cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survival-adjusted health-related quality of life (HRQL) among patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving paclitaxel plus bevacizumab versus paclitaxel alone: results from Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study 2100 (E2100)

The purpose of this study was to examine health-related quality of life (HRQL) among women with metastatic breast cancer treated on E2100 with paclitaxel or paclitaxel plus bevacizumab. Trial participants (N = 670) completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) pre-treatment and following 4 and 8 cycles of treatment to assess HRQL and breast cancer-specific concerns. A significantly higher proportion of missing FACT-B assessments was observed among patients receiving paclitaxel only, due to faster time to death. To account for this non-ignorable pattern of missing data, we conducted a survival-adjusted HRQL analysis by jointly modeling the longitudinal HRQL outcome and time to non-ignorable dropout using a two-stage model. FACT scores assessing HRQL did not differ following 4 and 8 cycles of treatment; however mean scores on the 9-item Breast Cancer Scale were significantly higher after 4 and 8 cycles of treatment among patients receiving paclitaxel plus bevacizumab. No differences were observed between treatment arms on FACT-B total scores. The addition of bevacizumab was not associated with additional side effect burden from the patient perspective and was associated with a greater reduction in breast cancer-specific concerns. No other differences were noted.
New models of strategic HRM in a global context

Although strategic human resource management began to emerge as a domain of study around 1980, many of the field's major theoretical and empirical strides have occurred during the last decade or so. By and large these have emanated from communities of scholars operating within specific countries or, in some cases, regions of the world. The next generation of contributions, however, is beginning to emerge on a global basis. This special issue fosters the broader development of our field by bringing together a set of papers written by a cadre of scholars from various spots around the world who recently gathered at Cornell University to share thoughts and perspectives. While viewpoints vary, overall the collection offers a wealth of specific insights and suggestions for moving the field forward on the inevitable path of globalization.
Interruption Practice Reduces Procedural Errors at the Post-Completion Step

Mitigating the effects of interruptions is important for tackling the increasing number of possible disruptions at home, at work, and online. Previous work has shown that the benefits of practice can decrease the amount of time it takes to resume a task after an interruption. This paper demonstrates that the same benefit can be extended to error rates at the post-completion step in a simulated computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system. This example of a real-world procedural task demonstrates that a general increase in interruptions leads to changes in performance for the final step of the task.
A Validated Method for Gas Chromatographic Analysis of γ-Aminobutyric Acid in Tall Fescue Herbage

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in animals that is also found in plants and has been associated with plant responses to stress. A simple and relatively rapid method of GABA separation and quantification was developed from a commercially available kit for serum amino acids (Phenomenex EZ:faast) and validated for tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Extraction in ethanol/water (80:20, v/v) at ambient temperature yielded detectable amounts of GABA. Clean separation from other amino acids in 28 min was achieved by gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection (FID), using a 30 m, 5% phenyl/95% dimethylpolysiloxane column. The identity of the putative GABA peak was confirmed by GC with mass spectrometric (MS) detection. The relatively small effects of the sample matrix on GABA measurement were verified by demonstrating slope parallelism of GABA curves prepared in the presence and absence of fescue extracts. Limits of quantification and detection were 2.00 and 1.00 nmol/100 ...
Origin of strain in bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane

Abstract The 1,3-nonbonded distance in bicyclo[1.1.1.]pentane has been calculated to be rather sensitive to substituents at the 1 and 3 carbons. Electron withdrawing groups lead to a shorter distance, suggesting that the 1,3-nonbonded repulsion is an important factor in destabilizing bicyclopentane. The repulsion is relieved when a bond is created between the carbons forming [1.1.1.]propellane.
Proper time and rigidity in accelerated frames of reference

In an earlier paper, a criterion for « rigidity » of a non-inertial frame of reference has been introduced in the form of the postulate that the velocity of light in the noninertial frame is time-independent. It is proved that, if a one-dimensional noninertial frame satisfies this postulate, the following two requirements are equivalent: 1) the coordinate time in the accelerated frame is equivalent to proper time; 2) the accelerated frame satisfies Born’s criterion for rigidity. Further investigation of the compatibility of the above-mentioned definition of rigidity and of Born’s definition, in the case of a one-dimensional system, shows that these two definitions are compatible only in the case of « hyperbolic motion ».
Hearts and Minds in Guerrilla Warfare: The Malayan Emergency 1948-1960

Contents: The Return of the British The Path to Revolution Between Two Millstones Resettlement, Fear, and Prosperity Changes at the Top Beginning the Battle for the Hearts and Minds The Political Ingredient The Final Years.
Quality of life and outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

ObjectiveTo assess the quality of life (QOL) and functional outcome of patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy.Summary Background DataPancreaticoduodenectomy is gaining acceptance and is being performed in increasing numbers for various malignant and benign diseases of the pancreas and periampullary
Identification and characterization of type 2 dengue virus replicative intermediate and replicative form RNAs.

