cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stability of thin copper films on mesoporous dielectrics

We report observations of the morphological changes in sputter-deposited thin copper films (<100nm) deposited on solid SiO 2 and varying porosity mesoporous silica substrates. Break-up of the copper film into islands (agglomeration) was observed using both an in situ hot-stage scanning electron microscope (SEM) system and an ex situ vacuum-annealing system followed by SEM characterization. The contributions of the underlying substrate to the film and substrate interfacial energy and the film's elastic strain energy were evaluated. Detailed pore-size and roughness characterization of the mesoporous substrates were performed in order to evaluate the interfacial energy contribution. The intrinsic stress in the copper film was also determined as a function of underlying dielectric porosity. The stress is tensile in as-deposited films and does not dominate the interactions in our system, as the stress energy is two orders of magnitude lower than the surface/interfacial energies. We have observed an enhancement in the film stability up to a limiting porosity and pore-size due to an increase in the effective interfacial area and hence interfacial energy available for the contiguous copper film. The experimentally observed stability behavior is correlated to models that have appeared in literature, but which needed to be adapted for porous substrates.
Development and testing of stable, invariant, isoparametric curvilinear 2- and 3-D hybrid-stress elements

Linear and quadratic Serendipity hybrid-stress elements are examined in respect of stability, coordinate invariance, and optimality. A formulation based upon symmetry group theory successfully addresses these issues in undistorted geometries and is fully detailed for plane elements. The resulting least-order stable invariant stress polynomials can be applied as astute approximations in distorted cases through a variety of tensor components and variational principles. A distortion sensitivity study for two- and three-dimensional elements provides favorable numerical comparisons with the assumed displacement method.
Oscillation phase relations in a Bridgman system

The thermal conditions under which convection in a tin melt undergoes the transition from steady flow to time-dependent flow are investigated. Previously, it has been shown that crystals that are directionally solidified from a time-dependent melt will have a larger defect density and increased chance of compositional striations. Thus, it is important for this transition to be well characterized. The experimental results to be presented were obtained from a two-zone Bridgman furnace with a middle insulation zone. Thermocouples were placed on the axis and on the outer wall of a cylindrical vitreous silica tube which contained molten tin. The phase relations between temperature oscillations measured at different positions in the cell are discussed. Fourier transforms are used to investigate the increasing complexity of convection as the temperature gradient is increased.
Acute inhibition of microsomal drug metabolism by propoxyphene in narcotic tolerant/dependent mice.

Abstract Propoxyphene (Darvon) was compared to SKF 525-A, a prototypical inhibitor of hepatic microsomal mixed function oxidases, to assess propoxyphene's potential to inhibit drug metabolism in morphine tolerant/dependent mice. In vitro , both propoxyphene (Ki = 3.5 × 10−5M) and SKF 525-A (Ki = 4.3 × 10−6M) inhibited the activity of aminopyrine N-demethylase competitively in hepatic microsomes from tolerant/dependent animals. Propoxyphene and SKF 525-A were weaker, noncompetitive inhibitors of aniline hydroxylase activity. In vivo , equimolar doses (0.24 mmoles/kg, i.p.) of each compound inhibited both of the above monooxygenases in the 10,000 g supernatant fractions of livers from the tolerant/ dependent animals. Propoxyphene was 40–50% as potent an inhibitor of these activities as SKF 525-A. A dose (300 mg/kg) of propoxyphene napsylate, shown to prevent narcotic abstinence signs with no observable toxicity in withdrawing mice, significantly prolonged the blood levels of injected pentobarbital and tripled pentobarbital sleeping time in these animals. When administered at 300 mg/kg chronically, propoxyphene napsylate acted as an inducer of its own metabolism. Propoxyphene napsylate, then, given acutely to narcotic tolerant/dependent mice, is a potent inhibitor of microsomal drug metabolizing capacity. Given chronically, it enhances this capability.
Reduced territorial responses in dark-eyed juncos following population establishment in a climatically mild environment

Colonization of novel environments may often lead to changes in socially and sexually selected traits, but there are few documented examples. We examined territorial responses of male dark-eyed juncos, Junco hyemalis thurberi, to song playback in association with colonization of an environment very different from that experienced by the ancestral population. A small population of dark-eyed juncos became established on the campus of the University of California at San Diego in the early 1980s. This population experiences a milder climate than the nearby mountain population from which it was probably derived. The San Diego juncos have a breeding season that is more than twice as long and rear about twice as many young per individual. When confronted with song playback, male responses in such traits as the total number of songs and total number of swoops in the San Diego population were about half those recorded in the mountain population. Previous work has shown that the amount of white in the tail of this species (a trait used in aggressive displays) has also decreased in the San Diego population, and lowered territorial response may be one reason favouring the evolution of less white.
Use of the Zung depression scale in patients with traumatic brain injury: 1 year post-injury.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine if the physical disabilities of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) would influence the assessment of depression when using the Zung depression scale. Method: Patients with TBI (n = 59) were assessed 1 year after injury for depression by both a psychiatrist and the use of the Zung depression scale. Results: By psychiatric evaluation, seven of 17 (41%) patients with severe TBI and one of 20 (5%) of the patients with moderate TBI were diagnosed with major depressive disorder. With the Zung depression scale, 10 of 17 (59%) patients with severe TBI met the cut-off (scored >55) for depression, whereas none of the patients with moderate (n = 20) or mild (n = 22) TBI did. The mean (SD) scores of the somatic scale were 2.91 (0.93), 2.49 (0.92) and 1.25 (0.43) for each group. The mean scores of the affective scale were 2.58 (0.90), 1.85 (0.79) and 1.24 (0.46). For patients with moderate (p < 0.05) and severe (p < 0.10) TBI, scores on the somatic items exce...
Near surface modification of α-Al2O3 by ion implantation followed by thermal annealing

