cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Final phase II trial results of Sorafenib plus Capecitabine (SorCape) in previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer.

e15035Background: Inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway through Raf has been shown to sensitize tumor cells resistant to chemotherapy. Sorafenib (Sor) is an oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) a...
Absolutely continuous invariant measures for non-autonomous dynamical systems

Abstract We consider the non-autonomous dynamical system { τ n } , where τ n is a continuous map X → X , and X is a compact metric space. We assume that { τ n } converges uniformly to τ. The inheritance of chaotic properties as well as topological entropy by τ from the sequence { τ n } has been studied in [4] , [5] , [10] , [13] , [17] . In [16] the generalization of SRB measures to non-autonomous systems has been considered. In this paper we study absolutely continuous invariant measures (acim) for non-autonomous systems. After generalizing the Krylov–Bogoliubov Theorem [7] and Straube's Theorem [14] to the non-autonomous setting, we prove that under certain conditions the limit map τ of a non-autonomous sequence of maps { τ n } with acims has an acim.
Impact of Building Loads on Cost Optimization Strategy for a Plug-in Electric Vehicle Operation

Sustainable transportation growth will require wide adoption of electric vehicles in the near future. While the Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) usually shares the same meter in a building, the overall energy cost typically increases due to absence of any optimal strategy. Smart EV charging strategies can help to reduce the energy cost. The amount of cost reduction largely depends on the integrated building load. This paper presents the impact of small and large building loads on an EV charging strategy for different Time of Use (TOU) energy rates of two different utilities. Both grid to vehicle (G2V) and vehicle to grid (V2G) operations have been studied with the goal to reduce the energy cost for a small building with less fluctuating loads and a large building with high fluctuating loads. Real time building loads of two buildings at the University of California Riverside and Nissan Leaf E-Plus EVs actual charging profile have been used in this simulation. Both operations have been examined with two different utilities' energy rates. Bidirectional operation always gives better results in comparison to the unidirectional operation in terms of cost. Large variation in electrical energy rate schedules results in higher percentages of savings for bidirectional operation regardless of the types of building loads.
Experimental and numerical characterization of mechanical properties of hemp fiber reinforced composites using multiscale analysis approach

Synthetic fibers are mainly considered as a source of reinforcement in many composites that have been studied so far. As a continuous effort is being made in the entire world to develop more sustainable products and systems, fibers obtained from natural sources (hemp, flax, jute, etc.) are being considered as substitutes to the synthetic fibers which are commonly used these days. In this study, the tensile, flexural and interlaminar shear strength properties of hemp fiber composites, bonded with an epoxy matrix, are characterized. Three-point bending tests were conducted on the hemp fiber composites and their failure modes were inspected using micrographs and documented. The short-beam shear method was utilized to investigate the interlaminar shear strength of these composites. Hemp fiber composites were found to have considerably lower flexural strength as compared to typical glass fiber/epoxy composites. Lastly, multiscale analyses were performed for the tensile case to predict the response of these composites by conducting simulations at fiber tows and matrix level rather than using typical finite element approach of homogenized properties at ply level with Altair’s multiscale designer software (MDS). In the multiscale macro-simulations, a unit cell with twill weave configuration was developed, and the response of the unit cell under tensile loadings was compared to the experiment results. Excellent Correlation was achieved between numerical and experimental results for unnotched tension/compression MDS macro-simulation. A parametric study was conducted to investigate the effect of fiber tow minor radius on the tensile response of the hemp/epoxy composites keeping rest of the geometric parameters of unit cell similar. The smaller minor tow radius predicted higher yield and ultimate strengths as compared to larger ones. A stochastic analysis was also performed to investigate the effects of variations in the geometric unit cell parameters on the young’s modulus of hemp/epoxy composite.
Digital Heritage and the Anthropocene: Media Use in Site-Specific Archaeological Installations in Lazio, Italy

With the advent of digital technology, emergent media such as smart tablets, immersive multi-projector installations, augmented reality, and virtual reality are increasingly integrated into museums...
Theta Phase Synchrony Is Sensitive to Corollary Discharge Abnormalities in Early Illness Schizophrenia but Not in the Psychosis Risk Syndrome.

Background Prior studies have shown that the auditory N1 event-related potential component elicited by self-generated vocalizations is reduced relative to played back vocalizations, putatively reflecting a corollary discharge mechanism. Schizophrenia patients and psychosis risk syndrome (PRS) youth show deficient N1 suppression during vocalization, consistent with corollary discharge dysfunction. Because N1 is an admixture of theta (4-7 Hz) power and phase synchrony, we examined their contributions to N1 suppression during vocalization, as well as their sensitivity, relative to N1, to corollary discharge dysfunction in schizophrenia and PRS individuals. Methods Theta phase and power values were extracted from electroencephalography data acquired from PRS youth (n = 71), early illness schizophrenia patients (ESZ; n = 84), and healthy controls (HCs; n = 103) as they said "ah" (Talk) and then listened to the playback of their vocalizations (Listen). A principal component analysis extracted theta intertrial coherence (ITC; phase consistency) and event-related spectral power, peaking in the N1 latency range. Talk-Listen suppression scores were analyzed. Results Talk-Listen suppression was greater for theta ITC (Cohen's d = 1.46) than for N1 in HC (d = 0.63). Both were deficient in ESZ, but only N1 suppression was deficient in PRS. When deprived of variance shared with theta ITC suppression, N1 suppression no longer differentiated ESZ and PRS individuals from HC. Deficits in theta ITC suppression were correlated with delusions (P = .007) in ESZ. Theta power suppression did not differentiate groups. Conclusions Theta ITC-suppression during vocalization is a more sensitive index of corollary discharge-mediated auditory cortical suppression than N1 suppression and is more sensitive to corollary discharge dysfunction in ESZ than in PRS individuals.
Anterior Chamber and Lens