Abstract KB cells infected with dengue type 2 virus synthesize three types of RNA with sedimentation coefficients greater than 18 S. The first is soluble in 2 M LiCl, sediments as a discrete species at about 20 S, and is greater than 95% RNase resistant. The second is a discrete 40 S species, insoluble in 2 M LiCl, and more than 95% sensitive to digestion by RNase. The third, also insoluble in 2 M LiCl, is “heterogeneous” in size, sedimenting between 20 and 28 S, and is 50–70% RNase resistant. Pulse-chase studies demonstrate the “heterogeneous” and 20 S RNAs to be intermediate in the synthesis of the virus 40 S genomic RNA. The data from agarose-formaldehyde gel analysis of these RNAs are in agreement with our identification of the “heterogeneous” and 20 S RNAs as the replicative intermediate (RI) and replicative form (RF) RNAs, respectively.
On superelastic bending of shape memory alloy beams

Abstract In this paper, a closed-form solution is presented for bending analysis of shape memory alloy (SMA) beams. Two different transformation functions are considered: a J 2 -based model with symmetric tension–compression response, and a J 2 – I 1 -based model for considering the tension–compression asymmetry that is observed in experiments. The constitutive equations are reduced to an appropriate form for studying the pseudoelastic bending response of SMAs. Closed-form expressions are given for the stress and martensitic volume fraction distributions in the cross section and the bending moment–curvature relation is obtained analytically. Both circular and rectangular cross sections are considered and several case studies are presented for testing the accuracy of the method and also the effect of taking into account the tension–compression asymmetry on the bending response of SMAs. The results of a three-point bending test on an SMA beam are presented and compared with the theoretical predictions. Using some experimental data on bending of a nickel–titanium micropillar the applicability of the present method in the micro scale is studied. It is shown that this method can be used for assessing the tensile properties of materials in this special case, where the compressive and bending responses are known from experiments while the tensile properties are very difficult to be measured experimentally.
Modulation of expiratory motor output evoked by chemical activation of pre-Bötzinger complex in vivo.

We have previously demonstrated that chemical stimulation of the pre-Botzinger complex (pre-BotC) in the anesthetized cat produces either phasic or tonic excitation of phrenic nerve discharge. This region is characterized by a mixture of inspiratory-modulated, expiratory-modulated, and phase-spanning (including pre-inspiratory (pre-I)) neurons; however, its influence on expiratory motor output is unknown. We, therefore, examined the effects of chemical stimulation of the pre-BotC on expiratory motor output recorded from the caudal iliohypogastric (lumbar, L2) nerve. We found that unilateral microinjection of DL-homocysteic acid (DLH; 10 mM; 10–20 nl) into 16 sites in the pre-BotC enhanced lumbar nerve discharge, including changes in timing and patterning similar to those previously reported for phrenic motor output. Both increased peak amplitude and frequency of phasic lumbar bursts as well as tonic excitation of lumbar motor activity were observed. In some cases, evoked phasic lumbar nerve activity was synchronized in phase with phrenic nerve discharge. These findings demonstrate that chemical stimulation of the pre-BotC not only excites inspiratory motor activity but also excites expiratory motor output, suggesting a role for the pre-BotC in generation and modulation of inspiratory and expiratory rhythm and pattern.
The Vitamin BG Group. IX. Comparative Growth and Anti-anemic Potencies of Pyridoxal, Pyridoxamine and Pyridoxine for Dogs.

SummaryPyridoxal, pyridoxamine and pyridoxine were administered by intravenous injection to vitamin B6-deficient dogs. The 3 compounds were equally active in promoting growth and blood regeneration in this species.
The first enantioenriched metalated nitrile possessing macroscopic configurational stability.

Magnesium−bromine exchange on enantiopure cyclopropyl bromonitrile 5 at −100 °C for 1 min followed by a D2O quench gives the deuterionitrile in 81% ee (retention); additional trapping experiments establish t1/2(rac) = 11.4 h at −100 °C. These experiments provide the first glimpse into the stereochemical aspects of Mg−Br exchange. The intermediate formed is the first metalated nitrile demonstrated to possess macroscopic configurational stability.
Brachial plexus palsy: Intrauterine onset

A newborn had a combination of brachial plexus palsy and phrenic nerve palsy associated with a small left arm, deformed ribs on the left, and an area of subcutaneous calcification on the left side of the neck. These lesions represent a deformation syndrome due to uterine constraint in a bicornuate uterus. Appropriate diagnosis can initiate management to avoid problems in subsequent pregnancies.
Justification of FMS with the analytic hierarchy process

Abstract Developing a justification methodology for an FMS requires the use of traditional engineering economy tools and innovative ranking procedures to fully evaluate all the benefits of the technology. This paper gives an overview of the potential benefits derived from a FMS implementation and a method to quantify these benefits for use in engineering economy studies. The analytic hierarchy process is recommended for this application. An example of its use is given to determine the best manufacturing system.
A gain-of-function mutation in the Arabidopsis disease resistance gene RPP4 confers sensitivity to low temperature

