cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Point defects in Ga2O3

In the field of high-power electronics, gallium oxide (Ga2O3) is attracting attention due to its wide bandgap and ability to be doped n-type. Point defects, including vacancies, impurities, and dopants, play important roles in optimizing device performance. This tutorial discusses the fundamental properties of point defects in monoclinic β-Ga2O3 and the methods employed to study them. Oxygen vacancies are deep donors that do not cause n-type conductivity but may compensate acceptors. Gallium vacancies are deep acceptors that can be partially passivated by hydrogen. Substitutional magnesium is a promising acceptor that produces a semi-insulating material and also forms a complex with hydrogen. Calcium and iron also have deep acceptor levels. Iridium deep donors are introduced into crystals grown from a melt in an Ir crucible. Other defects are introduced by irradiation with energetic particles such as neutrons or protons. In addition to altering the electronic properties, defects give rise to UV/visible emission bands in photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence spectra.
Phosphorylated Ezrin (Thr567) Regulates Hippo Pathway and Yes-Associated Protein (Yap) in Liver.

The activation of CD81 [the portal of entry of hepatitis C virus (HCV)] by agonistic antibody results in phosphorylation of Ezrin via Syk kinase and is associated with inactivation of the Hippo pathway and increase in yes-associated protein (Yap1). The opposite occurs when glypican-3 or E2 protein of HCV binds to CD81. Hepatocyte-specific glypican-3 transgenic mice have decreased levels of phosphorylated (p)-Ezrin (Thr567) and Yap, increased Hippo activity, and suppressed liver regeneration. The role of Ezrin in these processes has been speculated, but not proved. We show that Ezrin has a direct role in the regulation of Hippo pathway and Yap. Forced expression of plasmids expressing mutant Ezrin (T567D) that mimics p-Ezrin (Thr567) suppressed Hippo activity and activated Yap signaling in hepatocytes in vivo and enhanced activation of pathways of β-catenin and leucine rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) and LGR5 receptors. Hepatoma cell lines JM1 and JM2 have decreased CD81 expression and Hippo activity and up-regulated p-Ezrin (T567). NSC668394, a p-Ezrin (Thr567) antagonist, significantly decreased hepatoma cell proliferation. We additionally show that p-Ezrin (T567) is controlled by epidermal growth factor receptor and MET. Ezrin phosphorylation, mediated by CD81-associated Syk kinase, is directly involved in regulation of Hippo pathway, Yap levels, and growth of normal and neoplastic hepatocytes. The finding has mechanistic and potentially therapeutic applications in hepatocyte growth biology, hepatocellular carcinoma, and HCV pathogenesis.
FREQMAX provides an alternative approach for determining high-resolution allele frequency thresholds in carrier screening.

As whole-genome data become available for increasing numbers of individuals across diverse populations, the list of genomic variants of unknown significance (VOUS) continues to grow. One powerful tool in VOUS interpretation is determining whether an allele is too common to be considered pathogenic. Since genetic and epidemiological parameters vary across disease models, so too does the pathogenic allele frequency threshold for each disease gene. One threshold-setting approach is the maximum credible allele frequency (MCAF) method. However, estimating some of the input values MCAF requires, especially those involving heterogeneity, can present non-trivial statistical challenges. Here, we introduce FREQMAX, our alternative approach for determining allele frequency thresholds in carrier screening. FREQMAX makes efficient use of the data available for well-studied traits and exhibits flexibility for traits where information may be less complete. For cystic fibrosis, more alleles are excluded as benign by FREQMAX than by MCAF. For less comprehensively characterized traits like ciliary dyskinesia and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, FREQMAX is able to set the allele frequency threshold without requiring a priori estimates of maximum genetic and allelic contributions. Furthermore, while we describe FREQMAX in the context of carrier screening, its classical population genetics framework also provides context for adaptation to other trait models. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Review of Libraries promoting reflective dialogue in a time of political polarization

Abstract: Review of Libraries promoting reflective dialogue in a time of political polarization. Edited by Andrea Baer and Ellysa Stern Cahoy and Robert Schroeder. (Chicago: Association of College and Research Libraries 2019. 398 p.)
Testing the effect of restoration‐focused silviculture on oak regeneration and groundlayer plant communities in urban–exurban oak woodlands