The anterior segment of the eye describes the space bordered by the cornea anteriorly and the iris and lens posteriorly. This chapter reviews manifestations of trauma to the anterior segment, with a focus on diagnostic and management strategies for the pediatric patient. The chapter highlights subconjunctival hemorrhage, hyphema, traumatic iritis, iris sphincter tear, iridodialysis, cyclodialysis, traumatic cataract, and lens subluxation.
“Exit” vs. “Voice”: Global Sourcing, Multinational Production, and the China Trade Lobby

This paper examines the influence of three different forms of global economic engagement on the lobbying behavior of US businesses with regard to trade relations with China: (a) input sourcing; (b) downstream export; and (c) vertical foreign direct investment. It will be hypothesized that firms involved in all three forms of global economic activities should have incentives to lobby over China-related trade issues in order to maintain unimpeded access to sources of supply or markets and to ensure the smooth operation of the entire supply chain. Going further, drawing on the exit-voice framework developed by Albert Hirschman (1972), it will be argued that compared to firms in those industries mainly involved in input sourcing from China, American multinational corporations that have verticalized their production should have even stronger incentives to engage in lobbying activities and “voice” their policy preferences due to their greater “sunk costs” and hence the higher cost of “exit.” Statistical analysis of the China trade-related lobbying activities of US firms between 2006 and 2016 lends substantial support to these conjectures.
Abstract PS17-24: Inhibition of short-form ron eliminates breast cancer metastases through an immune-mediated mechanism

Metastatic breast cancer is the overwhelming cause of breast cancer mortality and is still incurable. The rapid development of immunotherapy is an exciting new area of research in metastatic breast cancer. However, the extreme immunosuppressive tumor environment poses a major challenge. A better understanding of how the immune system can be harnessed against metastatic cancer is required to improve patient outcomes. We previously showed that expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase Ron in the host, rather than Ron9s tumor expression, contributed to tumor-associated immunosuppression and duo inhibition of Ron and CTLA-4 significantly reduced metastatic outgrowth. However, the actual mechanism remains unclear. The present study provides evidence that the N-terminal truncated isoform, short-form Ron (SF-Ron), is the major contributor in suppressing the anti-tumor immune responses and promoting metastatic outgrowth. Genetic deletion of host SF-Ron nearly eliminated breast cancer metastasis in mice, lead to systemic immune-activation, increased recruitment of lymphocytes to the site of metastasis, and augmented tumor-specific T-cell responses. Lack of SF-Ron also leads to the accumulation of CD4+ T-cells in the metastatic lungs and endowed with anti-tumor potential. Importantly, mice treated with small molecule Ron kinase inhibitor that targets both Ron and SF-Ron, produced significantly higher, active, tumor-specific CD8+ T-cells. Our study indicates that blocking Ron, especially the SF-Ron, remodels the metastatic lung microenvironment to enhance anti-tumor immunity. This study sheds light on the potential non-redundant roles of full-length and SF-Ron isoforms in mediating breast cancer metastasis and anti-tumor immune responses; and highlights the relevance of combining Ron inhibitors with immunotherapeutic agents to potentially improve treatment efficacy for metastatic breast cancer patients. Citation Format: Shu-Chin Alicia Lai, Harika Gundlapalli, Huseyin A Ekiz, Alana L Welm. Inhibition of short-form ron eliminates breast cancer metastases through an immune-mediated mechanism [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS17-24.
A risk-based framework for assessing real-time lung cancer screening eligibility that incorporates life expectancy and past screening findings.