How plants adapt to low temperature is not well understood. To identify components involved in low-temperature signaling, we characterized the previously isolated chilling-sensitive2 mutant (chs2) of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). This mutant grew normally at 22°C but showed phenotypes similar to activation of defense responses when shifted to temperatures below 16°C. These phenotypes include yellowish and collapsed leaves, increased electrolyte leakage, up-regulation of PATHOGENESIS RELATED genes, and accumulation of excess hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid (SA). Moreover, the chs2 mutant was seedling lethal when germinated at or shifted for more than 3 d to low temperatures of 4°C to 12°C. Map-based cloning revealed that a single amino acid substitution occurred in the TIR-NB-LRR (for Toll/Interleukin-1 receptor- nucleotide-binding Leucine-rich repeat)-type resistance (R) protein RPP4 (for Recognition of Peronospora parasitica4), which causes a deregulation of the R protein in a temperature-dependent manner. The chs2 mutation led to an increase in the mutated RPP4 mRNA transcript, activation of defense responses, and an induction of cell death at low temperatures. In addition, a chs2 intragenic suppressor, in which the mutation occurs in the conserved NB domain, abolished defense responses at lower temperatures. Genetic analyses of chs2 in combination with known SA pathway and immune signaling mutants indicate that the chs2-conferred temperature sensitivity requires ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1, REQUIRED FOR Mla12 RESISTANCE, and SUPPRESSOR OF G2 ALLELE OF skp1 but does not require PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4, NONEXPRESSOR OF PR GENES1, or SA. This study reveals that an activated TIR-NB-LRR protein has a large impact on temperature sensitivity in plant growth and survival.
Does Interdisciplinarity Promote Learning? Theoretical Support and Researchable Questions

Do students in interdisciplinary courses and programs learn better or learn more than those in discipline-based curricula? Advocates portray interdisciplinary courses as more engaging than disciplinary courses because they capture students’ intellectual interest and help them connect information from discrete disciplines. Some argue that interdisciplinary study better prepares students for work and citizenship by developing higher-order cognitive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and the ability to employ multiple perspectives (e.g., Hursh, Hass, & Moore, 1983; Newell, 1990; Newell & Green, 1982). William Newell (1994) claimed that interdisciplinary courses could increase students’ ability to evaluate experts’ testimony; tolerance for ambiguity; sensitivity to ethical issues and disciplinary, political, or religious bias; creative or original thinking; and humility or listening skills.
Systems genetics approaches to understand complex traits

Systems genetics is an approach to understand the flow of biological information that underlies complex traits. It uses a range of experimental and statistical methods to quantitate and integrate intermediate phenotypes, such as transcript, protein or metabolite levels, in populations that vary for traits of interest. Systems genetics studies have provided the first global view of the molecular architecture of complex traits and are useful for the identification of genes, pathways and networks that underlie common human diseases. Given the urgent need to understand how the thousands of loci that have been identified in genome-wide association studies contribute to disease susceptibility, systems genetics is likely to become an increasingly important approach to understanding both biology and disease.
Mu wave suppression during the perception of meaningless syllables: EEG evidence of motor recruitment

Abstract Motor involvement in speech perception has been recently studied using a variety of techniques. In the current study, EEG measurements from Cz, C3 and C4 electrodes were used to examine the relative power of the mu rhythm (i.e., 8–13 Hz) in response to various audio-visual speech and non-speech stimuli, as suppression of these rhythms is considered an index of ‘mirror neuron’ (i.e., motor) activity. Fourteen adult native English speaking females watched and listened to nine audio-video stimuli clips assembled from three different auditory stimuli (speech, noise, and pure tone) combined with three different video stimuli (speech, noise, and kaleidoscope—made from scrambling an image from the visual speech). Relative to the noise–noise (baseline condition), all visual speech conditions resulted in significant levels of suppression, a finding that is consistent with previous reports of mirror activity to visual speech and mu suppression to ‘biological’ stimuli. None of the non-speech conditions or conditions in which speech was presented via audition only resulted in any significant suppression of the mu rhythm in this population. Thus, visual speech perception appears to be more closely associated with motor activity than acoustic speech perception. It is postulated that in this study, the processing demands incurred by the task were insufficient for inducing significant mu suppression via acoustic speech only. The findings are discussed in theoretical contexts of speech perception and the mirror system. We suggest that this technique may offer a cost-efficient, non-invasive technique for measuring motor activity during speech perception.
Surgical risk factors, morbidity, and mortality in elderly patients.

