritis. The regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis is linked at the l...
Political Reform in Mongolia: Between Russia and China

Transforming socialist regimes can be broadly characterized in two ways. The Chinese model in which economic liberalization is adopted without political competition has been replicated to varying degrees by other Asian socialist regimes in the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. In contrast, the Eastern European model is one of political change proceeding apace with economic reform. An interesting case combining elements of these two models of socialist transformation is that of Mongolia, formerly the Mongolian People's Republic. For 70 years a client state of the Soviet Union, Mongolia was sometimes known as the unofficial "sixteenth republic" of the USSR. Following the radical changes in Eastern Europe in 1990, Mongolia's Communist Party introduced political pluralism but unlike its counterparts in those countries, the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) has retained power since 1990 despite allowing electoral competition and political freedom. It has introduced significant economic reforms, which may soon begin to produce positive growth. Among former Soviet bloc nations, Mongolia's economy was the most dependent on outside assistance measured as a percentage of GDP. When the Soviet bloc disintegrated and cut off its aid to poorer socialist countries, Mongolia experienced the most serious peacetime economic collapse any nation has faced during this century.' Yet Mongolia's political road has proved remarkably smooth compared to most of the former Soviet republics. There have been no violent attempts to overthrow the government, and although the opposition has been active and vocal, political conflict has by and large been
Feedback Controlled Optomechanical Force Sensor

We present a new servo controllable force sensor that exploits photon momentum forces for the identification, calibration, and control of its dynamic properties. The sensor comprises a millimeter-scale glass cantilever, a low-noise fiber interferometer for detection of the cantilever deflection, and a high-power, intensity-modulated fiber laser to apply optical actuation forces. Combined with appropriate digital and analog signal processing, the sensor has been operated as a feedback-cooled low-noise force sensor, and as a self-excited oscillator governed by the familiar Rayleigh equation. Operated in this self-excited Quber mode, it appears well suited for noncontact, frequency modulated force gradient detection such as in atom discrimination. Here, we briefly lay out the principles of the sensor and provide examples of its performance, including the demonstration of feedback cooling and the ability to induce controlled limit cycle oscillations with atomic scale amplitudes.
Phosphodiesterases in the CNS: targets for drug development

The therapeutic and commercial success of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis has sparked renewed interest in the phosphodiesterases as drug discovery targets. Virtually all the phosphodiesterases are expressed in the CNS, making this gene family a particularly attractive source of new targets for the treatment of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Significantly, all neurons express multiple phosphodiesterases, which differ in cyclic nucleotide specificity, affinity, regulatory control and subcellular compartmentalization. Therefore, phosphodiesterase inhibition represents a mechanism through which it could be possible to precisely modulate neuronal activity. In this article, we review the current state of the art in the burgeoning field of phosphodiesterase pharmacology in the CNS.
Pastoral care and psychology of religion: Toward a new alliance

This paper explores the possibility of a closer working relationship between psychologists of religion and professionals in pastoral care. The first part identifies the major conceptual problems of pastoral psychology and pastoral theology. The second part indicates how psychology of religion provides pastoral psychology and pastoral theology with resources for solving these problems. The author concludes that grounds for an alliance between psychology of religion and pastoral care clearly exist; both, for example, share a fundamental interest in personal transformation and integration.
Parkinson disease: Pain in Parkinson disease: the hidden epidemic.