Abstract Structural changes in α-Al2O3 crystals implanted by 48Ti and 90Zr and subjected to thermal annealing have been investigated using ion scattering/channeling techniques. For the case of Ti implantation, the implanted species exhibits substitutionality in the as-implanted condition and undergoes anisotropic diffusion along the 〈0001〉 axis at a temperature of 1200°C which gives rise to the formation of needle-like precipitates partially coherent along the 〈0001〉 direction. For the case of Zr implantation, recovery of lattice damage begins in the Al sublattice at ∼ 800°C and in the O sublattice at ∼ 1300°C. Zr is not observed to be substitutional even after annealing to temperature of 1600°C. Results on the structural changes are correlated with measured mechanical property changes for the case of Cr, Ti, and Zr implanted into Al2O3 and thermally annealed to temperatures of 1600°C.
A Pedagogical Discussion on Neutrino Wave-packet Evolution☆

Abstract We present a pedagogical discussion on the time evolution of a Gaussian neutrino wave packet in free space. A common treatment is to keep momentum terms up to the quadratic order in the expansion of the energy-momentum relation so that the Fourier transform can be evaluated analytically via Gaussian integrals. This leads to a solution representing a flat Gaussian distribution with a constant longitudinal width and a spreading transverse width, which suggests that special relativity would be violated if the neutrino wave packet were detected on its edge. However, we demonstrate that by including terms of higher order in momentum the correct geometry of the wave packet is restored. The corrected solution has a spherical wave front so that it complies with special relativity.
Brown in Black and White—Then and Now A Question of Educating or Sporting African American Males in America

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the Brown v. Board of Education case was used as a point of reference to elaborate on the often divergent realities in education and sport for Black and White Americans. The impetus to integrate sport and the movement to integrate educational institutions in America were two separate yet often paralleled phenomena. It is typically argued that efforts to integrate educational institutions were about ensuring equitable access and opportunity. Less so, due to moral principles, integration in sports was more about winning and generating revenue. Still today, race-related divergences are reflected in education and sport. The intent of this article is to reflect on America's education and sport histories (then) and highlight some present-day realities (now) as associated with the social construct of race, particularly for Black male students and athletes.
Novel Self-Organization Mechanism in Ultrathin Liquid Films: Theory and Experiment

When an ultrathin metal film of thickness $h$ $(l20\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{nm})$ is melted by a nanosecond pulsed laser, the film temperature is a nonmonotonic function of $h$ and achieves its maximum at a certain thickness ${h}^{*}$. This is a consequence of the $h$ and time dependence of energy absorption and heat flow. Linear stability analysis and nonlinear dynamical simulations that incorporate such intrinsic interfacial thermal gradients predict a characteristic pattern length scale $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ that decreases for $hg{h}^{*}$, in contrast to the classical spinodal dewetting behavior where $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ increases monotonically as ${h}^{2}$. These predictions agree well with experimental observations for Co and Fe films on ${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$.
Population trends of the mantled howler groups of La Pacifica, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

A complete survey of La Pacifica in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica was conducted in July 1984 in order to determine whether the howler (Alouatta palliata) population had declined since 1972 as a result of deforestation. During the 6-day survey, 257 howlers were located, representing 16 different social groupings and nine solitary animals. The total number of howlers, the number and location of groups, and the age-sex composition were very similar to a 1972-1976 survey of the same population. Age-sex composition of La Pacifica howler groups was similar to those of another population of mantled howlers in Costa Rica and of populations in Mexico and in Panama, although La Pacifica had a higher mean number of adult females per group. There was no evidence to support the hypothesis that the La Pacifica howler population has declined in recent times.
Induction chemotherapy selects patients with locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer for optimal benefit from consolidative chemoradiation therapy

