cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lack of association of soluble endothelial protein C receptor and PROCR 6936A/G polymorphism with the risk of venous thromboembolism in a prospective study

Prior case-control studies reported that levels of the soluble form of the endothelial protein C receptor (sEPCR) were strongly controlled by the PROCR 6963A/G polymorphism and higher levels were a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We sought to prospectively examine the association of sEPCR and the 6963A/G polymorphism with the incidence of VTE. The Longitudinal Investigation of Thromboembolism Etiology (LITE) pooled data from the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study on men and women aged > or =45 years. A nested case-control study of 458 incident VTE and 1038 controls was performed. sEPCR levels were distributed trimodally according to 6963A/G polymorphism. Adjusting for age, sex and race, there was no overall association between sEPCR level and VTE: odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval] for highest versus lowest quartile = 1.17[0.86-1.59]. However, higher sEPCR was associated with VTE in non-whites (OR = 1.84[1.05-3.22]) and women (OR = 1.51[1.01-2.26]). The 6963A/G polymorphism was not associated with VTE risk (OR = 0.93[0.70-1.25]). In conclusion, sEPCR levels and the PROCR 6963A/G polymorphism were not associated overall with increased risk of VTE.
Defect reduction by suppression of π-bonding coupling in nano- and non-crystalline high-(medium)- κ gate dielectrics

This paper identifies two-different regimes of nanocrystallinity: i) thin films with nanocrystallites >3 nm, and ii) thin films with nanocrystallites =<2 nm. Near edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and soft-X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, combined with visible and ultra-violet spectroscopic ellipsometry, provide an unambiguous way to distinguish between these two technologically important regimes of nanocrystalline order, yielding significant information on band edge electronic structure, and electronically-active defects.
An analytic element model for transient axi-symmetric interface flow

Abstract The problem of axi-symmetric flow of two immiscible fluids is solved by use of the analytic element method. A sharp interface divides the flow into two domains with different but homogeneous fluids. The sharp interface is realistic for truly immiscible fluids, and is an approximation for miscible fluids such as fresh and salt water in coastal aquifers. A specific discharge potential is introduced which is discontinuous across the interface. The jump in the specific discharge potential depends both on the difference in fluid viscosity and fluid density. The discontinuous specific discharge potential is realized by use of a singularity distribution along the interface. For the case of axi-symmetric flow, the singularity distribution may be approximated by a set of either sink rings or vortex rings. The approach is implemented in a computer program, which is validated by simulating the movement of a spherical inclusion of one fluid in an infinite domain of another fluid, and comparing the results with an exact solution. Finally, the practical use of the program is demonstrated by simulating a saltwater upconing problem underneath a partially penetrating well. The critical pumping rate for which the interface remains stable is determined and compared with both a laboratory experiment and numerical calculations reported in the literature.
Aerosol studies by light scattering. II. Preparation of octanoic acid aerosols of narrow and reproducible size distributions

Abstract Octanoic acid aerosols, in the submicron range and of narrow size distribution, were produced with excellent reproducibility when nucleated with silver chloride evaporated in a combustion furnace. The particle size distribution could be determined uniquely and with high precision from light scattering data using the polarization ratio method described in the preceding paper. The effects of the flow rate of the carrier gas, the nuclei concentration, the temperature of the furnace used for making the AgCl nuclei, and the temperature of octanoic acid in the boiler upon the size distribution of the aerosol were systematically investigated. With increasing flow rate at constant boiler temperature both the particle size and the polydispersity decrease. At a constant flow rate the particle size becomes larger with increasing boiler temperature while the polydispersity remains practically constant. Particle size also increases with decreasing furnace temperature and dilution of nuclei.
Thermal conductivity of dense quark matter and cooling of stars

The thermal conductivity of the color-flavor locked phase of dense quark matter is calculated. The dominant contribution to the conductivity comes from photons and Nambu-Goldstone bosons associated with breaking of baryon number which are trapped in the quark core. Because of their very large mean free path the conductivity is also very large. The cooling of the quark core arises mostly from the heat flux across the surface of direct contact with the nuclear matter. As the thermal conductivity of the neighboring layer is also high, the whole interior of the star should be nearly isothermal. Our results imply that the cooling time of compact stars with color-flavor locked quark cores is similar to that of ordinary neutron stars.
A triple sector, guided-ion-beam mass spectrometer for cluster ion and fullerene scattering