Parkinson disease is commonly recognized as a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to disabling motor and cognitive impairment, but less widely appreciated is the association of this condition with a variety of pain syndromes. A recent survey emphasizes the high prevalence and severity of pain in patients with Parkinson disease.
Note on the gamma ray spectrum from the 47Ca decay

Abstract Gamma rays of energy 41.06±0.05 and 1878.0±0.5 keV from the decay of 47 Ca are studied with high resolution Ge(Li) spectrometers using singles and coincidence methods.
A versatile synthesis of vicinal diazides using hypervalent iodine

Abstract A convenient synthesis of vicinal diazides from olefins using C 6 H 5 IO/HOAc/NaN 3 is described. A mechanism is proposed which accounts for the stereochemical outcome.
Synthesis of oligofluorene modified C60 derivatives for organic solar cell applications

New oligofluorene modified C60 derivatives were designed and synthesized viarhodium complex catalyzed direct coupling between C60 and oligofluorene boronic acids in H2O/1,2-dichlorobenzene (1 : 4). The product was first purified by silica gel column chromatography and then further purified by semipreparative HPLC equipped with a Buckyprep column using toluene as an eluent. The strong deep-blue fluorescence of the oligofluorene bridge was completely quenched after end-capped with C60, indicating an efficient energy and/or charge transfer between the π-conjugated bridge and the C60 cages. Cyclic voltammetric measurements show that the HOMO and LUMO energy levels of the synthesized C60 derivatives are similar to those of widely used PC61BM. This means that the energy levels of the C60 derivatives mainly depend on the π electron system of the C60 cage. However, the substituents have huge impacts on the other physical properties of the resulting C60 derivatives, such as solubility, crystallinity, and electron mobility.
Lowering of Blood Pressure by Direct- and Indirect-acting Serotonin Agonists in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

l-(m-Trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine, a serotonin agonist, lowered blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at doses of 2 to 10 mg/kg s.c. A structurally related compound lacking serotonin agonist activity, 4-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)-piperidine, was ineffective. Quipazine, another serotonin agonist, lowered blood pressure in SHR at doses of 0.1 to 2 mg/kg s.c. Fenfluramine, a serotonin-releasing drug, lowered blood pressure in SHR at doses of 2 and 5 mg/kg s.c. Metergoline (3 mg/kg s.c.), a serotonin antagonist, elevated blood pressure and prevented the decrease by all of the above agents. These findings are consistent with the view that enhancement of central serotonergic function lowers blood pressure in SHR.
Collaborative multiagent learning for classification tasks

Multiagent learning differs from standard machine learning in that most existing learning methods assume that all knowledge is available locally in a single agent. In multiagent systems, this assumption does not hold because relevant knowledge is distributed among the agents within the system. We describe a decentralized learning algorithm for {\it distributed classification tasks}, i.e. classification when the attributes are distributed among a set of agents and cannot be gathered into a central agent. Our main contribution is to introduce and formalize the distributed classfication task, show that existing classification algorithms are not satisfactory for distributed classification tasks, and finally, to show that our collaborative learning algorithm performs well at distributed classification.
A Kinetic Study of the Solid State Transformation of Sodium Bicarbonate to Sodium Carbonate

AbstractThe thermal transformation of sodium bicarbonate to anhydrous sodium carbonate was studied in an open system between 82°C and 95°C by an x-ray powder diffraction method, The kinetic behavior of this transformation for finely ground material can be ascribed to the “diminishing sphere” model (l/3 order). In the transformation process an intermediate state lacking crystallinity was observed. This state is attributed to the formation of numerous surface nuclei of anhydrous sodium carbonate.
Ecological Character Displacement in a Lizard

Two species of subterranean skinks ( Typhlosaurus ) are sympatric in part of the southern Kalahari Desert. The geographic range of the smaller species ( T. gariepensis ) is entirely included within that of the larger one ( T. lineatus ). Snout-vent lengths, head dimensions, proportional head lengths, and prey size of T. lineatus are larger in sympatry than in allopatry. Morphological and dietary evidence support the hypothesis that behavioral and morphological character displacement has occurred in female and immature T. lineatus , which reduces dietary overlap with T. gariepensis . Dietary data for male T. lineatus may be conflicting.
Space Shuttle Noise and Active Noise Reduction Effects on Speech Intelligibility

