cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electric fields in the sheath formed in a 300 mm, dual frequency capacitive argon discharge

The spatial structure and temporal evolution of the electric fields in a sheath formed in a dual frequency, 300 mm capacitive argon discharge are measured as functions of relative mixing between a low frequency current and a high frequency current. It is found that the overall structure of the sheath (potential across the sheath and the thickness of the sheath) are dominated by the lower frequency component while (smaller) oscillations in these quantities are dictated by the higher frequency component. Comparisons of the measured spatial and temporal profiles are made for Lieberman's and Robiche et al sheath model and with a particle in a cell calculation.
AAV-mediated intravitreal gene therapy reduces lysosomal storage in the retinal pigmented epithelium and improves retinal function in adult MPS VII mice

The β-glucuronidase-deficient mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) mouse accumulates partially degraded glycosaminoglycans in many cell types, including retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells in the eye. This lysosomal storage in RPE cells leads to progressive retinal degeneration and reduced function as measured by flash electroretinography (ERG). The impact of AAV-mediated intraocular gene therapy on pathology and retinal function was examined in normal and MPS VII mice treated at 4 weeks of age, when lysosomal storage is evident but functional impairment is minimal in affected animals. At 16 weeks, an age at which untreated MPS VII mice have advanced histologic lesions and significantly reduced ERG amplitudes, treated eyes had nearly normal levels of β-glucuronidase activity, preservation of cells in the outer nuclear layer of the retina, and decreased lysosomal storage within the RPE. The AAV-treated MPS VII mice also had significantly increased dark-adapted ERG amplitudes compared to untreated MPS VII mice. Although retinal function was improved, the efficacy of the treatment depended heavily on parameters related to the injection procedure, such as the injection volume, injection site, and vector dose. These data suggest that intraocular AAV-mediated therapy may be efficacious for treating the retinal disease associated with certain lysosomal storage diseases.
1190 EFFECT OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (hGH) TREATMENT ON FAT METABOLISM

Administration of pharmacological quantities of hGH to humans and animals causes a brisk rise in serum free fatty acids (FFA). Studies in fasting GH-deficient humans have yielded divergent results. Adults show unimpaired lipolysis or even increased lipolysis and ketogenesis; hypopituitary children had normal beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) levels which decreased with hGH treatment. To resolve this issue we measured fat-derived fuels in 14 GH-deficient children (11.3±5.3 years, mean±S.D.) fasted for 24 hours, before and after three months of treatment with conventional doses of hGH, and 18 normal fasting children (9.1±4.5 yrs). In all three groups BOHB levels correlated inversely with age and with glucose concentrations. On fasting, FFA (p<0.025) and BOHB (p<0.025) were lower in GH-deficient than in normal children. Although hGH treatment caused only a small increase in FFA (p<0.25), BOHB increased significantly (p<0.05). Although lipolysis and ketogenesis increase in fasting GH-deficient children, growth hormone is required for these processes to occur optimally.
Enhancement of the Electrical Properties of BaTiO3 Films on GaAs Using Double Layer Structures

Ferroelectric BaTiO3 thin films have been directly deposited on n-GaAs with carrier concentration of 5.3–8.2x1017 /cm2. The BaTiO3 thin films with a thickness in the range of 80–120 nm were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering with a substrate temperature of 300°C. The as-deposited BaTiO3 films appeared to be amorphous with relative dielectric constants of around 15 and gave flat capacitance-voltage (C-V) curves, indicating poor interface properties and very high oxide charge density. After rapid thermal annealing (RTA) at 800°C for 60 sec, the relative dielectric constant of the BaTiO3 film increased to 82 and a sharp C-V curve was observed with oxide charge density of about 7x1012 /cm2. However, the leakage current density increased from 4x10−11 A/cm2 for as-deposited BaTiO3 to 2x10−5 A/cm2 for RTA(800°C)-BaTiO3 at a field of 4x105 V/cm. By taking advantage of the best properties from both as-deposited amorphous BaTiO3 films (low leakage current density) and RTA(800°C)-BaTiO3 (high dielectric constant) the double layer structure was designed to enhance the electrical properties of the BaTiO3 films on GaAs. The most promising results in regards to the dielectric property and leakage current density are 76.5 and 9.7xl0”9 A/cm2, respectively, for the double layer RTA(500°C)-BaTiO3 on RTA(800°C)-BaTiO3 structures.
Non-linear Dynamic Intertwining of Rods With Self-Contact

Abstract Twisted marine cables on the sea floor can form highly contorted three-dimensional loops that resemble tangles. Such tangles or ‘hockles’ are topologically equivalent to the plectomenes that form in supercoiled DNA molecules. The dynamic evolution of these intertwined loops is studied herein using a computational rod model that explicitly accounts for dynamic self-contact. Numerical solutions are presented for an illustrative example of a long rod subjected to increasing twist at one end. The solutions reveal the dynamic evolution of the rod from an initially straight state, through a buckled state in the approximate form of a helix, through the dynamic collapse of this helix into a near-planar loop with one site of self-contact, and the subsequent intertwining of this loop with multiple sites of self-contact. This evolution is controlled by the dynamic conversion of torsional strain energy to bending strain energy or, alternatively, by the dynamic conversion of twist (Tw) to writhe (Wr).
Afferent and efferent connections between the claustrum and parietal association cortex in cat: A horseradish peroxidase and autoradiographic study

