cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atrial gradient as a potential predictor of atrial fibrillation.

Objectives We tested the utility and comparability of the atrial gradient and atrial ERP as early markers of electrical remodeling and a propensity to atrial fibrillation (AF). Background Pacing at physiologic rates from the left atrium alters the atrial gradient and is associated with atrial tachyarrhythmias. At these physiologic rates, there is no change in the atrial effective refractory period (ERP). Methods Sixty-one chronically instrumented mongrel dogs in complete heart block were paced from the left or right atrium at 400 to 900 bpm for 46 ± 3 days. Dogs were monitored weekly and electrophysiologic studies conducted to determine changes in the atrial gradient, ERP, and rhythm. Results Rapid atrial pacing was associated with concordant decreases in atrial gradient, ERP, and occurrence of AF. Incidence of AF increased with increasing pacing rate. Although there ultimately was an equal incidence of AF with left atrial and right atrial pacing, the onset of AF occurred earlier with left atrial pacing. As expected, ERP decreased in both atria. Animals with long control ERP did not fibrillate. Conclusions Rapid pacing induces changes in atrial gradient, which can be used as a noninvasive marker of electrical remodeling. AF is accompanied by decreases in atrial gradient and ERP, and the incidence is highest in dogs with short control ERP.
Rotronic Jahn-Teller effect for diatomic molecular impurities at cubic sites in ionic crystals

The theory of hindered rotation of diatomic molecular impurities at cubic sites in ionic crystals is generalized to account for the orbital degeneracy of the molecule, with use of a crystal-field approach. This theory explains the observed 110g orientations of the molecular axis, the orientations of the $\ensuremath{\pi}$ orbitals along either 110g or 100g axes, and the dominance of 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} tunneling in some cases, even using only the lowest-order term in the octahedral crystal field ($l=4$). It is shown that the coupling of the degenerate orbital to the rotation in the crystal field generates an instability if the molecular axis is parallel to a 111g direction, leading to a Jahn-Teller effect resulting from rotational-electronic (rotronic) coupling. Analytic expressions for the lowest branch of the adiabatic potential energy as a function of the orientation of the molecular axis are calculated for $\ensuremath{\Sigma}$, $\ensuremath{\Pi}$, and $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ states, and the orbital wave functions are determined for $\ensuremath{\Pi}$-state molecules. The case of a diatomic molecular impurity at a site of tetrahedral symmetry is discussed.
E-Discovery: What Future Business Leaders Need to Know

All businesses are subject to legal action. When a suit involves allegations of fraud, information contained in electronic documents may form the core of the suit, as it did during a number of successful suits against businesses in the early 2000s. Of equal importance, companies have been punished for intentionally destroying or spoiling or not disclosing electronic documents. This paper discusses how Federal legislation affects electronic discovery, and what professors and students need to know about electronic discovery. It also contains suggestions for how to integrate knowledge about e-discovery into a business information literacy curriculum.
Enhancement and Analysis of Science Question Level for Middle School Students

The effects of instruction and achievement on science question level for high and low science topic interests were investigated. Eight seventh-grade classes were randomly assigned to two treatments: instruction and no instruction on researchable questioning. Each student completed the Middle School Students' Science Topic Interest Rating Scale (test-retest reliability, r = .84); selected two topics in which she or he was least interested and two topics in which she or he was most interested; wrote questions for each topic; and took the Stanford Achievement Tests in reading, mathematics, and science. The questions were rated using the four levels described by the Middle School Students' Science Question Rating Scale (interrater reliability, r = .96). The scores for each question were averaged for two raters, then summed for each interest level for each student. The data were analyzed for main and interaction effects using general linear modeling procedures. Question level was modeled with one within-subjects factor (science topic interest) and four between-subjects factors (instruction and three achievement scores). The results indicate that students who received instruction outperformed those students who were not instructed; and high achievers in mathematics, reading, or science outperformed low achievers. There were no interaction effects. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 37: 210–224, 2000
Recurrent acute pericarditis: follow-up study of 31 patients.

Thirty-one patients with recurrent pericarditis were observed for periods of 2 to 19 years. Twenty-four had idiopathic pericarditis; four had postoperative or posttraumatic pericarditis, two had postinfarction pericarditis and one had recurrent pericarditis after anticoagulant-induced intrapericardial bleeding. In 24 patients (Group I), recurrences were documented by electrocardiographic changes, echocardiographic evidence of pericardial fluid or a pericardial rub as well as chest pain. In seven patients (Group II), recurrences were documented only by increased white blood cell count, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate or fever in addition to pain. In 19 patients, the duration of the active or recurrent process was 5 years or more; in 7, it was 8 years or more. Three patients had cardiac tamponade in the initial attack; none had tamponade during recurrences. No patient developed congestive heart failure, constrictive pericarditis or cardiac arrhythmias with recurrences. Immunoelectrophoresis showed normal findings or minor deviations in 11 patients studied; B cell and T cell lymphocyte counts were normal in 10 patients and showed minor deviations in 3. Antinuclear antibody studies were normal in 19 of 22 patients and positive in low titer in 2. Most patients required adrenal steroid therapy for pain relief, steroid withdrawal was often difficult. Pericardiectomy was done in nine patients; in only two was this followed by clear-cut relief. In this group of 31 patients, 22 of whom were observed for 5 years or more, recurrent attacks of chest pain were the only major disabling feature of their pericarditis.
Rational chebyshev spectral methods for unbounded solutions on an infinite interval using polynomial-growth special basis functions☆☆☆★