This study tested the effects of active noise reduction (ANR) technology upon speech intelligibility under conditions of simulated space shuttle mid-deck noise. Thirty-two participants (16 male, 16 female) were tested with and without ANR headsets in a repeated measures design. A pre-recording of eight presenter voices (4 male, 4 female) reciting test words from the Modified Rhyme Test (MRT) was played in the presence of space shuttle mid-deck noise for each condition. There were significant differences in speech intelligibility with the use of ANR headsets, and between speech presenters. The scores obtained with the use of the ANR headsets were lower (less intelligible) than scores gained without the headsets. Gender and order effects were not observed. It is concluded that the type of ANR headset tested in this study will not aid speech intelligibility in the shuttle mid-deck noise environment.
Boundary-Layer Separation in a Turn-Around Duct

to approach a constant value for high values of M1e and that L P extends over 6‐15 times the diameter of flow passages for upstream Mach numbers larger than 2. Conclusions This Note deals with the study of the shock train structure that appears in the constant-area duct of a supersonic ejector. A CFD model of the airflow inside the ejector has been developed to predict the pressure recovery by pseudoshock. The computational results obtained in the case of the zero-secondary flow configuration of the ejector are in fairly good agreement with experiments. The computational model has demonstrated its capability in accurately capturing the shocks that are formed in the secondary nozzle of the ejector and allows the prediction of the length necessary to fully achieve the pressure recovery. Furthermore, we intend to extend this computational work to more complex flow configurations in ejectors (entrainment of induced flow, choking of the secondary nozzle).
Does optimal egg size vary with demographic stage because of a physiological constraint

Summary 1 Optimal egg size theory predicts that females should produce propagules of a size and number that maximize maternal fitness. However, studies of the allocation of resources to eggs have rarely provided evidence of such optimization. This is presumably because of constraints that limit reproductive allocation. One such example is that of pelvic aperture morphology constraining egg size in turtles. 2 Growing evidence suggests that even this classic example is incomplete. Hormones that regulate both the reproductive cycle and vitellogenic activity in turtles may provide a novel physiological mechanism for control of egg size. 3 This physiological constraint hypothesis was explored by examining the relationship between maternally derived yolk hormones and egg mass in the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta, Schneider). 4 Eggs from younger females contained significantly more testosterone in the yolk than did eggs from older females. Younger females laid eggs nearly 20% smaller than those of older females even where body sizes overlapped. 5 Elevated testosterone levels in younger females may thus constrain egg size physiologically, beyond the well-known physical constraints imposed by pelvic aperture morphology. The endocrine system may play an important but previously unrecognized role in the evolution of egg size in this model system.
RNA POLYMERASE III TRANSCRIPTION REPRESSED BY RB THROUGH ITS INTERACTIONS WITH TFIIIB AND TFIIIC2

The retinoblastoma susceptibility gene product (Rb) generally represses RNA polymerase III (Pol III)-directed transcription. This implies that Rb interacts with essential transcription factors. Mutations in either the A or B subdomains in the Rb pocket interfere with Rb-mediated repression of Pol III-directed transcription, which indicates that both subdomains are directly involved in this activity. Addition of either purified TFIIIB or purified TFIIIC2 partially relieves Rb-mediated repression and restores activity to nuclear extracts that had been depleted of essential factors by binding to Rb. Pull down and coimmunoprecipitation experiments as well as functional assays indicate that Rb interacts with both TFIIIB and TFIIIC2 and that the A subdomain is primarily required for binding TFIIIB and the B subdomain for binding TFIIIC2. While Rb interacts with both factors, the A subdomain is more important than the B subdomain in directing Rb-mediated repression, and TFIIIB is the principal target of that activity.
Optimal Experiments With Seismic Sensors