Combined injections of [3H]proline and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were made into acoustically responsive cortical association areas on the middle suprasylvian gyrus (MSA) and anterior lateral gyrus (ALA) in the cat. Sources and terminations of cortical axons were located within the claustrum. There are three findings: (1) MSA and ALA project to and receive fibers from restricted areas of the dorsal claustrum. The locations of the projection fields within the claustrum are different for the two cortical areas; (2) the afferent and efferent projection fields in the claustrum are coextensive suggesting a reciprocal claustral-cortical relationship and (3) the projections are bilateral with the ipsilateral projection predominating.
New concerns with the design of filters for the protection of lithography optics

The optimal medium in which DUV resists are exposed is becoming increasingly under investigation by lithography tool manufacturers. These medium requirements have created even more design restrictions for effective filtration methods. Traditional airborne molecular contamination control in tracks and exposure tools has focused on the removal of weak bases that poison the resist. Newer concerns, including; the degradation of optics, changes in resist sensitivity, the index of refraction and the demands of tighter geometries, all contribute to the need for quantification and control of gas-phase contamination within exposure tools. As a result, filter manufacturers are required not only to remove a broader spectrum of contaminants (e.g. organic and acid gases), but to supply removal efficiency data, under a variety of conditions including; variable challenge concentrations, mixed stream contamination, humidity (dew points), flow rates, and temperatures. The paper will address these new concerns focusing on the efficiency effects of relative humidity for various contaminant streams using a variety of filter media. In addition, the removal of hydrophilic compounds such as ammonia and sulfur dioxide when drying an air stream will also be considered. This ongoing study has contributed to the design of a point-of-use air-shower filter used to protect lithography lenses. Preliminary field tests by a major manufacturer indicate that the removal of the specified bases, acids and total organics is below detection limits of <0.1 ppb.
Effects of apamin and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists on inferior collicular seizures

These studies compared the actions of apamin and nicotinic acetylcholine antagonists on seizure genesis within the inferior collicular cortex. In vitro α-bungarotoxin, d-tubocurarine and gallamine all competitively displaced [125I]apamin binding to brain sections through the inferior colliculus, while intracollicular microinjection of intermediate doses of apamin (21 pmol), α-bungarotoxin (0.3 nmol), d-tubocurarine (0.22 nmol) or gallamine (1.7 nmol) all significantly reduced the seizure initiation threshold current. However, higher doses of apamin did not cause spontaneous seizure activity, while higher doses of the nicotinic acetylcholine antagonists caused spontaneous seizures. Carbamylcholine also produced spontaneous seizures, but did not alter the seizure threshold current. N-Methyl-atropine caused a dose-related elevation of the seizure threshold current, yet microinjection of N-methyl-atropine (10 nmol) into the inferior collicular cortex reversed the effects of α-bungarotoxin on seizure threshold, partially opposed the effects of gallamine and d-tubocurarine, and had no effect on the ability of apamin to reduce the seizure threshold current. Thus, both the apamin-sensitive potassium channel and a variety of distinct cholinergic mechanisms contribute in vivo to seizure genesis within the inferior collicular cortex, but not through the same mechanisms.
Molecular Dynamics Prediction of Thermal Conductivity of GaN Films and Wires at Realistic Length Scales

Recent molecular dynamics simulation methods have enabled thermal conductivity of bulk materials to be estimated. In these simulations, periodic boundary conditions are used to extend the system dimensions to the thermodynamic limit. Such a strategy cannot be used for nanostructures with finite dimensions which are typically much larger than it is possible to simulate directly. To bridge the length scales between the simulated and the actual nanostructures, we perform large-scale molecular dynamics calculations of thermal conductivities at different system dimensions to examine a recently developed conductivity vs dimension scaling theory for both film and wire configurations. We demonstrate that by an appropriate application of the scaling law, reliable interpolations can be used to accurately predict thermal conductivity of films and wires as a function of film thickness or wire radius at realistic length scales from molecular dynamics simulations. We apply this method to predict thermal conductivities for GaN wurtzite nanostructures.
The effect of a fluoride program on white spot formation during orthodontic treatment.

