cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Latino Students and Anglo-Mainstream Instructors: A Study of Classroom Communication:

A study using ethnographic techniques was carried out to observe and analyze communication patterns of two Latina students. The reason for conducting this study is that Latinos are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. With the increasing Latino population, one would assume that we would see a corresponding increase of Latino students entering and completing college. Yet this is not true. Latino students drop out of high school at an alarming rate and this trend continues into college. A factor that may be contributing to this high dropout rate is that little is known about how differences in language use affect Latino students in the classroom. This analysis provides a basis for evaluating communication patterns and communication breakdowns in a classroom setting. And it provides an assessment of whether these communication breakdowns have any bearing on the poor performance of Latino students and other minority students in composition classes at the college level.
A comparison of morphine administered by patient-controlled analgesia and regularly scheduled intramuscular injection in severe, postoperative pain

Abstract A controlled study of the comparative efficacy and side effects of morphine sulfate analgesia administered by intramuscular injections every four hours v intravenous administration on demand by use of a patient-controled analgesia (PCA) pump (Harvard PCA prototype) is described. Half of the 30 study patients underwent colectomy with ileoanal pullthrough surgery and the other half fusion of Harington Rods to their spinal columns. The study patients' ages ranged from 18 to 51 years. No significant differences were demonstrated in the patients' own reports of pain or their nurses' reports of patient discomfort every four hours for the 48 hours postoperatively. There were no significant differences in the mean doses of morphine used or the patients' or nurses' reports of sedation or nausea secondary to the opiate. Both nurses and patients subjectively liked PCA, but little objective advantage of PCA over regularly scheduled intramuscular opiate for 48 hours postoperatively was demonstrated.
Hypoglycemia: the price of intensive insulin therapy for pregnant women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To evaluate the risk of hypoglycemia associated with intensive insulin therapy of type I diabetes during pregnancy. Methods: Eighty-four women with type I diabetes were recruited before 9 weeks' gestation and received intensive insulin therapy throughout pregnancy. Patients monitored glucose concentrations with memory glucometers, and insulin dosages were adjusted weekly accordingly. A detailed history of clinical hypoglycemic events was obtained at each weekly clinic visit. Results: Clinically significant hypoglycemia requiring assistance from another person occurred in 71% of pregnant patients, with a peak incidence between 10–15 weeks. Severe hypoglycemia during the early weeks of embryogenesis was not associated with an increase in embryopathy. Glycemic control was similar in women with or without recurrent hypoglycemia, but glucose fluctuations were significantly greater in hypoglycemic women. Conclusion: Severe hypoglycemia is a significant maternal risk associated with intensive insulin therapy of pregnant women with type I diabetes. In women with recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia, the clear benefits of strict glycemic control must be weighed against the hazards of hypoglycemia.
Displacement of carbohydrate sulfonates with halide ions of toluene-solubilized halides

Abstract Hexamethylphosphoramide was found to solubilize lithium halides in toluene. Nucleophilic displacement of carbohydrate with these toluene-solubilized halide ions produced in excellent yield and short reaction times the corresponding deoxyhalocarbohydrate. With iodide, bromide, and chloride ions a primary methanesulfonate needed respectively 0.25, 1, and 4h for the displacement. Isolated yields exceeded 70%. Displacement of secondary sulfonates was shown to occur with the solubilized halide ions.
Regional variations in the levels of zinc, iron, copper, and calcium in the term human placenta

Abstract This study investigated the influence of the location of the sampling site during elemental analyses of 21 human term placentae. The levels of iron, zinc, copper and calcium in fetal membranes, umbilical cords and placental discs were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and compared. The disc samples were obtained from central (peri-insertion and mid-disc fetal and maternal halves), and peripheral regions. Significant variations were found. Copper was present in highest level (17.2 ± 2.0 μg/g dry weight) in the fetal membranes. Calcium levels were highest (712 ± 47 μg/g dry weight) in the periphery of the placental disc. Iron levels were highest (558 ± 14 μg/γ dry weight) in the central regions of the disc. Zinc levels were lower (50.3 ± 1.4 μg/g dry weight) in the fetal half of the mid-disc regions than in the maternal half (56.0 ± 1.2 μg/g dry weight). This study demonstrates the importance of defining the location of the sampling site ins studies involving elemental analysis of the placenta.
Fast multiscale kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of three-dimensional self-assembled quantum dot islands