In this paper, we consider the problem of detecting and locating buried land mines and subsurface objects by using seismic waves. We demonstrate an adaptive seismic system that maneuvers an array of receivers, according to an optimal positioning algorithm based on the theory of optimal experiments, to minimize the number of distinct measurements to localize the mine. The adaptive localization algorithm is tested using numerical model data as well as laboratory measurements performed in a facility at Georgia Tech. It is envisioned that the future systems should be able to incorporate this new method into portable mobile mine-location systems.
Key Controversies in Colloid and Crystalloid Fluid Utilization

Nearly 2 centuries have passed since the use of intravenous fluid became a foundational component of clinical practice. Despite a steady stream of published investigations on the topic, questions surrounding the choice, dose, timing, targets, and cost-effectiveness of various fluid options remain insufficiently answered. In recent years, 2 of the most debated topics reference the role of albumin in acute care and the safety of normal saline. Although albumin has a place in therapy for specific patient populations, its high cost relative to other fluids makes it a less desirable option for hospitals and health systems with escalating formulary scrutiny. Pharmacists bear responsibility for reconciling this disparity and supporting the rational use of albumin in acute care through a careful evaluation of recently published literature. In parallel, it has become clear that crystalloids should no longer be considered a homogenous class of fluids. The past reliance on normal saline has been questioned due to re...
Realignment of the ventricular septum using partial direct closure of the ventricular septal defect in Tetralogy of Fallot

Objective: The aim is to describe our technique of partial direct closure of the ventricular septal defect (VSD) in Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and assess its influence on the realignment and remodeling of the left ventricular outflow tract. Methods: Between 2004 and 2010, 32 nonconsecutive patients with TOF underwent a direct or partial direct closure of VSD. Median age and weight were 5.2 months and 6.7 kg, respectively. An approach through the right atrium was used in 30 patients and through the infundibulum in two patients. The conal septum was mobilized by transecting the hypertrophic trabeculae to facilitate the approximation of the VSD. The membranous part of the VSD was closed (in the later part of the series) with a small xenopericardial patch to avoid tension on the suture line traversing the area of risk to the bundle of His. Follow-up was complete, with a median duration of 46.9 (range 12—75.3) months. Results: The VSD could be closed successfully in all patients. A residualVSDwaspartlyresponsible foroneearlypostoperativere-operation.Therewerenoearlyorlatedeaths.Atfollow-up,allpatientswerein sinus rhythm. Three patients showed a small residual VSD. Thirty patients had none, one showed trivial, and one had mild aortic regurgitation. The left ventricular outflow showed a good realignment of the ventricular septum in all the patients. Conclusions: Partial direct closure of the VSD corrects the primary defect in TOF, that is, the malalignment of the septum. It results in a straight, wide open left ventricular outflow tract and brings better support to the aortic root. # 2011 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Breaking the code of silence: a study of teachers' nonverbal decoding accuracy of foreign language anxiety

This study examined teachers' accuracy in decoding nonverbal behaviour indicative of foreign language anxiety. Teachers and teacher trainees twice observed a videotape without sound of seven beginn...
The Interacting Cra and KdpE Regulators Are Involved in the Expression of Multiple Virulence Factors in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli

The human pathogen enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 codes for two interacting DNA binding proteins, Cra and KdpE, that coregulate expression of the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) genes in a metabolite-dependent manner. Cra is a transcription factor that uses fluctuations in the concentration of carbon metabolism intermediates to positively regulate virulence of EHEC. KdpE is a response regulator that activates the transcription of homeostasis genes in response to salt-induced osmolarity and virulence genes in response to changes in metabolite concentrations. Here, we probed the transcriptional profiles of the Δcra, ΔkdpE, and Δcra ΔkdpE mutant strains and show that Cra and KdpE share several targets besides the LEE, but both Cra and KdpE also have independent targets. Several genes within O-islands (genomic islands present in EHEC but absent from E. coli K-12), such as Z0639, Z0640, Z3388, Z4267, and espFu (encoding an effector necessary for formation of attaching and effacing lesions on epithelial cells), were directly regulated by both Cra and KdpE, while Z2077 was only regulated by Cra. These studies identified and confirmed new direct targets for Cra and KdpE that included putative virulence factors as well as characterized virulence factors, such as EspFu and EspG. These results map out the role of the two interacting regulators, Cra and KdpE, in EHEC pathogenesis and global gene regulation.
The anemia caused by aflatoxin.

