cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A graphical assessment of the potential impact of losses to follow-up on the validity of study results

Losses to follow-up in clinical trials - patients for whom we do not know if the outcome of interest has occurred - can bias study results. If we investigate extreme case scenarios and find the study results do not change much, impact is negligible. If not, we may need to interpret the study's results with caution. At issue is how much caution do we need? We describe a graphical approach to assess the potential impact of losses to follow-up on the validity of study results. One can create the graphs using design estimates and interim or final data. We give two examples using design parameters and another example modelled after observed data from clinical trials conducted by the Terry Beirn Community Programs for Clinical Research on AIDS. The examples illustrate that tolerable levels of losses to follow-up change depending on the overall outcome and direction of differential losses.
The Putative Terminase Subunit of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Encoded by UL28 Is Necessary and Sufficient To Mediate Interaction between pUL15 and pUL33

Viral terminases play essential roles as components of molecular motors that package viral DNA into capsids. Previous results indicated that the putative terminase subunits of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) encoded by U L 15 and U L 28 (designated pU L 15 and pU L 28, respectively) coimmunoprecipitate with the U L 33 protein from lysates of infected cells. All three proteins are among six required for HSV-1 DNA packaging but dispensable for assembly of immature capsids. The current results show that in both infected- and uninfected-cell lysates, pU L 28 coimmunoprecipitates with either pU L 33 or pU L 15, whereas pU L 15 and pU L 33 do not coimmunoprecipitate unless pU L 28 is present. The U L 28 protein was sufficient to stabilize pU L 33 from proteasomal degradation in an engineered cell line and was necessary to stabilize pU L 33 in infected cells, whereas pU L 15 had no such effects. The presence of pU L 33 was dispensable for the pU L 15/pU L 28 interaction in lysates of both infected and uninfected cells but augmented the tendency for pU L 15 and pU L 28 to coimmunoprecipitate. These data suggest that pU L 28 and pU L 33 interact directly and that pU L 15 interacts directly with pU L 28 but only indirectly with pU L 33. It is logical to propose that the indirect interaction of pU L 15 and pU L 33 is mediated through the interaction of both proteins with pU L 28. The data also suggest that one function of pU L 33 is to optimize the pU L 15/pU L 28 interaction.
Code-Switching, Bilingualism, and Biliteracy: A Case Study

Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe different aspects of code-switching as they occurred in the teaching and learning process in a classroom setting with young bilingual children and their parents. The findings indicated that code-switching, in both oral and written form, allowed for effective communication between the parents, the children and the instructor in a way dial was natural and comfortable for all involved. The authors propose diat code-switching be viewed as part of a whole language approach in bilingual contexts.
Effect of Curvature on the Impact Damage Characteristics and Residual Strength of Composite Plates

The results of a study of the response and failure characteristics of thin, cylindrically cusrved, composite plates subjected to low-speed impact damage are presented. The results indicate that the plate radius and the plate thickness are important structural parameters that influence the nonlinear response of a plate for a given amount of impact energy. Analytical and experimental contact-force results are compared for several plates and the results correlate well. The impact-energy levels required to cause damage initiation and barely visible impact damage are a function of the plate radius for a given plate thickness. The impact-energy levels required to initiate impact damage for plates with a certain range of radii are greater than plates with other radii. The contact-force results corresponding to these impact-energy levels follow a similar trend. Residual strength results for plates with barely visible impact damage suggest that the compression-after-impact residual strength is also a function of plate radiu. The residual strength of impact-damaged flat plates appears to be lower than the residual strength of the corresponding cylindrically curved plates.
Defense Spending and Economic Growth in South Korea: The Indirect Link

Due to the lingering food crisis, speculations about the collapse of the North Korean regime have intensified in recent years. The collapse of the North Korean regime is expected to generate a tremendous economic burden on the South Korean economy. Moreover, the current economic crisis in South Korea requires a tight fiscal policy. Thus, on the basis of the peace dividend argument, some suggest that South Korea should reduce its military expenditures to prepare for the upcoming extra economic burden. For this reason, the economic effects of defense spending on growth in South Korea are a significant concern for policymakers as well as scholars. I examined the economic effects of defense spending on growth in terms of time and magnitude by investigating the direct effects as well as the indirect impacts (via investment and export) of military spending on economic growth. A three-equation econometric model was specified and empirically tested using South Korean data for 1954-95. The findings of this study reveal that the overall economic effects of defense spending on growth are negative although they seem to be indirect or delayed.
PARAFFIN-CARVING: A PREPARATIVE TECHNIQUE FOR SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF CRUSTACEANS

ABSTRACT A new technique for examining the internal anatomy of small crustaceans is described. Specimens are embedded in a suitable medium such as wax, then carved to reveal the desired structures. Examples of results are shown.
Pentium 4 performance-monitoring features

The Intel Pentium 4's unique performance-monitoring features overcome many limitations and problems found in previous processors. Pentium 4 Xeon performance monitoring supports simultaneous multithreaded execution features.
Surface activity and premicellar aggregation of some novel diquaternary gemini surfactants

