cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Con: Epiaortic scanning is not routinely necessary for cardiac surgery

S TROKE IS A devastating complication of cardiac surgery and remains a major cause of morbidity. Despite many advances in cardiac surgery over the last 30 years, improvement in neurologic outcome has been lacking because stroke still has an incidence of 1% to 5%. 1-3 Atheromatous disease of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending thoracic aorta is a risk factor for stroke in medical patients and especially cardiac surgery patients. 1,3-6 A great deal of effort has been spent in identifying patients with aortic atheroma (AA) in hopes of decreasing the incidence of adverse neurologic outcomes, with altered operative interventions. Large-scale prospective studies supporting these interventions are lacking. A retrospective analysis of 3,279 consecutive patients having isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery over 10 years (1974-1983) found that stroke rate rose over time, as did the mean patient age, Age (63 years old v 57 years old, p 3 ram) who had minor interventions. They also reported on the prevalence of moderate-to-severe ascending AA and found 9% of patients younger than 59 years old to have it, whereas 33% of patients older than 80 years old had significant disease. In the same group of 1,200 patients, the same authors determined which factors would place patients at risk for having moderate-tosevere ascending AA. They found that smoking (p 5 mm thick or with a mobile component) had a stroke rate of 9.4% versus 1% to 2% in patients in the normal or moderately diseased group (p < 0.01). Aortic arch disease was also associated with descending thoracic aortic disease, but thoracic disease did not correlate with stroke. 6 Hartmau et al 5 showed in a prospective study that atheromatous disease of the descending aorta was a univariate predictor of stroke after CABG surgery. A stroke rate of 45.5% (5 of 11 patients) was found in patients with severe atheromatous disease of the thoracic aorta.
Pesticide exposures in children with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma

BACKGROUND The association between pesticide exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in adults has been the subject of numerous case–control and cohort studies. However, to the authors' knowledge, data regarding pesticide exposures in children diagnosed with NHL have been lacking. METHODS The Children's Cancer Group conducted a study comparing 268 children who developed NHL or leukemia with bulk disease with a group of matched, randomly selected regional population controls. The telephone interviews of both the case and control mothers included selected questions regarding occupational and home exposures to pesticides around the time of the index pregnancy and exposure of the child. RESULTS A significant association was found between risk of NHL and increased frequency of reported pesticide use in the home (odds ratio [OR] = 7.3 for use most days; trend P = 0.05), professional exterminations within the home (OR = 3.0; P = 0.002), and postnatal exposure (OR = 2.4; P = 0.001). Elevated risks were found for T-cell and B-cell lymphomas; for lymphoblastic, large cell, and Burkitt morphologies; and in both young (age < 6 years) and older children. There was an increased risk of NHL with occupational exposure to pesticides (OR = 1.7) that was not significant overall, but that was significant for Burkitt lymphoma (OR = 9.6; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study provide further evidence linking pesticide exposure to the risk of NHL, but the authors were unable to implicate any specific agent. Cancer 2000;89:2315–21. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
A new member or an intruder: how do Sinai spiny mouse (Acomys dimidiatus) families respond to a male newcomer?

Recruitment of unrelated individuals into a group plays an important role in the social life of the group living animals. The main goal of our study was to analyze the reactions of established, breeding families of the Sinai spiny mouse, Acomys dimidiatus (Muridae, Rodentia), a social species with precocial pups, to male newcomers in the presence and the absence of a breeding resident male. We compared the behaviour of family members of different sex or age to the presence of a new male. The number of non-aggressive and aggressive interactions with the focal male (resident/newcomer male) was recorded during three periods: before, during and one month after the addition of the newcomer. Only a few aggressive and/or non-aggressive types of contacts occurred before and one month after the addition of the new male. During the experiment, both types of contacts arose, but the results were highly variable. Increased aggressive behaviour of the family toward the intruder was explained mainly by the presence of pregnant or lactating females, which suggests that aggression towards a male newcomer is associated with the reproductive status of females. This phenomenon is most likely connected with the counter-infanticide strategy.
BubR1 is involved in regulation of DNA damage responses

Defective mitotic spindles or an impaired spindle-kinetochore interaction activates the spindle checkpoint. We have previously shown that BubR1 haplo-insufficiency results in enhanced genomic instability and tumorigenesis in mice. Here we report that BubR1 deficiency also leads to a compromised response to DNA damage. Following treatment with doxorubicin, BubR1(+/-) murine fibroblast cells (MEF) were defective in undergoing G(2)/M arrest. Thus, whereas in the presence of DNA damage BubR1(+/+) MEF cells remained arrested in mitosis, BubR1(+/-) MEFs rapidly exited from mitosis and divided. The impaired mitotic arrest of BubR1(+/-) MEFs was associated with low levels of phospho-histone H2AX, p53, and p21 after DNA damage caused by treatment with both doxorubicin and ultraviolet light (UV). The impaired expression of p53 and p21 was also confirmed in human cell lines with BubR1 knockdown via RNA interference. Affinity pull-down coupled with mass spectrometry identified Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) as one of the proteins interacting with BubR1. Reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed the physical interaction between BubR1 and PARP-1. Our further study revealed that the ability of retaining intact PARP-1 or its cleavage product p89 was compromised in BubR1(+/-) MEFs upon treatment with doxorubicin or UV. Given that PARP-1 mediates DNA damage responses and regulates the activity of p53, our studies suggest that there exists a cross-talk between the spindle checkpoint and the DNA damage checkpoint and that BubR1 may play an important role in mediating the cross-talk.
Microwave Detection of Stress-Induced Fatigue Cracks in Steel and Potential for Crack Opening Determination