A three-dimensional kinetic Monte Carlo model is developed to simulate the growth of self-assembled quantum dot islands. Our multiscale model includes the long-range strain energy contribution from a fast continuum Green's function calculation and an up-down ratio describing the relative probability for atoms to jump out of the plane of the surface during the growth process. For the model material $\mathrm{In}\mathrm{As}∕\mathrm{Ga}\mathrm{As}(001)$, we studied the effect of the flux rate and the deposition and interruption times on the island shape and ordering, which shows that a lower flux rate and a longer growth time correspond to a better island distribution. We also successfully simulated the relation between the island height and the up-down ratio. It is observed that for an up-down ratio between 1 and 20, the island height increases dramatically with increasing up-down ratio, reaching an inflection point around 13. When the up-down ratio continues to increase from 20, the island height approaches a constant value at about 20 grids. The critical up-down ratio 13 signifies the transition from a flat cluster growth mode to a sharp three-dimensional island growth mode.
Synthesis and thermotropic behaviour of imidazole-terminated liquid crystals

Two novel liquid crystals containing terminal imidazole groups (Imi-COOH and Imi-DAH) were designed and synthesised. Imi-COOH exhibits a high-temperature monotropic smectic mesophase that is substantially stabilised by hydrogen bonding between acid and imidazole end-groups. Despite its rigid diacylhydrazine core, which offers the capability of forming lateral hydrogen bonds, Imi-DAH exhibits a nematic mesophase. Fourier transform infrared analysis suggested that the terminal imidazole group interferes with lateral hydrogen bonding between diacylhydrazine cores and destabilises the smectic mesophase. Future studies will examine how proton transport is affected by anisotropic mesophases.
Teachers' use of rubrics to score non‐traditional tasks: factors related to discrepancies in scoring

This study considered middle school mathematics teachers’ use of rubrics to score non‐traditional tasks. A group of eighth‐grade teachers attended a two‐day workshop where they evaluated assessment tasks and discussed the use an associated scoring rubric. Scored samples of student work submitted by the teachers indicated that they had difficulty using the rubrics for scoring. When compared to expert ratings, all except one teacher had discrepancies in scoring and some discrepancies indicated major problems. These discrepancies appear to be related to whether the task contained familiar or unfamiliar content and the mix of procedure and explanation the task required. Several other factors related to discrepancies, such as leniency errors, teacher knowledge, and the halo effect are also discussed. With the expanded use of rubrics in many arenas, these results show the need for more professional development related to rubric use.
Co-electrospinning of core-shell fibers using a single-nozzle technique.

Co-electrospinning is ideally suited for fabricating continuous fibers encasing materials within a polymer sleeve, but requires relatively complex coannular nozzles. A single-nozzle co-electrospinning technique is demonstrated using blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solutions in dimethylformamide (DMF). The as-spun fibers have outer diameters in the range of 0.5−5 μm and possess a core−shell structure similar to that attained via coannular nozzles. The technique relies on the precipitation of PMMA solution droplets, which become trapped at the base of the Taylor cone issuing the PAN solution jet from its tip. A theoretical analysis shows that the outer shell flow is sufficiently strong to stretch the inner droplet into the Taylor cone, thus forming a core−shell jet. The method seems attractive for technological applications involving macroscopically long and radially inhomogeneous or hollow nano/micro fibers.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Short-term Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Mastectomy With and Without Breast Reconstruction

Importance Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) is increasingly being used in patients with breast cancer, and evidence-based reports related to its independent effects on morbidity after mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction are limited. Objective To determine the effect of NC on 30-day postoperative morbidity in women undergoing mastectomy with or without immediate breast reconstruction. Design, Setting, and Participants All women undergoing mastectomy with or without immediate breast reconstruction from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2011, at university and private hospitals internationally were analyzed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2005-2011 databases. Patients who received NC were compared with those without a history of NC to estimate the relative odds of 30-day postoperative overall, systemic, and surgical site morbidity using model-wise multivariable logistic regression. Exposure Neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Main Outcomes and Measures Thirty-day postoperative morbidity (overall, systemic, and surgical site). Results Of 85 851 women, 66 593 (77.6%) underwent mastectomy without breast reconstruction, with 2876 (4.3%) receiving NC; 7893 patients were excluded because of missing exposure data. The immediate breast reconstruction population included 19 258 patients (22.4%), with 820 (4.3%) receiving NC. After univariable analysis, NC was associated with a 20% lower odds of overall morbidity in the group undergoing mastectomy without breast reconstruction (odds ratio [OR], 0.80; 95% CI, 0.71-0.91) but had no significant effect in the immediate breast reconstruction group (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.79-1.23). After adjustment for confounding, NC was independently associated with lower overall morbidity in the group undergoing mastectomy without breast reconstruction (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.51-0.73) and the immediate tissue expander reconstruction subgroup (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30-0.84). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with decreased odds of systemic morbidity in 4 different populations: complete sample (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.49-0.71), mastectomy without breast reconstruction (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.48-0.72), any immediate breast reconstruction (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37-0.88), and the tissue expander subgroup (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.23-0.72). Conclusions and Relevance Our study supports the safety of NC in women undergoing mastectomy with or without immediate breast reconstruction. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with lower overall morbidity in the patients undergoing mastectomy without breast reconstruction and in those undergoing tissue expander breast reconstruction. In addition, the odds of systemic morbidity were decreased in patients undergoing mastectomy with and without immediate breast reconstruction. The mechanisms behind the protective association of NC remain unknown and warrant further investigation.
A tissue culture system for studies of the regulation of ether-linked and ester-linked aliphatic moieties in glycerolipids.