Abstract The effects of graded doses of dietary aflatoxin (0, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 (μg./g.) on hemoglobin, packed blood cell volume, erythrocyte count, leucocyte counts, bone marrow lipid, and bone marrow nucleic acids of chickens were measured. The hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and erythrocyte count were reduced significantly (P
Coronary artery bifurcation interventions: the disconnect between randomized clinical trials and patient centered decision-making.

The current evidence-base pertaining to PCI in coronary bifurcation lesions is not adequate to inform decision making in all patients, hence a gap still exists between the evidence-base and patient-centered decision-making. Although meta-analyses of the existing RCTs improve the statistical power of the data they do not remedy the problem of trial design. The reason for the gap between “evidence” and patient-centered decision-making is that the research methodology used in the RCTs does not simulate the questions asked in practice. The purpose of this review is to make the case for a counter perspective to the narrative that provisional stenting (PS) [stenting the main vessel (MV), with additional stenting of the side branch (SB) only in the case of an unsatisfactory result] is better than elective double stenting (EDS) of both branches in all patients. Namely, that neither approach should be the default strategy in all patients with bifurcation lesions and a decision as to which technique to use should be based on the patient's bifurcation anatomy. The majority of patients with bifurcation lesions will have anatomy that can be safely treated with PS; however, some patients have “at risk” bifurcation anatomy where PS may be associated with high risk of side branch occlusion. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Immunologic research at Johns Hopkins University: introduction and overview.

There is a rich heritage of immunologic research at the Johns Hopkins University that has developed into many diverse programs. The lead article for this issue is by Noel R. Rose, who provides an engaging history of immunologic research at Johns Hopkins which began with the creation of the first department devoted to immunology in this country. Dr. Rose details the growth and expansion of immunologic research initiated by William Henry Welch that fostered not only the current programs at Johns Hopkins, but also the research at other institutions. At Johns Hopkins, the initial research programs have expanded into multiple centers exploring basic immunology as well as innovative, translational research applicable to clinical practice. The articles in this issue provide a representative, but by no means inclusive, perspective of current Johns Hopkins immunologic research programs. There are several reviews that examine basic immunologic mechanisms, ranging from the molecular mechanisms controlling somatic hypermutation in immunoglobulin variable and switch regions to the genetic and biochemical regulation of lymphocyte development and differentiation. Two articles provide insights into how the conformation of different peptides impact antigen presentation by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, and how MHC class I molecules can be used to probe the patchiness and heterogeneity of cell surfaces. Other innovative work illustrates how MHC-immunoglobulin complexes are utilized as part of artificial antigen-presenting cells that provide platforms for investigating both in vitro and in vivo immune responses. The next series of reviews highlight research programs investigating immunologic mechanisms contributing to autoimmunity, allergy and inflammation, infectious diseases, and immunoparasitology. These topics include signaling pathways in allergic inflammation;
A Study in Philosophy and the Social Sciences

My intention in this essay is not to survey either the historical or the structural relationships between philosophy and the social sciences, but rather to focus on a basic systematic problem in methodology: the philosophical character and implications of the methods of social-scientific inquiry. By “methodology” I understand the underlying conceptual framework in terms of which concrete studies in history, sociology, economics, and the like are carried out, and in terms of which they receive a general rationale. Therefore I am not concerned here with the nature of specific techniques that social scientists utilize, or with their evaluation. Instead, I am interested in what I take to be a distinctly philosophical task, the analysis of the underlying presuppositions of the conceptual systems employed by social scientists in virtue of which their scientific enterprise is carried out. Methodology in the sense in which I am using it thus implies a certain order of philosophical commitment.
Cell Type-specific Expression of β-Carotene 15,15′-Mono-oxygenase in Human Tissues