BACKGROUND. The current study was conducted to determine whether there were differences in outcome for patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) who received treatment with chemoradiation therapy (CR) versus induction chemotherapy followed by CR (CCR). METHODS. Between December 1993 and July 2005, 323 consecutive patients with LAPC were treated at the authors' institution with radiotherapy and concurrent gemcitabine or fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy. Two hundred forty-seven patients received CR as initial treatment, and 76 patients received a median of 2.5 months of gemcitabine-based induction chemotherapy prior to CR. Most patients received a radiation dose of 30 grays in 10 fractions (85%) concurrently with infusional 5-fluorouracil (41%), gemcitabine (39%), or capecitabine (20%). RESULTS. The median follow-up was 5.5 months (range, 1–63 months). For all patients, the median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 9 months and 5 months, respectively, and the 2-year estimated OS and PFS rates were 9% and 5%, respectively. The median OS and PFS were 8.5 months and 4.2 months, respectively, in the CR group and 11.9 months and 6.4 months, respectively, in the CCR group (both P < .001). The median times to local and distant progression were 6.0 months and 5.6 months, respectively, in the CR group and 8.9 and 9.5 months, respectively, in the CCR group (P = .003 and P = .007, respectively). There was no significant difference in the patterns of failure with the use of induction chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS. The results from this analysis indicated that, by excluding patients with rapid distant progression, induction chemotherapy may select patients with LAPC for optimal benefit from consolidative CR. The authors believe that this strategy of enriching the population of patients who receive a locoregional treatment modality merits prospective randomized evaluation. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
The rate of sural nerve violation using the Achillon device: a cadaveric study.

Background:Management of acute Achilles tendon rupture remains controversial. Open repair results in lower rerupture rates but is associated with complications from wound healing. Percutaneous and ...
X-ray, XTEM and RBS analysis of recrystallized ion beam amorphized CVD Si

Ion beam modification of materials has been used for the formation of high quality single-crystal silicon (c-Si) over oxide, for high speed CMOS device applications. In the lateral solid phase epitaxy (LSPE) technique, thin c-Si layers (typically 300 nm) are formed by ion beam amorphization of a low pressure chemical vapor deposited (LPCVD) polysilicon layer over an oxidized Si wafer in which seed windows have been opened in the oxide. A c-Si layer is formed by LSPE from the single-crystal substrate up and over the thermal oxide adjacent to the oxide window for distances of up to 4 μm beyond the window boundary. We have obtained high quality 〈100〉 single-crystal silicon by conversion of polycrystalline LPCVD-Si, using rapid thermal annealing (RTA) followed by ion implantation amorphization and subsequent thermal recrystallization. Amorphization of LPCVD deposited poly-Si to a depth of 300 nm is achieved by LN2 temperature implants of 5 × 1014 cm−228Si+ at 80 and 230 keV each. The crystallinity upon thermally induced recrystallization is evaluated by X-ray rocking curves, X-ray Read camera, RBS and cross-sectional transmission electron muscopy (XTEM).
Risk of lymphoma subtypes after solid organ transplantation in the United States

Methods: We linked nationwide data on solid organ transplants from the US Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (1987–2008) to 14 state and regional cancer registries, yielding 791281 person-years of follow-up for 19 distinct NHL subtypes and HL. We calculated standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) and used Poisson regression to compare SIRs by recipient age, transplanted organ, and time since transplantation. Results: The risk varied widely across subtypes, with strong elevations (SIRs 10–100) for hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, Burkitt’s lymphoma, NK/T-cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (both systemic and primary cutaneous forms). Moderate elevations (SIRs 2–4) were observed for HL and lymphoplasmacytic, peripheral T-cell, and marginal zone lymphomas, but SIRs for indolent lymphoma subtypes were not elevated. Generally, SIRs were highest for younger recipients (o20 years) and those receiving organs other than kidneys. Conclusion: Transplant recipients experience markedly elevated risk of a distinct spectrum of lymphoma subtypes. These findings support the aetiologic relevance of immunosuppression for certain subtypes and underscore the importance of detailed haematopathologic workup for transplant recipients with suspected lymphoma.
Lifestyle modification to improve blood pressure control in individuals with diabetes: is physician advice effective?

OBJECTIVE —To determine the effectiveness of physician advice on hypertension-related lifestyle modification in individuals with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —Data on adults with one or more physician visit in the 1998 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were analyzed (diabetes, n = 1,609; no diabetes, n = 19,672). The proportion with hypertension who received physician advice to lose weight, increase physical activity, or take antihypertensive medications and the proportion who reported adhering to advice were compared by diabetes status. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with receipt of physician advice and adherence to advice by diabetes status controlling for covariates. Then, logistic regression was also used to determine the extent to which patient adherence among people with diabetes differed by age, sex, and race/ethnicity, controlling for other covariates. STATA statistical software was used for all analyses to account for the complex survey design of NHIS. RESULTS —Controlling for covariates, individuals with diabetes were more likely to receive advice (odds ratio [OR] 1.94 for weight loss, 1.99 for exercise, and 2.16 for medications). Adherence was more likely in individuals with diabetes (OR 1.40 for losing weight and 2.16 for taking medications). Adherence in people with diabetes did not differ by sex or race/ethnicity. Subjects 18–44 years old were least likely to report losing weight (OR 0.15) or taking medications (0.31) compared with subjects ≥65 years old. CONCLUSIONS —Physician advice appears effective at changing hypertension-related lifestyles in people with diabetes regardless of sex or race/ethnicity. However, advice on increasing physical activity does not seem as effective.
Synthesis of 3a,4,5,6,7a-Hexahydro-3a-hydroxy-3-substitutedamino-2-benzothiazolinethiones and Related Compounds†