Abstract In the method of matched asymptotic expansions, one is often forced to compute solutions which grow as a polynomial in y as | y | → ∞. Similarly, the integral or repeated integral of a bounded function f ( y ) is generally unbounded also. The k th integral of a function f ( y ) solves . We describe a two-part algorithm for solving linear differential equations on y ϵ [−∞, ∞] where u ( y ) grows as a polynomial as | y | → ∞. First, perform an explicit, analytic transformation to a new unknown v so that v is bounded. Second, expand v as a rational Chebyshev series and apply a pseudospectral or Galerkin discretization. (For our examples, it is convenient to perform a preliminary step of splitting the problem into uncoupled equations for the parts of u which are symmetric and antisymmetric with respect to y = 0, but although this is very helpful when applicable, it is not necessary.) For the integral and interated integrals and for constant coefficient differential equations in general, the Galerkin matrices are banded with very low bandwidth. We derive an improvement on the “last coefficient error estimate” of the author's book which applies to series with a subgeometric rate of convergence, as is normally true of rational Chebyshev expansions.
Life Cycle Inventory of Refinery Products: Review and Comparison of Commercially Available Databases

Refinery products serve as the source for a significant portion of energy use and industrial chemicals. Assessing the variability and reliability of the life cycle inventory (LCI) data for the refinery process is an important issue for the acceptance of life cycle studies. The purpose of this research is to review and compare the LCI results for refinery products among several available databases, evaluating the level of variability and technical consistency among data sets. Another objective is to highlight the need for greater transparency and standardization in LCI databases. We found important links between the type or media of emissions and the unit processes found in typical refineries. The variability of estimated emissions to the atmosphere is approximately 50−150%, while variability in aqueous discharges is higher, approaching 1000%. Variability for solid emissions is on the order of 30%. This variability is believed to be related to the preparation and summary use of individual practitioner data...
A Military Contact Between Chinese and Romans in 36 B.C

One of the inost brilliant military exploits of the century was the famous expedition of Ch'en T'ang from Chinese Turkestan into Sogdiana in 36 B.C., to take the head of the Hun Shaui-yii (emperor) Chih-chih. This man had murdered a Chinese envoy, had fled to Sogdiana, and established his capital on the Talas River east of the Issyk Kul 1). Professor Duyvendak has translated the Chinese account of their attack upon that capital, and shown that this account was probably made from a series of paintings 2). He has furthermore published some random remarks of mine about that expedition 3). The present paper constitutes an appendix to Dr. Duyvendak's study and a correction of a statement I made in those remarks. The particular phrase I propose to study occurs in the description of the defenders at Chih-chih's capital. The Chinese account describes "more than a hundred foot-soldiers, lined up on either side of the gate in a fish-scale formation" 4). Now a "fish-scale formation
New Precursors for the Organometallic Chemical Vapor Deposition of Aluminum Nitride

Organometallic aluminum azides have been found to be effective precursors for the low temperature chemical vapor deposition of thin films of aluminum nitride. Quantitative analysis of the gas phase products of the reaction are used to develop an understanding of the reaction. Rate studies of the deposition were performed in the temperature range from 400 to 800°C. Below 525°C, an activation barrier of 26.4 kcal/mol was found, while above 525°C, a value of 5.23 kcal/mol was obtained. The effects of the presence of N-C bonds and the type of Al-N interaction within the precursor are evaluated.
Release of Potential Instability: Part II. The Mechanism of Convective/Mesoscale Interaction

Abstract In Part I the convective processes important during the release of potential instability were described qualitatively and evaluated quantitatively in a parameterized cumulus model within a primitive equation model. Part II includes a more detailed examination of convective/mesoscale interactions through a basic simulation experiment and tests under different physical conditions and with different computational grids. The cumulus model was documented in Part I and the primitive equation model is documented herein. The example, for which detailed dynamical fields are shown, began with 6 h of convective activity that developed a saturated neutrally buoyant mesoscale updraft which produced the bulk of the precipitation by 12 h into the integration. The potential instability process is readily understandable and verifiable in general terms by numerical simulation. Increasing moisture bandwidth or large-scale ascent results in a wider precipitation band. Permitting evaporation of convective precipitati...
Relationship between retinopathy severity, visual impairment and depression in persons with long-term type 1 diabetes