Abstract The design and operation of a unique 5-octapole, triple sector, guided ion beam mass spectrometer is described in this article. The instrument was designed to do cluster ion reactive scattering, and the available cluster sources and the kinematics of these reactions impose some difficult design considerations. Many of these considerations also apply to ion-fullerene scattering, and this was a major application. The instrument incorporates a radio-frequency storage/thermalization trap to control the internal temperature of reactant cluster ions. Cluster ions are mass-selected by a large gap, large radius magnetic sector that can be electrically floated. Reactions are studied in a three section octapole ion guide, equipped with a reaction cell. The reaction cell also serves as an oven to generate target vapor from non-volatile materials such as fullerenes. Product mass analysis is done by a large gap, large radius double focusing mass filter, all of which floats at acceleration potential. Ions are detected by an in-line scintillation detector that can operate at voltages up to 50 kV to allow efficient detection of heavy ions. Sample results are given for reaction of carbon cluster ions with O 2 , and for Mo + scattering from C 60 . Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
In Vitro Activity of a New Antibiotic, NVP-PDF386 (VRC4887), against Chlamydia pneumoniae

The in vitro activity of NVP-PDF386 (VRC4887), a novel new peptide deformylase inhibitor, and those of levofloxacin and clarithromycin were tested against 21 isolates of Chlamydia pneumoniae. The MIC at which 90% of the isolates were inhibited and the minimal bactericidal concentration at which 90% of the isolates were killed by NVP-PDF386 for all isolates of C. pneumoniae were 0.008 μg/ml (range, 0.008 to 0.015 μg/ml) compared to 0.25 and 0.06 μg/ml for levofloxacin and clarithromycin, respectively.
Behavior of primary radicals during thermal degradation of poly(methyl methacrylate)

The behavior of the primary radicals ,formed ,from the random scission of anionically polymerizedpoly(methl,l methacrylate), PMMA , during thermal degradation is investigated by a theoretical and t.xperimental study. The theoretically calculated relationship bt.tiiieen the degree qf polymerization and the conversion agrees well with tht) experimentally determined relationship if the random scission produces one polymer radicul and one polqwer molecule with an unsaturated bond at a chain end. It is proposed that the primarji radical rearranges to form the polymer molecule with thc) unsaturated bond at a chain end. TUYI diferent degradation paths .for this rearrangement are proposed via p scission at the C--C bond of the pendant group instead of p scission, as previously thought, at the backbone C-C bond. The products .from the proposed degradation paths are CO, CO,, CH,OH, and CH,. The products ,for anionically polymerized PMMA samplt~s ii>ith three diferent values ?f initial molecular weight are measured by a mass spectrometer. The quantities of CO and CO, are observed to &crease I.riith an increase in initial molecular weight. This confirms that the tttv proposed degradation paths, for the thermal degradation of PMMA are quit(> plausiblt~.
Inflammatory resorption: untreated, arrested, prevented

Three human replantation cases are presented wherein the results are in accord with the literature concerning inflammatory resorption and calcium hydroxide therapy. The cases unintentionally simulate a designed experiment wherein the control case received no treatment and the other 2 were subjected to independent variables such as obturation in the hand and the timing of the calcium hydroxide therapy. The untreated case resulted in loss of the tooth, while manipulation of variables in the other two resulted in retention.
Polarization Studies of Light Diffusely Reflected from Ground and Etched Glass Surfaces

A theory is developed by which diffuse reflection from dielectric surfaces may be studied by measuring the polarization of the light diffusely reflected from such surfaces. Observations of the ratio of the intensities of light vibrating parallel to and perpendicular to the plane of incidence indicate that for ground and etched glass surfaces, illuminated by a collimated beam, regular reflection from small mirror-like planes, oriented at random, is responsible for much of the diffuse reflection.
Novel materials and processes for wafer pre-apply flip chip and chip scale packaging

This paper investigated the feasibility of an exploratory "wafer dual encapsulation" process for flip chip and chip scale (FC/CSP) packaging. This process involves two different encapsulant materials which are applied in two different processing steps. This systematic study identified potential challenges both in material and process and demonstrated corresponding solutions. A complete "wafer dual encapsulation" process, from material deposition onto wafer to individual chip attachment onto substrate, has been explored and optimized. A thorough study on material requirements suitable for this wafer dual encapsulation process was conducted. The required material properties of the two types of encapsulant materials were identified. Based on this study, two sets of novel encapsulant materials met the required material properties for enhanced reliability and demonstrated process convenience for flip chip and CSP packaging. The "wafer dual encapsulation" process and the encapsulant materials designed for this process are fully compatible to current surface mount technology (SMT).
Oxygen Poisoning in Drosophila

Fruit flies live longer at the partial pressure of oxygen found in air than at either larger or smaller partial pressures. Flies exposed to 1 atm of oxygen for 8 hr every day do not recover completely in the remaining 16 hr. In general, intermittent exposures to 1 atm of oxygen are better tolerated than continuous exposure to the same average oxygen concentration per day, but exposures to higher pressures of 2–5 atm of oxygen for as little as a half hour every two days markedly shorten the life-span. Older flies consume more oxygen per minute and are more sensitive to oxygen poisoning than young flies, and the rate of dying in 6 atm of O2, or the reciprocal of the survival time, is a linear function of the age. The oxygen pressure-time curve can be well expressed by the general empirical equation (POO2)2 x time = 120 where P is in atmosphere and survival time in hours. The progress of oxygen poisoning appears to be linear with time rather than exponential.
Data reprocessing on worldwide distributed systems