The reaction of various potassium or ammonium salts [RNHC(=S)SM, M = K or NH4; R = N(CH3)2, morpholino, pyrrolidino, piperidino, and hexahydro-1-(1H)-acepinyl] with 2-chlorocyclohexanone in alcohol at 25–30° afforded the title compounds 1 and 3–6. The treatment of these compounds with a catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid in refluxing benzene furnished the dehydrated products 2 and 7–10. The reaction of potassium dithiocarbazate with 2-chlorocyclohexanone or 3-chloro-3,4-pentanedione in refluxing ethanol afforded 11, a six membered heterocycle and 12, a five membered heterocycle, respectively. Possible mechanisms and supporting nmr, ir, uv mass spectral data are discussed.
The fallacy of the localized supratentorial malignant glioma.

Supratentorial glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a lethal malignancy. Subtotal surgical resection and post operative external beam radiotherapy palliate symptoms and prolong survival, but very few patients survive more than 3 years following diagnosis.‘,3,20*32,43,46,48*5’*58,66 Whereas the probability of survival of supratentorial anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) is slightly better, most patients will still succumb to the tumor.58-60*66 The resistance of these neoplasms to conventional therapies has prompted many physicians to undertake new clinical and laboratory investigations. These have included the use of chemotherapy,44 immunotherapy,40 multiple-fraction-perday radiotherapy,2’,34,49 radiotherapy with chemical radiosensitizers,6’ and neutron radiotherapy.45 As interest in the biology and treatment of malignant gliomas has increased, many conceptual verities have been proposed to guide therapeutic investigations, These include the significance of the cellular heterogeneity of AA and GBM,‘2,24 the presence of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) as a functional obstruction to chemotherapy, and the local nature of these tumors. In this editorial, we focus on the last of these premises. We have selected this issue because of its major implications for any treatment that is directed at a specific portion of the brain rather than the whole brain: BBB disruption, intracarotid drug administration, and brain brachytherapy. Interstitial brachytherapy is used for primary and recurrent GBM and AA. The technique consists of the stereotactic computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided placement of coaxial catheters within and around the tumor. Radioactive sources are after-loaded into the catheters to deliver continuous low-dose rate irradiation. After a specified dose is delivered, the system is removed.22~27~28~39~45 Interstitial hyperthermia generated by implanted microwave antennae may be administered in conjunction with the radiation.52 One of the justifications invoked for brachytherapy is the concept of malignant gliomas as localizedlesions. Allusions to this concept abound in the literature. “Most malignant gliomas are localized to a single area of the brain, central nervous system (CNS) metastases from these tumors are uncommon and systemic metastases are rare.“29 “Since an astrocytoma is almost invariably a nonmetastatizing single mass, ideally it should lend itself best to regional treatment.“** “Because a primary brain tumor is most often a localized disease, hyperthermia, intratumoral chemotherapy, and interstitial irradiation, the stereotactic placement of radioactive sources directly into brain tumors, have been suggested as possible local treatments for brain tumors.“*’
Stochastic linear programs with simple recourse: The equivalent deterministic convex program for the normal, exponential, and erlang cases

We consider here stochastic linear programs with simple recourse when all the elements of the technology matrix and the resource vector have certain specific distributions. The distributions considered are the Normal, Exponential and Erlang. For the first two instances we extend the equivalent deterministic program to include the variance of the recourse. Finally, a simple example is given to illustrate the application of the formulas for the Erlang case.
Wind-driven ocean circulation—Part 2. Numerical solutions of the non-linear problem

Abstract Results from numerical calculations of wind-driven ocean circulation with a barotropic model with bottom friction and on the β-plane are presented for a range of parameters from slightly non-linear to highly non-linear flows. The imposed wind-stress curl is steady and everywhere negative and is symmetric with a maximum amplitude at mid-latitudes. The oceanic response is strongly asymmetric with a westward intensification for nearly linear flows ( Stommel's 1948 result), and a northward concentration for non-linear flows. All of the cases showed a steady oceanic response to a steady wind. The effect of the non-linear processes is to decrease the transport below the Sverdrup transport for mildly non-linear flows. Strongly non-linear flows in which the western boundary current flows up to the northern boundary, across the ocean and southward along the eastern boundary have transports larger than the Sverdrup transport. It is shown that non-linear effects cause the western boundary current to flow northward into regions where there is no wind-stress. Thus when flows are non-linear it appears that one must consider entire oceanic basins rather than basins delimited by the sign of the wind-stress curl. The balance of forces in the different regions of the ocean are presented and the feasibility of constructing analytic models is discussed. Details such as the countercurrent on the off-shore side of the western boundary current are reflected in the associated pressure fields which are also graphed.
Standards of practice: Carotid angioplasty and stenting