Purpose: Our aim was to investigate the proportion of individuals with depression and its association with diabetic retinopathy and visual impairment in a cohort with 25 or more years of type 1 diabetes.Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis at the 25-year follow-up of the population-based cohort of the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy. Examinations followed standardized protocols and included clinical and ophthalmic evaluations and questionnaires to assess current and past medical history, use of medications, and cigarette smoking. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was administered to all participants. Depression was defined as use of antidepressant or CES-D score ≥16.Results: A total of 484 individuals were included in the analysis. The proportion of depression was 37.8% (95% confidence interval 33.4-42.3%). A higher proportion of individuals with depression was observed among those with more severe diabetic retinopathy and visual impairment. Howeve...
Transient Response of Particle Distribution in a Chamber to Transient Particle Injection

We inject a large number of newly created nano-particle aggregates into a chamber for the purpose of removing harmful contents in an indoor environment. This study is to experimentally and numerically investigate transient response of particle distributions to particle injections. A room-sized chamber of 4 m × 2.1 m × 2.4 m is connected to a specially designed particle-injection system, with two Optical Particle Counters used to simultaneously measure particle-number densities with the size range from 0.3 μm to 10 μm at the inlet and in the chamber. A velocity probe measures the flow that is up to 1 m/s. An Euler-type particulate-phase-transport model is developed and validated by comparing with experimental data. The study shows that the transient behavior of particle distributions is determined by many factors, including particle size, particle settling speed, sampling location, and velocity distribution. Particle number densities decrease in time more quickly for large particles than for small particles, and locations farther downstream in the chamber correlate more weakly with the inlet injection.
Structure and stability of microvoids in A-Si:H

Microvoids appear to be universally present in a-Si:H as demonstrated by small angle X-ray scattering including the presence of microvoids in device quality glow discharge a-Si:H. We have studied the structural properties of these microvoids with molecular dynamics simulations. Using molecular dynamics simulations with classical potentials, we have created microvoids by removing Si and H atoms from a computer generated a-Si:H network. The internal surfaces of the microvoids were passivated with additional H atoms and the microvoids were fully relaxed. Microvoids over a limited range of sizes (5--90 missing atoms) were examined. We obtained a relaxed microvoid structure with no dangling bonds for a microvoid with 17 missing atoms, whereas other sizes examined produced less relaxed models with short H-H distances at the microvoid surface. The strains near the microvoid surface are described. The microvoid model was stable to local excitations on weak bonds in the vicinity of the microvoid.
Working with Laboratory Animals: General Principles and Practical Considerations

Laboratory animals play an indispensable role in research discovery and technological advances, and they will continue to yield basic, exciting, and prodigious information that can enrich the future of people and other animals. For both ethical and scientific reasons, all-individuals whose work requires the use of laboratory animals must take the time to conduct a thorough review of the literature to determine what animal models are available and which are the most relevant, and they must learn and understand the uniqueness of the selected species, breed, and strain. Scientists have the privilege, but not the right, to use animals as experimental subjects. This privilege must not be abused. Therefore, it is imperative that before working with any laboratory animal, you know your "subject."
Social and sociomathematical norms in an advanced undergraduate mathematics course

Abstract This paper extends analyses of social interaction patterns that have been successful at characterizing elementary and secondary school classrooms to the learning and teaching of undergraduate mathematics. Using data from a classroom teaching experiment in differential equations as an example, we document the social and sociomathematical norms regarding explanation and discuss how these norms were constituted in this specific case. We focus on the social norms that students explain their thinking and try to make sense of other students' thinking and, for first-order differential equations, we document the sociomathematical norm that explanations be grounded in an interpretation of the rates of change. The analysis makes explicit certain social aspects of classroom environments that contribute to the conditions that make meaningful learning of mathematics possible.
Objective but Not Impartial: Human Events, Barry Goldwater, and the Development of the “Liberal Media” in the Conservative Counter-Sphere

This article contends that we have little understanding of why the idea of the “liberal media” became an article of faith among conservatives. This study looks to the past by examining the construction of the “liberal media” in conservative thought to understand the present state of right-wing populism. The objective is not to determine whether the news media has a liberal bias, rather it is to understand the origins and development of this political and rhetorical project. It is argued that the liberal media critique was developed in the “conservative counter-sphere,” a public sphere for right-wing activists and thinkers. Based on a content analysis of the conservative publication Human Events from 1957–1965, this study finds that the presidential campaign of 1964, and the political actors and issues surrounding it, played a critical role in solidifying the right-wing critique of the liberal media.
Minimizing Frustration by Folding in an Aqueous Environment