Background The aging population of the United States results in increasing numbers of surgical operations on elderly patients. This study observed aging related to morbidity, mortality, and their risk factors in patients undergoing major operations. Study design We reviewed our institution's American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from February 24, 2002, through June 30, 2005, including standardized preoperative, intraoperative, and 30-day postoperative data points. This required review and analysis of the prospectively collected data. We examined patient demographics, preoperative risk factors, intraoperative risk factors, and 30-day outcomes with a focus on those aged 80 years and older. Results A total of 7,696 surgical procedures incurred a 28% morbidity rate and 2.3% mortality rate, although those older than 80 years of age had a morbidity of 51% and mortality of 7%. Hypertension and dyspnea were the most frequent risk factors in those aged 80 years and older. Preoperative transfusion, emergency operation, and weight loss best predicted morbidity for those 80 years of age and older. Operative duration predicted "other" postoperative occurrences and emergent case status predicted respiratory occurrences across all age groups. Preoperative impairment of activities of daily living, emergency operation, and increased American Society of Anesthesiology classification predicted mortality across all age groups. A 30-minute increment of operative duration increased the odds of mortality by 17% in patients older than 80 years. Postoperative morbidity and mortality increased progressively with increasing age. Age was statistically significantly associated with morbidity (wound, p=0.021; renal, p=0.001; cardiovascular, p=0.0004; respiratory, p Conclusions Although several risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality increase with age, increasing age itself remains an important risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality.
Maximizing Stone Fragmentation Efficiency With Ultrasonic Probes: Impact of Probe Pressure and Rotation

Purpose: We examined the effects of probe rotation and pressure on stone fragmentation in an in vitro percutaneous nephrolithotomy model.Materials and Methods: The study was a fully randomized, factorial experiment with 20 repeat trials performed at each combination of variables, yielding a total of 300 trials per device for ultrasonic tests and 360 for ultrasonic/pneumatic combination tests. Varying masses were placed on the hand piece of each device to create a probe contact pressure of 400, 1,000 or 2,000 gm. The impact of rotation was tested only at 0 or 90 degrees and rotating only at a frequency of 2 Hz. Statistical analysis was performed using R, version 2.6.2.Results: For the Cyberwand® the Tukey HSD test showed that 400 and 1,000 gm probe pressure were significantly more effective than 2,000 gm pressure (p <0.05). The range and frequency of rotation were not statistically significant variables affecting Cyberwand efficiency. For the LithoClast® Ultra® using only the ultrasonic probe significant d...
Aquarius RFI detection and mitigation

Aquarius is an L-band instrument designed to map sea surface salinity from space. Monitoring salinity from space is a particularly sensitive measurement and RFI is a concern, even in the protected band at 1.4 GHz where the Aquarius radiometers operate. To protect against RFI, the Aquarius radiometer samples rapidly and a glitch detection algorithm is employed to check each sample for RFI. This strategy has worked well over oceans, but there are large areas over land, especially in Asia and Europe, where contamination by RFI affects most samples.
Three terminal, non-equilibrium quasiparticle device experiments with submicron tunnel junctions

A multilayer film edge technique has been developed for the fabrication of dual small area tunnel junctions on the aligned edges of two overlapping thin films separated by a thin insulating layer, with a common electrode shared by the two junctions. Using this technique with electron beam lithography, junction areas as small as 3 × 10-10A/cm2have been produced with separations between the two tunnel barriers of 50-80 nm. Devices of this type have been fabricated with Pb alloy counterelectrodes on Nb edges, using reactive ion beam oxidation to obtain tunnel current densities in the 105A/cm2range. The potential of this multijunction configuration as a high speed, three terminal Josephson device with current and power gain has been investigated. In addition, the edge junctions have been employed to probe non-equilibrium phenomena in the common electrode.
Maturation of antioxidant enzymes in rat small intestine: Lack of glucocorticoid stimulation

We report in detail the ontogeny and the response of antioxidant enzymes to glucocorticoids in the rat small intestine. Pregnant rats in the treatment group received four injections of dexamethasone starting on days 18, 19, or 20 of gestation; fetuses were killed 2 days later. Control rats were injected with 0.9% saline solution. Postnatal rats reaching 14, 19, and 104 days of age received four injections of hydrocortisone and were killed 2 days later. Age-matched controls were injected with 0.9% saline solution. The activities of xanthine oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were measured in small intestines from fetal (20 and 21 days gestation), newborn, and older (aged 16, 21, and 106 days) rats. Xanthine oxidase rose with maturation; the major increase occurred on postnatal day 21. Catalase and superoxide dismutase rose minimally during intrauterine life. On day 16 postpartum, catalase and superoxide dismutase values were 160% and 60%, respectively, higher than at birth. Glucocorticoid administration stimulated maltase and sucrase activities, but had no effect on the antioxidant enzymes or xanthine oxidase.
Mental Illness and Psychiatric Treatment Among Women: A Response

Two of Gove's points are given major consideration. First, his precise definition of mental illness is criticized because it excludes diagnostic groups comprised largely of males (personality disorders and substance abusers). Second, Gove's analysis of the value of traditional versus nontraditional therapy for women is challenged and support is offered for the role of feminist therapy. It is recommended that the relationship between sex roles and emotional problems be examined and that less emphasis be given to demonstrating that one sex has more problems than the other.
Ultrastructure of the myocardium of the moth, Hyalophora cecropia.