BACKGROUND Current lung cancer risk-based screening approaches use a single risk-threshold, disregard life-expectancy, and ignore past screening findings. We address these limitations with a comprehensive analytical framework, the individualized lung cancer screening decision (ENGAGE) tool that aims to optimize lung cancer screening for US ever-smokers under dynamic risk assessment by incorporating life expectancy and past screening findings over time. METHODS ENGAGE employs a partially observable Markov decision process framework that integrates published risk prediction and disease progression models, to dynamically assess the trade-off between the expected health benefits and harms associated with screening. ENGAGE evaluates lung cancer risk annually and provides real-time screening eligibility that maximizes the expected quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of ever-smokers. We compare ENGAGE against the 2013 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lung cancer screening guideline and single-threshold risk-based screening paradigms. RESULTS Compared with the 2013 USPSTF guidelines, ENGAGE expands screening coverage among ever-smokers (ENGAGE: 78%, USPSTF: 61%), while reducing the number of screening examinations per person (ENGAGE:10.43, USPSTF:12.07, P < .001), yields higher effectiveness in terms of increased lung cancer-specific mortality reduction (ENGAGE: 19%, USPSTF: 15%, P < .001) and improves screening efficiency (ENGAGE: 696, USPSTF: 819 screens per death avoided, P < .001). When compared against a single-threshold risk-based screening strategy, ENGAGE increases QALY requiring 30% fewer screens per death avoided (ENGAGE: 696, single-threshold: 889, P < .001), and reduces false positives by 40%. CONCLUSIONS ENGAGE provides a comprehensive framework for dynamic risk-based assessment of lung cancer screening eligibility by incorporating life expectancy and past screening findings that can serve to guide future policies on the effectiveness and efficiency of screening. LAY SUMMARY A novel decision-analytical screening framework was developed for lung cancer, the individualized lung cancer screening decision (ENGAGE) tool to provide personalized screening schedules for ever-smokers. ENGAGE captures the dynamic nature of lung cancer risk and incorporates life expectancy into the screening decision-making process. ENGAGE integrates past screening findings and changes in smoking behavior of individuals and provides informed screening decisions that outperform existing screening guidelines and single-threshold risk-based screening approaches. A personalized lung cancer screening program facilitated by a tool such as ENGAGE could enhance the efficiency of lung cancer screening.
Role of memantine in the prophylactic treatment of episodic migraine: A systematic review

Objective The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy and safety of memantine for the prophylactic treatment of episodic migraine. Background Migraine is a prevalent chronic disease with significant costs to the health care system. Although various prophylactic treatment options are available, these medications have limitations based on efficacy, potential side effects, and patient preference. Memantine is an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist used in dementia treatment that may have potential benefit for migraine prophylaxis. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases was conducted to identify relevant published studies through December 2020 using the search terms: migraine disorders, migraine, headache disorders, or headache and memantine. Studies selected for the systematic review included prospective, interventional designs and evaluated memantine for prophylaxis of migraine. Animal studies, case reports, abstracts, review articles, protocols without results, and studies not written in English were excluded. Data were extracted using a standardized systematic process and included author, publication date, study design, sample size, patient characteristics, treatment regimen, clinical efficacy outcomes, and adverse drug effects. Results Four articles were identified for inclusion representing two prospective open-label studies and two randomized, double-blind trials, evaluating 183 patients on memantine overall. A reduction in number of migraine days and headache severity were shown in all four studies in the participants treated with memantine. The most common adverse effects included somnolence, sedation, and nausea, none of which were severe. Conclusion The studies in this review establish that memantine has the potential for use as a treatment option for episodic migraine. Additional long-term studies using an active comparator would be useful to further elucidate its role.
A revised narrative of the May 18, 1980 Plinian eruption of Mount St. Helens: Changes in the conduit and magma supply