Although life as we know it evolved in an aqueous medium, the properties of water are not completely understood. In this review, we focus on the role of water in guiding protein folding and stability. Specifically, we discuss the mechanisms of protein folding in an aqueous environment, the effects of water on the folding energy landscape as well as the transition state ensemble, and interactions of water with the folded state. We show that water cannot be viewed as a passive solvent, but rather, plays a very active role in the life of a protein.
Measurements of the kinetics of the OH + α-pinene and OH + β-pinene reactions at low pressure

The rate constants for the OH + α-pinene and OH + β-pinene reactions have been measured in 5 Torr of He using discharge-flow systems coupled with resonance fluorescence and laser-induced fluorescence detection of the OH radical. At room temperature, the measured effective bimolecular rate constant for the OH + α-pinene reaction was (6.08 ± 0.24) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. These results are in excellent agreement with previous absolute measurements of this rate constant, but are approximately 13% greater than the value currently recommended for atmospheric modeling. The measured effective bimolecular rate constant for the OH + β-pinene reaction at room temperature was (7.72 ± 0.44) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, in excellent agreement with previous measurements and current recommendations. Above 300 K, the effective bimolecular rate constants for these reactions display a negative temperature dependence suggesting that OH addition dominates the reaction mechanisms under these conditions. This negative temperature dependence is larger than that observed at higher pressures. The measured rate constants for the OH + α-pinene and OH + β-pinene reactions are in good agreement with established reactivity trends relating the rate constant for OH + alkene reactions with the ionization potential of the alkene when ab initio calculated energies for the highest occupied molecular orbital are used as surrogates for the ionization potentials for α- and β-pinene. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 300–308, 2002
Relationship between nonlinear properties of sacral skin blood flow oscillations and vasodilatory function in people at risk for pressure ulcers

Abstract The purposes of this study were to quantify the nonlinear properties of sacral skin blood flow oscillations (BFO) and to explore their relationships with impaired vasodilatory function in people at risk for pressure ulcers. A total of 25 people with various levels of vasodilatory functions were studied, 10 people with normal vasodilatory function (Biphasic thermal index, BTI (5.5, 4.5, 10.1)), 10 people with slight impaired vasodilatory function (BTI (3.7, 3.2, 6.7)), and 5 people with severe impaired vasodilation (BTI (2.4, 1.7, 4.5)). A non-painful fast heating protocol was applied to the sacral region to induce biphasic vasodilation, axon reflex mediated and nitric oxide mediated. Biphasic thermal index is defined as ratios of first peak, nadir, and second peak to baseline blood flow. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to record the BFO signals. Nonlinear properties of BFO were quantified based on self-similarity using Hurst exponent (HE) and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), regularity using sample entropy (SampEn), complexity using correlation dimension (CD), and chaotic behavior using largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE). The Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to examine the differences between groups. Our results showed that local heating reduces the self-similarity and increases complexity of skin blood flow oscillations. Vasodilatory function has an inverse relationship with nonlinear properties in sacral skin baseline BFO. Nonlinear indexes, including HE, DFA, CD, and LLE, are appropriate tools to quantify nonlinear properties of BFO to study the microvascular dysfunction ( p p > 0.05). Our study supports the use of nonlinear indexes to predict the vasodilatory function, which can complement current analysis of blood flow control mechanisms using spectral (wavelet) analysis.
Comparative analysis of flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction for the detection of minimal residual disease in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is an independent prognostic factor in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The most widely applied MRD assays in ALL are flow cytometric identification of leukemia immunophenotypes and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of antigen-receptor genes. We measured MRD by both assays in 227 patients with childhood B-lineage ALL. Of 1375 samples (736 bone marrow and 639 peripheral blood) examined, MRD was or =0.01% in 129 by both assays; MRD levels measured by the two methods correlated well. Of the remaining 46 samples, 28 had MRD > or =0.01% by flow cytometry but or =0.01% by PCR but <0.01% by flow cytometry. In nine of these samples, flow cytometry had a sensitivity of 0.001%, and detected aberrant immunophenotypes in eight samples. Therefore, the two most widely used methods for MRD detection in ALL yield concordant results in the vast majority of cases, although the estimated levels of MRD may vary in some. The use of the two methods in tandem ensures MRD monitoring in all patients.
Spliced and unspliced messenger RNAs synthesized from cloned influenza virus M DNA in an SV40 vector: Expression of the influenza virus membrane protein (M1)

Abstract To investigate the splicing potential of influenza virus mRNAs derived from virion RNA segment 7, which codes for the viral M proteins, RNA segment 7 was cloned (M DNA) into a simian virus 40 vector (SV40-M) using the SV40 late region promoter and control sequences. Sizing and nuclease S1 analysis of mRNAs showed that both interrupted and uninterrupted mRNAs containing influenza virus M sequences are synthesized in cells infected with the vector. The uninterrupted SV40-M mRNA, which contains the coding region for influenza virus M 1 protein, can be translated to yield authentic M 1 protein. The nucleotide sequences found at the junctions of the interrupted mRNA are identical to those found for a mRNA (M mRNA 3 ) derived from influenza virus RNA segment 7 that is found in influenza virus infected cells. These data therefore indicate that influenza virus mRNA synthesized from RNA segment 7 can be spliced by the host cell and eliminate other possibilities involving “transcriptional jumping.” Analysis of the mRNAs containing M sequences derived from the SV40-M vector has shown that there is a similarity between the 5′ ends of spliced and unspliced mRNAs.
Changing concepts of islet cell dysplasia in neonatal and infantile hyperinsulinism.