Fatigue crack detection in metals is an important practical issue in many industries. In this paper the results of detecting fatigue cracks, using the dominant mode approach, employing flange-mounted, open-ended, rectangular waveguides at several microwave frequencies are presented. The goal of this investigation has been to demonstrate the capability of this approach for detecting stress-induced cracks under various static loads. In addition, a correlation between the features of the measured crack characteristic signals and crack opening has been sought. The results show that at all of the investigated frequencies, cracks from being nearly closed to having openings of up to 0.0508 mm are detected effectively. Furthermore, it is found that the interaction of the flange edge with a crack results in features that can be used to enhance crack detection robustness significantly (i.e., increased probability of detection). Several features associated with these measured crack characteristic signals are shown to correlate linearly with crack opening. Such simple correlations may then be used to estimate a crack opening closely after it has been detected using this approach. A complete discussion of the results is also provided in this paper.
Using Institutional Theory to Explore Local Variations in United Way’s Community Impact Model:

In response to ongoing changes in local economic and philanthropic structures, the United Way of America has encouraged local affiliates to adopt a new philanthropic model—Community Impact. Despite efforts to rebrand the system, significant variation exists in local implementation of the new initiative. Drawing on case studies in 6 communities, we explore how local contexts shape local practices. Consistent with a growing body of research that describes the impact of local institutions on organizational practice, we find that local United Way practices are shaped by local institutions and the field level pressures to adopt Community Impact often conflict with local performance logics. These local logics are influenced by historical stocks of philanthropic and civic capital that both constrain and offer alternatives for local strategies.
Self-propagating solid-solid noncatalytic reactions in finite pellets

The method of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) can be utilized to synthesize certain advanced ceramic materials, such as metal carbides, borides and silicides, directly from the elements in powder form. The method involves mixing the powders, preparing pellets from the mixture, and igniting one end of the pellet. Owing to high exothermicity of the reactions, a combustion wave can propagate through the pellet. The influence of processing conditions on propagation of the combustion wave is investigated extensively in this modeling study for pellets of finite length. It is shown that unlike infinitely long systems, the combustion wave for a finite pellet does not propagate in constant pattern. It is also shown that radiative heat losses play a major role in SHS, while convective heat losses are not relatively important.
Intranuclear rods and sheets in rat cochlear nucleus.

Intranuclear inclusions in neurons of the rat cochlear nucleus are described. The inclusions are equivalent to the ‘rodlets’ of the classical microscopists and ultrastructurally are of two types: rodshaped and sheet-shaped. The rods and sheets of the cochlear nucleus increase in frequency with age and are extremely common in adult and aged animals. Each inclusion is an aggregate of fine filaments approximately 70 A in diameter. A rod consists of a bundle of parallel filaments; a sheet consists of a stepwise array of pairs of filamentous layers.
Immunotherapy for inhalant allergies. Guidelines for why, when, and how to use this treatment.

PREVIEWGreat-grandma was probably on the right track when she said, “A little dirt won't hurt you. It builds immunity.” In fact, some evidence suggests that our “hygienic” environment may be increasing our vulnerabilities to some maladies, especially allergic disorders. Although the principles of immunotherapy have been known for nearly a century, guidelines for its use are still evolving. In this article, Dr Portnoy discusses the role of immunotherapy in patients with symptoms triggered by airborne allergens.
Relevance of motoneuron specification and programmed cell death in embryos to therapy of ALS

The molecular cues that generate spinal motoneurons in early embryonic development are well defined. Motoneurons are generated in excess and consequently undergo a natural period of programmed cell death. Although it is not known exactly how motoneurons compete for survival in embryonic development, it is hypothesized that they rely on the ability to access limited amounts of trophic factors from peripheral tissues, a process that is tightly regulated by skeletal muscle activity. Attempts to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie motoneuron generation and programmed cell death in embryos have led to various effective strategies for treating injury and disease in animal models. Such studies provide great hope for the amelioration of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating progressive motoneuron degenerative disease. Here we review the clinical relevance of studying motoneuron specification and death during embryonic development.
Production subsidies and redistribution