Abstract The tubular heart of the moth, Hyalophora cecropia , is composed of a single layer of striated muscle cells linked together by intercalated disks. The intercalated disk can be resolved into two components: interfibrillar junction and septate desmosome. The width of the cells varies from 10 to 30 μ and the cell length is 60 to 100 μ. The A Bands of the heart muscle are 1·8 μ long. The diameter of the thick filaments is 200 A and that of the thin filaments 60 A. Each thick filament in the overlap region in the A Band is surrounded by an orbit of ten to twelve thin filaments. Transverse tubules and sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles are irregularly spaced throughout the cells. Sections of the heart from different abdominal segments were studied, and no significant differences were observed in cell size, sarcomere structure, distribution of mitochondria, transverse tubules and sarcoplasmic reticulum, or in the components of the intercalated disk in any of the cells. The physiological significance of these observations is discussed.
Classical libertarianism: The economic perspectives of Milton Friedman including his likely views on the ‘proper’ role of government in the subprime mortgage debacle

This study presents the libertarian ideas of Milton Friedman, the Nobel Prize in Economics awardee in 1976 and the most influential libertarian of the twentieth century. Specifically, the foundations of Milton Friedman's libertarianism, which are private property rights, competitive markets, economic, political and civic freedoms and the limited role of Federal government, are articulated. Further, public policy issues where Milton Friedman's suggested reforms have been successfully implemented in varying degrees are also detailed. They include (1) floating the dollar, (2) ending the military draft, (3) repealing interest rate ceilings, (4) treasury innovations such as auctions and inflation indexed bonds, (5) ending rent control, (6) deregulation in industries such as banking and telecommunications and (7) promoting market completion and individual choice in primary and secondary schools. Also, presented are Milton Friedman's likely economic assessments of the Federal government's, including both the Federal Reserve System and the Department of Treasury, economic stimulus programmes to resuscitate the economy from the subprime mortgage debacle. These inferences about Milton Friedman's likely economic assessments are based upon his published economic writings and a recent interview with his long-time collaborator, Anna Schwartz. Mr Friedman's likely economic assessments, as a short list, include (1) the grade for the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve System in the subprime mortgage debacle was below average because it did not address the fundamental problem of the financial markets being unable to accurately price the risky securitised subprime mortgage products and the mistaken belief that credit default swaps (CDSs) would adequately hedge their future asset risks, (2) that the Paulson II economic stimulus plan lacked any rigorous and systematic economic justification because it rewards financial institutions that have performed poorly and because it results in partial nationalisation of the financial services system, (3) the Paulson plans result in a large increase in government size via a large increase in government expenditures and (4) there will be multiple challenges to capitalism as the primary resource allocator. Also discussed are the determinants of the subprime mortgage debacle including (1) the increased demand for securitised mortgage products resulting in significantly lower mortgage lending standards for home loan borrowers and (2) the belief that CDSs could/would reduce the risk associated with the ownership of subprime mortgage tranches. These two phenomena have led to a number of sinister economic results such as (1) the absence of market clearing transactions and hence (2) market prices for securitised subprime mortgages, (3) meaningful assessments of the probabilities of default/bankruptcies of many firms in the financial services industry.
Measurement of primary and albedo cosmic rays on a polar orbiting satellite

Abstract Relative contributions of primary cosmic ray, splash albedo and re-entrant albedo fluxes were evaluated from the altitude dependence of a triple coincidence counter telescope on board the satellite Discoverer 29 in a polar orbit in 1961. The results are: (1) 75 per cent primary cosmic rays and 25 per cent splash albedo at an altitude of 165 km over polar regions, and (2) 62 per cent cosmic rays, 24 per cent splash albedo and 14 per cent re-entrant albedo at 180 km near 60° geomagnetic latitude. The local time dependence of the re-entrant albedo flux was studied, and the flux on the day side of the Earth was found to be higher than that on the night side. This effect appears to be a consequence of the distortion of the geomagnetic field due to the solar wind. The variation of the interplanetary cosmic ray integral flux above 100 MeV with solar activity over the years 1959–1961 is also studied.
Optical hazard evaluation of laser energy transmitted through pinholes in eye protective filters.

Exposure of the eye to laser radiation with wavelengths between 400 and 1400 nm could cause serious damage to the retina. Multilayer dielectric coatings are frequently used to filter out energy at specific wavelengths. This paper describes theoretical and experimental data to evaluate whether pinholes in these coatings could possibly present an optical hazard when laser energy is transmitted through the coatings. Insight into the potential hazard would be important to personnel equipped with eye protective goggles or personnel viewing lasers through protected magnifying optics, especially when pinholes could arise because of exposure to harsh environments.
Controlled Foaming of Polymer Films through Restricted Surface Diffusion and the Addition of Nanosilica Particles or CO2-philic Surfactants

Synergistic use of surface barriers and nanoscale additives is investigated as alternate means by which to promote bubble nucleation in, and thus improve the porosity of, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films (i) constrained between impenetrable plates, (ii) modified with either nanosilica particles, commercial short-chain fluorosurfactants, or designer CO2-philic block/graft copolymers, and (iii) exposed to high-pressure CO2. Resultant foamed films exhibit a vast array of micro/mesocellular morphologies in the presence of supercritical, as well as liquid, CO2 and demonstrate that copolymer micelles afford better control over bubble nucleation (with pore cell densities, N, approaching 1012 cells/cm3) relative to hard nonporous nanoparticles, which alone increase N by more than 2 orders of magnitude at low CO2 pressures. Incorporation of these nanoscale additives in a surface-constrained polymer matrix serves to enhance foaming through concurrent restriction of CO2 diffusion, heterogeneous nucleation...
Dissipative quantum Ising model in a cold-atom spin-boson mixture