W hite spot formation (decalcification) of the labial enamel surface subsequent to orthodontic treatment has been recognized as a problem. This has been reported as a clinical observation”* and quantitative studies on the incidence and prevention of decalcification have been reported.3-i0 Equal susceptibility to white spot formation has been reported whether teeth are banded or bonded.g There has been general agreement that the development of white spots seems to be related to (1) the retention of plaque on the gingival side of brackets or bands, (2) oral hygiene efficiency, and (3) the inherent resistance of the individual. Studies have documented the beneficial effect of preventive fluoride programs during multibanded orthodontic treatment. Such studies have reported on officeapplied and self-administered programs.5*7 However, no studies have reported on the effect of a preventive fluoride protocol during orthodontic treatment with bonded appliances; nor have there been studies reporting on the severity and prevention of white spot formation on all individual teeth. This article presents the results of a clinical study in which an experimental preventive fluoride program was routinely used in the orthodontic offices of the authors. The study was designed to provide answers to the following questions. 1. Was the preventive fluoride program beneficial in reducing the incidence and severity of white spots after full-term bonded orthodontic treatment? 2. Will such preventive efforts reduce the white
Cholesteryl ester cycle in cultured hepatoma cells

The existence of a cholesteryl ester cycle in cultured Fu5AH hepatoma cells was documented and factors affecting the rate of turnover of the cholesteryl ester cycle in this cell line were explored. The influence of the physical state of the lipid inclusion in which the cholesteryl esters are stored could be addressed in this cell line because these cells can be induced to store cholesteryl esters in anisotropic (liquid-crystalline) cytoplasmic inclusions by exposure to free cholesterol-rich phospholipid dispersions or in isotropic (liquid) inclusions by addition of oleic acid to the phospholipid dispersions. To examine the relative rates of turnover of the cholesteryl ester cycle in the cells with the two types of inclusions, the fraction of cholesteryl linolenate, a cholesteryl ester present in low amounts in these inclusions, was examined after cells were exposed to medium containing linolenate. After 12 h, cells with anisotropic inclusions contained 17.5% cholesteryl linolenate and cells with isotropic inclusions contained 29.8% cholesteryl linolenate, suggesting an approximately 2-fold difference in turnover of the cholesteryl ester pool. To determine whether this difference was due to a differential rate of cholesteryl ester hydrolysis, the acyl CoA: cholesterol acyl transferase arm of the cholesteryl ester cycle was blocked using a specific inhibitor, Sandoz 58-035. In the presence of this compound, cholesteryl ester was hydrolysed twice as fast in cells with isotropic inclusions as compared to that in cells with anisotropic inclusions. The difference in rate of turnover of the cholesteryl ester cycle was shown to be related to the rate of hydrolysis of cholesteryl ester which, in turn, is related to the physical state of the stored cholesteryl ester.
pH Neutralization and Zonation in Alkaline-Saline Tank Waste Plumes

At the Hanford Site in Washington State, the pH values of contaminant plumes resulting from leaking of initially highly alkaline-saline radioactive waste solutions into the subsurface are now found to be substantially neutralized. However, the nature of plume pH neutralization has not previously been understood. As a master geochemical variable, pH needs to be understood in order to predict the fate and transport of contaminants carried by the waste plumes. Through this laboratory study, we found that the plume pH values spanned a broad range from 14 (within the near-source region) down to the value of 7 (lower than the pH value of the initial soil solution) while the plume was still connected to an actively leaking source. We defined two zones within a plume: the silicate dissolution zone (SDZ, pH 14-10) and the neutralized zone (NZ, pH 10-7). Quartz dissolution at elevated temperature and precipitation of secondary silicates (including sodium metasilicate, cancrinite, and zeolites) are the key reactions responsible for the pH neutralization within the SDZ. The rapid and thorough cation exchange of Na + replacing Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ , combined with transport, resulted in a dynamic Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ -enriched plume front. Subsequent precipitation of calcite, sodium silicate, and possibly talc led to dramatically reduced pH within the plume front and the neutralized zone. During aging (after the plume source became inactive), continued quartz dissolution and the secondary silicate precipitation drove the pH value lower, toward pH 11 at equilibrium within the SDZ, whereas the pH values in the NZ remained relatively unchanged with time. A pH profile of 11 from the plume source to pH 7 at the plume front is expected for a historical plume. This laboratory-based study provided realistic plume pH profiles (consistent with that measured from borehole samples) and identified underlying mechanisms responsible for pH evolution.
American Pediatric Society John Howland Award 1999: presentation to Abraham Morris Rudolph, MD(1).

American Pediatric Society John Howland Award 1999: Presentation to Abraham Morris Rudolph, MD 1
Carboxyhemoglobin levels in primary and secondary cigar and pipe smokers.