Abstract Who gains from stimulating output? We explore a dynamic model with production subsidies where the population is heterogeneous in one dimension: wealth. There are two channels through which production subsidies redistribute resources across the population. First, poorer agents gain from a rise in wages, since—to the extent there is an operative wealth effect in labor supply—they work harder. Second, because a current output boost will raise consumption today relative to the future, thus lowering real interest rates, poor agents gain in relative terms since their income is based less on interest income. We examine optimal redistribution from the perspective of an arbitrary consumer in the population. We show that, if this consumer has commitment at time zero to set all present and future subsidy rates, and for a class of preferences that admits aggregation in wealth, then output stimulation, and hence redistribution, will only occur at time zero; after that, subsidies are zero. A byproduct of our analysis of this environment is a median-voter theorem: with direct voting over subsidy sequences at time zero, the sequence preferred by the median-wealth consumer is the unique outcome. We also study lack of commitment, since interest-rate manipulation is associated with time inconsistency. We analyze this case formally by looking at the Markov-perfect (time-consistent) equilibrium in a game between successive identical decision makers (e.g., the median agent). Here, subsidies persist—they are constant over time—and are more distortionary than under commitment. Moreover, whereas under commitment asset inequality changes initially—in favor of the consumer who decides on policy—it does not under lack of commitment.
The Effect of Dietary Phenobarbital on the Induction of Skin Tumors in Hairless Mice with 7,12-Dimethylbenz[A]Anthracene

Since phenobarbital is known to induce drug-metabolizing enzymes and to alter the effectiveness of certain carcinogens, its influence on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin carcinogenesis has been examined. Skin tumor development was studied in groups of hairless mice treated with repeated applications of DMBA and maintained on either a control diet or one supplemented with 0.05% phenobarbital. The feeding of phenobarbital concurrently with the application of DMBA delayed the appearance of papillomas initially, but the suppression of the ultimate tumor yield was variable, and appeared to be dependent on the dose of the carcinogen and the age-dependent toxicity response of the mice. Phenobarbital was ineffective when DMBA was applied in sufficiently large amounts to elicit marked cutaneous damage, or when dietary phenobarbital was started 1 week after the cessation of the DMBA treatment. Although the dietary administration of phenobarbital caused an apparent decrease in the final incidence of papillomas and sarcomas, the feeding did not appear to modify the macroscopic skin response or change the incidence of carcinomas.
Integrated planning and scheduling by hybrid solution method

We propose a novel method for integrating planning and scheduling problems under production uncertainties. The integrated problem is formulated into a bi-level program where the planning problem is solved in the upper level and the scheduling problems in the planning periods are solved under uncertainties in the lower level. The planning and scheduling problems are linked via service level constraints. To solve the integrated problem, a hybrid method is developed, which iterates between a mixed-integer linear programming solver for the planning problem and an agent-based reactive scheduling method. If the service level constraints are not met, a cutting plane constraint is generated by the agent-based scheduling method and appended to the planning problem which is solved to determine new production quantities. The proposed method is demonstrated by a complicated problem.
Nanoshells as an optical coherence tomography contrast agent

Nanoshells are a layered dielectric core/metal shell composite nanostructure with an optical resonance geometrically tunable through the visible and near infrared. Due to their small size, ability to generate a strong backscattering signal, and potential for surface modification, they may be an ideal in vivo optical coherence tomography contrast agent. We performed a pilot study to assess their capabilities. Images of a cuvette filled with dilute nanoshells, 2 μm polystyrene microspheres, or a combination were obtained. When compared to microspheres, images of the nanoshells where much brighter and attenuation of the bottom cuvette interface less. Injection of micropheres into the tail vein of mice and hamsters caused a noticeable brightening of OCT images of the dorsal skin. These pilot studies indicate that nanoshells may be an excellent OCT contrast agent; work is continuing to determine optimum nanoshell parameters and applications.
Tissue differences in antigenic properties of non-histone protein-DNA complexes

THAT DNA and histones are not tissue specific1,2 implies that other components of chromatin may be responsible for the tissue specific control of eukaryotic gene expression. We now report studies of the antigenic properties of non-histone protein-DNA complexes isolated in an undissociated state from native chromatin and compare these with the properties of native chromatin. Because DNA is a very weak immunogen3, the antigenic determinants in these preparations should be principally caused by the protein components.
The effect of environment on fatigue crack growth behavior of aluminum alloy 5456

The effect of laboratory air, water vapor and oxygen on fatigue crack propagation behavior of aluminum alloy 5456 has been investigated over a range of growth rates spanning five orders of magnitude. Environmental interactions in the intermediate region are found to be associated with microscopic fracture features and mechanisms governing degradation. The alloy shows significantly enhanced crack growth rates in the environments of laboratory air and water vapor than in the oxygen environment. Mechanisms contributing to the enhanced crack growth rate are examined and discussed in light of constituents in the environment, fracture surface features and microstructure.
Limits on Parity and Time-Reversal Noninvariance in p − p Scattering