Neonatal and infantile hypoglycemia due to insulin excess has been associated with a spectrum of anatomic changes, i.e., nesidioblastosis, endocrine cell dysplasia, islet cell hyperplasia, and adenomatosis. The mechanism of hyperinsulinemia in these patients has been attributed to: (a) an increase in islet cell mass, (b) abnormal islet cell architecture with alternation in paracrine function, (c) imbalance of alpha, beta, and delta cell secretion, and (d) a regulatory defect of insulin secretion. Morphometric, immunocytochemical, and electron microscopy studies have not substantiated an increase in endocrine cell mass in many patients. Nesidioblastosis is believed to be a normal phase of fetal development of the pancreas rather than a pathologic entity. A regulatory defect in insulin storage and release is the best explanation of hyperinsulinism in these patients.
A Bayes approach to simultaneous evaluation of similar assemblies

Simultaneous qualification testing of similar electronic-assembly designs that have the same reliability objectives lends itself to a Bayes approach. The author presents a method for obtaining the number of units to be put on test (test units) and the number of survivors required for this problem. The Bayes approach can reduce the total number of test units. The similarity of any two assemblies can be qualified using projected failure rates of components common to each design and components that differ between them. Under binomial sampling, survival probabilities follow the conjugate beta distribution. Two systems of linear equations are developed. Their solutions are vectors that describe, for each design: (1) the number of test units, and (2) the minimum number of survivors to demonstrate the reliability objective. >
Characterization of whole coals by 13C CP/MAS spectroscopy at high field

Abstract Solid-state 50-MHz 13C spectra essentially free of spinning sidebands have been constructed for three bituminous coals by the addition of echo spectra having phase-altered spinning sidebands (PASS). The echo spectra are produced by a modified version of the Dixon pulse sequence. Quantitative analysis of the aromatic carbon content (fa) from PASS spectra for the three coals compares favourably with results obtained by other methods. Values of fa are found in the range 0.69–0.73. Removal of the unwanted spinning bands allows absorptions for specific structural units present in the coals to be distinguished and assigned. Spectra show an upfield shoulder at 13–15 ppm, and moderately intense absorptions at 20–24 ppm and ≈30 ppm which are characteristic of several aliphatic structures in different steric environments. In addition to the main aromatic band at ≈120 ppm, absorptions for substituted aromatic carbons appear at ≈140 and ≈155 ppm. Less intense signals from several carbonyl functional groups (160–190 ppm) and oxygen- and nitrogen-substituted aliphatic groups (50–90 ppm) are also present.
Abstract C143: Expression profiles of miRNA, FFPE, and nonamplified samples for diagnostic tests using a supersensitive microarray

We have developed a novel gene expression microarray system, 3D-Gene™, featuring micro‐columnar structure on the platform made of black resin and micro‐bead agitation for efficient hybridization. With these technological characteristics, 3D‐Gene™ achieves dramatic reduction of background noise, exceptionally high sensitivity and reproducibility, and high correlation with qRT‐PCR methodology particularly for genes with low expression. In addition to the general high performance, however, the medical devices in clinical settings must be versatile for a variety of biomarker types as well as sample types. Employing this microarray, we further developed a highly sensitive system to detect attomole‐level miRNA which is reported to be a novel biomarker for some cancers. Moreover, we were able to detect gene profiles reproducibly and accurately from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue which is known to be stored worldwide in a large number for retrospective studies. Finally, we developed a RNA sample preparation protocol with no amplification process, resulting in a quick and cost‐effective protocol with high accuracy. Taken together, we developed systems for gene expression detection using a high performance microarray suitable for a wide range of clinical applications. 3D‐Gene™ could be a powerful tool for drug target discovery and clinical diagnostic for various diseases. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):C143.
Gastric fundoplication is effective in promoting weight gain in children with severe congenital heart defects.