This study of 130 subjects was performed to obtain more data about the smoking habits and levels of carboxyhemoglobin in various types of pipe and cigar smokers. These smokers may be divided by history into primary or secondary smokers and also into current inhalers and noninhalers. Prior studies of carboxyhemoglobin levels have yielded conflicting results, presumably due to differences in current habits of inhalation, which were often not taken into account. Cigarette, primary pipe, and secondary pipe inhalers had similar carboxyhemoglobin levels that were significantly higher than nonsmokers (5.6, 5.0, 5.4, and 1.0 percent, respectively). Cigar inhalers had markedly elevated concentrations of carboxyhemoglobin (13.8 and 11.8 percent in primary and secondary inhalers, respectively). Most secondary cigar and pipe smokers inhaled, whereas most primary smokers did not Intentional inhalation, rather than past smoking history, is the most important factor in determining the carboxyhemoglobin level for each type of smoker.
State of the Art in Modeling and Deployment of Electronic Contracts

Modeling and deployment of e-contracts is a challenging task because of the involvement of both technological and business aspects. There are several frameworks and systems available in the literature. Some works mainly deal with the automatic handling of paper contracts and others provide monitoring and enactment of contracts. Because contracts evolve, it is useful to have a system that models and enacts the evolution of e-contracts.
Impact of suprapharmacological androgenic steroid administration on basal and insulin-stimulated glucose and amino acid metabolism.

Abstract Effects of androgenic steroids at doses used by athletes were studied in a canine model system in which dosage, diet, and activity were controlled. Dogs were treated with 19-nortestosterone (200 mg/wk intramuscularly) or vehicle and were studied at 18 (n = 4 in steroid and vehicle) or 32 (n = 6 in steroid and n = 4 in vehicle) days. A laparotomy was performed under general anesthesia 17 days before experimentation, and catheters were placed in an artery, portal vein, and hepatic vein. Studies consisted of an equilibration (120 minutes) and a control (40 minutes) period and a three-step immunoreactive insulin euglycemic clamp (1, 2, and 15 mU/kg·min). Step 1 was 150 minutes, and steps 2 and 3 were 90 minutes. Data were collected during the last 30 minutes of each step. Glucose and leucine kinetics were assessed with 3 H-glucose and 14 C-leucine. Plasma glucose in steroid and vehicle groups was 104 ± 5 (mean ± SE) versus 108 ± 3 mg/dL and 100 ± 5 versus 107 ± 4 mg/dL at 18 and 32 days. Glucose turnover was similar at 18 days in steroid and vehicle groups (3.9 ± 0.3 v 3.6 ± 0.3mg/kg·min, respectively), but was elevated in the steroid group at 32 days (5.4 ± 0.5 v 3.2 ± 0.4mg/kg·min). Glucose infusion rates were lower in the steroid group with 15 mU/kg·min immunoreactive insulin at 32 days (15.0 ± 1.1 v 21.2 ± 1.4mU/kg·min). Immunoreactive insulin-independent glucose utilization (R d ) was unaffected at 18 days of steroid treatment, but was increased by almost fourfold at 32 days. Submaximal (6.4 ± 1.8 v 9.8 ± 1.2mg/kg·min at 2 mU/kg·min) and maximal (10.1 ± 0.9 v 19.4 ± 1.8mg/kg·min) immunoreactive insulin-stimulated glucose R d s were reduced at 32 days in the steroid group compared with the vehicle group. Plasma leucine levels were similar in the basal state and were suppressed equally with immunoreactive insulin in steroid and vehicle groups at 18 and 32 days. In addition, basal and immunoreactive insulin-stimulated leucine kinetics and metabolic fate (oxidation and protein synthesis) were not affected by steroid treatment. In summary, suprapharmacological doses of the androgenic steroid 19-nortestosterone (1) influence glucose kinetics in a manner that is dependent on the duration of exposure, since effects were present at 32 but not at 18 days. After 32 days, 19-nortestosterone (2) stimulates basal glucose fluxes, (3) diminishes insulin-dependent but increases insulin-independent glucose R d , and (4) has no influence on whole-body leucine flux or the specific metabolic pathways by which this amino acid is disposed.
Influence of seasonal temperatures on the energy budget and metabolic rates of the northern two-lined salamander Eurycea bislineata bislineata

Abstract 1. 1. Rates of ingestion, egestion, assimilation, respiration and production were measured at 5, 10, 15, and 20°C in Eurycea bislineata acclimated at these temperatures. 2. 2. Patterns of partial metabolic (O2 consumption rates) compensation to short-term changes in temperatures and acclimation are adaptive and correspond to thermal conditions in the salamander's northeastern Ohio ravine habitats. 3. 3. These patterns are compared with those for other salamander species and differences reflect differences in their respective habitats. 4. 4. Effects of temperature on the rates of ingestion, egestion, assimilation, respiration and production indicate that the optimal temperature range for E. bislineata is 15–20°C.
Perspectives on the economic relations between China and Russia

Abstract History of interactions between China and Russia and the countries' geographic juxtaposition are described with a view toward how these have affected earlier and contemporary economic relations between them. Special attention is paid to developments in the transition era. Quantitative data are examined to evaluate bilateral trade and investment activities in a comparative context. Both the level and composition of trade are evaluated. Potential for labor flows from China to Russia are assessed, and economic data on the border regions are examined to describe interaction at the regional level. Future trends in Chinese-Russian economic relations are projected.
Commentary on two misconceptions of phylogeny and classification