The incorporation of [1- 14 C]hexadecanol and [1- 14 C]palmitic acid into ether- and ester-linked lipids was investigated using suspension and monolayer cultures of L-M fibroblasts. Cells maintained in suspension cultures incorporated relatively high amounts of [1- 14 C]hexadecanol into alkyldiacylglycerols, whereas the same cells grown as monolayers did not. The suspension cultures also synthesized small amounts of ethanolamine plasmalogens when the cells were incubated for 6 hr; none of the other lipid classes contained 14 C in the O -alk-l-enyl moieties. In the monolayer cultures most of the label from the hexadecanol was incorporated into the acyl moieties, indicating that the enzymes responsible for oxidation of the alcohol is extremely active under these conditions. Of the total activity incorporated into the lipids of the suspension cultures, 2–5% of the 14 C was present in the alkyldiacylglycerols when palmitic acid was the precursor and 5–15% when hexadecanol was the precursor. Approximately 1% of the incorporated 14 C was in the alkyldiacylglycerol fraction from the monolayer cultures. Analysis of the alkyldiacylglycerols isolated from the suspension cultures incubated with hexadecanol demonstrated that approximately 60% of the 14 C was in the alkyl moieties, whereas the alkyldiacylglycerols isolated from the samples incubated with palmitic acid contained about 35% of the 14 C in the alkyl moieties. The incorporation of label from the palmitic acid into O -alkyl moieties shows that acyl-CoA reductase activities are present at a much higher level in the L-M fibroblasts maintained in suspension cultures, than in the monolayer cultures. In some experiments, the O -alkyl moieties of cells maintained in suspension cultures were prelabeled with [1- 14 C]hexadecanol so that the turnover of the O -alkyl moieties could be traced when the cells were transferred back to monolayer cultures. After these cells grew overnight as monolayers, they contained essentially no labeled alkyldiacylglycerols although substantial amounts of labled acyl groups were still present. The incorporation of [1- 14 C]hexadecanol into the alkyl moieties of the glycerolipids in the cells maintained in suspension culture could also be altered by pH of the growth media. At a pH of 6.2, the 14 C associated with the alkyldiacyl-glycerols was 40–50% lower than that observed at pH 8.0. These results demonstrate that the metabolism of ether and ester groupings of glycerolipids in L-M fibroblasts can be manipulated and that the tissue culture systems described should be useful for exploring regulatory mechanisms involving glycerolipids that contain these groupings.
Making a major decision: an exploration of why students enroll in fashion programmes

Much like deciding where to go to college, for many students, deciding what to major in is a complex, multi-dimensional process wherein several different variables may influence the final decision. Understanding the motivations behind the decision to enroll in a particular major can shed light on the factors that attract potential students to a major. To understand the key aspects of the decision to major in fashion, in-depth interviews were conducted with 41 female students currently enrolled at two large US universities. Interpretation of issues that surfaced within the interviews revealed commonalities among participants' motivations for selecting the major and thoughts on the link between the major and future professional goals. Results point to the importance of understanding student perceptions of the opportunities provided by a degree in fashion and the implications these perceptions might have for fashion programmes.
Thrombin generation and fibrin clot formation under hypothermic conditions: an in vitro evaluation of tissue factor initiated whole blood coagulation

Abstract Background Despite trauma-induced hypothermic coagulopathy being familiar in the clinical setting, empirical experimentation concerning this phenomenon is lacking. In this study, we investigated the effects of hypothermia on thrombin generation, clot formation, and global hemostatic functions in an in vitro environment using a whole blood model and thromboelastography, which can recapitulate hypothermia. Methods Blood was collected from healthy individuals through venipuncture and treated with corn trypsin inhibitor, to block the contact pathway. Coagulation was initiated with 5pM tissue factor at temperatures 37°C, 32°C, and 27°C. Reactions were quenched over time, with soluble and insoluble components analyzed for thrombin generation, fibrinogen consumption, factor (f)XIII activation, and fibrin deposition. Global coagulation potential was evaluated through thromboelastography. Results Data showed that thrombin generation in samples at 37°C and 32°C had comparable rates, whereas 27°C had a much lower rate (39.2 ± 1.1 and 43 ± 2.4 nM/min vs 28.6 ± 4.4 nM/min, respectively). Fibrinogen consumption and fXIII activation were highest at 37°C, followed by 32°C and 27°C. Fibrin formation as seen through clot weights also followed this trend. Thromboelastography data showed that clot formation was fastest in samples at 37°C and lowest at 27°C. Maximum clot strength was similar for each temperature. Also, percent lysis of clots was highest at 37°C followed by 32°C and then 27°C. Conclusions Induced hypothermic conditions directly affect the rate of thrombin generation and clot formation, whereas global clot stability remains intact.
The Sociological and Geographical Imaginations