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to determine outcomes, including weight gain, morbidity, and mortality, of children with severe congenital heart disease who underwent fundoplication (FP) for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Methods An institutional review board–approved retrospective review was conducted on all children with congenital heart disease who underwent FP from 1999 to 2005. Preoperative age, weight, cardiac procedures, postoperative weight, and mortality were extracted from medical records. The Wilcoxon signed rank, Wilcoxon rank sum, and log-rank tests were used; P value less than .05 was significant. All procedures were performed with dedicated cardiac anesthesia personnel with recovery in a cardiac intensive care unit. Results Of 112 subjects identified, 37 (33%) had single ventricle (SV) physiology. The most frequent cardiac procedures performed were Norwood (33), pulmonary artery band (11), and systemic pulmonary artery shunt (11). A total of 104 laparoscopic FPs (with 2 conversions to open) and 8 open FPs were performed. The median preoperative age was 3 months, and weight percentile was 1.5%. From baseline, postoperative median weight percentiles increased to 4% at 3 months ( P P = .004). Single ventricle physiology had no significant effect on outcomes. Postoperative mortality (≤30 days) was 4.5% (5/112); 5-year survival was 74% (83/112). Five-year survival of SV subjects (59%) was significantly lower ( P = .03) than that of the other subjects (81%). No significant difference in survival was seen between SV subjects with FP and all SV patients seen at our center during the study period. Only one death was directly related to antireflux surgery (SV subject). There were 8 patients who had recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease: 4 were treated with reoperation, and 4 were treated medically. Conclusion Weight gain in this high-risk population can be expected after antireflux surgery. Mortality is high because of intrinsic disease, especially in the SV population. Fundoplications performed with the assistance of dedicated pediatric cardiac anesthesia personnel followed by recovery in a cardiac intensive care unit is possible with acceptable postoperative morbidity and mortality.
Motion of the Earth's Fluid Core: A Geophysical Problem

The earth's core may be assumed to have a very low viscosity, such as is characteristic of molten metals. The angular acceleration of the earth is sufficiently large, and the radius of the core is sufficiently great, to raise the question whether the rotation of the central part of the core lags appreciably behind the rotation of the solid mantle. The angular acceleration of the mantle, which is known astronomically, consists of a gradual deceleration and a more pronounced change of direction of the angular velocity, the 27,000-year precession. These two aspects are discussed separately. Three types of force might accelerate the core, viscous force in laminar flow, resistance caused by turbulent flow, and the force of induction associated with the earth's magnetic field. The viscous force is so weak that the interior would be practically unaccelerated if the flow were laminar, and the magnetic induction is expected to be weak enough to permit a large lag between the rotation of the mantle and interior of the core. But the core is so large that the flow should be turbulent. Reasonable assumptions on the nature of the flow in this case, based on empirical data on turbulence near a flat boundary, are used to estimate the lag. It is concluded that the axis of rotation of the interior of the core may be expected to lag behind the axis of the mantle in the precession by an angle of the order of magnitude of a few degrees. Apartfrom the superposed eddies, points rather near the surface of the core would then move relative to the mantle around horizontal closed paths, approximately a hundred kilometers across, with a period of a day. This would cause a diurnal variation of the earth's magnetism much larger than observed if it were not for the shielding of metallic layers above the core.
Clinical activity of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors in solid tumors

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)–Akt–mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is vital for cell metabolism, growth, and proliferation. mTOR is frequently upregulated in many tumor types and hence has become an important target in cancer treatment. Sirolimus and its derivatives (rapalogs) interact with the intracellular receptor FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12), forming a complex with high affinity for mTOR and thus disrupting its activity. Rapalogs are being evaluated extensively in cancer patients with different formulations and schedules. Significant clinical activity has led to their approval for the treatment of kidney cancer, mantle cell lymphoma, and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma; however, despite increasing knowledge about cancer cell biology, their activity in other malignancies is unclear. Further research is needed to identify optimal dosage, administration and targeted combination as well as the subset of patients likely to respond to mTOR/PI3K inhibition. This review focuses on a discussion of the pathway, its implications in cancer biology and results of clinical trials of rapalogs alone or in combination, organizing them by common malignancy type.
Analysis of direct three-dimensional image transmission through optical fibers by the use of coherence methods

The use of a grating interferometer under spatially incoherent illumination for direct three-dimensional image transmission through optical fibers is analyzed. The issues of resolution, image depth, and signal-to-noise ratio are addressed. Experimental results are presented.
Observation on the direct effect of digoxin on renal excretion of sodium and water

Abstract Digoxin was injected into the left renal artery of nine normal dogs and one dog in congestive heart failure resulting from experimental mitral stenosis. A placebo consisting of the Digoxin vehicle was injected into the left renal artery of five normal dogs. Mercurial diuretics were injected into the left renal artery of two normal dogs. A direct naturetic and diuretic effect of Digoxin on the kidney was demonstrated. A comparison of the renal action of Digoxin and mercurial diuretics was discussed.
Obesity and insulin resistance: Effects on cardiac structure, function, and substrate metabolism