The DO experiment faces many challenges in terms of enabling access to large datasets for physicists on four continents. The strategy for solving these problems on worldwide distributed computing clusters is presented. Since the beginning of Run II of the Tevatron (March 2001) all Monte-Carlo simulations for the experiment have been produced at remote systems. For data analysis, a system of regional analysis centers (RACs) was established which supply the associated institutes with the data. This structure, which is similar to the tiered structure foreseen for the LHC was used in Fall 2003 to reprocess all DO data with a much improved version of the reconstruction software. This makes DO the first running experiment that has implemented and operated all important computing tasks of a high energy physics experiment on systems distributed worldwide.
803: Silver ion-eluting dressings for prevention of post cesarean wound infection: a randomized, controlled trial

to the overall CD rate. Primary CD in singleton pregnancies undergoing elective delivery at term is the major contributor to the primary CD rate, accounting for almost one third of all CD. CONCLUSION: This classification system provides a reliable framework to enable comparisons of practice both internationally and in individual institutions and thus better inform the debate and accurately explore the rising CD rate. Examination of term induction of labor practices is needed to possibly reduce the primary CD rate and in turn the population undergoing repeat CD in the future.
An optimum PWM Strategy for 5-level active NPC (ANPC) converter based on real-time solution for THD minimization

The recently introduced active NPC (ANPC) converter is becoming an attractive topology of multilevel converter family. This paper presents the analysis of the 5-level ANPC converter with an optimum PWM strategy to achieve the minimized total harmonic distortion (THD) for high power or high frequency applications. Instead of relying on the conventional look-up table based on off-line calculated solutions, the switching angles of the optimum PWM are calculated through a real-time algorithm, which is time-efficient and therefore easy to implement in real-time by digital processors. The control scheme of balancing the floating capacitors voltages is also proposed. Simulation results verify the performance of the proposed strategies.
Effects of low‐level X‐irradiation on cat cerebella at different postnatal intervals: II changes in purkinje cell morphology

The whole-head of infant kittens was irradiated with fractionated doses of 150 R and 200 R at different postnatal intervals. Experimental age conditions consisted of an irradiated newborn, 1-week, 2-week, 3-week, and a 4-week age condition while the age of sacrifice remained constant at 70 days. The molecular layer thickness was reduced by 47% in the newborn, 40% in the 1-week group, 17% in the 2-week group, 19% in the 3-week group and by 9% in the 4-week group. An evaluation of Golgi impregnated material revealed that the dendritic arborizations of purkinje cells were consistently reduced the earlier the age at which radiation was begun. A reduction in spiny branchlets was seen in all of the experimental conditions. All experimental age conditions displayed the phenomenon of dendritic "damming" at the pial surface, which consisted of an excessive crowding of spiny branches at this level. An increased growth of the primary dendrite before branching tood place was seen in the newborn and 1-week group. This became less but was still significant in the 2-week group. A correlation of this phenomenon with the presence or lack of stellate cells is disclssed. Purkinje cells with two or more dendrites emerging from their soma were classified and analyzed separately. It was found that the primary dendritic branching in these cells often followed separate morphological patterns and appeared to be independent of each other. Climbing fibers were found to conform to the abnormal dendritic arborizations of the Purkinje cells, and were reduced in complexity in the early radiation treatment groups. This suggested that climbing fibers had no influence upon the dendritic growth pattern, but instead were under the influence of the Purkinje cell dendritic growth.
Application of High Speed Networks in Hospital Environment

This is a case study based on author’s experience working with the Washington University medical center. The center includes three major hospitals with a total of 2000 beds and a major research oriented school of medicine. Medical research and hospitals are seeing the potential benefits of using high speed communications networks for sharing the patient care information. There are two facets to the increased demand for high speed networking: trends in telemedicine and consolidation of patient records. This paper presents a networking scenario that has been evolving at Barnes Hospital/Washington University Medical Center. It consists of high speed internetworking among application driven sub-networks which enhance the strategic and research value of the patient data in the form of image, text, and annotated voice. The discussion leads into high speed networks based on star topologies.
Representation of Spatial Orientation by the Intrinsic Dynamics of the Head-Direction Cell Ensemble: A Theory