Throughout their global range, oak‐dominated ecosystems have undergone state changes in stand structure and composition. Land managers face an especially acute challenge in restoring oak ecosystems and promoting oak regeneration in urban–exurban areas, where high‐intensity silvicultural treatments are often not feasible. To investigate low‐intensity management alternatives which could be widely applied in urban–exurban forests, a large‐scale adaptive management experiment was implemented in Lake County, IL, in 2012. Five canopy manipulation treatments of varying intensity, timing, and spatial aggregation were replicated across three study areas and oak seedlings were under‐planted into treatment units following management. Responses of understory light environment, shrub and groundlayer plant communities, and survival and growth of underplanted oak seedlings were evaluated. Understory light availability, canopy openness, total groundlayer plant cover, and groundlayer species diversity all differed among treatments. However, although understory light availability was significantly increased by canopy manipulation, groundlayer communities and oak seedling survival and growth did not differ among treatments. High overall seedling survival rates suggest current conditions are amenable to oak regeneration, but long‐term monitoring will be needed to assess the potential for seedlings to transition to the sapling and canopy layers. Early results demonstrate that canopy‐focused silvicultural treatments can affect the understory light environment and, to some degree, groundlayer plant communities. However, underplanting of oak seedlings paired with subcanopy thinning may be sufficient to restore an oak seedling layer, and (when necessary or preferred) canopy manipulation could potentially be deferred until later in the restoration timeline to promote oak recruitment.
Reduced Order Modeling of Dynamical Systems Using Artificial Neural Networks Applied to Water Circulation

General circulation models are essential tools in weather and hydrodynamic simulation. They solve discretized, complex physical equations in order to compute evolutionary states of dynamical systems, such as the hydrodynamics of a lake. However, high-resolution numerical solutions using such models are extremely computational and time consuming, often requiring a high performance computing architecture to be executed satisfactorily. Machine learning (ML)-based low-dimensional surrogate models are a promising alternative to speed up these simulations without undermining the quality of predictions. In this work, we develop two examples of fast, reliable, low-dimensional surrogate models to produce a 36 h forecast of the depth-averaged hydrodynamics at Lake George NY, USA. Our ML approach uses two widespread artificial neural network (ANN) architectures: fully connected neural networks and long short-term memory. These ANN architectures are first validated in the deterministic and chaotic regimes of the Lorenz system and then combined with proper orthogonal decomposition (to reduce the dimensionality of the incoming input data) to emulate the depth-averaged hydrodynamics of a flow simulator called SUNTANS. Results show the ANN-based reduced order models have promising accuracy levels (within \(6\%\) of the prediction range) and advocate for further investigation into hydrodynamic applications.
The impact of ventilation conditions on the quality of Rio Grande Russet tubers during long-term cold storage

Abstract The effect of speed and duration of ventilation fans on the quality of russet potatoes (Rio Grande Russet) stored at 5 °C ± 2 and 95% RH ± 5 in 2016 and 2017 seasons was investigated. Three fans moved air at three rates: 52 cubic feet per minute (CFM), 13 CFM, or 0.6 CFM and operated under continuous or intermittent control. This investigation included a zero-ventilation control. The tubers were analyzed periodically for weight loss, texture, ethylene production, respiration rate, sprouting incidence, power consumption, and nutritional value (total phenolics, total flavonoids, reducing sugars, and ascorbic acid) during the storage period. The results indicated that the rate of weight loss was higher under continuous high CFM ventilation. Intermittent ventilation at 0.6 CFM significantly reduced weight loss and have turgid tubers when compared with the control. There was a significant difference in sprouting rate and power consumption between continuous and intermittent ventilation. Continuous ventilation at 52 CFM significantly increased total flavonoid content and decreased reducing sugars compared to intermittent ventilation at 0.6 CFM. This study indicates the importance of using slow and medium CFM fans in long-term potato storages to reduce tuber weight loss and power consumption.
Abstract P189: Metabolomic Signatures Of Serum Creatinine Among Hypertensive African Americans.

Background: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in African Americans (AAs) is high. Although ancestry-specific biomarkers have been identified, few translate to the clinic. Metabolomic s...
Stress and coping of Russian students: do gender and marital status make a difference?

This study examines the triggers for stress, and the coping mechanisms, of Russian students in relation to their gender and marital status. Based on the Stress and Coping Questionnaire administered...
Provider Compliance With Kentucky's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program's Mandate To Query Patient Opioid History.

Forty states mandate that providers query their patients’ prescription histories in the state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) before prescribing controlled substances. However, little...
New insights into muscle function in chronic kidney disease and metabolic acidosis.

Purpose of review : Sarcopenia, defined as decreased muscle mass or function, is prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) increasing the risk of mobility impairment and frailty. CKD leads to metabolic acidosis (MA) and retention of uremic toxins contributing to insulin resistance and impaired muscle mitochondrial energetics. Here we focus on the central role of muscle mitochondrial metabolism in muscle function. Recent findings : Mitochondrial dysfunction underlies muscle wasting and poor physical endurance in CKD. Uremic toxins accumulate in muscle disrupting mitochondrial respiration and enzymes. Changes in mitochondrial quantity, quality, and oxidative capacity contribute to mobility impairment in CKD. Major determinants of muscle mitochondrial function are kidney function, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In CKD, MA is the major determinant of muscle mitochondrial function. Metabolomics reveals defects in pathways linked to mitochondrial energy metabolism and acid-base homeostasis underlying insulin resistance in CKD. Summary : Decreased mitochondrial capacity and quality control can impair muscle function contributing to decreased physical endurance. MA augments insulin resistance perpetuating the catabolic state underlying muscle wasting in CKD. Further studies are needed to investigate if targeting of MA improves muscle mitochondrial function and insulin resistance translating into meaningful improvements in physical endurance.
Global W^{1,p} estimates for solutions to the linearized Monge–Ampère equations