A recent brief communication criticizes a morphometric study of the structure of Daubentonia (Oxnard, 1981). The criticisms are invalid because they apply to the concept of the detailed character state in a localized anatomical region, a type of morphological information different than the broad measurement that embodies many characters. The criticisms themselves display, moreover, exactly those problems of prior assumption that the underlying philosophy of multivariate morphometric studies as used by Oxnard (1981) tries to eliminate.
Activation of the Naloxone-sensitive Sigma Receptor by (+)-Morphine or (−)-Morphine Attenuates (−)-Morphine-induced Analgesia and Addiction

(−)-Morphine, but not (+)-morphine, interacts with μ-opioid receptors to produce antinociception (analgesia). The antinociception produced by (−)-morphine is attenuated by pretreatment with (+)-morphine or (−)-morphine given spinally, supraspinally, or systemically. This phenomenon has been defined as antianalgesia, which is induced by (+)-morphine or (−)-morphine against the (−)-morphine-induced antinociception following activation of the naloxone-sensitive σ receptors. In addition, (+)-morphine or (−)-morphine pretreatment attenuates the antinociception produced by δ-opioid receptor agonist deltorphin II or κ-opioid receptor agonist U50,488 H in μ-opioid receptor knockout mice. The antianalgesia induced by (+)-morphine or (−)-morphine against (−)-morphine-induced analgesia is mediated through activation of p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase. (−)-Morphine, but not (+)-morphine, induces the conditioned place preference, and the conditioned place preference induced by (−)-morphine is attenuated by pretreatment with (+)-morphine or (−)-morphine. Furthermore, (+)-morphine blocks the increase in the extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens shell produced by μ-opioid agonist endomorphin-1 from the ventral tegmental area. These effects of (+)-morphine in attenuating the (−)-morphine-induced conditioned place preference and increased release of dopamine are also mediated through activating naloxone-sensitive σ receptors. In conclusion, the review article depicts the mechanisms involved in the acute antinociceptive (analgesic) tolerance to (−)-morphine and the attenuation of (−)-morphine-induced conditioned place preference (addiction) with (+)-morphine.
Choosing the right approach: Three models for teaching government information sources

Abstract Government information librarians value instruction as a way to promote their collections and meet their users’ information needs. Government information librarians must choose the most appropriate model for their audience and for the relevant learning outcomes in each instruction session they teach. This article discusses three models for teaching government information (traditional, information cycle, and critical thinking models) and identifies learning outcomes described in the Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education that are associated with each model.
SOME METRICS AND A BAYESIAN PROCEDURE FOR VALIDATING PREDICTIVE MODELS IN ENGINEERING DESIGN

Even though model-based simulations are widely used in engineering design, it remains a challenge to validate models and assess the risks and uncertainties associated with the use of predictive models for design decision making. In most of the existing work, model validation is viewed as verifying the model accuracy, measured by the agreement between computational and experimental results. However, from the design perspective, a good model is considered as the one that can provide the discrimination (good resolution) between design candidates. In this work, a Bayesian approach is presented to assess the uncertainty in model prediction by combining data from both physical experiments and the computer model. Based on the uncertainty quantification of model prediction, some design-oriented model validation metrics are further developed to guide designers for achieving high confidence of using predictive models in making a specific design decision. We demonstrate that the Bayesian approach provides a flexible framework for drawing inferences for predictions in the intended but may be untested design domain, where design settings of physical experiments and the computer model may or may not overlap. The implications of the proposed validation metrics are studied, and their potential roles in a model validation procedure are highlighted.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Angle of Arrival Estimation for Non-Circular Signals

A new algorithm is introduced in this paper that estimates one dimension direction of arrivals utilizing coherent and noncoherent non-circular sources. Examples of such sources are binary shift keying (BPSK) and M-ary amplitude shift keying (MASK). This algorithm presents several advantages over the classical subspace algorithms such as Root MUSIC and forward/backward smoothing by Pillai et al. The two major advantages are that the proposed method does not require forward/backward spatial smoothing for the covariance matrix, hence decreasing the computational load and time. In addition to this, Pillai method can only detect 2N/3 coherent sources whereas our method can detect N-1 sources where N is the number of antennas used. These advantages lead to more accurate estimation as well as better performance when compared to the conventional Root MUSIC and the Pillai method.
Effectiveness of a universal drug abuse prevention approach for youth at high risk for substance use initiation.