Carotid endarterectomy has been used to treat carotidbifurcation disease for more than 50 years. Over this periodof time, the indications for repair have been reﬁned and thesurgicaltechniquehasundergoneminormodiﬁcation.Thisoperation has held up to the scrutiny of large multicenterrandomized trials, and more carotid endarterectomies arenow being performed than at any time in the history of theoperation. Although a cervical incision is inescapable, ca-rotid endarterectomy is associated with a remarkably lowmorbidity and mortality, especially when performed inpatients without severe medical comorbidities.Despite the wide acceptance of carotid endarterec-tomy,aconsensusstatementthatsummarizestheevidence-based recommendations for treatment has never been pre-pared by the vascular surgical societies. By contrast, severalinterventional radiology societies have recently publishedguidelines for carotid artery stenting, a relatively new ther-apeutic option.
Secondary Storage of Dermatan Sulfate in Sanfilippo Disease

Mucopolysaccharidoses are a group of genetically inherited disorders that result from the defective activity of lysosomal enzymes involved in glycosaminoglycan catabolism, causing their intralysosomal accumulation. Sanfilippo disease describes a subset of mucopolysaccharidoses resulting from defects in heparan sulfate catabolism. Sanfilippo disorders cause severe neuropathology in affected children. The reason for such extensive central nervous system dysfunction is unresolved, but it may be associated with the secondary accumulation of metabolites such as gangliosides. In this article, we describe the accumulation of dermatan sulfate as a novel secondary metabolite in Sanfilippo. Based on chondroitinase ABC digestion, chondroitin/dermatan sulfate levels in fibroblasts from Sanfilippo patients were elevated 2–5-fold above wild-type dermal fibroblasts. Lysosomal turnover of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate in these cell lines was significantly impaired but could be normalized by reducing heparan sulfate storage using enzyme replacement therapy. Examination of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate catabolic enzymes showed that heparan sulfate and heparin can inhibit iduronate 2-sulfatase. Analysis of the chondroitin/dermatan sulfate fraction by chondroitinase ACII digestion showed dermatan sulfate storage, consistent with inhibition of iduronate 2-sulfatase. The discovery of a novel storage metabolite in Sanfilippo patients may have important implications for diagnosis and understanding disease pathology.
Remarks about a paired comparison model

A generalization of the customary model underlying the Law of Comparative Judgment is established. Methods for estimating location parameters and testing a certain hypothesis are discussed. The problem of the influence of the shape of the curve used to grade responses is raised and a possible approach to its solution is indicated. Two examples are provided.
Effect of group racial composition on weight loss in African Americans.

Objective: We do not know how racial composition of a group influences behavior change for African Americans (AAs) in group-based weight loss programs. We tested the hypothesis that AA who participate in all AA weight loss intervention groups will lose more weight than AA who participate in mixed race groups. Methods and Procedures: This observational study was ancillary to Phase 1 of the Weight Loss Maintenance Study, a multi-center trial of strategies to maintain weight loss after a 20-week behavior modification program. Three of four centers recruited several all-AA intervention groups. Remaining groups were combinations of AA and non-AA participants. All participants received the same weight loss intervention. Change in weight was the primary outcome, comparing participants of all-AA groups with AA participants of mixed race groups conducted by the same AA interventionists. Secondary outcomes included measures of intervention adherence and behavior change. Results: Participants of all-AA groups (n = 271) were comparable to other AA participants (n = 106). The mean proportion of AA in mixed race groups was 56%. All-AA group participants had similar weight loss as those in mixed groups (−4.2 vs. −4.2 kg, P = 0.97). There were no differences between the groups in mean number of sessions attended or changes in dietary intake. Discussion: Significant weight loss was observed in both groups, with no effect of group composition on adherence or weight loss outcomes. Special logistics to accommodate all-AA groups may not be necessary. Despite varying instructional environments, AA appeared to respond positively to intervention messages with significant changes in dietary intake, physical activity (PA), and weight.
Minireview: Obesity and Breast Cancer: The Estrogen Connection

There is now substantial evidence that overweight and/or obesity and/or weight gain are risk factors for the development of postmenopausal breast cancer. In addition, obesity and/or elevated body mass index at breast cancer diagnosis has a negative impact on prognosis for both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of how obesity affects the mammary tumorigenesis process is an important health issue. Elevated serum estrogen levels as well as enhanced local production of estrogen have been considered primary mediators of how increased body weight promotes breast cancer development in postmenopausal women. Here, we provide an overview of estrogen’s relationship with both obesity and breast cancer as separate entities. Human and relevant preclinical studies are cited. In addition, other growth factors that may be involved in this relationship are considered.
The effect of thermal contact resistance on heat management in the electronic packaging