It is widely recognized that obesity and insulin resistance can contribute to an increased risk of coronary disease, but it has also become increasingly apparent that they may contribute directly to cardiac dysfunction even in the absence of significant coronary disease. Recently, obesity, which is frequently accompanied by insulin resistance, has been independently related to clinically diagnosed heart failure. Thus, there is renewed interest in the pathophysiology of myocardial disease related to obesity and insulin resistance, as well as in the specific cellular mechanisms by which obesity may cause detrimental cardiac structural and functional changes. Alterations in hemodynamics, plasma volume, neurohormonal status, and myocardial substrate metabolism all appear to contribute to these changes. Improving our understanding of cardiac dysfunction related to obesity and insulin resistance may provide clues for new strategies to prevent and treat this alarmingly prevalent condition.
Swaps as a Synthetic Asset Class

As an alternative to investing in fixed-rate assets such as corporate bonds, investors may create synthetic fixed-rate assets by receiving fixed in a swap and investing cash in short-duration floating-rate assets. The interest rate swaps market has grown exponentially in the last decade, and is currently one of the most liquid markets in the world. Synthetic assets offer superior liquidity and diversification from issuer-specific risk, and have outperformed most other asset classes over the last two years.
Pyramidal neurons with ectopic dendrites in storage diseases exhibit increased GM2 ganglioside immunoreactivity

Cortical pyramidal neurons in several types of neuronal storage diseases have been shown by Golgi staining to sprout axon hillock-associated dendritic processes. Based on the relative incidence of this ectopic dendritogenesis, and on quantitative analyses of gangliosides in these same tissues, it has been proposed that abnormal accumulation of a specific metabolic product, GM2 ganglioside, is the pivotal event leading to re-initiation of dendritic sprouting [Siegel D. A. Walkley S.U. (1994) J. Neurochem. 62, 1852-1862]. In the present study, a monoclonal antibody was used to determine the cellular location of this ganglioside within the cerebral cortex of animal models of storage diseases with and without ectopic dendrite growth. Diseases exhibiting ectopic dendritogenesis included inherited and swainsonine-induced (juvenile-onset) alpha-mannosidosis, mucopolysaccharidosis type I, Niemann-Pick disease type C, and GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis. Conditions lacking ectopic dendrite growth included adult-onset swainsonine-induced alpha-mannosidosis, fucosidosis, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease) and normal, mature brain. Immunocytochemical staining for GM2 ganglioside indicated that diseases exhibiting new dendritic sprouting with the exception of GM1 gangliosidosis, exhibited abundant GM2-like immunoreactivity within the cortical pyramidal cell population, whereas diseases without dendritic sprouting had GM2-like immunoreactivity limited to glia and/or to non-pyramidal neurons. Cortical tissues from normal animals at comparable ages and processed by similar procedures exhibited occasional glial cell staining but little or no neuronal labelling. Mechanisms by which normal cortical pyramidal regulate dendritic initiation are poorly understood. However, it is known that this event is developmentally restricted, occurring only during early brain development.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Protein and energy self-selection of turkey hens. Serum prolactin and luteinizing hormone concentrations.

1. The incidence of broodiness was four times as high among turkey hens fed a complete control diet than among hens allowed to self-select their diet from two different feed sources, one being relatively high in protein and the other relatively high in energy (i.e. split-diet). 2. Among non-broody birds, hens fed the split-diet had a significantly lower serum prolactin concentration in the third month of production as compared to control hens. 3. Hens in their second season of egg production had significantly lower serum luteinizing hormone concentrations during the latter stages of egg production than did first season hens.
Peruvian Female Sex Workers’ Ethical Perspectives on Their Participation in an HPV Vaccine Clinical Trial

This study examined female sex workers' evaluation of ethically relevant experiences of participating in an HPV4 vaccine clinical trial conducted in Lima, Peru (the Sunflower Study). The Sunflower Study provided all participants with HPV testing, treatment for those testing positive, and access to the vaccine for all testing negative. Themes that emerged from content analysis of interviews with 16 former participants included the importance of respectful treatment and access to healthcare not otherwise available and concerns about privacy protections, the potential for HIV stigma, and poststudy abandonment.
Actin Filament Nucleation: Structure-Function Relationships