The head-direction (HD) cells found in the limbic system in freely mov ing rats represent the instantaneous head direction of the animal in the horizontal plane regardless of the location of the animal. The internal direction represented by these cells uses both self-motion information for inertially based updating and familiar visual landmarks for calibration. Here, a model of the dynamics of the HD cell ensemble is presented. The stability of a localized static activity profile in the network and a dynamic shift mechanism are explained naturally by synaptic weight distribution components with even and odd symmetry, respectively. Under symmetric weights or symmetric reciprocal connections, a stable activity profile close to the known directional tuning curves will emerge. By adding a slight asymmetry to the weights, the activity profile will shift continuously without disturbances to its shape, and the shift speed can be controlled accurately by the strength of the odd-weight component. The generic formulation of the shift mechanism is determined uniquely within the current theoretical framework. The attractor dynamics of the system ensures modality- independence of the internal representation and facilitates the correction for cumulative error by the putative local-view detectors. The model offers a specific one-dimensional example of a computational mechanism in which a truly world-centered representation can be derived from observer-centered sensory inputs by integrating self-motion information.
Motions of relativistic Hamiltonian interactions

There is presented a class of completely HamiltonianN-particle interactions, invariant under the Poincare group. The motions are not given byN-tuples of world-lines in space-time, but by certainN-dimensional submanifolds of the phase-space Φ forR4N. The set of these motions is a 6N-dimensional symplectic manifold and is determined by the choice ofN functions on Φ which have zero Poisson brackets on Φ. This 6N-dimensional manifold is in 1∶1 correspondence with the 6N-dimensional phase space for the system whenever an observer is specified. The phase-space transitions thus obtained for any pair of observers constitute the dynamics.
Preparation and Characterization of Highly Dispersed Rhodium on Al2O3, TiO2, ZrO2, and CeO2

The ion exchange method was used to obtain a very high dispersion of Rh on high surface area Al2O3, TiO2 (anatase), ZrO2, and CeO2. The high dispersion was confirmed by hydrogen chemisorption and electron microscopy. Studies of these catalysts include x-ray diffraction, EPR, H NMR, TPD, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of samples with CO adsorbed, and CO hydrogenation. Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) studies indicate as many as four types of hydrogen on a given catalyst. FTIR, TPD, H2 chemisorption, and CO hydrogenation studies showed that Rh underwent progressively stronger interactions with TiO2 as it was reduced at higher temperatures, in contrast to Rh on other supports.
Fluctuations of Rift Valley Lakes Malawi and Chilwa During Historical Times: A Synthesis of Geological, Archaeological and Historical Information

Synthesis of geological, historical, archaeological and geographical information is used to reconstruct detailed chronologies of the fluctuations of Lakes Malawi and Chilwa during the past two centuries and to produce less detailed, longer-term chronologies of these lakes. Fluctuations are compared with famine and drought records during historical times and rainfall data during modern times in order to understand their links with local and large-scale climatic conditions. This analysis underscores complexities in interpreting the historical and geological records of the lakes in terms of climate. It also points out the need to interpret the African lake record collectively, rather than focusing on individual lakes.
Predictive Value of Size of Port-Wine Stains in Sturge-Weber Syndrome (S35.007)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether size of facial birthmarks in patients with Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) correlates with the degree of central nervous system involvement by neuroimaging and clinical neurological exam. BACKGROUND: SWS is typically defined by the presence of a facial port-wine stain accompanied by neurologic involvement and/or glaucoma. The neurologic sequelae of SWS can have the biggest impact on patient’s daily function and quality of life. It is currently unknown, however, whether the extent of birthmark is predicative of intracranial involvement and therefore clinical disability. DESIGN/METHODS: 51 SWS patients (53[percnt] male) with facial birthmarks and brain abnormalities documented on MRI were included. A pediatric neurologist prospectively assigned previously validated clinical severity scores based on seizures, hemiparesis, visual field cut and cognitive impairments. Three raters, blinded to clinical scores, independently graded the extent of facial birthmark in each patient ([percnt] affected of each hemifacial distribution of the three branches of trigeminal nerve) based on photographs taken before any laser treatments. Their scores were then averaged. A neuroradiologist, blinded to all clinical information, assigned a neuroimaging score based on previously established criteria of intracranial involvement in SWS. Birthmark scores were correlated with the imaging and neurological severity results using nonparametric correlation analysis. RESULTS: MRI scores for each hemisphere were positively correlated with their respective hemifacial birthmark extent (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, left: ρ=0.54, p<0.001; right: ρ=0.67, p<0.001). Clinical severity scores were similarly associated with the overall facial extent of port-wine stains in patients over the age of 6 (n=21, ρ=0.46, p<0.05). In particular, the degree of cognitive impairment was significantly correlated with the skin score (n=21, ρ=0.56, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of facial port-wine stains in SWS can serve as a useful predictor of the degree of brain abnormality and clinical severity. Disclosure: Dr. Dymerska has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kirkorian has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kaplan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bachur has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cohen has received personal compensation for activities with Sanofi-Aventis for as a consultant. Dr. Comi has nothing to disclose.
Expressions and Values

A Scheme interpreter is a primitive version of Deep Thought, the enigmatic supercomputer in Douglas Adams’ book. We type a question on a keyboard, the Scheme interpreter displays the answer on a screen, and then asks for another question.
Problems of the neonates with congenital heart disease requiring early interventions: a regional report.