enables its possessor to understand the larger historical scene in terms of its meaning for the inner life and the external career of a variety of individuals....The first fruit of this imagination...is the idea that the individual can understand his own experience and gauge his own fate only by locating himself within his period, that he can know his own life chances in life by becoming aware of those of all individuals in his circumstances....The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two in society....Back of its use there is always the urge to know the social and historical meaning of the individual in society, and in the period in which he has his quality and his being (C. Wright Mills, 1959).
Adenosine is a Selective Pulmonary Vasodilator in Cardiac Surgical Patients

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the systemic and pulmonary hemodynamic effects of a central venous infusion of adenosine in cardiac surgical patients. Design Prospective; each subject served as his/her own control. Setting University Hospital and Veteran's Affairs Medical Center. Patients Ten cardiac surgical patients (age 56±6 years) were studied in the operating room under general anesthesia after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), and mean systemic arterial pressure (MAP) were determined before, during, and after central venous infusion of adenosine (50 µg/kg/min) for 15 min. Statistical analysis was by analysis of variance; significance was accepted at p Results Adenosine produced selective vasodilation of the pulmonary vascular bed: both PVR and MPAP were significantly reduced during adenosine infusion without changes in either SVR or MAP. PVR and MPAP returned to preinfusion levels after cessation of the infusion. Adenosine effectively reduced PVR and pulmonary arterial pressure without decreasing SVR or systemic arterial pressure. Conclusions Adenosine may be used clinically as a selective pulmonary vasodilator to optimize pulmonary hemodynamics without adverse systemic hemodynamic effects in cardiac surgical patients. It may be particularly valuable in patients with right heart dysfunction by selectively lowering right ventricular afterload.
Probabilistic Search and Energy Guidance for Biased Decoy Sampling in Ab Initio Protein Structure Prediction

Adequate sampling of the conformational space is a central challenge in ab initio protein structure prediction. In the absence of a template structure, a conformational search procedure guided by an energy function explores the conformational space, gathering an ensemble of low-energy decoy conformations. If the sampling is inadequate, the native structure may be missed altogether. Even if reproduced, a subsequent stage that selects a subset of decoys for further structural detail and energetic refinement may discard near-native decoys if they are high energy or insufficiently represented in the ensemble. Sampling should produce a decoy ensemble that facilitates the subsequent selection of near-native decoys. In this paper, we investigate a robotics-inspired framework that allows directly measuring the role of energy in guiding sampling. Testing demonstrates that a soft energy bias steers sampling toward a diverse decoy ensemble less prone to exploiting energetic artifacts and thus more likely to facilitate retainment of near-native conformations by selection techniques. We employ two different energy functions, the associative memory Hamiltonian with water and Rosetta. Results show that enhanced sampling provides a rigorous testing of energy functions and exposes different deficiencies in them, thus promising to guide development of more accurate representations and energy functions.
Environmental/engineering geology of alluvial settings

Abstract Alluvial deposits were recognized as important to mankind's welfare 2500 years ago when collector galleries (kanats) were constructed in Persia beneath alluvial slopes. Furthermore, the 4000-year history of observations along the rivers of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China provided an early understanding of sediment loads, silting, and backfilling of river channels, elements basic to selecting a site for engineered works or locating aggregate sources. Harold Fisk's work (Fisk, 1944, 1947) in the Lower Mississippi Valley developed three-dimensional concepts relative to deposition within large stream valleys and the identification of distinctive features concerned with the origin and active processes. Utilizing Fisk's methods and techniques led to recognition of the sequential depositional history that serves to delimit and map distinctive alluvial units. This systematic unravelling of the younger alluvial history is frequently the all important factor in engineering geology practice. Moreover, Fisk's contributions on the evolution of a major river system provide guidelines to characterize a candidate site, or design and operate an engineered works. Such principles are briefly reviewed in a series of selected geological settings related to major works, such as: (1) The intermontane alluvial valleys of Cenozoic age have a complex sequence of sediments and infilling that is closely related to its structural history which enlarged the basins and accelerated erosion of surrounding terrain. Such deposits may possess substantial groundwater and other resources. (2) Construction of dams and hydrological projects within a deeply-filled alluvial valley is economical today, because of the greatly improved understanding of alluviation, characteristics of the deposits, and stratigraphic sequences common to the environs of a narrow valley. (3) An inadequate understanding of the origin, distribution, and character of alluvial features can result in geological errors of judgment. Boulders in a gravelly unit maybe interpreted as “bedrock” and the design foundation-level for works. (4) The intermixing of fluvioglacial deposits with Holocene sediments throughout 25 km of an ancient river valley resulted in physical changes that impacted tunnel construction beneath the channel. (5) Morainal openwork gravels utilized as a reservoir bank may fail with time due to liquefaction and piping action. (6) Fine-grained alluvial sediments deposited within an ancient abandoned river channel can be a deceptive and dangerous foundation material for major works. (7) Multiple alluvial units can be critical to understanding the depositional history and recency of tectonism.
Estimation of Sea Surface Temperature from Space