Using cold bosonic atoms with two (hyperfine) ground states, we introduce a spin-boson mixture that allows one to implement the quantum Ising model in a tunable dissipative environment. The first specie lies in a deep optical lattice with tightly confining wells and forms a spin array; spin-up (spin-down) corresponds to occupation by one (no) atom at each site. The second specie forms a superfluid reservoir. Different species are coupled coherently via laser transitions and collisions. Whereas the laser coupling mimics a transverse field for the spins, the coupling to the reservoir sound modes induces a ferromagnetic (Ising) coupling as well as dissipation. This gives rise to an order-disorder quantum phase transition where the effect of dissipation can be studied in a controllable manner.
Pre-movement parietal lobe input to human sensorimotor cortex.

Abstract Movement-related cortical potentials (MRPs) were recorded in an auditory dichotic selective attention experiment in patients with focal lesions centered in either posterior superior temporal gyrus (temporal) or in lateral parietal cortex (parietal). Controls and temporal patients generated comparable pre-movement negative shifts (NSs) and motor potentials (MPs), onsetting about 400 ms prior to movement and maximal in amplitude over scalp sites contralateral to button press. Unilateral parietal cortex lesions markedly reduced the NSs but preserved the MP component of the MRP. The results indicate that human parietal association cortex exerts modulatory input to sensorimotor cortex, beginning at least 400 ms prior to movememt. The differential effect on the NSs and MPs by parietal lesions suggests that these MRP components may have independent intracranial generators.
Management of colonic atresia with primary resection and anastomosis

Historically, the majority of patients with colonic atresia have been managed by ostomy creation at the time of initial operation; conversely, we have tended to treat the atresia with resection and anastomosis. The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of concomitant Hirschsprung’s disease and to identify potential morbidity associated with primary repair. After IRB approval (#105825), charts of patients identified by ICD-9 code as having colonic atresia, who were admitted to our institution between 1993 and 2008 were, retrospectively, reviewed. Particular attention was paid to demographic data, comorbidities, operative therapy, and complications. Continuous variables were compared using an unpaired t test. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Twelve newborns with colonic atresia were identified. Two babies were managed initially with ostomy, both of whom had gastroschisis; primary repair was performed on ten, with two undergoing simultaneous rectal biopsy. No anastomotic complications occurred and there were no mortalities. One patient experienced self-limited malabsorption symptoms after repair. No cases of Hirschsprung’s disease were detected. Uncomplicated colonic atresia can be managed by primary repair with little morbidity.
Embryogenic callus formation from maize protoplasts

Maize (Zea mays L.) protoplasts have been obtained which divide rapidly and produce a callus that differentiates to form somatic embryos. The somatic embryos can be induced to form roots and small leaf-like structures. The genotype was the hybrid A188xBlack Mexican Sweet. Protoplasts were prepared from an embryogenic suspension culture derived from a Type II callus which had been selected from Type I callus produced by immature zygotic embryos. The basal medium for the suspension culture was N6 (C.C. Chu et al., 1975, Scientia Sinica 18, 659–668). The 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid concentration of the suspension culture was critical for subsequent protoplast growth and was optimal at 4.0 mg.l. Protoplasts had to be cultured in a low-osmoticum medium (0.3 M mannitol) for subsequent cell divisions to occur. The protoplasts have been transformed transiently with the gene chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) containing the 35S promoter obtained from cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV-35S).
Measurements of plasma parameters in the vicinity of the space shuttle

A Langmuir probe flown as part of the Plasma Diagnostics Package aboard the third Space Shuttle flight was used to determine electron densities, temperatures, and plasma potential in the vicinity of the Shuttle Orbiter. Measurements taken both in the cargo bay and 10 m above the cargo bay on the Remote Manipulator System arm are consistent with small satellite and laboratory results, in that reduced densities and elevated temperatures are observed in the Shuttle wake. The primary difference in the Shuttle measurements is one of magnitude; i.e., orders-of-magnitude density decreases and factor-of-five temperature enhancements. Analysis of data taken in (Delta N)/N turbulence can be as high as a few percent, and the most intense turbulence seems to occur near regions with a steep gradient in plasma pressure.
A Note on Median Split Trees

The median split tree is an elegant technique for searching static sets of keys when the frequency of access is highly skewed. This paper generalizes the median split search technique, relates it to sequential search and binary search, discusses the choice of an optimum search strategy for a given set of keys, and poses several related optimization problems.
Gas Evolution of Corn Kernels and Paper Sludge From Biomass Gasification and Pyrolysis