In this paper, we investigate regularity for solutions to the linearized Monge–Ampere equations when the nonhomogeneous term has low integrability. We establish global \(W^{1,p}\) estimates for all \(p<\frac{nq}{n-q}\) for solutions to the equations with right-hand side in \(L^q\) where \(n/2<q\le n\). These estimates hold under natural assumptions on the domain, Monge–Ampere measures, and boundary data. Our estimates are affine invariant analogues of the global \(W^{1,p}\) estimates of N. Winter for fully nonlinear, uniformly elliptic equations.
Managing female sexual dysfunction.

Abstract Objective Provide an overview of sexual dysfunction in female urologic cancer patients, approaches for assessing sexual problems, and interventions to treat sexual dysfunction in this patient population. Methods A review of the literature in urologic oncology was conducted. Research on other female pelvic cancers with similar treatments was also reviewed. Results Sexual health is an important element of women's quality of life that is often not discussed and problems remain unaddressed. Urologic cancer treatments commonly result in sexual dysfunction (e.g., dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, problems with orgasm) in female patients, although more research is necessary to understand the impact of non-surgical treatments (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy). As such, provider teams should complete necessary screening for sexual dysfunction during and after treatment. The 5 A's model (i.e., Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange Follow-Up) provides a helpful guide for communicating about and addressing sexual health concerns with patients during the screening process. If it is determined that referral for further assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunction is needed, a number of non-pharmacologic (e.g., pelvic floor physical therapy; psychosexual counseling) and pharmacologic treatment approaches are available. Conclusion Sexual dysfunction is common in female urologic cancer survivors. Routine assessment and appropriate referral are essential for high quality patient care.
A generalizable artificial intelligence tool for identification and correction of self-supporting structures in additive manufacturing processes

Abstract High mix, low volume processes such as additive manufacturing (AM) offer tremendous promise for increasing the customization in manufacturing but are hindered by the lack of efficient methods for identifying process parameters for complex new geometries exhibiting the desired performance. The search over the process space can be automated with analysis tools that can be applied in a time and resource efficient manner such that ambitious print designs are not dissuaded by the cost of process parameter discovery. In this work, we propose an image analysis tool that can classify spanning prints as one of five process-relevant archetypes, invariant of the span dimensions. We describe a modular design of the tool such that simple adjustments to image processing parameters allow for compatibility with different print processes and environments. Furthermore, we demonstrate how this tool may be incorporated into a fully automated workflow on multiple AM systems to facilitate rapid autonomous process parameter discovery and/or deeper scientific understanding.
Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound Pre- and Post Middle Cerebral Artery Stent Placement:

This report describes a 42-year-old male with a 5-year history of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), migraines, previous strokes, and symptoms referable to a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) terri...
Combining whole exome sequencing with in silico analysis and clinical data to identify candidate variants in pediatric left ventricular noncompaction.

Abstract Background Understanding the overall variant burden in pediatric patients with left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) has clinical implications. Whole exome sequencing (WES) allows detection of coding variants in both candidate cardiomyopathy genes and those included on commercial panels. Other lines of evidence, including in silico analysis, are necessary to reduce the overwhelming number of variants to those most likely having a phenotypic impact. Methods Five families, including five pediatric probands with LVNC, 5 other affected, and 10 unaffected family members, had WES performed, followed by bioinformatics filtering and Sanger sequencing. Review of the HGMD, variant classification by ACMG guidelines, and clinical information were used to further refine complex genotypes. Results One nonsense and eleven missense variants were identified. In Family 1, affected siblings carried digenic heterozygous variants: E1350K-MYH7 and A276V-ANKRD1. The proband also carried heterozygous W143X-NRG1. Four affected members of Family 2 carried K184Q-MYH7 while unaffected members did not. In Family 3, homozygous A161T-MYH7 and heterozygous P4935T-OBSCN variants were identified in the proband with the latter being absent in his unaffected brother. In Family 4, proband's father and half-sibling have mild hypertrabeculation and carry T3796I-PLEC. The proband, carrying T3796I-PLEC and V2878A-OBSCN, demonstrated higher trabeculation burden. The proband in Family 5 carried four variants, R3247W-PLEC, C92Y-ERG, T1233M-NCOR2, and E54K-HIST1H4B. Application of ACMG criteria and clinical data revealed that W143X-NRG1, P4935T-OBSCN, and V2878A-OBSCN likely have no phenotypic role. Conclusions We report nine variants, including novel T3796I-PLEC and biallelic A161T-MYH7, likely contributing to phenotypes ranging from asymptomatic hypertrabeculation to severe LVNC with heart failure.
Macrophage spreading in vitro. III. The effect of metabolic inhibitors, anesthetics and other drugs on spreading induced by subtilisin.