Sea surface temperature estimation by spatially scanning spaceborne systems operating in thermal IR atmospheric window spectral regions
Coloniality of Power and Eurocentrism in Latin America

The globalization of the world is, in the first place, the culmination of a process that began with the constitution of America and world capitalism as a Euro-centered colonial/modern world power. ...
A high-voltage pulse generator for spark chambers in space

Abstract The design and performance characteristics of a high-voltage pulse generator for use with spark chambers in space are described. In order to minimize power consumption, the pulse generator is designed around a cold-cathode thyratron. The complete pulse generator consists of a thyratron pulser and an avalanche-transistor switching circuit. Included also is a simple means for applying a steady clearing field to the spark chambers. The pulse generator can be triggered at uniform repetition rates up to about 100 per second to produce negative pulses with a peak amplitude of typically 2 kV. The observed rise-time is about 5 ns with only stray capacitance loading. It increases with the capacitance loading introduced by a spark-chamber at the output of the pulser. The total delay-time from the input trigger pulse to the output pulse is about 140 ns. The pulse decays exponentially with a time constant of the order of a microsecond. Pulse amplitudes up to 4 kV are possible with the particular thyratron selected for this application. The particular high-voltage pulse generator described in this paper provides 2100 V to three spark-chambers each with a capacitance of 150 pF. The power consumption of this generator with a single power supply is typically 0.5 W at low pulse repetition rates, 1.2 W at a pulse repetition rate of 20 per second, and 3.3 W at 100 pulses per second; alternatively, the power consumption of a pulse generator with multiple power supplies may be reduced to typically 0.1 W at low repetition rates, 0.8 W at 20 pulses per second and 2.9 W at 100 pulses per second. In laboratory tests, several krytrons have been pulsed from 275 to 385 million times before failure.
Seeking Common Ground: Assessing Concepts and Measures of Professionalization

“Professional” was once reserved for referencing doctors, lawyers and clergy, but with the “professionalization of everyone,” professionalization, for both its antecedents and implications, has bec...
Dynamic effects of circular and non-circular laser shaping

Abstract A laser finishing technique has been developed which allows tangential impingement of a high-power laser beam on the apex of a rotating cylindrical workpiece. Previous studies have shown that sub-micron R a surface roughness can be achieved on polymethyl-methacrylate and Si 3 N 4 with a material removal rate up to 5 mm 3 s −1 . This technique can also be used for the shaping of non-circular and discontinuous profiles at high machining speeds. This paper presents steady-state and dynamic models for the beam-material interaction that can be used to estimate the surface texture and dimensional accuracy of laser-shaped parts. The steady-state analysis relies on conformal mapping to transform the circular workpiece profile into a semi-infinite domain for an energy balance solution. The dynamic model incorporates disturbances due to variations in laser power, beam mode, rotational agreement with R a measurements for variation in rotational speed, feed and beam power compared with previous beam kinematics models and static finishing. Comparison of estimated overlap profiles with profilometry measurements showed good correlation in the periodicity of surface roughness. Sensitivity analysis showed that feed has the greatest influence on R a in the operating range of fine finishing, whilst rotation speed and feed have the greatest influence on the material removal rate. Simulation results of octagonal profiles showed decreasing straightness error with increasing laser energy density of the laser beam. The dynamic simulation modelshowed improved agreement with straightness error and sharp corner features of the profiles compared to the static simulation model.
The Renal Effects of Traditional Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents Versus Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for the management of acute and chronic pain as well as for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Although gastrointestinal compli...
Moment densities of propagating wave fields

Matrix elements of formal differential operators for time and frequency are used to derive local centred conditional moments, or moment densities, for some representative propagating wave fields. The moment densities for one dynamical phase space variable are given as functions of its Fourier conjugate variable and other parameters, and are constrained and defined only by the signal used to compute them. The information thus consistently gained is the phase space track of the signal; its instantaneous frequency and group delay, dispersion about those local mean values, and higher order shape parameters for the distribution of each dynamical variable such as skew and kurtosis. Moment densities for laser pulses, acoustic resonances, and solitons are examined.
Parameter Variation Sensing and Estimation in Nanoscale Fabrics