We studied the cell type-specific expression of human beta-carotene 15,15'-mono-oxygenase (BCO1), an enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the conversion of dietary provitamin A carotenoids to vitamin A. Immunohistochemical analysis using two monoclonal antibodies against different epitopes of the protein revealed that BCO1 is expressed in epithelial cells in a variety of human tissues, including mucosa and glandular cells of stomach, small intestine, and colon, parenchymal cells in liver, cells that make up the exocrine glands in pancreas, glandular cells in prostate, endometrium, and mammary tissue, kidney tubules, and in keratinocytes of the squamous epithelium of skin. Furthermore, BCO1 is detected in steroidogenic cells in testis, ovary, and adrenal gland, as well as skeletal muscle cells. Epithelia in general are structures that are very sensitive to vitamin A deficiency, and although the extraintestinal function of BCO1 is unclear, the finding that the enzyme is expressed in all epithelia examined thus far leads us to suggest that BCO1 may be important for local synthesis of vitamin A, constituting a back-up pathway of vitamin A synthesis during times of insufficient dietary intake of vitamin A.
Adhesion Effects on the Recrystallization of Silicon Films

Laser processing of thin films of amorphous or polycrystalline silicon on insulator substrates, such as the glass normally used for liquid crystal displays, frequently leads to film thickness variations which are unacceptable for device fabrication. Some thickness variations are caused by the high surface tension of molten silicon and the poor adhesion of the silicon to the substrate. Techniques to reduce this problem by increasing the adhesion of the film to silicon dioxide coated Corning 7059 glass substrates have been investigated. Two different approaches were used. First, silicon ions were implanted into the silicon-glass interface to increase the direct bonding of the silicon to the silicon dioxide. Second, layers of material known to exhibit better adhesion to both silicon and silicon dioxide were introduced between the silicon film and the glass substrate. Both techniques produced films which, after subsequent laser processing, showed significantly reduced thickness variations. These procedures make it possible to laser process thin films of silicon on Corning 7059 glass substrates under conditions which produce large grain polysilicon films without producing unacceptably large thickness variations or film cracking.
Character Strengths: Research and Practice

Character strengths are the foundation of optimal life-long development and thriving. Good character is not a singular thing but rather plural–a family of positive traits shown in one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This paper provides an overview of the Values in Action (VIA) project, which classifies and measures 24 widely-recognized and valued strengths. Research shows that character strengths are linked to important aspects of individual and social well-being, although different strengths predict different outcomes. This paper discusses ways to recognize and cultivate character strengths, within the context of a strengths-based approach to education and personal development. Character matters, and cultivating its components should be an important goal for all.
Characteristics and Environmental Problems of a Eutrophic, Seasonally-stratified Lake, Wilgreen Lake, Madison County, Kentucky

Abstract Wilgreen Lake (Madison County, Kentucky) is listed as “nutrient impaired” by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Commonwealth of Kentucky, and it also experiences high fecal microbe counts that restricts its use. The lake is a typical eutrophic lake, experiencing anoxia and dysoxia in its waters during summer stratification. Human activities in the watershed contribute additional nutrients to the lake that may exacerbate periods of anoxia, so knowing the sources of anthropogenic nutrient inputs to the lake would aid in developing best practices for development of lake shore areas and the watershed. Possible sources include residential fertilizers, cattle waste, and human sewage. High nutrient concentrations within surface waters generally occur only proximal to septic system clusters in the upper reaches of Taylor Fork. Bovine and human fecal microbes enter the lake causing periodic high fecal microbe counts, and are likewise restricted to shallow water areas especially after ra...
An Analysis of Frequency- and Memory-Based Processing Costs