Abstract The effect of certain drugs on macrophage spreading induced by the proteolytic enzyme sub-tilisin was quantitatively examined and the 50 and 90 % inhibitory concentrations of the drugs were determined. In most instances the viability of the macrophages was preserved, as shown by phagocytic tests and by experiments in which cells pretreated with the drugs and washed were shown to spread when exposed to subtilisin. Inhibitors of electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation or uncouplers at rather small concentrations all effectively blocked macrophage spreading, indicating an ATP requirement. Spreading was also inhibited by neutral or cationic anesthetics and the reciprocal of their 50 % inhibitory concentrations was linearly related to their octanol-water partition coefficients. Inhibition by the anesthetics paralleled their effects on other membrane phenomena, such as nerve conduction, osmotic lysis of erythrocytes, viral induced cell fusion, or Sarcoma I cell to substrate adhesion, also suggesting a membrane target. Spreading was reduced by the anti-inflammatories indomethacin, or phenylbutazone, by high doses of colchicine or vinblastine, by the putative microfilament-acting drug cytochalasin B or by the SH- reagent n -ethyl maleimide. Colchicine and vinblastine effects may involve mechanisms other than their microtubular actions. Several other drugs, including inhibitors of protein synthesis, did not inhibit the spreading of macrophages. Spreading induced by substrate-bound immune complexes was also inhibited by representative metabolic inhibitors or anesthetics.
Direct, rapid titration of 8-quinolinol

Abstract The major problems in the direct bromination titration of the important analytical reagent 8-quinolinol have been slow reaction rate and difficulty of end-point detection. A reaction-rate study showed that perchloric acid as the titratiun medium gives a sufficiently high reaction rate for direct titration. End-points are simply and conveniently detected using constant-current potentiometry. Metal ions do not interfere. Excellent agreement between titration by the proposed method and the conventional indirect iodomrtric method was observed.
Enhancement of Infectivity of Murine Cytomegalovirus in Vitro by Centrifugal Inoculation

Abstract Centrifugation of murine cytomegalovirus inocula from a variety of sources onto secondary mouse embryo cell monolayers at 1,900 × g for 30 min regularly revealed 10- to 100-fold more infectious virus than could be found in the same materials using standard inoculation methods. Virus demonstrable only by centrifugation was present throughout the entire growth cycle in a constant proportion to virus measured without centrifugation. Extracellular growth curves of both populations revealed an 18- to 21-hr latent period, followed by a long-linear increase over the next 12 hr; final yield was 30 plaque-forming units (PFU) per cell. Centrifugation of cells prior to inoculation or after standard adsorption and removal of inoculum failed to result in any significant change in measured virus titer. However, even after 4-hr adsorption, the supernatant inoculum could be transferred and centrifuged onto a fresh monolayer resulting in the same increment of measurable virus. Neutralizing antibody and interferon were equally efficacious against 100 PFU of virus as defined by either method. Thus, this newly identified population of cytomegalo-virus represents the vast majority of potentially infectious units and appears to differ solely in ease of adsorption onto cell monolayers.
Hypsodonty in Mammals: Evolution, Geomorphology, and the Role of Earth Surface Processes

The evolution of high-crowned teeth, hypsodonty, is a defining characteristic of many terrestrial herbivores. To date, the most prominent focus in the study of the teeth of grazing herbivores has been co-evolution with grasses and grasslands. This book develops the idea further and looks at the myriad ways that soil can enter the diet. Madden then expands this analysis to examine the earth surface processes that mobilize sediment in the environment. The text delivers a global perspective on tooth wear and soil erosion, with examples from the islands of New Zealand to the South American Andes, highlighting how similar geological processes worldwide result in convergent evolution. The final chapter includes a review of elodonty in the fossil record and its environmental consequences. Offering new insights into geomorphology and adaptive and evolutionary morphology, this text will be of value to any researcher interested in the evolution of tooth size and shape. n Draws on case-studies from around the world, highlighting the connections between large-scale surface processes and specific tooth wear patterns Integrates the fossil record of terrestrial mammal evolution with the sea-floor sediment record, offering new insights into geomorphology and adaptive and evolutionary morphology Presents the relationship between tooth wear/tooth shape and earth surface processes at two different timescales - ecological and evolutionar
Fast march tests for defects in resistive memory

Resistive Memory is a promising candidate to several applications. However, is prone to high defects due to the nanoscale fabrication uncertainties. Test time of traditional testing techniques is dominated by writes which are slower than reads. Fast March tests for defects in resistive memory are proposed in this paper. Test application time is reduced by approximately 96% when compared to existing methods. An appropriate DfT scheme to implement the new test approach is also proposed.
Quantum jumps revisited: An overview of quantum trajectory theory

The quantum trajectory theory of photon scattering in quantum optics is reviewed. Two features of the theory which bear closely on issues of interpretation in quantum mechanics are emphasized: (1) there exist different unravellings of a scattering process which reveal complementary aspects of the dynamics in the interaction region, and (2) through the making of records via a stochastic implementation of a formalized quantum jump a self-consistent interface between a quantum evolution (in Hilbert space) and a classical evolution for the records (time series of real numbers) is achieved.
Interaction of obesity and infections