Abstract This compilation re-visits the May 18, 1980 Plinian eruption sequence of Mount St. Helens and correlates new and existing observations and measurements for a revised narrative of when and how eruption behavior changes occurred. It presents new observations of vesicle textures in white pumice and analyses of lithic materials that are correlated with observed eruption behavior. These and the compositional and seismic research by others provide constraints to a proposed process of how the conduit system was modified during the Plinian sequence. The eruption sequence is sub-divided into 3 periods interpreted to represent changes in magma supply and transport as a result of conduit changes. Based on observed pumice textures and composition, the microlite-free, white pumice in the earliest Plinian tephra is interpreted to have been emplaced in a poorly-interconnected, conduit system on or about May 16. The Morning period began with the landslide and lateral blast and initial conduit decompression. The early Plinian column then discharged conduit-resident, white pumice through an effective conduit of ≥20 m radius that produced small, irregular tephra clasts with abundant, small tubular vesicles. Small pyroclastic flows observed about 1010 h started the Transition period and the discharge of small batches of magma from the magma reservoir. Increasingly larger pumice clasts and large, coalesced vesicle textures are attributed to the increased ascent path from the magma reservoir and increased, average ascent rates that increased the rates and extent of bubble growth and coalescence. The eruption intensity that occurred at 1215 h is attributed to an increased magma supply through a modestly, improved conduit. The Afternoon period started at 1300 h as the vertical, eruption column dissipated. Episodic pyroclastic flows from collapsed fountains increased in volume until climax, as a preferred path in the complex, lower conduit was established. Lithic fragments comprise about 40% of deposits of the Pumice Plain and about 70% of the glass was lost as very-fine ash during emplacement. It is proposed that syn-eruptive conduit modification incrementally consolidated adjacent dikes and fractures, improved local interconnections among conduit segments, and removed the lithic debris, so that the conduit configuration was simplified and the effective conduit radius enlarged to ≥43 m during the Climactic phase. The Climactic phase after 1500 h resulted from full conduit interconnection, and magma supply and transport from deeper parts of the reservoir.
Use of Furosemide and Chlorothiazide Combination Continuous Infusion in Furosemide-Refractory Patients in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE Our objective was to describe the efficacy and safety of furosemide and chlorothiazide combination continuous infusion (FCCCI) in children in a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU), including postoperative cardiac patients. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study in a pediatric ICU within a tertiary care teaching hospital. Children aged < 18 years admitted from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019 were included if they received a furosemide infusion for at least 6 h and then transitioned to FCCCI. Each patient acted as their own control. RESULTS A total of 203 patients (107 [53%] postoperative cardiac) met the study inclusion criteria. The study population was 55% male and 74% Caucasian, with a median age of 4.9 months. Of the total patients, 143 (70.4%) required mechanical ventilation and 39 (19.2%) required dialysis. The median duration of furosemide and FCCCI was 24.6 h (interquartile range [IQR] 12.4-54) and 41 h (IQR 15-162), respectively. Urine output increased by 52% with FCCCI (mean increase of 2.2 mL/kg/h [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.8-2.5]; p < 0.01). The change to FCCCI led to a net negative daily fluid balance (mean difference - 301.9 mL/day [95% CI - 390.9 to - 212.9]; p < 0.01). FCCCI resulted in a greater requirement for potassium bolus supplementation (mean increase of 12.8 boluses [95% CI 8.5-17.2]; p < 0.01) and a small but statistically significant increase in serum creatinine (mean difference 0.1 mg/dL [95% CI 0.06-0.14]; p < 0.01) with a resultant decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (mean difference - 13.5 [95% CI 9.7-17.4]; p < 0.01). Of the furosemide-refractory patients, 78.9% were responsive to FCCCI. Younger patients and patients who underwent cardiothoracic surgery were more likely to be responsive. Nonresponders to FCCCI had slightly higher mortality (21 vs. 6.6%, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS FCCCI resulted in a significant improvement in diuresis with achievement of negative fluid balance in pediatric ICU patients. FCCCI is a reasonable approach to aggressive diuresis in the pediatric patient, particularly in patients with limited access. Serum potassium should be routinely monitored during such therapy.
Sustained Attention in the Mentally Retarded: The Vigilance Pradigm

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on monitoring abilities of mentally retarded children and adults with information extracted from the basic research that consider to be of critical importance for the successful design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of vigilance studies with the mentally handicapped. The chapter considers major psychophysical principles along with information regarding recent empirical advances and theoretical developments in the experimental psychology of sustained attention. A research program designed to explore more carefully the circumstances under which the vigilant behavior of mentally retarded and nonretarded monitors may differ might involve comparisons between the mentally retarded and their chronological age and mental age controls in terms of: (1) hemispheric specialization for vigilance, (2) the integration of redundant information from different sensory channels, (3) the formation of veridical temporal and spatial expectancies, (4) the ability to cope with the increased capacity demands of tasks featuring fast event rates, and ( 5 ) the ability to handle increasing sensory and/or cognitive complexity.
Laparoscopic gastric banding or gastric bypass for morbid obesity

The worldwide incidence of morbid obesity is rapidly increasing. When considering how to treat morbid obesity there are two surgical treatments—laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and gastric bypass—that go head to head. This Viewpoint examines the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and gastric bypass for achieving weight loss, and their ability to resolve comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Reward dominance and passive avoidance learning in adolescent psychopaths

This study tests predictions that adolescent psychopaths are hyperresponsive to rewards (Quay, 1988) and deficient in passive avoidance learning (Newman & Kosson, 1986). Forty male adolescent juvenile offenders were divided into psychopaths and nonpsychopaths using cluster analysis. Subjects were administered a passive avoidance learning task which required learning when to respond to cards associated with either reward or punishment. Results showed a greater responsivity to reward in psychopaths, with no group differences in passive avoidance errors. Results lend support to the view that psychopaths tend to focus on the prospect of reward under conditions of mixed incentives and, when sufficiently motivated, are capable of improved performance. Together with findings of recent psychophysiological studies, these results suggest that adolescent psychopaths may have latent abilities which could have treatment implications.
Simulating Interdiffusion Microstructures in Ni-Al-Cr Diffusion Couples : A Phase Field Approach Coupled with CALPHAD Database

Abstract We develop a method for phase field modeling of interdiffusion microstructures in Ni–Al–Cr by linking directly the free energy and mobility data to available databases by the CALPHAD method. Its applications are demonstrated for microstructural evolution in γ+β/γ and γ+β/γ+β diffusion couples.
STUDIES ON DIPLOID STRAINS OF DICTYOSTELIUM DISCOIDEUM

Ross, IAN K. (Yale U., New Haven, Conn.) Studies on diploid strains of Dictyostelium discoideum. Amer. Jour. Bot. 47(1): 54-59. Illus. 1960.-Three strains of Dictyostelium discoideum having the diploid number of chromosomes (14) at all stages of their life cycle were examined. No evidence of sexuality as shown by syngamy or meiosis was found in the diploid strains. Two of the diploid strains were unstable and reverted to the haploid type with 7 chromosomes. These haploid strains had a sexual phase in which syngamy and meiosis were observed. The nuclear
The Examined Life

Warren Nord's new book Does God Make a Difference? 1 is endlessly generous. In part, this is due to Nord's meticulousness. Many other authors on religion and education, myself included, focus on th...
Perception of Easy–Difficult: Attitude or Self-Efficacy?