A finite element analysis is carried out in order to investigate the role of thermal contact resistance on heat management within a simple central processing unit (CPU)/heat sink assembly. A special attention is paid in assessing the effect of surface roughness characteristics, mechanical and thermal properties of the contacting bodies, applied contact pressures and the use of thermal interface materials on the maximum temperature experienced by the CPU. Two classes of thermal interface materials: (a) phase-change materials and (b) acrylic- or silicone-based tapes are considered. The results clearly reveal that plastic deformation of micro-contacts (promoted by high contact pressures and lower micro-hardness levels) and the use of thermal interface materials which eliminate (high thermal resistance) micro-gaps can significantly lower the overall CPU/heat sink thermal contact resistance and facilitate heat management. It is also shown that the retention of asperity micro-contacts and good wetting of the mating surfaces by the thermal interface material are critical for achieving an effective removal of the heat generated by the CPU.
Molecular diffusion in tissue-engineered cartilage constructs: Effects of scaffold material, time, and culture conditions

Diffusion is likely to be the primary mechanism for macromolecular transport in tissue-engineered cartilage, and providing an adequate nutrient supply via diffusion may be necessary for cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production. The goal of this study was to measure the diffusivity of tissue-engineered cartilage constructs as a function of scaffold material, culture conditions, and time in culture. Diffusion coefficients of four different-sized fluorescent dextrans were measured by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching in tissue-engineered cartilage constructs seeded with human adipose-derived stem cells or acellular constructs on scaffolds of alginate, agarose, gelatin, or fibrin that were cultured for 1 or 28 days in either chondrogenic or control conditions. Diffusivities in the constructs were much greater than those of native cartilage. The diffusivity of acellular constructs increased 62% from Day 1 to Day 28, whereas diffusivity of cellular constructs decreased 42% and 27% in chondrogenic and control cultures, respectively. The decrease in diffusivity in cellular constructs is likely due to new matrix synthesis, which may be enhanced with chondrogenic media, and matrix contraction by the cells in the fibrin and gelatin scaffolds. The increase in diffusivity in the acellular constructs is probably due to scaffold degradation and swelling.
First and second order effects in NMR spectral averaging

Abstract Many ways in which motional averaging can effect NMR spectra are illustrated with examples chosen from the literature on ferroelectrics and super-ionics. Both types of materials display very extensive local, short- and long-range motion. The familiar first order averaging, as well as second order effects which have been recently demonstrated to provide essentially the same information as spin-lattice relaxation experiments, are considered. While theoretical results will be outlined as necessary, emphasis is placed upon the experimental results and physical concepts.
Amyloid-β Protein Angiopathies Masquerading as Alzheimer's Disease?a

Current evidence from genetic and epidemiological studies supports the view that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a heterogeneous disorder. While the disease is pathologically defined by the presence of specified lesions in form of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles within the parenchyma, other features of pathology are often either neglected or considered coincidental. Our studies suggest that cerebrovascular pathology is inherently part of the disorder, which could be an important factor in a cause or effect manner. We have recently identified subjects having died with severe amyloid beta (A beta) protein cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in the absence of a profound Alzheimer pathology. These subjects, diagnosed with dementia had a late onset disease and were found at autopsy to exhibit severe CAA but paucity of typical AD changes. Immunocytochemical studies showed numerous microvascular abnormalities as well as characteristic degeneration of the vascular smooth muscle in both surface and intracortical vessels. The pathology was also characterized by occasional intracerebral hemorrhages and multiple infarcts. Further assessment of the abnormalities and amyloid infiltrated cerebral vessels with antibodies to the carboxyl terminus of A beta indicated that the longer, more pathogenic form of A beta(1-42) was found to be highly associated with intracerebral hemorrhages. Our observations suggest that these mild AD cases with a predominantly vascular pathology are variants of AD and bear resemblance to the familial Dutch and Flemish versions of cerebral amyloidosis. We propose that AD is a group of diseases with a variable pathology analogous to the prion diseases, in which a vascular variant also exists.
Analysis of diamond-like carbon and Ti/MoS2 coatings on Ti–6Al–4V substrates for applicability to turbine engine applications