In this study, it was aimed to determine the problems of the neonates who were diagnosed with congenital heart disease requiring early intervention in our hospital.The files of the newborn babies with congenital heart disease requiring early intervention who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital between January 2011 and January 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. In all cases, echocardiography and ''Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology-II" (SNAP-II) scoring were performed within the first day of admission. The data were interpreted using Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007 software. The statistical significance was set at p<0.05.A total of 83 babies were included in the study. Forty six of the patients were male (55%), and 37 (45%) were female. Sixty eight percent of the patients were referred from the neighboring provinces and 32% were transferred from the centers within the city. The age range was between 0 and 28 (5.6±6.4 day) days. The SNAP-II scores upon admission ranged between 0 and 90 (mean: 20±20.3). None of the patients was diagnosed prenatally. The most common diagnoses included transposition of the great arteries (33.7%) and pulmonary atresia (19.3%). Nineteen (22%) patients were lost in the neonatal intensive care unit. There was a significant relationship between the mortality and the SNAP-II scores (p=0.0001) and use of vasopressors (p=0.004). The diagnosis, gender, use of alprostadil and age were not related to mortality. Three patients were discharged following planning of elective surgery and 60 patients were referred to a tertiary center by air ambulance.The results of our study indicated that prenatal diagnosis could not be made in neonates with congenital heart disease requiring intervention in our region. The mortality rates of these patients were related to the severity of the clinical status at presentation rather than to the age, gender and type of congenital heart disease. The mortality was much higher in the patients who developed circulatory failure. Most of the patients who survived were sent by air ambulance to the centers where the intervention was to be performed.
Multisensory Tracking of Objects in Darkness: Capture of Positive Afterimages by the Tactile and Proprioceptive Senses

This paper reports on three experiments investigating the contribution of different sensory modalities to the tracking of objects moved in total darkness. Participants sitting in the dark were exposed to a brief, bright flash which reliably induced a positive visual afterimage of the scene so illuminated. If the participants subsequently move their hand in the darkness, the visual afterimage of that hand fades or disappears; this is presumably due to conflict between the illusory visual afterimage (of the hand in its original location) and other information (e.g., proprioceptive) from a general mechanism for tracking body parts. This afterimage disappearance effect also occurs for held objects which are moved in the dark, and some have argued that this represents a case of body schema extension, i.e. the rapid incorporation of held external objects into the body schema. We demonstrate that the phenomenon is not limited to held objects and occurs in conditions where incorporation into the body schema is unlikely. Instead, we propose that the disappearance of afterimages of objects moved in darkness comes from a general mechanism for object tracking which integrates input from multiple sensory systems. This mechanism need not be limited to tracking body parts, and thus we need not invoke body schema extension to explain the afterimage disappearance. In this series of experiments, we test whether auditory feedback of object movement can induce afterimage disappearance, demonstrate that the disappearance effect scales with the magnitude of proprioceptive feedback, and show that tactile feedback alone is sufficient for the effect. Together, these data demonstrate that the visual percept of a positive afterimage is constructed not just from visual input of the scene when light reaches the eyes, but in conjunction with input from multiple other senses.
Performance Evaluation of Cache Optimized CFD Codes Applied to Complex Flow Applications

By its nature, the cache optimization of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code is most readily assessed on relatively simple geometries and on problems that only require the core routines. Having previously conducted cache optimization on two in-house codes at the University of Kentucky, the structured two-dimensional code GHOST and the unstructured two-/three-dimensional code UNCLE, we are now examining how well these baseline improvements extend to more complicated geometries and flow conditions. This paper presents assessments of the performance of the optimized codes on established aerospace flows including turbulence flows, unsteady flows, and more complicated geometries. Also considered are the effects of changing hardware on software optimization given the evolution from 32-bit, single core to 64-bit, multi-core commodity processors. Code modifications to improve code performance in these flows through cache-usage optimization will be presented, and the overall ability to translate code performance from core routines and simple geometries to widespread practical applications are discussed.
The Making of a Nurse