There is evidence that certain infections may induce obesity. Obese persons may also have more severe infections and have compromised response to therapies. The objective of this study is to review the available literature identifying infections that potentially contribute to greater body mass index (BMI) and differential responses of overweight and obese persons to infections. A systematic literature review of human studies examining associations between infections and weight gain, differential susceptibility, severity, and response to prevention and treatment of infection according to BMI status (January 1980-July 2014) was conducted. Three hundred and forty-three studies were eligible for inclusion. Evidence indicated that viral infection by human adenovirus Ad36 and antibiotic eradication of Helicobacter pylori were followed by weight gain. People who were overweight or obese had higher susceptibility to developing post-surgical infections, H1N1 influenza and periodontal disease. More severe infections tended to be present in people with a larger BMI. People with a higher BMI had a reduced response to vaccinations and antimicrobial drugs. Higher doses of antibiotics were more effective in obese patients. Infections may influence BMI, and BMI status may influence response to certain infections, as well as to preventive and treatment measures. These observations have potential clinical implications.
Time and Entrepreneurship

In this article, we examine the role of Time in three decades of entrepreneurship research, both the highlights and some of the challenges. We first refract the field through the prism of Time, specifically eight different perspectives – (1) subjective; (2) chronological; (3) evolutionary; (4) kairotic; (5) cyclical; (6) embedded; (7) dialectical; and (8) life course – and then fuse insights about different manifestation of Time in entrepreneurship's phenomena in a map with time-based themes. A systematic analysis of important linkages between, and gaps within, each theme evokes exciting possibilities for future research. It also points towards four requirements – new thinking, new theories, new methodologies, and new questions – that are critical for advancement of a research agenda centered on Time in entrepreneurship. Importantly, our review uncovers the “event” as a neglected, yet essential, complement to the two dominant ontological domains: subject and object. (Re)surfacing the “event” as a conceptual tool suggests that the entrepreneurial opportunity is both time-dependent and context-dependent, and not trans-temporal or trans-situational as current treatments of it assume. The transient existence of its central constructs stresses the temporal exigency of entrepreneurship. Keywords: time; temporal; timing; dynamics; spatial; event; entrepreneurship
A Model of People at High Risk to Develop Chronic Stress Related Symptoms

Sir William Osler is reported to have said that “sometimes it is more important to know what kind of patient has a disease than what kind of disease the patient has”. One implication of this statement is that certain types of personality features can potentiate or attenuate either the symptoms or the etiology of a disease, or both. The first goal of this paper is to start to specify a promising set of personality features and also a set of situational events under which people who are either biologically prone to a disease or exposed to the relevant pathogens will become symptomatic. The second goal of this paper is to tentatively suggest some procedures to quantify these personality dimensions and these situational conditions. The third goal is to present evidence from my clinical practice and the research literature to support this model of the patient at high risk to develop chronic stress related illness. The present model (Wickramasekera, 1979, 1980a;1980b) is based on clinical observations made, and case study data collected, over the last 15 years in an increasingly specialized clinical practice.
A highly reconfigurable 400–1700MHz receiver using a down-converting sigma-delta A/D with 59-dB SNR and 57-dB SFDR over 4-MHz bandwidth

A highly reconfigurable radio-frequency-to-digital signal converter is presented. Center frequency is precisely defined by a local- oscillator signal, while baseband bandwidth is defined in the digital domain. An SNR of greater than 59 dB across a 4-MHz bandwidth is measured across center frequencies ranging from 400MHz to 1.7GHz. An IIP3 of greater than +19dBm is measured, with an out-of-band 3-dB desensitization level of greater than +1dBm.
Activity theory as a framework for analyzing and redesigning work

Cultural-historical activity theory is a new framework aimed at transcending the dichotomies of micro- and macro-, mental and material, observation and intervention in analysis and redesign of work. The approach distinguishes between short-lived goal-directed actions and durable, object-oriented activity systems. A historically evolving collective activity system, seen in its network relations to other activity systems, is taken as the prime unit of analysis against which scripted strings of goal-directed actions and automatic operations are interpreted. Activity systems are driven by communal motives that are often difficult to articulate for individual participants. Activity systems are in constant movement and internally contradictory. Their systemic contradictions, manifested in disturbances and mundane innovations, offer possibilities for expansive developmental transformations. Such transformations proceed through stepwise cycles of expansive learning which begin with actions of questioning the existing standard practice, then proceed to actions of analyzing its contradictions and modelling a vision for its zone of proximal development, then to actions of examining and implementing the new model in practice. New forms of work organization increasingly require negotiated 'knotworking' across boundaries. Correspondingly, expansive learning increasingly involves horizontal widening of collective expertise by means of debating, negotiating and hybridizing different perspectives and conceptualizations. Findings from a longitudinal intervention study of children's medical care illuminate the theoretical arguments.
Ductal shunting and effective systemic blood flow following single dose surfactant treatment in the premature baboon with hyaline membrane disease.