Abstract Background. Universal school-based prevention programs for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use are typically designed for all students within a particular school setting. However, it is unclear whether such broad-based programs are effective for youth at high risk for substance use initiation. Method. The effectiveness of a universal drug abuse preventive intervention was examined among youth from 29 inner-city middle schools participating in a randomized, controlled prevention trial. A subsample of youth (21% of full sample) was identified as being at high risk for substance use initiation based on exposure to substance-using peers and poor academic performance in school. The prevention program taught drug refusal skills, antidrug norms, personal self-management skills, and general social skills. Results. Findings indicated that youth at high risk who received the program (n = 426) reported less smoking, drinking, inhalant use, and polydrug use at the one-year follow-up assessment compared to youth at high risk in the control condition that did not receive the intervention (n = 332). Results indicate that a universal drug abuse prevention program is effective for minority, economically disadvantaged, inner-city youth who are at higher than average risk for substance use initiation. Conclusions. Findings suggest that universal prevention programs can be effective for a range of youth along a continuum of risk.
Step-cut distal ulnar-shortening osteotomy

Purpose Several techniques for ulnar-shortening osteotomies have been described in recent years, reflecting the difficulties that sometimes are encountered in what seems to be a relatively simple procedure. We describe the use of a simple step-cut ulnar-shortening osteotomy stabilized with a lag screw and a palmarly placed 3.5-mm neutralization plate. Methods Twenty-nine patients had the surgery. The indication was ulnar-impaction syndrome in 23 patients and symptomatic ulnar-plus variance secondary to trauma in 6 patients (4 with previous distal radius fractures, 2 with Essex-Lopresti injuries). The preoperative ulnar variance ranged from +1 mm to +6 mm. Results The mean follow-up period was 34 months. All osteotomies healed uneventfully. The mean postoperative ulnar variance was +0.2 mm (range, −1 mm to +1.5 mm). Three patients had hardware removal. Conclusions The step-cut osteotomy resulted in solid union in all patients. It provides ample bone-to-bone contact and easier control of rotation, and no special instrumentation is necessary. Stable fixation permitted early mobilization of the wrist and palmar placement of the plate minimized the need for plate removal. This is a simple and effective technique for ulnar shortening.
Experimental sleep fragmentation in normal subjects.

Recent research has suggested that sleep fragmentation in the absence of sleep loss is an important cause of excessive daytime sleepiness in certain clinical populations (e.g., sleep apnea syndrome or periodic leg movements). This study experimentally varied the number and rate of arousals in sleep to define more clearly the relation of sleep fragmentation and daytime sleepiness. Five male subjects participated in the study. Data from each were recorded for three consecutive nights (one baseline followed by two experimental nights) under three experimental conditions. All nocturnal polysomnograms were followed by a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) the next day. The experimental conditions consisted of three different schedules of arousal produced by series of tones presented to subjects over headphones. The MSLT showed statistically significant changes after two nights of fragmented sleep, but the three fragmentation schedules did not differ from each other. Arousal threshold also changed significantly with sleep fragmentation from night one to night two.
Hail Growth in a Three-Dimensional Cloud Model

Abstract A hailstone growth model is developed. The changes in hailstone density due to varying riming densities are considered. The contributions of evaporation to melting as well as wet growth (which cannot be neglected when the cloud temperature is approximately 0°C) are taken into account. A detailed heat balance equation is used in calculating the surface temperature of the hailstone. Detailed terminal velocity equations are applied in this model. Data of air velocities, liquid water contents, and temperature were obtained from the three-dimensional dynamic model developed by Clark. Embryos were released at each point in a subgrid of 21 × 22 × 17 grid points within the dynamic model domain. Seven runs were made with various parameters: embryo radii of 0.10, 0.20 and 0.25 cm; embryo densities of 0.4 × 103 and 0.9 × 103 kg m−3; and cloud droplet concentrations of 500 and 106 and 1000 × 106 m−3. Results show that hailstone growth is sensitive to embryo size, cloud droplet concentration and embryo densit...
On the mechanism of cytotoxicity of fluorinated pyrimidines in four human colon adenocarcinoma xenografts maintained in immune-deprived mice.

Three fluorinated pyrimidines, 5-fluorouracil (FUra), 5-fluorouridine (FUrd), and 5-fluoro-2′-dexoyuridine (FdUrd), have been studied in four human colonic tumor xenograft lines. The preliminary findings may be summarized as follows: 1) after equimolar dosages, the agent reaching the highest concentration in the tumor produced the highest level of fluorodeoxyuridylate (FdUMP); 2) within a tumor line, the order of response to the three agents is related to the order of FdUMP-generation; 3) the tumor-response did not correspond to the level of analogue-incorporation into RNA; 4) the measurement of levels of free FdUMP in tumors is a poor prognostic indicator of drug-response; and 5) the levels of FdUMP in the tumors are maintained for considerable periods and appear to be dependent upon the maintenance of the levels of either FUra or FUrd, irrespective of the parent agent administered.
Studies on the nature of replicating DNA of HeLa cells

Abstract Replicating DNA from synchronized HeLa cells pulse labeled with radioactive thymidine differed from non-replicating DNA by its partition to the interphase fraction during extraction with phenol or chloroform. Pulse labeling followed by a chase with non-isotopic thymidine demonstrated that DNA of the interphase fraction was converted to a form which was extractable in the aqueous phase. Blocking DNA synthesis with hydroxyurea prevented this conversion. Sonication of the interphase DNA demonstrated that the property causing the extraction of the DNA into the interphase was localized at or near the site of active replication. Centrifugation of the replicating DNA isolated from the phenol-water interphase revealed that the labeled material separated into two fractions: one which sedimented rapidly to the bottom of a sucrose gradient, but floated in CsCl density gradient; and a fraction which sedimented slightly slower than non-replicating DNA in sucrose gradient but exhibited the same buoyant density in CsCl. The rapidly sedimenting material was converted to a slowly sedimenting material with the same buoyant density as non-replicating DNA by heat, alkali, or sonication, but was unaffected by pronase. Evidence for attachment of a cellular component to replicating DNA is discussed.
Multiplexed Bragg grating optical fiber sensors for damage evaluation in highway bridges