A formalism for $p\ensuremath{-}p$ elastic scattering is developed that includes the possibility of parity nonconservation and time-reversal noninvariance. Relevant experimentally measurable quantities are defined. An experiment measuring three of the quantities is described. These and other measurements relevant to parity nonconservation or time-reversal noninvariance are analyzed in terms of the formalism developed. No evidence is found for any violation of either invariance principle. The parity-conserving, time-reversal-noninvariant coupling of $^{3}P_{2}$ and $^{3}F_{2}$ states is at most 7% of its maximum possible value, in the energy range 140-210 MeV. The parity-nonconserving, time-reversal-invariant coupling of $^{1}S_{0}$ and $^{3}P_{0}$ states is at most 70% of its maximum possible value at 140 MeV. The parity-nonconserving, time-reversal-noninvariant coupling of $^{1}S_{0}$ and $^{3}P_{0}$ states is not bounded away from its maximum possible positive value, and is at most 60% of its extreme negative value at 140 MeV. The evidence against parity nonconservation is thus seen to be surprisingly weak. An experiment to sharpen the limits on parity nonconservation is suggested.
Monozygotic twinning associated with mechanical assisted hatching

Abstract Objective: To determine the effect of mechanical assisted hatching on the pregnancy rate (PR). Design: A retrospective comparative analysis of hatched versus nonhatched consecutive assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. Setting: A hospital-based ART program. Patient(s): Patients undergoing ART treatment with assisted hatching (1994–1996) were compared with patients who did not have assisted hatching (1990–1993). Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Pregnancy rate, multiple PR, and rate of monozygotic twinning. Result(s): With hatching, the clinical PR per ET increased from 25.2% to 37.1% and the multiple PR per ET increased from 6.8% to 13.1%. In the nonhatched series, there were no monozygotic twins compared with eight cases in the hatched series (1.2% per ET). Conclusion(s): Mechanical assisted hatching increases the PR but concomitantly elevates the rate of multiple gestation and multiple gestation of high order. There is a particularly high risk of monozygotic twinning with mechanical hatching.
Descent in triangulated categories

We establish effective descent for faithful ring objects in tensor triangulated categories. More generally, we discuss descent for monads in triangulated categories without tensor, where the answer is more subtle.
Heteroepitaxial growth of KDP and TGS crystals on muscovite

Abstract Heteroepitaxial growth of KDP and TGS crystals on mica has been experimentally achieved from solution. In spite of a large lattice mismatch, this has been achieved by controlling local supercooling of the solution. The changes of lattice parameters of the epitaxed crystals were found to be very small. The orientation of KDP crystals grown on mica was (100) KDP plane ∥ (001) mica plane, and that of TGS crystals was (001) TGS ∥ (001) mica.
Visible And Infrared Waveguiding In Proton Implanted N-Type GaP

Free-carrier compensation by ion implantation is a potentially important processing technique in forming optical waveguides for multiplexing applications. This process leads to a cutoff condition for waveguiding that is wavelength independent. Gallium phosphide is an attractive semiconductor material for such multiplexing since it is transparent from the visible out into the far infrared. In order to better establish these possibilities, experiments have been performed to help clarify the influence of various implantation parameters on the carrier compensation process and to relate the resulting optical effects to these electronic changes. Sulfur doped,n-type, single crystal GaP wafers were implanted with 300 keV protons at fluence levels up to 1016 ions/cm2 . Initial carrier concentration was approximately 18 18/cm3 and wafer temperature was maintained at 350°, 25° or -140°C during implantation. Capacitance-voltage measurements were made on each implanted wafer to establish whether a compensated layer had been formed and, if so, to determine its thickness. The implanted wafers were then tested for waveguiding at visible and infrared wavelengths. Optical waveguiding was achieved at 0.6328 microns and at 1.15 microns using HeNe lasers and at 10.6 microns with a CO2 laser.
Nonlinear distortion-invariant filter performance with false targets, noise, and clutter

Abstract We provide insight into the disadvantages of various non-linear distortion-invariant optical correlationfilters. From this, guidelines for improved optical correlation filters emerge including : filters for intra- class recognition, filters for clutter rejection and the different types of clutter that arise. hierarchical inference filters, remarks on Fourier vs. image domain synthesis, filter space-bandwidth product ( SBWP).techniques to reduce correlation plane energy and filter performance measures and issues. 1 Introduction Optical correlators are rapidly becoming viable hardware [1]. A wide variety of nonlinear filters havebeen suggested for use in these architectures {1,2]. This paper reviews the major types of distortion-invariant filters and the short-comings of each. Space does not permit a complete review . The majorfilters considered are the minimum variance synthetic discrirninant function (MVSDF). the minimumaverage correlation energy (MACE) and the minimum variance MACE (MV-MACE) filters plus the nevminimum correlation envelope energy (MICE) and the minimum noise and correlation envelope energy
Elfving's Theorem Revisited

The importance of Elfving's geometrical result is illustrated by showing how his original proof can be used to prove a number of Elfving-type results without the use of equivalence theorems. It is indicated that some of the elementary equivalence theorems follow easily from the Elfving results. It is also shown that Elfving Theorem is equivalent to a special case of a general theorem in approximation theory.
Nonparametric multiplicative bias correction for kernel-type density estimation on the unit interval