This study investigates the semantic-differential item easy-difficult in order to evaluate whether it can be considered a measure of attitude or self-efficacy in relation to consistent condom use with sex partners. Using confirmatory factor analysis and comparing a set of logically nested models, our findings suggest that easy-difficult acts most like an attitude item in relation to this particular behavior, especially for males rating condom use with their main sex partners. However, for females and to a less extent males with nonmain sex partners, easy-difficult acts as a measure of both attitude and self-efficacy. Therefore, the use of easy-difficult items should be avoided or used with caution in this research context.
Afterglow Thermal Oxidation of Silicon Carbide

We report, for the first time, the growth of thermal oxides on silicon carbide at temperatures below 900 °C using a novel afterglow thermal reactor. Flowing afterglows of microwave plasmas have been used for decades to study fundamental chemical reactions and in recent years they are employed as rich atomic oxygen sources for one of the principal techniques of polymeric photoresist removal in IC plants around the globe. The advantage of afterglow generation of a high flux of reactive species is that microwave plasmas may be excited inside clean quartz tubing and further the plasma potential of such discharges is less than 10 electron volts, which is far below the sputtering threshold of most materials, lowering the chance of contamination. In our case, we have integrated an afterglow source with a vacuum furnace system. The substrates to be oxidized are placed in the hot zone of the furnace where they are exposed to the flowing afterglow at a pressure near 1 Torr. The afterglow chemistry generated from pure oxygen traveling through the source includes O 2 , atomic oxygen, and excited states of O 2 . All ions and electrons generated by the plasma source are confined to the microwave cavity limits and photons are excluded by trapping techniques. The wafers in the furnace are exposed to a rich chemistry of afterglow species that were generated by non-thermal means. The furnace temperature alone controls the chemical reaction between the afterglow species and the substrates. We present the results of oxide growth on 4H and 6H silicon carbide substrates over a range of temperature. An example result is over 200A of film grown at 800 °C in 2 hours. Atmospheric processing in O 2 at 1050 °C would require 14 hours to grow a similar thickness on SiC. Possible mechanisms and oxide properties will also be discussed.
The genetic organization of the mau gene cluster of the facultative autotroph Paracoccus denitrificans.

Summary The mau gene cluster from Paracoccus denitrificans was cloned. The regions of a cloned fragment carrying genes for the small and the large subunit of the methylamine dehydrogenase were identified and sequenced. Open reading frames for the MADH small subunit gene and the MADH large subunit gene were identified. Three other open reading frames coding polypeptides with unknown function were found in the sequence. The small subunit gene sequence data reveal that the MADH small subunit polypeptide from P.denitrificans has an unusual leader sequence and contains the tryptophan tryptophyl quinone cofactor. The MADH small subunit genes and the parts of the open reading frames found upstream of them in the genome of M. extorquens AM1 and P. denitrificans have considerable similarity. The sequence data have been used for refinement of the X-ray crystallographic structure of the MADH from P.denitrificans, and key conserved residues have been identified.
Reducing the Incidence of Incisional Hernias following Open Gastric Bypass Surgery

Abdominal wall hernias are a common complication following open gastric bypass (RYGBP) surgery. In an effort to reduce the incidence of incisional hernias with our form of open RYGBP, progressively smaller, upper midline epigastric incisions have been utilized along with permanent sutures. The purpose of this study is to analyze whether incision location, size and choice of suture material affect the incidence of incisional hernias following open RYGBP. Clinically evident incisional hernias and other wound complications and non-wound related complications were analyzed for 1,180 consecutive primary open proximal RYGBP procedures performed between August 2002 and June 2006. Progressively smaller, upper midline incisions were utilized during the time period of the study. Smaller incisions limited to the upper abdomen and approximated with permanent sutures were associated with significantly fewer hernias (P–lt;–.01), wound dehiscences (P–lt;–.03), eviscerations (P–lt;–.03) and wound infections (P–lt;–.03). Smaller incisions may also be associated with less postoperative discomfort. A reduction in incision size, the avoidance of the periumbilical region and the use of nonabsorbable sutures has significantly reduced the incidence of incisional hernias and acute fascial disruptions with our form of open RYGBP. These findings are consistent with LaPlace’s law regarding wall tension and vessel radius. In addition, we found smaller incisions to be associated with fewer infections and seromas and less postoperative discomfort. A reduction in incision size has not been associated with an increase in morbidity or mortality or changes in the operative time.
Implantation of Ti and N into soda lime glass to minimize solar load and reflectivity