The actin cytoskeleton is intimately involved in most cellular functions, including cell motility, endo/exocytosis and intracellular trafficking. These processes are characterized by rapid oscillations of actin polymerization/depolymerization under tight temporal and spatial regulation. Hundreds of G- and F-actin-binding proteins, along with signaling and scaffolding proteins regulate the assembly of actin networks. Among these proteins, filament nucleators play a critical role by determining the time and location for actin polymerization, as well as the specific structures of the actin networks that they generate. Eukaryotic cells and certain pathogens use filament nucleators to stabilize actin nuclei (small oligomers of 2-4 actin subunits), whose formation is rate-limiting. Known filament nucleators include the Arp2/3 complex and its large family of Nucleation Promoting Factors (NPFs), Formins, Spire, Cobl, Lmod, VopL/VopF and TARP. Structural and functional studies are beginning to shed light on the diverse mechanisms used by these molecules to stabilize actin nuclei. Thus, with the exception of Formins known filament nucleators use the WASP-Homology 2 domain (WH2 or W), a small and versatile actin-binding motif, for interaction with actin. A common architecture, found in Spire, Cobl and VopL/VopF, consists of tandem W domains that bind three to four actin subunits to form a nucleus. Structural considerations suggest that NPFs-Arp2/3 complex can also be viewed as a specialized form of tandem W-based nucleator. The nucleation activities of these proteins vary significantly, and the most effective nucleators are not necessarily those with the largest number of W domains. We show that the inter-W linkers play a critical role in determining the nucleation activities of filament nucleators and the structures of the actin nuclei that they generate. Furthermore, we present evidence that a previously neglected factor, oligomerization, is a major determinant of filament nucleation activity and nuclei structure.
Progress update on the visible light laser guidestar experiments at Lick Observatory

We present an update on the Visible Light Laser Guidestar Experiments ViLLaGEs) taking place at the Lick Observatory. The goal of phase one of these experiments is to demonstrate the practical feasibility of using MEMS deformable mirrors in astronomical adaptive optics systems, including the use of open-loop wavefront sensing and control. The goal of phase two is to incorporate a laser guide star and demonstrate laser up-link correction, again using a MEMS deformable mirror running in open-loop. The overall set of experiments is designed to demonstrate these and various other new concepts leading to feasible and low-cost laser guidestar adaptive optics that can be used for science observing in the visible wavelength bands.
A pair of stream functions for three-dimensional vortex flows

Introducing a vector potential, that is based on a pair of stream functions, and a velocity potential, antisymmetric equations for the stream functions are derived with the help of a variational principle. It is found that the equations are in a suitable form to investigate flows with helical symmetry, and, for example, to connect upstream axisymmetric flows with downstream helical flows. The special case of a transition from an upstream solid-body vortex to a downstream helical flow is investigated in detail. Furthermore, the stream-function equations are particularly useful to investigate general small-amplitude inertia waves on vortex flows. Time-dependent helical flows that are time-independent in a suitably rotating frame of reference can also be discussed with the proposed method.
TMCP Steels for Offshore Structures

Steelmakers have developed and improved new processes for making low-carbon, low-impurity, high-strength steel plates with high toughness and improved weldability at low cost. This general type of steel is described in the new API 2W steel specification. This new API specification was developed to take advantage of the new technology of steelmaking. The use of these steels, referred to as Thermomechanical Control Process (TMCO) steels, can be an effective cost-saving means for fabrication of offshore structures. This report describes the characteristics of the TMCP steels. These steels can be expected to provide improved weldability, greater strength, and toughness than conventional carbon manganese normalised steels at the same or lower cost.
The determinants of investment in new technology: An examination of alternative hypotheses

Abstract This article evaluates and finds support for the hypothesis that innovative activity undertaken by firms, as measured by the level of investments in new technology, is a positive function of micro-market pressures that they face from potential competitors. The empirical context studies is a cross-sectional sample of 40 firms that make up the principal portion of the local operating sector of the U.S. telecommunications industry. Firm size and potential market power are both found to be insignificant but negative, thus not validating two hypotheses much researched in the literature that innovative activity is a positive function of firm size and potential market power. Demand-growth and imitation effects are also controlled in the model and are found positively to induce investment in new technology.
Strategies for improving services for the chronic mentally ill.

A central goal of policies aimed at improving care of the chronic mentally ill is better service coordination and integration. The author examines four current policy strategies—continuous care teams, local mental health authorities, integrated entitlement programs, and capitation payment systems—and discusses their incorporation in four model programs of integrated services. The programs differ in the degree to which they attempt to direct service coordination at the patient level, but all four programs have created local mental health authorities to oversee services. The success of any of the policy strategies depends on a system's capacity not only to regulate services but to ensure that presumed incentives to deliver cost-effective services filter down to well-trained and motivated front-line staff.
Advanced surveying and geodesy in the curricula of engineering colleges today

For some time I have been interested in a study of the place of surveying in its different branches in the curricula of American colleges and universities, particularly as it is taught to students in civil engineering. About two years ago, I examined the catalogues of a large number of the principal engineering schools and made a tabulation of the number of credit hours devoted to surveying. It was found that there is a great variation in the names of the courses, in the subject-matter covered, and in the distribution of it throughout the curricula. In spite of this variation we may consider that most of the courses offered might have been entitled by one of the following designations, or by what I might call type-names for courses: Elementary surveying; advanced surveying; topographical drawing; route surveying; practical astronomy; least squares; geodesy; photographic surveying; and summer survey.