Shelly Kuhns was an intensive care unit, emergency department, and flight nurse. She is currently a student at McKendree College, Lebanon, Ill. I shudder for those who enter healthcare, as near to a foreign country as can be experienced within miles of your home, without someone knowledgeable beside them. Hello?... Yes, I am Mrs. Arnold... Yes, Ethel is my daughter and Gene is my son-in-law... I understand... We’ll be there as quickly as possible... Thank you.” The above words are only one side of a phone conversation heard by a 6-year-old girl. It is incredible how that one moment in time set me on a direction that has remained steadfast for more than 29 years. My interest in the nursing profession began in early childhood and has been reinforced frequently throughout my life. My initial plunge into the environment of healthcare came early and dramatically. From the day of that call my life was never the same. In that one moment it took the car in which they were riding to careen over an embankment, all the lives of my family members were sent into new irreversible directions. Initially, my parents were just absent. My brother and I made the rounds of friends’ and family members’ homes. We had a few visits with my Dad in our local hospital; and one with my Mom when she was transferred there after 2 weeks in St. Louis. As were the rules in 1975, I was not allowed into the hospital room to visit them. My aunts and uncles lifted me to the first floor window of my Dad’s room so I could see him there in traction and talk awkwardly through the screen. Formal home care did not exist then. What I experienced were the desperate efforts of my maternal grandmother to rehabilitate her 28year-old once beautiful and articulate, now headinjured and horribly disfigured, daughter in her home. Looking back, I am amazed what shear grit was able to accomplish without the benefit of home health nurses and physical therapy visits. Midway through my Dad’s 3-month hospital stay my first profound interaction with a nurse occurred. One late fall evening, as I stood on the lawn just outside my Dad’s room, a male nurse came out to me. I recognized Mike as the son of my pastor, but was shocked to learn he was a nurse. He smiled broadly and hoisted me onto his shoulders. I learned later that he broke rules and was outspoken about the inappropriateness of not allowing children into their parents’ hospital rooms. As a result of the accident, my brother and I received a new mother. The one we knew was lost to us with the profound head injury she had received. She not only had a new personality, but also a new badly scarred face. Her balance was poor for more than a year, requiring her to lean on us at times to steady her gait. Needless to say, we were involved in her care. Dad came home 3 months after the accident in a body cast. Already a polio survivor, the additional insult of a femur fracture to his “good leg” made mobility a Herculean struggle. Within a few years of the accident, the toll of his and my mother’s physical challenges began to play out in
Trends in Undergraduate Economics Degrees, 1991–2009

The trend in U.S. undergraduate economics degrees continued its upward trajectory in 2008–9.
Differential expression of cysteine-rich intestinal protein in liver and intestine in CCl4-induced inflammation

Cysteine-rich intestinal protein (CRIP) is a double zinc finger (LIM domain) protein that is developmentally regulated but has an unknown function. CRIP is highly expressed in the intestine, but expression is low in liver. To determine if CRIP expression is regulated under altered physiological status, we used CCl4-induced injury as a model to produce hepatic injury and systemic effects associated with inflammation. Since CRIP is a zinc finger protein and zinc decreases the hepatic response to CCl4, the effect of supplemental dietary zinc (300 mg/kg diet) was also examined. Our results show that this supplemental level of dietary zinc did not affect the index of hepatic injury (plasma alanine aminotransferase), indicating zinc did not have a protective effect. Liver CRIP mRNA increased with CCl4 and CRIP protein was shown by immunohistochemistry to be localized in hepatocytes near the vascular supply. In the intestine, CCl4 caused a transient decrease in CRIP mRNA, but supplemental dietary zinc treatment prevented this decrease. These current results show that CRIP expression changes in response to cellular damage due to acute hepatic injury and are consistent with a functional role for CRIP in proliferation, differentiation, or turnover.
Physics of One-Dimensional MOSFETs

During the past several years many studies have been made on the conductance of quasi-one-dimensional MOSFET systems [1–13]. Related physics has also been explored in GaAs structures [14–16]. One of the key reasons that one would like to use either the MOSFET system or the heteiojunction system for these studies is that the Fermi energy is controllable in these systems by the appropriate application of voltage biases or by charging effects. This gives the experimenter a very important parameter to vary in order to understand the proper description of the physics.
Physics of Nanotube/Metal Contacts

The different contact geometries and the reduced dimensionality of nanotubes can have a strong effect on the contact behavior. In traditional contacts between metals and semiconductors, a body of experimental and theoretical work has shown that Fermi level pinning usually dominates the contact behavior, leading to Schottky barrier at the contact. The simplest model for the barrier height consists of the bare alignment of the metal Fermi level and the semiconductor bandgap, as illustrated in the schematic. In this model, the barrier height for electrons φ b 0 is given by the difference between the metal work function and the semiconductor electron affinity. The key difference between end-bonded nanotube/metal contacts and planar contacts is that, while the model for the induced charge due to metal-induced gap states (MIGS) still applies for the nanotube/metal contact, the MIGS charge takes the form of a dipole ring rather than a dipole sheet. This has a critical effect on the electrostatic potential and the resulting band-bending. While the electrostatic potential is a constant distance from a dipole sheet, it decays as the second power of distance from a dipole ring. Thus, in the nanotube contact, any potential shift near the interface will decay rapidly.
Design considerations for variable-rate digital signal processing

A variable-rate digital signal processor capable of processing samples with a variable sampling rate is discussed in this paper. The clock rate in the DSP tracks the input sampling rate. Compared to a fixed-rate DSP, the proposed one has a lower output data rate and thus consumes less power for computation. A reconstruction filter with a variable cutoff frequency is used to reconstruct the output. It is shown that the signal-to-noise ratio remains fixed when the sampling rate is changed.
On the barrier graph of an arrangement of ray sensors