Abstract Ti–6Al–4V substrates have been coated by diamond-like carbon (DLC) films, with no surface pretreatment, and have been coated by Ti/MoS 2 films, with a simple surface pre-cleaning. The DLC films were deposited by planar coil r.f. inductively-coupled plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (r.f. ICPECVD); the Ti/MoS 2 films were deposited by magnetron sputtering. Both the DLC and Ti/MoS 2 films were characterized by pull tests, hardness tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and wear tests (pin-on-disk and block-on-ring) to compare their adhesion, hardness, surface topology, and wear properties to plasma-sprayed Cu–Ni–In coating currently used for turbine engine applications. The DLC films were easily characterized by their optical properties because they were highly transparent. We used variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) to characterize thickness and to unequivocally extract real and complex index of refraction, providing a rapid assessment of film quality. Thicker coatings yielded the largest hardness values. The DLC coatings did not require abrasive pretreatment or the formation of bond-layers to ensure good adhesion to the substrate. Simple surface pre-cleaning was also adequate to form well-adhered Ti/MoS 2 on Ti–6Al–4V. The results show that the DLC and Ti/MoS 2 coatings are both much better fretting- and wear-resistant coatings than plasma-sprayed Cu–Ni–In. Both show excellent adhesion to the substrates, less surface roughness, harder surfaces, and more wear resistance than the Cu–Ni–In films.
The integrable analytic geometry of quantum string

Abstract The quantum theory of closed bosonic strings is formulated as integrable analytic geometry on the universal moduli space of Riemann surfaces. Solutions of the equation of motion of quantum strings are flat hermitian metrics in holomorphic vector bundles over universal moduli space.
Comparison of Continuously- and Step-Graded ZnSySe1−y/GaAs (001) Metamorphic Buffer Layers

The design of metamorphic buffer layers for semiconductor devices with reduced defect densities requires control of lattice relaxation and dislocation dynamics. Graded layers are beneficial for the design of these buffers because they reduce the threading dislocation density by (1) allowing the distribution of the misfit dislocations throughout the buffer layer therefore reducing pinning interactions, and (2) enhancing mobility from the high built-in surface strain which helps to sweep out threading arms. In this work, we considered heterostructures involving a linearly-graded (type A) or step-graded (type B) buffer grown on a GaAs (001) substrate. For each structure type, we studied the equilibrium configuration and the kinetically-limited lattice relaxation and non-equilibrium threading dislocations by utilizing a dislocation dynamics model. In this work, we have also considered heterostructures involving a constant composition ZnS y Se1−y device layer grown on top of a GaAs (001) substrate with an intermediate buffer layer of linearly-graded (type C) or step-graded (type D) ZnS y Se1−y . For each structure type, we studied the requirements on the thickness and compositional profile in the buffer layer for the elimination of all mobile threading dislocations from the device layer by the dislocation compensation mechanism.
Why NLP should move into IAS

The paper introduces the ways in which methods and resources of natural language processing (NLP) can be fruitfully employed in the domain of information assurance and security (IAS). IAS may soon claim a very prominent status both conceptually and in terms of future funding for NLP, alongside or even instead of established applications, such as machine translation (MT). After a brief summary of theoretical premises of NLP in general and of ontological semantics as a specific approach to NLP developed and/or practiced by the authors, the paper reports on the interaction between NLP and IAS through brief discussions of some implemented and planned NLP-enhanced IAS systems at the Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS). The rest of the paper deals with the milestones and challenges in the future interaction between NLP and IAS as well as the role of a representational, meaning-based NLP approach in that future.
Biindanylidenes: role of central bond torsion in nonvertical triplet excitation transfer to the stilbenes.

The stilbenes were proposed to function as nonvertical triplet excitation (NVET) acceptors for energy-deficient donors because rotation about the central bond diminishes the energy gap between ground and triplet energy surfaces. Recently, the role of central bond torsion in facilitating NVET to cis-stilbene (c-St) was questioned because the behavior of 2,3-diphenylnorbornene as a triplet energy acceptor is similar to that of cis-stilbene. On the basis of the assumption that the rigidity of the norbornene skeleton precludes torsional displacement of the phenyl rings in the triplet state, an alternative mechanism was proposed involving phenyl−vinyl torsion as the key reaction coordinate for NVET to c-St. However, this proposal is inconsistent with theory, which predicts that the triplet state energy minimum corresponds to a geometry with significant displacement of the phenyl rings of 2,3-diphenylnorbornene from a common plane. We now provide experimental evidence demonstrating that central bond torsion is ...
Incidence of and Risk Factors for Acute Stress Disorder in Children with Injuries

Background To assess the incidence of and risk factors for Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) in children with injuries. Numerous studies have documented the increased incidence of PTSD in those initially diagnosed with ASD. PTSD symptoms cause tremendous morbidity and may persist for many years in some children. Methods Children hospitalized with one or more injuries were interviewed and assessed with the following: Child Stress Disorders Checklist (CSDC), Family Strains Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and Facial Pain Scale. Results Participants included sixty-five children (ages 7-18 years). The mechanisms of injury varied (e.g. MVC, penetrating). The mean injury severity score was 8.9 +/- 7. The mean length of hospital stay was 4.6 +/- 4.6 days. Altogether, 18 (27.7%) of participants met DSM IV criteria for ASD during their acute hospital stay. Risk factors such as level of family stress, caregiver stress, child's experience of pain, and child's age were predictive of acute stress symptoms. Conclusion We have identified four risk factors of ASD that have implications for the treatment, and possibly, preventative intervention for PTSD. Further investigation and greater understanding of risk factors for ASD in children with injuries may facilitate the design of acute interventions to prevent the long-term negative outcomes of traumatic events.
EFFECTS OF VITAMIN D (CALCITRIOL) ON TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE BLADDER IN VITRO AND IN VIVO