Abstract Soda lime glass was given two types of implantations; Ti followed by N to doses up to 4.5 × 1017 cm−2 to reduce solar load and IR transmission, and Ti to doses of 8.2 × 1016 cm−2 to reduce reflectivity of visible light. Analysis of the Ti + N implant distributions by RBS and XPS revealed profiles which closely followed each other as designed by the selection of implant energies. XPS and X-ray diffraction also confirmed the existence of B1-type, cubic TiN phase at doses greater than 9 × 1016 cm−2. Optical measurements showed that the fraction of infrared radiation reflected can be increased by almost a factor of 4 compared to an increase of 1.8 in the visible region. The percentage of the total solar energy rejected reached 80% at the highest dose, indicating that the buried TiN layer is highly effective in reducing solar energy transmission. The reflection of light in the visible region can be decreased by up to 43% by implantation of 150 keV Ti+ to a dose of 8.2 × 1016 cm−2. The change is most effective at 0° incidence and increases with dose.
Dynamic embrittlement of boron-doped Ni3Al alloys at 600°C☆

Boron-doped Ni3Al alloys, with and without 0.5at.%Hf, were tensile tested in vacuum and in oxidizing environments at 600°C. Tensile ductility was found to be strongly dependent on test environment, with much lower ductilities observed in air than in vacuum. The loss in ductility is accompanied by a change in fracture mode from transgranular to intergranular. The severity of this environmental effect on elevated-temperature ductility is also affected by preoxidation in air as well as by the aluminum content of the aluminide. Tests of preoxidized specimens indicate that the embrittlement is due to a dynamic effect simultaneously involving localized stress concentrations, elevated temperature, and gaseous oxygen. The oxygen embrittlement becomes less severe with a decrease in aluminum concentration from 24 to 21 at.%.
CHANGES IN THE HUMAN A ANTIGEN OF ERYTHROCYTES WITH THE INDIVIDUAL'S AGE.

THE human A and B antigens on fœtal red cells are weaker than those on erythrocytes of adults and undergo marked quantitative changes during life. Reports describing these changes appeared in the literature as early as 1929. Morville1 stated that in most instances the A and B antigens seemed to have reached maximal strength by the time the child was four months of age. However, according to Thomsen and Kettel2, the strength of the antigens increased more slowly, and maximal values were not reached until 15–20 years of age, afterwards remaining constant. This view was challenged by Lodenkamper and Stienen3, who provided data indicating that the A and B antigens reach maximal strength at one or two years of age and remain at this level to 30–40 years of age; thereafter the strength of the antigens decreases and approaches zero. Obviously, these reports disagree with respect to the age at which the A and B antigens reach adult strength, and they also disagree as to the strength of these antigens in old age.
No place to hide: microclimates of Sonoran Desert Drosophila

Abstract 1. We characterized year-round microclimate conditions (temperature and humidity) in and around necrotic cacti of the Sonoran Desert of southwestern North America. Necrotic cacti serve as host plants for four endemic species of Drosophila. 2. Flies in the field were exposed to high and variable temperatures, sometimes ranging between 40°C in a single 24-h period. Habitat temperatures often exceeded thermal tolerance limits measured in the laboratory. 3. The air inside necroses was more humid than the air outside, but was often warmer during the day than outside air. Thus, air pockets within necroses do not provide a thermal refuge. 4. Necrotic tissues inhabited by Drosophila larvae reached temperatures in excess of 40°C, as did the moist soil in which one of the endemic Drosophila species undergoes larval and pupal development. 5. We conclude that high temperatures provide a significant environmental stress for Sonoran Desert Drosophila, at all developmental stages.
In-row tillage methods for subsoil amendment and starter fertilizer application to conservation-tilled grain sorghum

Abstract Acid subsoils and tillage pans limit crop yields on sandy soils of the Southern Coastal Plain of the United States. Studies were conducted for 3 years on two soils with acid subsoils and tillage pans to determine the effect of starter fertilizer (22 kg N, 10 kg P ha −1 and fluid lime (1350 kg ha −1 ) placement with in-row tillage methods on growth and yield of grain sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) grown in a conservation-tillage system. Fertilizer and lime were applied in factorial combinations in the in-row subsoil channel, in a narrow (4-mm) slit 18 cm below the tillage pan (slit-tillage), or 7 cm to the side of the row incorporated 7 cm deep. Slit-tillage was as effective as subsoiling in two of the four tests where plant growth and grain yield responded to deep tillage. Of the other two tests where there was a response to deep tillage, slit-tillage resulted in a 6% decrease in grain yield compared to subsoiling in one test, and an 8% yield increase in the other. Starter fertilizer placement was not critical, but response to starter fertilizer occurred only when deep tillage, either in-row subsoiling or slit-tillage, was used in conjunction with the fertilizer. Starter fertilizer consistently increased early-season plant growth; however, yield response to starter fertilizer was highly dependent on rainfall. Starter fertilizer application increased yield in only one of five tests. There was no benefit from injecting lime.
Vapor pressure and sublimation rate of molecular crystals: role of internal degrees of freedom.