A multiplexed Bragg grating optical fiber monitoring system is designed and integrated at the construction stage in an experimental full scale laboratory bridge. The test bridge is a 40 ft span non-composite steel girder concrete deck bridge. The network of sensors is used to measure the strain throughout the bridge, with sensors bonded to the tension steel in the slab and attached to the bottom flange of the girders. Resistive strain gages and Bragg grating sensors are placed side by side to compare results. The strain data are obtained for the pristine structure, then damage is introduced at midspan for an exterior girder. Several levels of damage in the form of cuts in one of the girders are imposed with the final cut resulting in a half depth fracture of the girder. The load path in the structure is obtained using the built in sensor system.
Analysis of EUV mask durability under various absorber etch conditions

During EUV exposure, more frequent mask cleaning is essential for removing not only particles from lack of pellicle but also the carbon contamination due to accumulative EUV exposure. Because of this reason, process improvement for minimize corrosion and etching of the Ru capping layer is urgently needed. In this work, the influence of TaBN absorber etch condition on Ru integrity followed by repetitive cleaning was evaluated and the effects on long-term durability of Ru are compared under various cleaning conditions. Consequently, it was shown that Ru durability was strongly influenced by the gas contents and over etch time of absorber dry etch, not only as a function of cleaning conditions.
Physicochemical Properties of Pharmaceutical Co-Crystals: A Case Study of Ten AMG 517 Co-Crystals

The pharmaceutical co-crystal approach has been introduced recently to address poor physicochemical properties of new chemical entities. In this study we prepared and investigated ten co-crystals of AMG 517. Based on thermal analysis, 1H NMR and pKa values we have prepared co-crystals rather than solvates or salts. We explored co-crystal physicochemical properties such as particle size, solubility, stability, hygroscopicity, and thermal properties as well as hydrogen bonding networks. We found that all co-crystals, for which we obtained single crystal structure, had the same two hydrogen bonds between the compound and the co-crystal former. In addition, we found good correlation between the melting point of the co-crystal former and the co-crystal but less correlation between the melting point and solubility of the co-crystals. In conclusion, within this series of co-crystals some design is possible by considering features of the compound and the co-crystal former.
Early referral to the nephrologist and timely initiation of renal replacement therapy: A paradigm shift in the management of patients with chronic renal failure

The high mortality rate among dialysis patients has spawned investigation into potentially correctable factors that are associated with an increased risk of death. Several studies have demonstrated a strong association between an increased risk of death in dialysis patients and suboptimal delivered dose of dialysis, malnutrition, and non-renal comorbidity. In addition, the use of unsubstituted cellulose dialyzers and reprocessed dialyzers also has been associated with an increased risk of death. Increased attention to these factors has resulted in a significant improvement in patient survival. Nonetheless, the mortality of dialysis patients remains unacceptably high and indicates that other factors may be operative. One of the factors that has thus far received scant attention, but could significantly affect morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients, is the timing and quality of care before initiation of dialysis. Optimal pre-end-stage renal disease care involves early interventions aimed at delaying progression of chronic renal failure, judicious management of uremic complications, timely placement of vascular access, timely initiation of renal replacement therapy, and implementation of educational programs targeted at maximum rehabilitation. Given the fact that early referral to the nephrologist is likely to result in optimal pre-dialysis care, the 1993 National Institutes of Health Consensus Statement on Morbidity and Mortality of Dialysis recommended that referral of a patient to a renal team should occur at a serum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dL in women and 2.0 mg/dL in men. Several investigators also have argued that patients with chronic renal failure who begin dialysis at a relatively "high level of residual renal function" (early start) may have lower morbidity and mortality compared with patients who begin dialysis at a more traditional "low level of renal function" (late start). This hypothesis is based on evidence that declining renal function is associated with malnutrition and that malnutrition at the start of dialysis is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Furthermore, patients are started on dialysis at an endogenous solute clearance that is lower than that accepted as optimum for patients on dialysis. Finally, limited clinical studies have demonstrated the benefit of early initiation of dialysis. Consequently, the Peritoneal Dialysis Adequacy Work Group of the National Kidney Foundation-Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative recommends that dialysis be initiated when the weekly renal Kt/Vurea decreases to below 2.0 unless all three of the following criteria are fulfilled: (1) stable or increased edema-free body weight, (2) normalized protein equivalent of total nitrogen appearance greater than 0.8, and (3) absence of clinical symptoms and signs attributable to uremia.
Quantum-error-correcting codes using qudit graph states