This paper demonstrates that two classes of multiplicative bias correction (MBC) techniques, originally proposed for density estimation using symmetric second-order kernels by Terrell and Scott (1980) and Jones et al. (1995), can be applied to density estimation using the beta and modified beta kernels. It is shown that, under sufficient smoothness of the true density, both MBC techniques reduce the order of magnitude in bias, whereas the order of magnitude in variance remains unchanged. Accordingly, mean squared errors of these MBC estimators achieve a faster convergence rate of O(n^-^8^/^9) for the interior part, when best implemented. Furthermore, the estimators always generate nonnegative density estimates by construction. To implement the MBC estimators, a plug-in smoothing parameter choice method is proposed. Monte Carlo simulations indicate good finite sample performance of the estimators.
Haploinsufficiency of myostatin protects against aging-related declines in muscle function and enhances the longevity of mice

The molecular mechanisms behind aging-related declines in muscle function are not well understood, but the growth factor myostatin (MSTN) appears to play an important role in this process. Additionally, epidemiological studies have identified a positive correlation between skeletal muscle mass and longevity. Given the role of myostatin in regulating muscle size, and the correlation between muscle mass and longevity, we tested the hypotheses that the deficiency of myostatin would protect oldest-old mice (28-30 months old) from an aging-related loss in muscle size and contractility, and would extend the maximum lifespan of mice. We found that MSTN(+/-) and MSTN(-/-) mice were protected from aging-related declines in muscle mass and contractility. While no differences were detected between MSTN(+/+) and MSTN(-/-) mice, MSTN(+/-) mice had an approximately 15% increase in maximal lifespan. These results suggest that targeting myostatin may protect against aging-related changes in skeletal muscle and contribute to enhanced longevity.
Light-sensitive polypeptide hydrogel and nanorod composites.

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels exhibit structural changes based on changes in local temperature or pH and analytes and are highly valued in fields ranging from controlled drug release to tissue repair and also in microdevices. Hydrogels that respond to external stimuli, such as light or magnetic fields, offer additional advantageswith respect to on-demandand triggered response. With this in mind, we formulated a composite of thermoreversible polypeptide-based hydrogels, formed from a genetically engineered multiblock polypeptide that exhibits a temperature-dependent transition from a solid to liquid state, and gold nanorods. Near-infrared-light (NIR) exposure of the nanorods induces local heating and, consequently, melting of the gels. These networks were explored for the controlled release of a macromolecule and the release profiles were controlled by the extent and timing of light exposure, including stepwise release with intermittent light. The infrared-lightcontrolled dissociation of these hydrogels offers unique opportunities, such as for the delivery of drugs and growth factors with transdermal light exposure or for incorporation of hydrogel actuators in microdevices. Smart biopolymeric hydrogels are a new generation of biomaterials that may exhibit reversible physicochemical changes in response to their environment. These stimuliresponsivegels arefindingapplications inmanyfields, suchas for the delivery of therapeutic molecules, biomedical devices, such as actuators and biosensors/diagnostics, and as scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. A unique feature of such materials is that they undergo significant conformational changes upon variation in one or more physicochemical stimuli such as pH, temperature, analytes, or light. Although many variables have been explored, hydrogels that reversibly respond to temperature changes have been the subject of major investigation over the past two decades. These thermoresponsive systems are typically centered around synthetic polymers suchas poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) and its derivatives or biomimetic elastin-based
Model of the use of coal, gas, and oil

Abstract A methodology for model simplification is described, which uses the pseudo-data approach and known statistical techniques. An analysis of pseudo-data generated from the Brookhaven Energy System Optimization Model (BESOM) was undertaken to determine the interrelationship of imported oil use with coal and gas use in that model. The simplified model is tested by projecting the imported oil needed for levels of coal and gas use consistent with the national restrictions embodied in BESOM. Projections of the derived functions were verified with full-scale BESOM runs. The effects of gas and coal prices on oil use are shown.
A titration procedure for generating escape behavior

In a grid-shock escape paradigm using time-out as reinforcement, both fixed-ratio and variable-interval performances were established directly from a continuous reinforcement schedule with rats and guinea pigs. A procedure was developed that employed a stepwise decrease in reinforcement time for all responses except the terminal response. Acquisition and long-term maintenance data were obtained from Ss trained on this titrated negative-reinforcement procedure.
Synthetic, spectroscopic, and structural studies of bis(2-methyl-4-phenylpentadienyl)ruthenium, Ru(2-CH3-4-C6H5C5H5)2: characterization of isomeric open ruthenocenes

Abstract Ru(2-methyl-4-phenylpentadienyl)2 has been isolated from the reaction of ruthenium chloride complexes with the appropriate diene and zinc metal in ethanol. The complex exists as a pair of diastereomers, which could be readily separated due to their significantly different solubilities. Structural studies reveal, as expected, that one of the isomers exists in the C1 point group, while the other possesses (noncrystallographic) C2 symmetry.
Resolving domains of interdigitated phospholipid membranes with 95 GHz spin labeling EPR