Wireless sensor networks are commonly used to monitor various environmental conditions. Possible geometries for the region covered by a sensor include disks, wedges, and rays, among others, depending on the function of the sensor. In this paper we consider a network consisting of ray sensors deployed to detect intruders traversing a path, not necessarily straight, from a source to a destination . The coverage of the network with respect to and can be modeled by a tripartite graph, the barrier graph of the network. While all barrier graphs are tripartite, the converse is not true (for instance, C5 is not a barrier graph).The main result of this paper is a rigidity theorem on the structure of barrier graphs that results from constraints imposed by the geometry of the network. This allows us to show that almost all bipartite graphs are not barrier graphs, despite the fact that various classes of bipartite graphs, including trees, cycles of even length, and Km,n are barrier graphs. Furthermore, vertex cover of a barrier graph corresponds to a set of sensors whose removal allows a clear path from to . While all bipartite graphs with small vertex covers are barrier graphs (a fact we prove for sizes less than 4), the rigidity property also implies that graphs with vertex covers bigger than a certain constant are not barrier graphs.
Beta-lactam combination therapy for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus species bacteremia: A summary and appraisal of the evidence

Staphylococcal bacteremia and enterococcal bacteremia are prevalent in hospitalized or recently instrumented patients, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. They are often difficult to treat due to the pathogenicity of the organisms, poor response to antibiotics, and increasing development of multidrug resistance. Therefore, there has been increasing interest in combination therapy for the treatment of these infections. The aim of this review was to summarize and assess the evidence supporting combination beta-lactam therapy for both Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus species blood stream infections. Currently, there is promising in vitro data but little clinical evidence supporting combination beta-lactam therapy for this indication. Further clinical investigations are needed to elucidate the potential benefits of beta-lactam combination therapy over monotherapy for Gram-positive bacteremia, although combination therapy may be useful in refractory cases of bacteremia that do not respond to standard antibiotic therapy.
Abstract 21217: PTP1B is a Critical Mediator for Vascular Smooth Cell Proliferation in the Development of Pulmonary Hypertension in vivo and in vitro

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling that leads to right ventricular failure and death. In PH, vascular remodeling is driven by hyper-proliferat...
Conductance modulation in 2D materials by NEMS for lower-power applications

The increasing density in integrated circuits requires lower operating voltage to reduce the power density. However, MOSFET devices are limited to a subthreshold swing (SS) of 60 mV/dec which require an operating voltage of at least 360 mV in order to maintain an on/off ratio of ∼106. Novel devices (such as TFETs) have shown excellent SS below 60 mV/dec [1]. However a common problem is on/off ratios below 106 attributed to trap assisted leakage current [2]. Alternatively, nano-electro-mechanical system (NEMS) devices [3] offer excellent on/off ratios with very steep transitions. However, the adhesive force between the contacts is an issue and research has focused on using compressible materials and other coatings to counteract the force and improve reliability [4]. In recent years, transition-metal di-chalcogenides (TMDs) in the form of two dimensional (2D) layers have attracted much attention due to their electrical and mechanical properties. These materials are composed of a plane of transition metal atoms sandwiched between two planes of chalcogenide atoms giving rise a set of different material combinations with a variety of electrical and mechanical properties. One property of particular interest, and a focus of this work, is the change in band gap due to mechanical strain (deformation potential). For example MoS2 monolayers experimentally exhibit a ∼1.9% increase in bandgap when compressively strained by 1.9% [5]. Conversely, it is predicted that its bandgap will decrease to zero when subjected to 11% tensile strain [6]. TMDs can withstand a high degree of strain; for example, MoS2 has shown exceptional strength with a fracture point at 11% tensile strain [7]. Deformation potential has been explored for various applications including: flexible electronics, strain-engineered photovoltaics, and strain sensors.
Testing the water, challenging the narratives of sustainable development: student volunteer research promoting public health in rural Panama in the shadow of an "eco-playground"

This article describes challenges faced by a team of interns and students working for a not-for-profit sister company of a private U.S.-based land development company planning to build a "sustainable city" in the Panamanian forest. Testing the contaminated water of a nearby village, the team demonstrated that residents have been living with water-related illness. Despite the indifference and conflicting aims of the parent company, potentially impactful social capital connections were made. The author reflects on these efforts within the critique of student "voluntourism." He also explores the role of social media in the production of narratives of sustainable development within the context of a poorly regulated land market.
SkyLake-SP: A 14nm 28-Core xeon® processor