Graph states are generalized from qubits to collections of $n$ qudits of arbitrary dimension $D$, and simple graphical methods are used to construct both additive and nonadditive, as well as degenerate and nondegenerate, quantum-error-correcting codes. Codes of distance 2 saturating the quantum Singleton bound for arbitrarily large $n$ and $D$ are constructed using simple graphs, except when $n$ is odd and $D$ is even. Computer searches have produced a number of codes with distances 3 and 4, some previously known and some new. The concept of a stabilizer is extended to general $D$, and shown to provide a dual representation of an additive graph code.
Multi-Project Scheduling: Categorization of Heuristic Rules Performance

Application of heuristic solution procedures to the practical problem of project scheduling has previously been studied by numerous researchers. However, there is little consensus about their findings, and the practicing manager is currently at a loss as to which scheduling rule to use. Furthermore, since no categorization process was developed, it is assumed that once a rule is selected it must be used throughout the whole project. This research breaks away from this tradition by providing a categorization process based on two powerful project summary measures. The first measure identifies the location of the peak of total resource requirements and the second measure identifies the rate of utilization of each resource type. The performance of the rules are classified according to values of these two measures, and it is shown that a rule introduced by this research performs significantly better on most categories of projects.
Is stoping a volumetrically significant pluton emplacement process?: Discussion

[Glazner and Bartley (2006)][1] cite and interpret five lines of evidence to indicate that magmatic stoping is unlikely to be a volumetrically significant process during pluton emplacement. Because of the iconoclastic tone of the paper, it is useful to examine each line of evidence cited by Glazner
An analysis of the frequency limitations of an Al(x)Ga(1-x)As/GaAs optical modulator

An analysis is made of the frequency response of an Al(x)Ga(1-x)As/GaAs optical modulator operating at a wavelength of 0.83 micron and utilizing the linear-optic effect in a Mach-Zehnder configuration. It is shown that, in semiconductor modulators, electroabsorption should be taken into account in optimizing the frequency response of the device. It is also shown that, by incorporating an insulator (a semiconductor with a large band gap) between the metallic electrode and the channel, the capacitance of the electroabsorptive modulator can be kept low at a reasonable value under the worst conditions.
Managing the Waters of Baՙth Country: The Politics of Water Scarcity in Syria

The Syrian government and international development agencies commonly present water scarcity as being one of Syria's main development challenges. This paper draws on a set of international reports, written in consultation with Syrian officials, to reveal the politics of this scarcity. I show how water scarcity is constructed and ordered through spatial representations. Rather than accepting the common explanation that scarcity is the result of population pressure, I argue that Syria's water scarcity is a consequence of the ruling Baՙth party's continuous promotion of water-intensive agriculture. This support for the agricultural sector, motivated in part by a desire for food self-sufficiency and growth through an expansion in irrigated agriculture, is linked to the rural roots of the Baՙth party and the influential Peasants Union. In revealing these key national politics, this analysis highlights how geopolitical studies of water in the Middle East must move beyond a focus on inter-state dynamics and pay ...
Antiherpesvirus drugs: a promising spectrum of new drugs and drug targets

In the absence of effective vaccines to control herpesvirus infections, nucleosidic antiviral drugs have been the mainstay of clinical treatment since their development in the late 1970s. However, given the drawbacks of these drugs, including the increasing emergence of drug-resistant clinical isolates, new strategies for treating herpesvirus infections are warranted. A range of promising new drugs with novel molecular targets has been developed, but will they cure latent infections?
Textual Entailment Using Univariate Density Model and Maximizing Discriminant Function

The primary focuses of this entry this year was firstly, to develop a framework to allow multiple researchers from our group to easily contribute metrics measuring textual entailment, and secondly, to provide a baseline which we could use in our tools to evaluate and compare new metrics. A development environment tool was created to quickly allow for testing of various metrics and to easily randomize the development and test sets. For each test, this RTE tool calculated two sets of results by applying the metrics to both a univariate Gaussian density and by maximizing a linear discriminant function. The metrics used for the submission were a lexical similarity metric and a lexical similarity metric using synonym and antonym replacement. The two submissions for RTE 2007 scored an accuracy of 61.00% and 62.62%.
High-efficiency polycrystalline CdTe thin-film solar cells

Abstract Cadmium telluride is a promising photovoltaic material for thin-film solar cells. However, further improvements on performance and reproducibility of devices have been limited by the conventional SnO 2 /poly-CdS/poly-CdTe device structure used for more than 30 years. In this paper, we review partial R&D approaches at NREL to understand the issues related to the conventional device structure and to develop several novel materials and a modified device structure for minimizing these issues. We have achieved a CdTe polycrystalline thin-film solar cell demonstrating an NREL-confirmed, total-area efficiency of 16.5% by using new materials and the modified device structure. To apply the high-efficiency CdTe cell fabrication technique, we developed two manufacturing processes for producing high-efficiency CdTe modules with the potential of high throughput and low cost.