Gasification of biomass has become an area of key interest as it is a reasonably quick and direct way of converting the material into a fuel source that works directly in many industrial systems. The purpose of the present work is to explore gasification and pyrolysis behavior of corn kernels and paper sludge. For both corn kernels and paper sludge, low temperature gasification behavior was studied. Due to corn’s low ash fusion temperature, ∼1400 C, gasification is typically undertaken at temperatures near 1000 C, and most of the chemical mechanisms are similar down to ∼500 C. Here, tests were performed with pyrolysis temperatures from 400–800°C, at 1 atm and a rapid heating rate. The evolution of CO and CO2 were measured throughout the pyrolysis process. Results show a direct correlation between temperature and equivalence ratios and the composition of the gas byproduct for both biomasses. CO production increases with an increase in temperature while CO2 shows no temperature correlation. No hydrogen was observed, as would be expected for the short experimental residence time (0.2 seconds).Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Identifying Characteristics of Freeway Traffic Headway by Vehicle Types Using Video Trajectory Data

The significance of vehicle-type-specific headway studies lies in the application of freeway capacity and safety analysis. However, data reliability plays an important role in the ability to understand the characteristics and microscopic modeling of freeway traffic. This study takes advantage of observation-based video data by using data extracting software VEVID to retrieve reliable vehicle trajectory data. The study focused on uniqueness of vehicle-type-specific headway under specific traffic states, as well as mixed headway. Data examination showed significant differences in vehicle-type-specific headways under average traffic conditions, uncongested flow and congested flow. Headways tend to be minimal in uncongested traffic flow, and maximal in congested traffic flow. In addition, the degree of discreteness by vehicle type headway differs significantly under different traffic conditions. Noticeably, in congested traffic, all types of headways tend to be less than reported in literature review results. In particular, Truck-Car and Truck-Truck headways behave considerably differently when traffic shifts between congested and uncongested conditions. The practical applications of these findings including improvement of microscopic car-following models, traffic state identification and vehicle classification.
Malignant tracheoesophageal fistula in two siblings a coincidence

The incidence of carcinoma of the esophagus is 1:10,000 for males. Esophageal carcinoma occurs less frequently in females. Tracheoesophageal fistula may occur as a complication of esophageal cancer. In this report, a brother and sister are presented who, although six years different in age, developed malignant tracheoesophageal fistulas within one month of each other. The probability of this occurring coincidentally is less than one in five hundred million. Each sibling had a different form of palliation with markedly different results. The first patient was treated with a Celestin tube which never provided good palliation. He suffered a rapid and miserable decline and death. The second patient was treated with substernal esophageal bypass using the stomach and exclusion of the thoracic esophagus. She has since undergone irradiation to the area of the fistula. She remains alive and well, physically active and eating a regular diet 23 months after surgery.
Impact of left ventricular dyssynchrony by phase analysis on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with end-stage renal disease

Background Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). While left ventricular (LV) perfusion pattern and ejection fraction (EF) are important determinant of outcome, the prognostic importance of LV dyssynchrony, which can also be assessed by gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), has not been well studied in this population.
The benzil rearrangement reaction: trapping of a hitherto minor product and its application to the development of a selective cyanide anion indicator.

The isolation and characterization of an intermediate from the benzil−cyanide reaction is reported. The use of this trapping chemistry to produce a chemical indicator for the cyanide anion is described. It relies on the synthesis and reaction of a π-extended analogue of benzil. Addition of tetrabutylammonium cyanide to organic solutions of this species, referred to as compound 3 in the text, gives rise to a dramatic change in both color and fluorescence properties.
Metabolizable protein supply while grazing dormant winter forage during heifer development alters pregnancy and subsequent in-herd retention rate.

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of postweaning management of British crossbred heifers on growth and reproduction. In Exp. 1, 239 spring-born, crossbred heifers were stratifi ed by weaning BW (234 ± 1 kg) and allotted randomly to 1 of 2 treatments. Treatments were fed at a rate equivalent to 1.14 kg/d while grazing dormant forage (6.5% CP and 80% NDF, DM basis) and were 1) 36% CP containing 36% RUP (36RUP) or 2) 36% CP containing 50% RUP (50RUP). Supplementation was initiated in February (1995 and 1996) or November (1997 and 1998) and terminated at the onset of breeding season (mid May). Heifers were weighed monthly up to breeding and again at time of palpation. After timed AI, heifers were exposed to breeding bulls for 42 ± 8 d. In Exp. 2, 191 spring- born, crossbred heifers were stratifi ed by weaning BW to treatments. Heifer development treatments were 1) pasture developed and fed 0.9 kg/day of a 36% CP supplement containing 36% RUP (36RUP), 2) pasture developed and fed 0.9 kg/day of a 36% CP supplement containing 50% RUP (50RUP), and 3) corn silage-based growing diet in a drylot (DRYLOT). Heifers receiving 36RUP and 50RUP treatments were developed on dormant forage. Treatments started in February and ended at the onset of a 45-d breeding season in May. Heifer BW and hip height were taken monthly from initiation of supplementation until breeding and at pregnancy diagnosis. In Exp. 1, BW was not different (P ≥ 0.27) for among treatments at all measurement times. However, 50RUP heifers had greater (P = 0.02; 80 and 67%) pregnancy rates than 36RUP heifers. In Exp. 2, DRYLOT heifers had greater (P < 0.01) BW at breeding than 36RUP or 50RUP developed heifers. However, BW at pregnancy diagnosis was not different (P = 0.24) for between treatments. Pregnancy rates tended to be greater (P = 0.10) for 50RUP heifers than 36RUP and DRYLOT. Net return per heifer was US$99.71 and $87.18 greater for 50RUP and 36RUP heifers, respectively, compared with DRYLOT heifers due to differences in pregnancy and development costs. Retention rate after breeding yr 3 and 4 was greatest (P ≤ 0.01) for 50RUP heifers. Thus, increasing the supply of MP by increasing the proportion of RUP in supplements fed to heifers on dormant forage before breeding increased pregnancy rates, cow herd retention, and net return compared with heifers fed in drylot.
Advancing Imitation and Requesting Skills in Toddlers with Down Syndrome.