Abstract Parameter variations introduced by manufacturing imprecision are becoming more influential on circuit performance. This is especially the case in emerging nanoscale computing fabrics due to unconventional manufacturing steps and aggressive scaling. On-chip variation sensors are gaining in importance since post-fabrication compensation techniques can be employed. In estimation with on-chip variation sensors, however, random variations are masked because of well-known averaging effects during measurements. We propose a new on-chip sensor for nanoscale computing fabrics to estimate random variations in physical parameters. We show detailed estimation methodology and validate it with Monte Carlo simulations. The results show the sensor estimation error to be 8% on average and 12.7% in the worst case. In comparison to the well-known ring-oscillator based approach developed for CMOS, the estimation accuracy is 1.6 × better and requires 40 × less devices in on-chip sensors.
DNA sequences of promoter regions for the str and spc ribosomal protein operons in E. coli

Abstract The DNA sequences have been determined for promoter regions of two ribosomal protein operons in E. coli, the str operon and the spc operon. The site of in vitro transcription initiation within each of these promoter regions has been determined. The start site of the str operon occurs 69 bases upstream from the initiation codon of the S12 gene. The start site of the spc operon occurs 72 bases upstream from the L14 gene, and only 91 bases downstream from the termination codon of the S17 gene (which is in the preceding S10 operon). Both promoters are similar to other sequenced promoters in that they each have an identifiable "Pribnow box" sequence 5 bases upstream from the transcription start site. The spc promoter has a long sequence of 2 fold symmetry centered within the Pribnow box; the str promoter has a shorter but similar symmetry. At positions −69 through −40 in the spc operon, another long region of symmetry is present which may be the termination signal of the preceding S10 operon. Extensive sequence similarity between the str and spc promoter regions is found downstream from the Pribnow box-that is, in a transcribed region preceding the translation start sites.
Causes of death in men undergoing androgen suppression therapy for newly diagnosed localized or recurrent prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND. The authors estimated and characterized mortality after androgen suppression therapy (AST) use in men with newly diagnosed localized and recurrent prostate cancer. METHODS. The study cohorts comprised 102 men who were randomized to radiation therapy (RT) and AST and 46 men who underwent salvage AST for recurrence from a randomized trial that compared external beam RT and 6 months of AST to RT. Cox regression multivariable analyses were performed to estimate the mortality hazard ratio (HR) in men with moderate to severe as compared with no or minimal comorbidity, adjusting for age and known prostate cancer prognostic factors. RESULTS. After a median follow-up of 8.4 years (interquartile range: 7.2-9.6 years), prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) comprised 13% and 75% of all mortality in men with newly diagnosed localized and recurrent prostate cancer, respectively. There was an increased risk of death in men with moderate to severe as compared with no or minimal comorbidity (adjusted HR [AHR], 11.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.2-25.6; P < .001) in men with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer but not in men with recurrent prostate cancer (AHR, 2.5; 95% CI, 0.2-37.8; P = .51). CONCLUSIONS. The ability to measure an increase in the risk of death in men with moderate to severe as compared with no or minimal comorbidity undergoing AST decreases as the risk of PCSM increases, which may explain the discordance in the literature regarding the risk of cardiovascular death and AST use. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Comments on ‘lunar thermal anomalies and internal heating’ by J. M. Saari

Saari makes three principal points in his article: (1) The linear thermal anomaly is not real; (2) The anomalous thermal behavior of Mare Humorum as a whole cannot be explained by internal heat flow; and (3) even vigorous internal heat flow will produce so small a AT at the surface that it could not be detected radiometrically. With regard to point number one, Saari suggests that our instrument sensed only a gradient. In our article, we acknowledged a potential gradient problem, but the presence of the linear thermal feature in the lunar afternoon, when there is no gradient at the appropriate location, led us to conclude that the anomaly is real. Saari suggests, on the contrary, that thermal scans across Mare Humorum during the lunar afternoon (shown in his Figure 2) do display a significant thermal gradient. Indeed, a steep gradient is seen on his scan 32F, but it is in the wrong direction - i.e. down, rather than up. Our instrument can differentiate between a cold gradient and a warm one, and in fact, did detect the gradient in Saari's curve. It represents the cold face of the cliffs on the western edge of the Mare Humorum basin, as can be seen in Figure 1. The linear anomaly lies further to the east, as can also be seen in Figure 1. In short, Saari's gradient is in the wrong location and in the wrong direction to be our linear anomaly, and is clearly displayed on our images for what it is. Consequently, we must again conclude that our linear thermal anomaly is real. With regard to point number two, we did not suggest that the entire Mare Humorum thermal anomaly is caused by internal heat. Like Saari, we doubt that it is. With regard to point number three, we did suggest that the linear thermal anomaly might be caused by internal heat, and we question Saari's statement that the detection of lunar internal heat flow comparable to that of "the most anomalous region on the Earth" is "far beyond the detection limit of modern infrared detectors". This statement seems questionable when one remembers that internal heat flow is routinely detected on earth from aircraft and even satellites (Friedman and Williams, 1968). The sharp discrepancy between what is clearly possible on earth and what Saari calculates is possible on the Moon can be traced directly to the assumptions upon which his calculations are based. First, he assumes a maximum heat flow that is two orders of magnitude below that measured for warm spring areas in Iceland (Bodvarsson, 1960), and five orders of magnitude below that measured for an erupting volcano. Second, and much more important, he assumes negligible thermal contact (a layer
On-Line Blood and Respiratory Gas Analysis