Purpose: Vitamin D (calcitriol) has significant antiproliferative effects on various tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. In the clinical situation a major impediment to systemic administration of calcitriol is the side effect of hypercalcemia. To test the potential usefulness of calcitriol for bladder cancer treatment, we studied the antiproliferative effect of vitamin D on 2 human bladder cancer cell lines, 253j and T-24, in vitro. We also examined the in vivo effects of calcitriol in an animal model of bladder cancer using intravesical administration to avoid the toxicity of systemic calcitriol therapy.Materials and Methods: The presence of vitamin D receptors in normal and neoplastic human bladder tissue, and tumor cells T-24 and 253j was determined by immunoblot analysis. Tumor cell proliferation in the presence or absence of calcitriol was determined using a crystal violet assay. Calcitriol induced apoptosis was determined by morphology, polyadenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase cleavage and annexin ...
Spontaneous hypertensive reactions with monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Despite long-standing concerns over hypertensive reactions, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) have grown in popularity and are now used in a variety of psychiatric disorders. The risk of hypertensive episodes is less than 1%. This is most likely the result of careful dietary instructions and prudent prescribing of concomitant medications. The possibility exists of spontaneous or unprovoked hypertensive crises in patients receiving MAOIs. In this report, we review the literature on spontaneous hypertensive episodes and present a case report. There has been a total of 11 cases described in six separate reports. We discuss the possible mechanism, risk factors, treatment, and safety of rechallenging the patients with the MAOI. Further research is needed to clarify this reaction. For now, it remains a rare but worrisome phenomenon. It should stand as an additional source of concern for clinicians who are already well aware of the risk of hypertensive episodes in patients receiving MAOIs.
Changes in blood oxygen affinity and hemodynamics in anemic dogs.

Abstract The effects of anemia on blood oxygen transport were studied using twelve adult male dogs (25–30 kg). Blood was sampled through indwelling catheters. Blood oxygen dissociation curves were constructed at 38 °C and corrected to pH 7.40. Measurements of cardiac output at rest and without anesthesia were made in eight of the dogs. Studies were conducted prior to anemia, during anemia and after recovery. The blood oxygen capacity was lowered from 16.9 ± 2.0 to 6.3 ± 2.3 vol % by bleeding and replacement of the removed plasma. The oxygen partial pressure required to saturate 50 % of the blood's hemoglobin (P 50 ) changed from a mean of 30.9 ± 0.9 mm Hg to a mean of 32.3 ± 1.4 mm Hg during anemia. The dogs were separated into two groups depending upon whether the blood P 50 increased. Six dogs (Group 1) increased their blood P 50 values more than one S.D. above their control values; the other six dogs (Group 2) had blood with average P 50 values during anemia within one S.D. of their mean values during the control period. The degree of anemia was the same in both groups; so was the increase (69%) in cardiac output during anemia. The P O 2 of mixed venous blood dropped during anemia from 41 to 32 mm Hg in Group 1 and from 46 to 27 mm Hg in Group 2. There was no significant difference in oxygen consumption between the control and the anemic studies in either group; the dogs which did not lower their blood oxygen affinities maintained the oxygen delivery to their tissues despite a lower mean capillary oxygen tension.
THE CARTESIAN MULTIPOLE EXPANSION AS A FOUNDATION FOR FAST MULTIPOLE TYPE ALGORITHMS

We present a dual origin Cartesian multipole expansion for continuous and discrete charge distributions. The remainder term for the truncated expansion is analyzed and formulas for translating and clustering are derived. The analysis of the remainder term, and the formulas for translating and clustering are equally applicable to one and two center Cartesian expansions.
Review of Virginia Doellgast, Disintegrating Democracy at Work: Labor Unions and the Future of Good Jobs in the Service Economy

Determined to figure out whether there is any hope for service-sector workers caught in the downward spiral of deskilling, declining wages, deunionization, outsourcing, and job insecurity, Virginia Doellgast examines a workplace that exemplifies these trends, the call center. Her intensive study of matched pairs of call centers in Germany and the U.S., based on observation, archival documents, and some 300 interviews, shows that the situation is bleak, but not quite as bleak as the title, Disintegrating Democracy at Work, might suggest. She concludes by sketching a way forward, toward a utopian world in which call-center workers are self-managed, highly skilled members of strong unions who enjoy job security and high wages. That system can be self-reinforcing, for it saves training and turnover costs, and by ensuring high-quality service, offers firms competitive advantages. The system can still be found in some German and U.S. telecom call centers.
Credit conditions and the postwar U.S. residential investment cycle

(1978). Credit conditions and the postwar U.S. residential investment cycle. Applied Economics: Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 11-19.