High-field W-band (95 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study of partitioning of a small nitroxide TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy) in multilamellar liposomes composed from 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) is described. The high-resolution spectra with a high signal-to-noise ratio were combined with automated least-squares simulation analysis to derive accurate partitioning coefficients of TEMPO in the membrane lipid phase and to follow the membrane phase transitions. The isotropic magnetic parameters, giso and Aiso were used to characterize the average polarity the spin label is experiencing in the membrane. We also report an empirical correlation between giso and Aiso for a set of protic and aprotic solvents and use this correlation to assign domains formed by interdigitation of DPPC bilayer under a high ethanol concentration of 1.2 M.
Anomalous origin of the superior intercostal artery from the vertebral artery: a case report and literature review

Abstract Anomalous origin of the superior intercostal artery from the vertebral artery is an uncommon anatomic variation. We present the characteristic angiographic findings of such an anomaly in a young woman. The literature is reviewed and the angiographic significance of this finding is discussed.
The possibility of impossible cultures

Insights from evolutionary developmental biology and the mind sciences could change our understanding of the human capacity to think and the ways in which the human mind constrains cultural expressions.
A 3-year-old boy with severe anemia and neutropenia.

3-year-old boy with a medical history of Doose syndrome (myoclonic-astatic epilepsy) presented to his primary care physician’s office with symptoms of listlessness; decreased appetite; episodes of nonbloody, nonbilious emesis; and diarrhea. The family reported no fever, rash, breakthrough seizure activity, recent sick contacts, or travel history. He was pale and tachycardic. In the office, three separate hemoglobin tests ranged from 2 to 2.5 mg/dL. He was transferred to the pediatric emergency room and intensive care unit for additional evaluation and management of severe anemia. A further review of his medical history showed that his seizures had been well controlled on a strict ketogenic, organic diet. He drank only bottled water and was on no prescription medications. His immunizations were up to date save for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and influenza. The child had developmental delay, spoke only single words, and required full assistance with activities of daily living. There was no family history of anemia, leukemia, or cancer.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Highly Organized Nanowire-Alumina Nanocomposites

The use of porous anodic alumina allows for the fabrication of highly ordered unidirectional nanowire composites. Sol gel deposition was used in the successful fabrication of zirconia-alumina and zinc oxide-alumina nanocomposites. Silicon-alumina and germanium-alumina nanocomposites were fabricated via catalyst-assisted chemical vapor deposition. The mechanical and thermal properties of these alumina nanocomposites were investigated. The Vickers hardness of the different nanocomposites was established by means of microindentation. Vickers testing was performed at room temperature and after specified heat treatments. The high temperature treatments were performed in order to assess the effect of an annealing step on the properties of the nanocomposites. Thermal cycling experiments were performed to test the nanocomposites’ compatibility with recurring high temperature environments.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Dexamethasone Reduces Oxygen Induced Retinopathy in a Mouse Model

Dexamethasone is widely used in the postnatal period. Its impact on retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is extremely controversial; published studies have found a detrimental, protective, or no effect on ROP. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that use of dexamethasone during the injury phase (oxygen exposure) reduces the severity of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) in a mouse model. C57BL6 mice pups were exposed to either room air or hyperoxia (75% FiO2) from postnatal d 7 through 12 (PN7-12) with or without dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg/d s.c.) and killed on PN17-21. Retinopathy was assessed by a scoring system of retinal flat mount preparations and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining of retinal sections. Pups exposed to dexamethasone and oxygen had a lower median retinopathy score of 5 (4,6) [median (25th, 75th quartile)] compared with animals exposed to oxygen alone with median score of 9 (6,10) with p < 0.001. PAS staining for extra retinal neovascularization in the dexamethasone and oxygen treated animals showed a significant reduction in number of nuclei extending beyond the inner limiting membrane when compared with oxygen exposed alone (p = 0.04). Animals treated with dexamethasone had decreased weight gain compared with control animals. Dexamethasone did not appear to affect the normal development of retinal vasculature as assessed by the scoring system when compared with control animals. Thus, dexamethasone decreases severity of OIR without having an adverse effect on normal retinal vascular development in the mouse model. We speculate that dexamethasone decreases the injury response that occurs during the hyperoxic phase, thus protecting the developing vasculature and improving the subsequent retinopathy.
Cyclically stable populations

The cyclically stable population relaxes the stable population assumption of fixed vital rates and replaces it with the assumption of a recurring sequence of schedules of vital rates. From any point (or stage) in one cycle of the sequence to the same stage in the next cycle, the cyclically stable population grows at a constant rate (λ). While the age composition of the cyclically stable population is different at different stages of the same cycle, it always has the same age composition at the same stage of every cycle. The essential dynamics of the cyclically stable model are captured by its birth projection matrix (BPM). The dominant eigenvalue of the BPM is growth rate A, and the right eigenvector associated with λ gives the within cycle‐birth sequence. An important special case occurs when λ = 1, and a cyclically stationary population arises. Such populations challenge simplistic ideas about “Zero Population Growth.”; A population projection based on the sets of rates observed in the United States, 19...
Some results on consecutive large cardinals