Data from a patient receiving ventilatory assistance are processed by computer to calculate pulmonary shunt, dead space/tidal volume ratio, oxygen uptake and delivery, and carbon dioxide elimination and delivery. The computations are based on routines described by Kelman and by Severinghaus, but modified to match limitations of testing imposed by the requirements for ventilatory assistance. Analyses are performed sequentially on arterial and venous blood samples and on respiratory gas samples. The output of the blood gas analyzers is fed on-line to a computer together with other data, such as patient identification, which are manually entered at a keyboard and with thumb-wheel switches. The computer processing begins with determining the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in whole blood and of bicarbonate in plasma. The shunt equation is used to calculate a virtual shunt at therapeutic concentrations of inspired oxygen. Dead space/tidal volume ratios are corrected for mechanical dead space in the respiratory circuit. The analyzed results are returned to the operator within seconds via a video display. Since the data include blood samples from multiple patient sites, a cross-comparison is made by the computer and the operator is informed of unusually large differences in values.
Contracting‐Out: A Step Towards Competition

The Government has advocated contracting-out to improve services currently supplied by the state. Dr. Keith Hartly, Director of the Institute of Research at the University of York, argues that for the benefits of contracting-out to be fully realised it most avoid collusion between state and contractor and should be extended to all forms of state supply and their workforces. Contracting-out is nevertheless, merely a halfway-house on the path towards genuine competition.
A new approach to the analysis of unidirectional titanium matrix composites with bridge and unbridged cracks

Abstract An alternative method to the continuum approach for calculating the fiber stresses and crack opening displacements for a longitudinal laminae containing a crack that may be bridged by unbroken fibers is developed. The composite is modeled as discrete cells containing a fiber and the surrounding matrix material. Shear lag theory including the stiffness of the matrix material is used to formulate the stress-strain-displacement relations. The method allows for the implementation of different crack bridging laws for each composite cell including the presence of broken fibers among intact, bridging fibers. Results are compared with results from the literature and finite element analysis. The capability of this method to model broken among bridging fibers in the crack wake is demonstrated through an example.
Effect of Weathering on Abrasion of Granitic Gravel, Colorado River (Texas)

Precambnan outcrops in the Llano Uplift of central Texas furnish the Colorado River with a distinctive granitic load which changes systematically as it moves downstream. In 160 miles between Austin and the Columbus-Eagle Lake area, coarse granitic gravel diminishes in size by about 50 percent and changes from a dommantly granite-gneissaplite assemblage to a dominantly pegmatite-graphic granite assemblage. Coarse quartz and chert gravel diminish in size by about 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively. In this reach, the Colorado flows on a flood plain whose alluvial width and depth stay fairly constant, a situation unfavorable for significant down-valley sorting (Mackin, 1963). Field observations generally lead to the same conclusion. Abrasion and its relationship to weathering was studied by running fresh and weathered specimens of Colorado River granitic gravel in a Kuenen-type abrasion tank at the University of Texas. Degree of weathering was slight to moderate, with biotite and feldspar the primary and secondary targets. Abrasion of fresh granitic gravel during 160 miles of travel produced only a 10 percent reduction in size. Abrasion of weathered gravel produced a reduction of more than 50 percent and was clearly related to lithology; the biotite-bearing rocks (granite, gneiss, and some aplite) were the least durable, the biotite-free rocks (pegmatite and graphic granite) most durable. Abrasion of quartz and chert produced a reduction in size of less than 10 percent. Changes in size and lithology of coarse granitic gravel along the lower Colorado River are best explained by abrasion of particles tha t weather slightly during periods of temporary alluvial storage. Reduction in size of quartz and chert are not satisfactorily explained for the reach between Austin and Columbus-Eagle Lake, but downstream from Eagle Lake, sorting appears to be in control.
The Endocrine and Metabolic Systems

As a medical student, long ago, my course textbook was “Boyd’s Pathology,” a heavy tome which I dutifully read—cover to cover—and underlined to be sure I had noted the important parts. My task was made easier because, as evidenced in the quotation presented, Boyd wrote with a flair rarely found in current medical writing. Extended metaphors and classical allusions, such as the one above to the sirens of ancient Greek mythology, are seldom encountered today. In 1955, Boyd metaphorically likened the endocrines to uncharted seas. Today these oceans are somewhat better “charted.” Yet, in both the endocrine and metabolic systems, there are dozens of rare diseases we everyday practicing clinicians may encounter once in a professional lifetime, but, when we do, we want to recognize the pathologic entity before us.
The Health Sciences Reasoning Test in the Pharmacy Admissions Process