SkyLake-SP (Scalable Performance), code name SKX, is the next generation Xeon® server processor fabricated on the Intel® 14nm tri-gate CMOS technology with 11-metal layers [1,2]. The SKX processor family has three core-count configurations. Each SKX core is accompanied by 1MB of dedicated L2 (2nd level cache) and 1.375MB of non-exclusive L3 (3rd level cache). At its maximum configuration of 28 cores, the SKX processor supports 6 DDR4 channels (2666MT/s), 3×20-lanes UPI processor-to-processor links (10.4GT/s) and x48+4 PCIE links (8GT/s). SKX supports per-core power-performance optimization enabled by on-die integrated voltage regulators (FIVR) [3, 4]. A new 2-dimensional synchronous on-die MESH fabric interconnects all the on-die components. Fig. 2.1.1 shows the overall architecture of the SKX processor.
Neuropsychological Sequelae Associated with Occupational and Environmental Exposure to Chemicals

In the United States, with over 60,000 chemicals in commercial use, millions of people are exposed daily to neurotoxic compounds in occupational and environmental settings (Goetz, 1985). While many of these chemicals can be handled safely with minimal risk, numerous substances pose a threat to human health, especially if adequate precautions are not taken.
Overview of Protein Trafficking Mechanisms

The secretory and endocytic pathways in eukaryotic cells serve as major routes for protein transport out of and into the cell. Proteins enter the secretory pathway by translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum. Subsequent protein transport between organelles of the secretory pathway is mediated in large part by membranous carriers that bud from a donor organelle membrane then dock and fuse with the appropriate recipient organelle. Similarly, membrane-bounded carriers shuttle proteins through the endocytic pathway and also between the secretory and endocytic pathways. This chapter presents an overview of our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for critical stages of protein traffic through these pathways.
Expression of myoglobin in the transgenic mouse brain.

The main purpose of this study was to express human myoglobin in mouse brain neurons and investigate the effects of this expression on metabolism and blood flow using phosphorous (31P) NMR spectroscopy and NMR perfusion imaging. Transgenic mice expressing brain myoglobin were created using a cDNA sequence for human myoglobin placed under the transcriptional control of either a human platelet-derived grown factor polypeptide B (PDGF-B) promoter sequence or a rat neuron-specific enolase (NSE) promoter sequence. The presence of myoglobin having a functional, reduced-state, heme group was demonstrated by protein analysis and immunocytochemistry. Expression levels were highest in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. No gross morphological adaptations of neural tissue resulting from the expression were observed and no statistically significant differences in the energetic state, as measured by 31P NMR, or baseline cortical perfusion, as measured by an NMR perfusion imaging technique, were found.
Debt Forgiveness and Poverty Reduction: Some Thoughts from a Skeptical Supporter

In the previous article, Stephen Smith offers thoughtful arguments as to why “Christian teaching offers no support for unconditional debt forgiveness,” but rather supports “highly conditioned, prudentially-managed debt forgiveness.” In the brief thoughts that follow, I fully endorse Stephen’s core point, even as I disagree with him on some details of second-order importance. As appealing as the idea of debt forgiveness may be to the Christian - indeed to anyone espousing compassion for the poor - the connection between debt forgiveness and poverty reduction is loose at best. As I have argued previously, the case for debt forgiveness for the world’s poorest countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, remains both economically and ethically ambiguous
MCDA or preference-based social welfare functions?

Preference-based social welfare functions (pbSWF) perform better at reconciling competing personal and social goals than typical forms of MCDA. Its virtues are (a) its respect for people’s own judgments about the relative values of health, wealth, and other broad benefits within their lives (non-paternalism) and (b) its conformity with reasonable ethical axioms. Any discrepancy between an MCDA objective function and that implied by pbSWF suggests the former’s failure to respect non-paternalism and reasonable ethical principles. The pbSWF approach is implementable using micro-econometric evidence on personal preferences over health, wealth, and other broad benefits; and surveys of the general population or their representatives to ascertain the social acceptability of certain ethical axioms and the degree of inequality aversion.
Sex hormone replacement therapy for individuals with Turner syndrome.

Turner syndrome is a relatively common genetic condition resulting from absence of all or part of the second sex chromosome. Individuals with Turner syndrome commonly exhibit cardiovascular, endocrine, renal, reproductive, and/or psychosocial abnormalities, among other conditions. Most girls with Turner syndrome have hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and therefore need sex steroid hormonal replacement therapy. The optimal estrogen replacement treatment regimen to induce pubertal development is still being determined. The goals of the estrogen replacement are to mimic the normal physical and social development for timing and progression of puberty. Treatment should begin at 11-12 years of age, with dose increases every 6 months over a 2-3 year period. Initiation with low doses of estrogen is crucial to preserve growth potential. On the other hand, delaying estrogen replacement may be deleterious to bone and uterine health.
Desarrollo de la competencia sociolingüística por aprendices de español en un contexto de inmersión en el extranjero , by Francisco Salgado-Robles (2018)

Desarrollo de la competencia sociolinguistica por aprendices de espanol en un contexto de inmersion en el extranjero Francisco Salgado-Robles (2018) Bern: Peter Lang. Pp. 241 ISBN: 978-3-0343-2323-9