It is a common practice to approximate the desorption rate of atoms from crystal surfaces with an expression of the form νeff exp(−ΔE/kBT), where ΔE is an activation barrier to desorb and νeff is a...
Some differences between phonetic and auditory modes of perception

When third-formant transitions are appropriately incorporated into an acoustic syllable, they provide critical support for the phonetic percepts we call [d] and [g], but when presented in isolation they are perceived as time-varying ‘chirps’. In the present experiment, both modes of perception were made available simultaneously by presenting the third-format transitions to one ear and the remainder of the acoustic syllable to the other. On the speech side of this duplex percept, where the transitions supported the perception of stop-vowel syllables, perception was categorical and influenced by the presence of a preposed [al] or [ar]. On the nonspeech side, where the same transitions were heard as ‘chirps’, perception was continuous and free of influence from the preposed syllables. As both differences occurred under conditions in which the acoustic input was constant, we should suppose that they reflect the different properties of auditory and phonetic modes of perception.
Endovascular versus open elephant trunk completion for extensive aortic disease.

Objectives To compare the outcomes between patients undergoing endovascular (EEC) or open (OEC) approaches to second-stage elephant trunk completion (EC). Methods From 1993 to 2010, 225 patients underwent second-stage EC (EEC, n = 92; OEC, n = 133). Propensity matching was performed for a fair comparison. Results The EEC patients were older, more likely to have atrial fibrillation, and had a smaller proximal aorta. The 30-day mortality was 6.2% (6.5% EEC vs 6% OEC, P = .88). No difference was found in bleeding (8.8%), stroke (3%), renal failure (4%), or spinal cord injury (4%); however, the OEC patients required tracheostomy more often (10 vs 1, P = .014). Survival after second-stage EC at 6 months and 1 and 5 years was 91%, 90%, and 77%, respectively. Survival and major morbidity did not differ after matching (44 pairs). However, the EEC group had shorter stays (9.9 ± 13 vs 13 ± 9 days, P P = .0001) than did the OEC group. This was maintained after matching. During follow-up, 32 endoleaks (3 type I, 27 type II, 2 type III) occurred; 26 (28%) EEC and 13 of 76 (17%) OEC patients underwent reoperation. The approach was not related to the risk of death in either hazard phase, but a larger descending diameter predicted a greater risk in the early phase. Conclusions Death and complications occur similarly after OEC or EEC. The early toll might be greater after OEC, at the cost of reintervention for EEC. EEC expands the options to older patients and allows for earlier completion. Second-stage repair should not be delayed, and all patients require lifelong imaging surveillance.
Steady-State Behavior in Children: A Method and Some Data.

Abstract A procedure was devised to enable studying children for enough sessions to warrant conclusions about steady-state behavior. The experiment was incorporated into the normal school routine by having access to the school locker serve as the reinforcing event. The locker opened when 10 lights came on, and the children then used the locker to store clothing and to obtain necessary materials. The onset of each light depended upon the completion of one of 2 schedules: a fixed-ratio schedule and either a fixedinterval or a differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate (DRL) schedule. Response rates were always high with the fixed-ratio schedule and low with the DRL schedule. The fixed-interval schedule generated rates identical to the fixed ratio until the child had experienced the DRL schedule. Fixed-interval rates then became low. The experiment continued for as many as 32 sessions and enabled observing stable behavior with no difficulty encountered in having children participate repeatedly.
Altered function and structure of the heart in dogs with chronic elevation in plasma norepinephrine.

BACKGROUNDWe have previously shown that chronic elevation of plasma norepinephrine leads to a functional independent increase in left ventricular weight. The goals of the present study were to determine quantitatively the component of the myocardium that accounted for the observed structural changes and to determine the function of the hypertrophied myocardium.METHODS AND RESULTSMongrel dogs were chronically instrumented for measurement of arterial and left ventricular pressures, left ventricular internal diameter, and left ventricular wall thickness. Subcutaneous osmotic pumps were implanted to release norepinephrine continuously for 28 days. Hemodynamics were measured with dogs in the quietly resting state and during infusions of isoproterenol at 0.1 and 0.5 micrograms/kg/min before and on days 14 and 28 during the infusion of norepinephrine. The hemodynamic response to 10 micrograms/kg phenylephrine, given as a bolus, was also assessed before norepinephrine and 28 days during the infusion of norepineph...
FAMILY AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS: A CYBERNETIC APPROACH

A systems approach to the family as a self‐regulating, goal‐directed system is developed. It is viewed in terms of socio‐legal boundaries delimiting certain role relationships and interactional patterns or action‐strategies, which are regulated by a hierarchy of steering principles and meta‐principles. Steering principles include adaptation, self‐regulation, control of interaction and morphogenesis, while meta‐principles include values, identity and meaning. The applicability of systems theory to family policy is discussed; its predictive possibilities should not be used to control, but to facilitate morphogenesis.
Lower critical dimensions of stochastic nonequilibrium ferromagnetic Ising systems.