Objective. To evaluate the impact of including Health Sciences Reasoning Test (HSRT) scores in the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) admissions process compared with other criteria used. Methods. The HSRT was administered to all prepharmacy students who were selected for an interview (n=122) as part of the PharmD program admissions process. The HSRT score and other evaluation criteria were used to establish candidate rankings. The correlation between total HSRT scores and other measures used in the admissions process then was evaluated. Results. Candidate rankings were not noticeably different when the HSRT scores were excluded from the admission process. The HSRT scores were significantly and highly correlated with applicants’ Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) cumulative percentile scores. Conclusions. The HSRT can be an effective method to evaluate critical-thinking ability as part of the admissions process into a PharmD program. However, the usefulness of the HSRT as an admissions screening tool is mitigated by information redundancies with other evaluation criteria, specifically the PCAT.
Cost‐effectiveness of nationwide hepatitis B catch‐up vaccination among children and adolescents in China

Liver disease and liver cancer associated with childhood-acquired chronic hepatitis B are leading causes of death among adults in China. Despite expanded newborn hepatitis B vaccination programs, approximately 20% of children under age 5 years and 40% of children aged 5 to 19 years remain unprotected from hepatitis B. Although immunizing them will be beneficial, no studies have examined the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis B catch-up vaccination in an endemic country like China. We examined the cost-effectiveness of a hypothetical nationwide free hepatitis B catch-up vaccination program in China for unvaccinated children and adolescents aged 1 to 19 years. We used a Markov model for disease progression and infections. Cost variables were based on data published by the Chinese Ministry of Health, peer-reviewed Chinese and English publications, and the GAVI Alliance. We measured costs (2008 U.S. dollars and Chinese renminbi), quality-adjusted life years, and incremental cost-effectiveness from a societal perspective. Our results show that hepatitis B catch-up vaccination for children and adolescents in China is cost-saving across a range of parameters, even for adolescents aged 15 to 19 years old. We estimate that if all 150 million susceptible children under 19 were vaccinated, more than 8 million infections and 65,000 deaths due to hepatitis B would be prevented. Conclusion: The adoption of a nationwide free catch-up hepatitis B vaccination program for unvaccinated children and adolescents in China, in addition to ongoing efforts to improve birth dose and newborn vaccination coverage, will be cost-saving and can generate significant population-wide health benefits. The success of such a program in China could serve as a model for other endemic countries. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Assessment of FANCD2 nuclear foci formation in paraffin-embedded tumors: a potential patient-enrichment strategy for treatment with DNA interstrand crosslinking agents

A major mechanism of DNA repair related to homologous recombination is the Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway. FA genes collaborate with BRCA genes to form foci of DNA repair on chromatin after DNA damage or during the S phase of the cell cycle. Our goal was to develop a method capable of evaluating the functional status of the pathway in patients' tumor tissue, which could also be practically incorporated into large-scale screening. To develop this method, we first used Western immunoblot to detect FANCD2 protein monoubiquitination in fresh tumor specimens of patients with ovarian cancer undergoing surgery and stained formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue simultaneously with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, FANCD2, and Ki67 antibodies, eventually extending this method to other solid tumors. This triple stain permitted evaluation of the presence, or lack thereof, of FANCD2 subnuclear repair foci in proliferating cells by immunofluorescence microscopy. Overall, we evaluated 156 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples using the FA triple-staining immunofluorescence method. The ratios of FANCD2 foci-negative tumors in ovarian, lung, and breast tumor samples were 21%, 20%, and 29.4%, respectively. Our studies have led to the development of a suitable method for screening, capable of identifying tumors with somatic functional defects in the FA pathway. The use of paraffin-embedded tissues renders the reported method suitable for large-scale screening to select patients for treatment with DNA interstrand crosslinking agents, poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors, or their combination.
Viral polyproteins in chick embryo fibroblasts infected with avian sarcoma leukosis viruses.

Abstract Chicken embryo fibroblasts infected by avian RNA tumor viruses have been analyzed by immune precipitation for the synthesis of virus-specific proteins. Three virus-specific precursor polyproteins with molecular weights of 180,000, 95,000, and 76,000 were detected following pulse-labeling of the cells. The 76,000-dalton polyprotein is the precursor to the nonglycosylated gag proteins of the virion as shown earlier by Vogt and Eisenman (1973, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 70 , 1734–1738). By using monospecific antisera it was possible to identify the 180,000-dalton polyprotein as having sequences in common with the virion polymerase and the gag proteins and the 95,000-dalton polyprotein as being related to the virion glycoproteins gp85 and gp37. Although the 180,000-dalton protein contains sequences for the gag proteins, pulse-chase experiments indicated that it did not represent a precursor to the major 76,000 dalton gag precursor polyprotein and is most likely synthesized by an occasional read-through of the messenger RNA for the gag precursor polyprotein.