We studied the hemodynamic effects of using natural surfactant in premature baboons with hyaline membrane disease (HMD). Study animals (n = 5) received a single dose of surfactant immediately after delivery and control animals (n = 8) did not. Using microspheres at 3, 8, and 23 h we found no significant differences in left ventricular output, effective systemic flow, systemic-to-pulmonary patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) shunting, or in cerebral or renal organ blood flow. However, both groups had large PDA shunts (fraction of LVO to lungs > 0.40–0.55 at 3 and 8 h) resulting in low systemic perfusion (
New algorithms for ring artifact removal

This paper describes a set of algorithms that enable virtually complete ring artifact removal from tomographic imagery with minimal to negligible contamination of the underlying data. These procedures were created specifically to deal with data as acquired at the University of Texas high-resolution X-ray CT facility, but are likely to be applicable in other settings as well. In most cases corrections are optimally applied to sinogram data before reconstruction, but a variant is developed for correcting already-reconstructed images. The algorithms make particular use of repetitive aspects of the artifact across images to improve behavior. However, fully utilizing this functionality requires processing entire data sets simultaneously, rather than one image at a time. A number of parameters may be adjusted to optimize results for particular data sets.
Three variations in rabbit angiographic stroke models.

Abstract Purpose: To develop angiographic models of embolic stroke in the rabbit using pre-formed clot or microspheres to model clinical situations ranging from transient ischemic events to severe ischemic stroke. Materials and methods: New Zealand White rabbits (N = 151) received angiographic access to the internal carotid artery (ICA) from a femoral approach. Variations of emboli type and quantity of emboli were tested by injection into the ICA. These included fresh clots (1.0-mm length, 3–6 h), larger aged clots (4.0-mm length, 3 days), and 2 or 3 insoluble microspheres (700–900 μm). Neurological assessment scores (NAS) were based on motor, sensory, balance, and reflex measures. Rabbits were euthanized at 4, 7, or 24 h after embolization, and infarct volume was measured as a percent of total brain volume using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). Results: Infarct volume percent at 24 h after stroke was lower for rabbits embolized with fresh clot (0.45 ± 0.14%), compared with aged clot (3.52 ± 1.31%) and insoluble microspheres (3.39 ± 1.04%). Overall NAS (including posterior vessel occlusions) were positively correlated to infarct volume percent measurements in the fresh clot (r = 0.50), aged clot (r = 0.65) and microsphere (r = 0.62) models (p
The hemi-Mustard/bidirectional Glenn atrial switch procedure in the double-switch operation for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: Rationale and midterm results

Objective This study was undertaken to assess the risks and benefits of the double-switch operation using a hemi-Mustard atrial switch procedure and the bidirectional Glenn operation for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. To avoid complications associated with the complete Senning and Mustard procedures and to assist right-heart hemodynamics, we favor a modified atrial switch procedure, consisting of a hemi-Mustard procedure to baffle inferior vena caval return to the tricuspid valve in conjunction with a bidirectional Glenn operation. Methods Between January 1994 and September 2009, anatomic repair was achieved in 48 patients. The Rastelli–atrial switch procedure was performed in 25 patients with pulmonary atresia and the arterial–atrial switch procedure was performed in 23 patients. A hemi-Mustard procedure was the atrial switch procedure for 70% (33/48) of anatomic repairs. Results There was 1 in-hospital death after anatomic repair. There were no late deaths or transplantation. At a median follow-up of 59.2 months, 43 of 47 survivors are in New York Heart Association class I. Bidirectional Glenn operation complications were uncommon (2/33), limited to the perioperative period, and seen in patients less than 4 months of age. Atrial baffle–related reoperations or sinus node dysfunction have not been observed. Tricuspid regurgitation decreased from a mean grade of 2.3 to 1.2 after repair ( P = .00002). Right ventricle–pulmonary artery conduit longevity is significantly improved. Conclusions We describe a 15-year experience with the double-switch operation using a modified atrial switch procedure with favorable midterm results. The risks of the hemi-mustard and bidirectional Glenn operation are minimal and are limited to a well-defined patient subset. The benefits include prolonged conduit life, reduced baffle- and sinus node–related complications, and technical simplicity.
Near-miss in focused lower-extremity ultrasound for deep venous thrombosis.