Abstract We obtain 2 models in which AC is false and in which there are long sequences of consecutive large cardinals.
Literacy practices in Mexican immigrant homes

AbstractDespite a well-established body of literature focusing on school-based Spanish and English bilingualism of Latino children in the United States, the biliteracy development and literacy practices at home have received little attention by the educational research community. Addressing this gap is important because educators can then use the knowledge related to home language and literacy resources to inform the school curricula and better serve the needs of a linguistically and culturally diverse student population. We contribute to this endeavor by exploring two Mexican immigrant families and their language and literacy practices in their home milieu. Findings from this study suggest that family interactions, as well as the more general home context, are crucial factors in supporting children's development of both oral language and literacy in Spanish and English. An important and recurrent observation is the scaffolding that parents use in Spanish as part of their literacy practices. In addition, ...
Estimating correlation for a real-time measure of connectivity

There has recently been considerable interest in connectivity analysis of fMRI and scalp and intracranial EEG time-series. The computational requirements of the pair-wise correlation (PWC), the core time-series measure used to estimate connectivity, presents a challenge to the real-time estimation of the PWC between all pairs of multiple time-series. We describe a parallel algorithm for computing PWC in real-time for streaming data from multiple channels. The algorithm was implemented on the Intel Xeon™ and IBM Cell Broadband Engine™ platforms. We evaluated time to estimate correlation for signals recorded with different acquisition parameters as a comparison to real-time constraints. We demonstrate that the execution time of these efficient implementations meet real-time constraints in most instances.
Determination of Folate Vitamers in Human Serum by Stable-Isotope-Dilution Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Comparison with Radioassay and Microbiologic Assay

Background: Current clinical methods for folate give different results and cannot measure the various forms of folate. We developed an isotope-dilution tandem mass spectrometric method coupled to liquid chromatography (LC/MS/MS) as a candidate reference method for 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5MeTHF), 5-formyltetrahydrofolic acid (5FoTHF), and folic acid (FA) in human serum. Methods: We quantitatively isolated folates from 275 μL of serum with a phenyl solid-phase extraction cartridge, then detected and quantified them in stabilized serum extracts by positive-ion electrospray ionization LC/MS/MS. We used an isocratic mobile phase of acetic acid in organic solvent on a C 8 analytical column. 13 C-labeled folates were used as internal standards. Results: Limits of detection in serum were 0.13 (5MeTHF), 0.05 (5FoTHF), and 0.07 (FA) nmol/L. Within- and between-run imprecision (CV) was 0.5 nmol/L, and 2.0 nmol/L. Total folate (TFOL) concentrations determined by competitive protein binding radioassay were ∼9% lower than results obtained with LC/MS/MS. The microbiologic assay gave ∼15% higher TFOL results with FA calibrator and no difference with 5MeTHF calibrator. The mean (SD) [range] TFOL in 42 sera was 35.5 (17.8) [6.5–75.6] nmol/L. Thirty-two samples with TFOL 50 nmol/L had, on average, 81.7% 5MeTHF, 15.7% FA, and 2.5% 5FoTHF. Conclusions: This stable-isotope-dilution LC/MS/MS method can quantify 5MeTHF, 5FoTHF, and FA in serum. Currently used clinical assays agree with this candidate reference method.
Some Effects of Soil and Vegetation Databases on Spectra of Limited-Area Mesoscale Simulations

Abstract Results are presented from an analysis of variance as a function of horizontal scale. The normalized difference-field spectra of kinetic energy, temperature, vapor mixing ratio, and cloud-water mixing ratio were computed as a function of wavenumber at several model levels within and just above the planetary boundary layer (PBL). The analysis was performed on simulations from a three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic mesoscale model that contained a soil-vegetation canopy model. The analysis was intended to highlight (in terms of wave spectra) the impact of changes in lower-boundary forcing through horizontal variations in soil and plant type. Experiments showed that the use in the model of 1° resolution databases of soil and vegetation type produced higher amounts of variance in the simulated fields at most wavelengths–often by more than 10%–when compared to a simulation that utilized a uniform distribution. Furthermore, the use of databases generated by random specification of soil and vegetation ty...
Choosing to Hope in Challenging Times

Over the past several months, messages of "hope" from the most recent presidential campaign have been followed by documentation of widespread financial insecurity. The rocky economic climate continues to impact adversely higher education institutions, communities, families, and individuals. This fall, more students with financial or educational uncertainties may be seeking assistance at student affairs offices with smaller staffs, fewer resources, or both. While offering no concrete solutions to these problems, the three major ethics and professional standards statements are abiding sources of support and guidance as student affairs professionals begin what may be a very difficult year.
Assessing the structure of smoking cessation care in the Veterans Health Administration.