The existence of ordered phases in stochastic Ising dynamical systems with short-range ``ferromagnetic'' interactions is discussed with the emphasis on open questions. Various examples of models are presented; some of these do and some others do not undergo positive temperature (i.e., nonzero noise) phase transitions in two and three dimensions. The examples suggest that such equilibrium notions as lower critical dimension may not be uniquely definable for these nonequilibrium systems. The existence of temporally periodic states is also briefly discussed.
Steric Stabilization of Silica Colloids in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Silica colloids were sterically stabilized in supercritical CO2 by end-grafting poly(1H,1H-dihydroperfluorooctyl methacrylate) (PFOMA) onto the particle surfaces. Turbidity versus time measurements were used to determine the CO2 density below which the colloids flocculated, that is, the critical flocculation density (CFD). The CFD was determined as a function of stabilizer molecular weight and temperature as the solvent density was lowered. All of the CFDs occurred above the upper critical solution density for the corresponding finite-molecular-weight stabilizer in bulk CO2 and corresponded more closely with the estimated ϑ density. The CFDs decreased (reflecting greater stability) when temperature was increased or the PFOMA molecular weight was decreased. The latter result suggests that, at lower solvent densities, the shorter chains experience better solvation and, hence, provide greater steric repulsion than the longer chains. For the stabilizers of highest molecular weight, the colloids become unstabl...
An experimental investigation of fines migration in porous media

Permeability decline in argillaceous sandstone formations has tendered a broad spectrum of explanations and related remedial treatments. This decline has often been attributed to the mobilization, migration, and plugging of fine particles in the formation pore spaces. While previous investigations have generally been directed toward either a chemical or a mechanical characterization of the damage mechanism, this experimental study was undertaken to comprehensively analyze both the chemical and the mechanical interactions. In linear core tests, the flow of a chemically compatible, wetting fluid resulted in severe permeability loss when the fluid velocity exceeded a critical value. The flow of a chemically incompatible, wetting fluid resulted in a total loss of permeability which exhibited no dependency on fluid velocity or volumetric throughput. Pretreatment of the core with a cationic polymer (clay stabilizer) prevented permeability damage due to chemical incompatibility. However, a cationic polymer pretreatment could not protect the core against damage caused by exceeding the critical velocity.
Conceptions and practices of extraordinary mathematics teachers

Abstract Four teachers were identified as “extraordinary“ teachers of mathematics. Data gathered from interviews, tests on content knowledge, discussions during a series of seminars, and one observation in each teacher's classroom were used in summarizing characteristics of these teachers under three headings: (a) their mathematical preparation and their content knowledge of mathematics: (b) their conceptions about mathematics, about learning, about teaching, about the roles of teachers and of students, and about the assessment of learning; and (c) their teaching practices. Within each of these three areas, many commonalities were found among these teachers. This article will describe these commonalities and make inferences about the conditions and support necessary for teachers to begin to adopt beliefs and practices necessary to sustain reform of school mathematics.
STUDIES IN THE DYNAMICS OF HISTOGENESIS : I. TENSION OF DIFFERENTIAL GROWTH AS A STIMULUS TO MYOGENESIS.

1. The region of most active mitosis per mm. of cross-section in the intestine is the entodermal epithelial tube. The mitotic figures primarily follow the path of a right-handed helix. In one of the twenty embryos the mitotic figures describe the path of a right-handed helix. 2. The region of least active or relatively passive growth per mm. of cross-section is the mesenchyme, derived from the splanchnic mesoderm surrounding the epithelial tube. 3. The rapid expansion, due to epithelial growth in a rotating spiral manner, of the intestinal lumen is greater than the activity manifest in the surrounding mesenchyme. This causes a pressure in the latter resulting in a flattening and elongation of the mesenchymal cells. The successive changes in shape of these cells through the spherical, ellipsoidal, and spindle cellular phases are seen. The mesenchymal wall decreases in thickness, due to tension caused by epithelial tubular dilation. 4. The rotating spiral growth of the epithelial cells causes the formation of a series of mesenchymal cellular and fibrillar concentric rings due to the centripetal force of the former. 5. The circular, smooth muscle cells are differentiated in the outer, more condensed margins of the ring. At these points the developing tensional stresses are greater than within the ring. 6. The inner circular smooth muscle coat is the first one differentiated and is incident to the rapid growth of the epithelial tube in diameter. The former soon tends to restrict the growth of the epithelial tube in diameter. The tube, pursuing the lines of least resistance, grows in length. During the period of rapid growth in length the outer longitudinal muscle coat is in the process of formation. 7. The tensional stresses to which the elongated strained mesenchymal cells are subjected appear to be a dynamic stimulus to smooth muscle differentiation. 8. From this study of a closely graded and progressive series of sections of intestinal development, the conclusion is drawn that muscle tissue is not self-differentiating, in the strict sense of the term, but that the tension of differential growth acts as the stimulus to smooth muscle differentiation.