The frequency of words and syntactic constructions has been observed to have a substantial effect on language processing. This begs the question of what causes certain constructions to be more or less frequent. A theory of grounding (Phillips, 2010) would suggest that cognitive limitations might cause languages to develop frequent constructions in such a way as to avoid processing costs. This paper studies how current theories of working memory fit into theories of language processing and what influence memory limitations may have over reading times. Measures of such limitations are evaluated on eye-tracking data and the results are compared with predictions made by different theories of processing.
Topology optimization of structures with integral compliant mechanisms for mid-frequency response

The purpose of this paper is to present a method for developing new truss-like sandwich structures that exhibit desirable mid-frequency vibratory characteristics. Specifically, a genetic algorithm optimization routine is used to determine candidate small scale structural topologies, i.e. unit cells, that may be used in the design of larger scale periodic sandwich structures. This multi-scale procedure is demonstrated starting with several unit cell topology optimization examples. From these examples a specific optimal unit cell is selected for further investigation and integration into a periodic sandwich beam. Computational results indicate that the proposed optimization approach is effective when used to design new structures for reduced mid-frequency vibratory response.
Engineering's interactions with marketing groups in an engineering-driven organization

It is widely acknowledged that engineering personnel should work with marketing and sales personnel to increase the chances of market acceptance of new product ideas. While many studies have shown that products are more likely to succeed when this integration occurs, there has been little observation of the actual interactions and the underlying sources of communication difficulties. This paper, based on nine months of participant observation in a single firm in the computer industry, presents engineering objections to information from marketing groups and then discusses the complaints marketing people have about engineering. The author argues that for complex systems products in technology-driven environments, there may not be a dyadic interaction between marketing and engineering but rather many conflicting requirements coming from marketing groups representing different customer groups. In such situations, decisions concerning the overall system architecture may be among the most critical strategic decisions. >
The North Atlantic Oscillation in the NCEP–NCAR Reanalysis

Abstract The upper-air circulation characteristics of the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO) are studied from the 1958–97 National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis, with regard to interannual variability and long-term trends. The low (high) phase of the NAO is defined by small (large) values of the Ponta Delgada, Azores, minus Akureyri, Iceland, surface pressure difference. For the fields of 200-mb topography, divergence, and divergent flow; 500-mb vertical motion; 1000-mb topography and total wind; and SST during January, differences are computed between ensembles of years of extremely low- minus high-NAO phase and are tested for statistical significance. In the low-NAO phase, topographies throughout the tropospheric column stand anomalously high (low) in the subpolar (subtropical) domains. Ascending motion and upper-tropospheric divergent outflow from the realm of the Icelandic low broadly southward, and convergent inflow and subsidence on the polewa...
Mechanisms of Lipotoxicity in the Cardiovascular System

Cardiovascular diseases account for approximately one third of all deaths globally. Obese and diabetic patients have a high likelihood of dying from complications associated with cardiovascular dysfunction. Obesity and diabetes increase circulating lipids that upon tissue uptake, may be stored as triglyceride, or may be metabolized in other pathways, leading to the generation of toxic intermediates. Excess lipid utilization or activation of signaling pathways by lipid metabolites may disrupt cellular homeostasis and contribute to cell death, defining the concept of lipotoxicity. Lipotoxicity occurs in multiple organs, including cardiac and vascular tissues, and a number of specific mechanisms have been proposed to explain lipotoxic tissue injury. In addition, recent data suggests that increased tissue lipids may also be protective in certain contexts. This review will highlight recent progress toward elucidating the relationship between nutrient oversupply, lipotoxicity, and cardiovascular dysfunction. The review will focus in two sections on the vasculature and cardiomyocytes respectively.
Chronic interleukin-6 exposure alters electrophysiological properties and calcium signaling in developing cerebellar purkinje neurons in culture.

The cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is chronically expressed at elevated levels within the CNS in many neurological disorders and may contribute to the histopathological, pathophysiological, and cogn...