Abstract Background Focused, proximal compression ultrasound (FPCUS) is a commonly used point-of-care study in the Emergency Department (ED). Pelvic vein deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a rare presentation, and Emergency Physicians need to be aware of the limitations and pitfalls of FPCUS. Objective A case of external iliac vein DVT diagnosed in the ED is presented, with a focus on subtle signs seen during FPCUS that led to the diagnosis and additional ultrasound techniques to aid in appropriate point-of-care diagnosis. Case Report We describe a patient who presented with lower-extremity pain and was subsequently diagnosed with external iliac DVT. A FPCUS study by Emergency Physicians was performed and demonstrated subtle findings that led to further investigation and appropriate diagnosis. Conclusion Emergency physicians using FPCUS in the evaluation of lower-extremity pain or swelling need to be aware of the pitfalls, limitations, and advanced techniques to avoid misdiagnosis while evaluating for DVT.
Ovipositional preference and larval–early adult performance of two generalist lacewing predators of aphids in pecans

Abstract We examined the ovipositional preference and larval to early adult performance of two generalist, predatory green lacewing species Chrysoperla comanche (Banks) and Chrysopa nigricornis Burmeister. Both of these predators are abundant in pecan trees (Carya illinoensis (Wagenh) K. Kock) in southern Arizona where two specialist aphids Monellia caryella (Fitch) and Melanocallis caryaefoliae (Davis) are found. Ovipositional preference was tested in a three-way choice experiment with pecan seedlings infested with one of the two aphid species or without aphids. Females of both green lacewing species showed a significant preference for ovipositing on plants bearing aphids, but only C. comanche distinguished between the two aphid species. Both aphid species were suitable for larval development and developmental time was not affected by aphid treatment. C. nigricornis pupae were significantly heavier when larvae were fed only M. caryaefoliae, but no difference in pupal weight was found for C. comanche. The pre-oviposition period was significantly longer for C. nigricornis females that were fed a mixture of the two aphid species during larval development compared with each aphid species alone. However, aphid diet did not affect the number of eggs laid by either species during the first five days of oviposition.
Easy axis orientation mapping of soft magnetic films using a magneto-optic Kerr BH imager

A novel method of easy-axis orientation (EAO) mapping for thin magnetic films is described. The method employs a magnetooptic Kerr sensor to detect the discrete switches in film magnetization direction that occur when a rotating magnetic field mod H mod >
Analysis of on-line routing and spectrum allocation in spectrum-sliced optical networks

The orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology provides an opportunity for efficient resource utilization in optical networks. It allows allocation of multiple sub-carriers to meet traffic demands of varying size. Utilizing OFDM technology, a spectrum efficient and scalable optical transport network called SLICE was proposed recently. The SLICE architecture enables sub-wavelength, super-wavelength resource allocation and multiple rate data traffic that results in efficient use of spectrum. However, the benefit is accompanied by additional complexities in resource allocation. In SLICE architecture, in order to minimize utilized spectrum, one has to solve the routing and spectrum allocation (RSA) problem, a generalization of the routing and wavelength allocation (RWA) problem. In this paper, we focus our attention to the on-line version of RSA problem and provide an algorithm for the ring network with a competitive ratio of min{O(log(dmax)), O(log(k))} where k is the total number of requests and dmax is the maximum demand in terms of the number of sub-carriers. Moreover, we provide a heuristic for the network with arbitrary topology and measure the effectiveness of the heuristic with extensive simulation.
Near infrared coronagraphic imager for Gemini South

The Near Infrared Coronagraphic Imager for Gemini South (NICI) is a dual beam coronagraphic camera operating over the 1.0 to 5.5 micrometer wavelength range with a dedicated adaptive optics system. NICI target science, design and capabilities will be described as an introduction to this instrument slated for deployment in mid 2005.
Genetics of reproduction in primiparous Holsteins.

Abstract Effects of genetics and relationships between yield and days from parturition to first service, first service conception rate, number of services, and a reproductive performance code based on several reproductive components were investigated in primiparous Holsteins. Recorded breedings and DHI production records were from 3393 daughters of 174 bulls in six experimental herds. Subsets included progeny of 78 sires, with ≥ 5 daughters calving in April through July (n = 817) and August through March (n = 1162). Daughter-dam regressions (n = 2593 pairs) and paternal half-sibs were used to estimate heritabilities of fertility traits and associations between yield and reproduction. Results showed increased FCM was associated with lowered fertility. For paternal half-sibs, the greatest antagonism was between conception rates and FCM (r G = −.65±.10). Daughterdam regressions estimated a favorable genetic correlation of .43±.32 between conception rates and yield. Heritabilities were highest for April through July calvings and ranged from .08±.10 for first service conception to .24±.12 for reproductive code. Correlations between sire least squares constants from warmer and cooler calving seasons were lower than heritabilities of traits would suggest.
A sampling plan for conduit-flow karst springs: minimizing sampling cost and maximizing statistical utility

Analytical data for nitrate and triazines from 566 samples collected over a 3-year period at Pleasant Grove Spring, Logan County, KY, were statistically analyzed to determine the minimum data set needed to calculate meaningful yearly averages for a conduit-flow karst spring. Results indicate that a biweekly sampling schedule augmented with bihourly samples from high-flow events will provide meaningful suspended-constituent and dissolved-constituent statistics. Unless collected over an extensive period of time, daily samples may not be representative and may also be autocorrelated. All high-flow events resulting in a significant deflection of a constituent from base-line concentrations should be sampled. Either the geometric mean or the flow-weighted average of the suspended constituents should be used. If automatic samplers are used, then they may be programmed to collect storm samples as frequently as every few minutes to provide details on the arrival time of constituents of interest. However, only samples collected bihourly should be used to calculate averages. By adopting a biweekly sampling schedule augmented with high-flow samples, the need to continuously monitor discharge, or to search for and analyze existing data to develop a statistically valid monitoring plan, is lessened.
SO3H-Functionalized Ionic Liquids for Selective Alkylation of p-Cresol with tert-Butanol