Abstract Purpose. National smoking cessation practice guidelines offer recommendations regarding the processes and structure of care. Facilities routinely measure the processes of care but not the structure of care. This pilot study assessed the structure of smoking cessation care at Veterans Health Administration facilities. Methods. Key informants at 18 sites completed a brief checklist survey adapted from national smoking cessation guidelines. Responses were compared with detailed site surveys. Results. Guideline adherence was seen in identifying smokers and treating inpatient smokers. Areas of low adherence include offering incentives and defining staff responsibilities. The checklist survey showed poor correspondence with the detailed survey, with low agreement on systematic screening (kappa = .21) and higher agreement on primary care prescribing authority (kappa = .53). Discussion. This pilot survey provides a potential rapid method for assessing adherence to systems recommendations from the nationa...
A self-assessment process for accreditation preparedness: a practical example for local health departments.

INTRODUCTION Accreditation of local health departments (LHDs) is already a reality in many states, and with the establishment of the Public Health Accreditation Board, a national voluntary accreditation program will be forthcoming. To help prepare LHDs for accreditation, the National Association of County and City Health Officials has developed a self-assessment instrument on the basis of the Operational Definition of a Functioning Local Health Department. METHODS The article is a case study, describing the inputs, processes, and outputs of using the self-assessment in an LHD in a manner that can be applicable to other settings. RESULTS A seven-member work group conducted the self-assessment over an 11-week period, providing a total of 184 person-hours, with an equivalent cost of $8,565. The self-assessment was scored on the basis of indicators of performance of Essential Services and Standards. There were significant correlations between the scores on Essential Services and Standards with the scores on the documentary evidence that the indicators were being met (r = 0.7545, P = .0117; r = .7264, P < .0001, respectively). CONCLUSION Overall, the workgroup found the self-assessment tool to be useful, particularly for emphasizing the importance of documentation, and the process of conducting the self-assessment valuable for accreditation preparedness and for improving current internal communications and work practices.
The preparation and characterisation of silica aerogels and xerogels doped with transition metal species

Silica alcogels, aerogels and xerogels doped with some transition metals (e.g. M(C 2 H 5 OH) 6− x (H O ) x , M = Ni 2+ , Cu 2+ , Co 2+ ; Cu(NH 3 ) 6− x (H 2 O) x and Cu(C 5 H 5 N) 6− x (H 2 O) x ) have been prepared and examined by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption and electron spin resonance (ESR). The different doping techniques of ‘polymerisation’ and ‘impregnation’ give no differences in the properties of the resultant gels. ESR spectroscopy shows that, in the silica alcogels doped with [Cu(C 2 H 5 OH) 6− x (H 2 O) x 2+ complexes, the complex resides in the gel pores in solution, whereas in the gels doped with [Cu(NH 3 ) 6− x (H 2 O)4 x ] 2+ and [Cu(C 5 H 5 N) 6− x (H 2 O) x ] 2+ , the complexes are immobilised on the gel pore surface. ESR also shows that xerogels derived from all these types of alcogel contain Cu 2+ ions in a similar six-coordinate oxygen environment. The final morphologies of the doped xerogels depend upon the dopant used. The morphologies and surface areas of silica aerogels are significantly altered on doping. New particles appear in the Ni 2+ and Co 2+ -doped aerogels for doping concentrations greater than M/Si=1/100 (M = Ni 2+ , Co 2+ ).
SQUID NMR studies of the dipole field in ferromagnetic films

Abstract We use SQUID NMR to observe the magnetization of 3 He films with densities between 20 and 24 atoms / nm 2 in the zero field limit. Ferromagnetism in these nearly 2D Heisenberg exchange systems is stabilized by weak anisotropies. In the ferromagnetic phase, the NMR line becomes very broad and shifts to lower frequencies, consistent with a large dipolar field opposing a perpendicular applied field. Grafoil can be modeled by a Gaussian distribution of platelet angles centered on the normal to the Grafoil plus a randomly distributed set of platelets. Using the spin dynamics of a 2D polarized sheet with reasonable assumptions for the distributions of platelet angles, we show that the magnetization, frequency shift and line shape form a consistent picture of a highly polarized sheet.
Direct oxidation of hydrocarbons in a solid oxide fuel cell. I. Methane oxidation

The performance of Cu cermets as anodes for the direct oxidation of in solid oxide fuel cells was examined. Mixtures of Cu and yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were found to give similar performance to Ni‐YSZ cermets when was used as the fuel, but did not deactivate in dry . While Cu‐YSZ was essentially inert to methane, the addition of ceria to the anode gave rise to reasonable power densities and stable operation over a period of at least 3 days. Proof of direct oxidation of came from chemical analysis of the products leaving the cell. The major carbon‐containing product was , with only traces of CO observed, and there was excellent agreement between the actual cell current and that predicted by the methane conversion. These results demonstrate that direct, electrocatalytic oxidation of dry methane is possible, with reasonable performance. © 1999 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.