Drawing upon information about the Down syndrome behavioral phenotype and empirically based intervention strategies, we examined intervention addressing early communication impairments in young children with Down syndrome. Intervention involved multiple opportunities, shaping, prompting, and reinforcement to address both verbal imitation and requesting. Intervention also incorporated the relative strengths in social development characteristic of the Down syndrome behavioral phenotype by focusing on a more social request prior to addressing the more impaired instrumental request, as well as incorporating social consequences. Three of the four toddlers with Down syndrome were taught verbal imitation skills, two of whom generalized to novel sounds. All four toddlers with Down syndrome acquired requesting skills in the form of gaze shifting and vocalizing; three were also taught verbal approximations of requesting words (e.g., "mm" for "more") using imitative prompts. These results contribute to the small, but growing, literature demonstrating behavior analytic interventions informed by an understanding of the Down syndrome behavioral phenotype.
Interactions of tillage and rainfall on atrazine leaching under field and laboratory conditions

Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate effects of tillage reversal and rainfall on 14C-atrazine (2-chloro4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) leaching patterns. Twelve intact soil cores (16 cm dia x 20 cm deep) were collected from 8-yr no-till (NT) fields. Half the cores were tilled (5 cm deep) prior to 14C-atrazine treatment (2.7 mg core−1) to all cores. All cores received two rains (27 mm rain in 1.5 h, one day after application followed, two days later, by a 17 mm rain in 2.5 h) and leachate was collected and analyzed for atrazine. These rains simulated the timing, amount and duration of natural rainfall events from a tillage reversal field study. During the first high inte ity rainfall event, a pulse (2.1 μg L-1) of atrazine leached through tilled cores while leaching rate was linear and decreased (1.25 to 0.9 μg L-1) through un-tilled cores. Leaching rate was linear for both the tilled and un-tilled cores during the second rain. Less atrazine was left in the surface 5 cm of tilled soil than un-tilled after the two rains. Results confirmed field observations and suggested that when tillage is reversed on well structured soils, pesticide leaching may increase relative to un-tilled soil but these effects are probably confined to the first rain events after application only.
Clinical presentation and outcome after failed infrainguinal endovascular and open revascularization in patients with chronic limb ischemia

Objective Failure of prior endovascular (EV) interventions for chronic limb ischemia has been reported to negatively affect patency and limb salvage after subsequent revascularization procedures. The goal of our study was to compare the clinical presentation of patients who failed infrainguinal EV and open revascularizations (OR) and the effect of the initial intervention on final outcomes. Methods From June 2001 to October 2010, 216 patients (237 limbs; 66 disabling claudication [DC], 171 critical limb ischemia [CLI]) presented with failed infrainguinal OR or EV revascularization for chronic limb ischemia. Clinical presentation, reinterventions, patency and limb salvage rates, and final outcomes were analyzed. Results The EV group (n = 143) had more diabetes (44% vs 57%; P = .048) and ulcers (26% vs 38%; P = .039), whereas the OR group (n = 94) had more multilevel revascularizations (59% vs 33%; P P = .002), and infrapopliteal interventions (58% vs 38%; P = .038). Presentation at time of failure was non-limb-threatening ischemia in 70% of DC and 16% of CLI patients ( P P = .024). Early failure ( P = .011] and 71% vs 38% for CLI [ P = .024]). Overall, 195 (82%) had attempted reinterventions (79% in DC and 85% in CLI; P = .245). In DC patients, 48% of OR had OR + EV and 26% had EV; 32% of EV had OR + EV and 47% had EV reinterventions. In CLI patients, 40% of OR had OR + EV and 42% had EV; 17% of EV had OR + EV; and 70% had EV reinterventions. A patent revascularized limb was achieved in 66% of OR and in 92% of EV patients ( P Conclusions Clinical presentation after failed infrainguinal revascularization is determined by the initial indication. CLI patients are more likely to present early with acute limb ischemia, especially after OR. EV reinterventions play a significant role in the management of patients with failed revascularization, and EV failure is associated with better outcomes than those after OR failure, likely due to OR patients having more disadvantaged anatomy and advanced disease at the time of their initial presentation.