The SO3H-functionalized ionic liquids were synthesized by using pyridine and 1,4-butane or 1,3-propane sulfone as the source and characterized by NMR and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The acidity of the ionic liquids determined by the Hammett method is almost the same as that of a conventional acid, such as H2SO4. The catalytic performance of ionic liquids for the tert-butylation of p-cresol with tert-butanol was evaluated; by using the ionic liquids as catalysts at the optimum reaction conditions, 79% of the p-cresol conversion and 92% of the selectivity to 2-tert-butyl-p-cresol can be obtained. The spent ionic liquid can be recovered and recycled. The possible mechanism for this reaction system was discussed based on the reaction results and the ab initio calculation results.
Safety Practices, Neurological Symptoms, and Pesticide Poisoning

Depression, anxiety, inability to concentrate, and spatial disorientation associated with pesticide poisoning may influence farmers' ability to comply with established safety procedures. The purpose of this article is to describe the relationship between safety practices, neurological symptoms, and pesticide poisoning. A survey of farm residents was conducted in an eight-county area in Colorado. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine associations between safety practices, neurological symptoms, and previous pesticide poisoning. A number of safety practices were associated with the following neurological symptoms: difficulty concentrating; feeling irritable; relatives noticing memory difficulties; and difficulty understanding reading materials. The associations between safety practices and neurological symptoms were increased in the presence of pesticide poisoning. Factors associated with failure to engage in established safety practices in this study were neurological symptoms.
Underwater Archaeology: Its Nature and Limitations

The recent development of efficient free-diving apparatus has made possible underwater exploration for both sport and science. Human and cultural remains underwater are being extensively exploited. Although the term “underwater archaeology” is frequently applied to such activities, most are at the best only underwater salvage. Archaeological remains in lakes, springs, rivers, or the sea have considerable to offer. Perhaps their greatest value is the more complete condition of such artifacts in contrast to similar remains on land. However, they often suffer from decomposition, impregnation with minerals, or incrustation by algae or corals. Although context and sequential (or stratigraphic) position are not so easily found or recognized as on land, they are present in many cases. Any body of water is a possible site of study, but in practice, areas of potential importance are limited by location, depth, visibility, and bottom factors. There are four major types of underwater archaeological sites: (1) discarded refuse and “lost” material; (2) submerged sites of former human occupation; (3) shrines or places of offerings; and (4) shipwrecks.
The Body (Under Review):On Manuel Vásquez’s More than Belief

Abstract What sort of critique of religious studies will enjoin religious studies to think about its premises? This essay evaluates an important contemporary critique of the study of religion, Manuel Vasquez’s More than Belief. The author provides a summary of Vasquez’s argument, and then turns to an analysis of Vasquez’s evidence. In More than Belief, Vasquez tracks the development and effects of mind-body dualism on the study of religion. The differentiation between mind and body is a problem for analysts of religion, Vasquez explains, because religious ideas wrestle so directly with that differentiation, and because scholars seeking to explain religion have often imagined themselves to be countering religious supernaturalism with a materialist empiricism. This is, Vasquez explains, a reductive materialism. Vasquez thus offers an account of how matter came not to matter in the specific effort to explain religion, which Vasquez describes as the somatophobia of religious studies. Borrowing from Vasquez’s emphasis on embodiment and emplacement, the reviewer questions Vasquez’s readings of philosophical materials in his admirable effort to correct a disciplinary disposition for our hermeneutic betterment.
Isolation of an acid α1-glycoprotein from the urine of a patient with hodgkin's disease

Abstract The isolation of a sialic acid-deficient acid α 1 -glycoprotein from the urine of a patient with disseminated Hodgkin's disease is described. This glycoprotein resembles closely orosomucoid in its solubility properties, electrophoretic mobility, chemical composition of the carbohydrate prosthetic group and immunological reaction against a specific antiserum. The glycoprotein was isolated from a urine sample with low protein content.
Floquet's theorem in three dimensions and its application to the dispersion characteristics of circular waveguides with screw periodicity for use with gyrotron backward-wave oscillators

Floquet's theorem for three dimensions is proved for each of the two mathematical conditions of periodicity: the differential equation and the boundary condition. The theorem applied to circular waveguides with screw periodicity provides the dispersion characteristics of the uncoupled modes. These characteristics are compared to those of a normal circular waveguide to show how screw periodic RF structures shift in phase the waveguide cutoff point and how such a shift is advantageous to gyrotron backward-wave oscillators.