A series of novel cationic gemini surfactants, C n H 2n+1 N+(CH3)2CH2CHOHCHOHCH2N+(CH3)2C n H 2n+1 ·2Br−, have been synthesized, and their surface properties were investigated in water, 0.1 N NaCl, and 0.1 N NaBr at 25°C. From surface tension-log molar concentration plots, the pC20, critical micelle concentration (CMC), and γCMC values have been determined, and the area/molecule at the aqueous solution/air interface was calculated. When the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl (hydrophobic) chains is above a certain number, which depends upon the molecular environment, the surface activity of the compounds is less than expected. This appears to be due to formation of small, soluble aggregates below the CMC. Equilibrium constants calculated for this aggregation indicate that a series of oligomers are formed.
Nuclear PWR Plants Mitigation of Reactor Coolant System Areas to Consider Plants Aging Management and/or Life Extension

Eliminating the risk of Alloy 600 Primary Water Stress Corrosion Cracking (PWSCC) in any part of the Reactor Coolant System (RCS) is a major challenge to allow facing Plants aging and even consider a possible life extension. Many of the most sensitive areas of the RCS have already faced PWSCC and remediation was applied, thanks to repairs or main components replacements-Steam Generators Replacement (SGR) against A600 tubing cracks, Reactor Vessel Head Replacement (RVHR) against A600/182/82 CRDM nozzles cracks, Pressurizer replacement (PZRR) against cracks in heaters nozzles, Surge line Dissimilar Weld (DMW) and/or Safety/Relief lines DMWs. Other areas, expected to support longer production time without PWSCC risk, may also become sensitive while considering life extension. Additional inspections are now required by National Authorities in order to secure this assessment. Most of this “new” sensitive areas are located where it is hardly foreseen to replace the affected component (Reactor Vessel, for instance), in terms of technical feasibility or economical consideration. For these areas, Mitigation techniques have been developed in order to eliminate the risk of PWSCC. Two basic processes are employed: • Lowering the sensitive material tensile stresses (residual and in-service), under a limit where the material, in contact with the primary water, should not become sensitive; • Isolating the sensitive material from the primary water with a coating made from non-sensitive material. The presentation will list and describe the Mitigation processes, already applied, as well as those potentially available, or under development for most of the RCS A600 areas under consideration, which are not presently managed through Repair or Replacement. Examples of worldwide actual applications will be given. The presentation will conclude on the limits of these Mitigation techniques, when — even if economically preferred — they should be replaced by “classical” remediation, when these are technically achievable.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Change seeking and shock choices

Abstract According to sensation-seeking theory, people have characteristic optimal levels of arousal and are motivated to vary stimulus input to reach that level. Self-report studies suggest that seeking changes in stimulation may be one way people control their level of stimulation. The present study tested this hypothesis with a controlled laboratory experiment, using the shock choice procedure. Subjects were asked to choose between a 3-s shock to the wrist immediately or a 1-s shock to the wrist delayed 30 s. “Change seeking” was measured as the number of changes, from trial to trial, between immediate and delayed choices. In order to test change seeking at two levels of arousal, half the subjects were relaxed before making shock choices and half were not. As predicted, subjects who scored high on two subscales of sensation seeking, Boredom Susceptibility and Experience Seeking, made more shock-choice changes during the relaxed condition than subjects who scored low on these two subscales.
Normal Pediatric Data for Isovolumic Acceleration at the Lateral Tricuspid Valve Annulus—A Heart Rate – Dependent Measure of Right Ventricular Contractility

BACKGROUND: Quantitative assessment of right ventricular (RV) function is important for the management of patients with congenital heart disease. Tissue Doppler (TDI)-derived myocardial acceleration during isovolumic contraction (IVA) is an echocardiographic measure of contractility that is independent of loading conditions. The aim of this study was to establish normative data for IVA at the lateral tricuspid valve annulus (RV IVA).METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 340 children who had normal echocardiograms. We analyzed RV IVA in relation to age, body surface area (BSA), gender, heart rate (HR), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and TDI-derived S' (RV S').RESULTS: RV IVA showed a positive correlation with HR (r = 0.58, P 160 bpm. When RV IVA was corrected for HR (RV IVAc), it became independent of HR, age, BSA, and gender. The mean RV IVAc was 2.3 m/sec(1.5) (±2 SD: 1.1-3.6 m/sec(1.5) ). There was a correlation of normalized RV IVAc with normalized TAPSE and RV S'.CONCLUSION: RV IVA, a marker of RV contractility, shows a strong dependence on HR. HR corrected RV IVA (RV IVAc) is independent of age, BSA, gender, and HR. We suggest measuring RV IVAc routinely in patients at risk for RV dysfunction. (Less)
Semiempirical molecular orbital techniques applied to silicon dioxide: MINDO/3

Abstract We present a discussion of MINDO/3, a semiempirical molecular orbital program, which we have applied to clusters of atoms used to represent silicon dioxide. We have obtained MINDO/3 parameters for the Si-O interaction and have calculated a variety of observables for both molecules and solid-state clusters, for both open- and closed-shell systems. With some exceptions, we find very good agreement with other calculations and with experiment. In particular, our results for both E ′ 1 and E ′ 4 defects support existing models which feature asymmetric atomic relaxations.
Isolation and characterization of tracheobronchial mucin from a laryngectomee

Abstract A tracheobronchial mucin was isolated from the tracheobronchial secretion of a laryngectomee. It was purified by gel filtration on Sepharose CL-6B in Trisurea buffer and rechromatography of excluded materials through the same gel matrix. It was homogeneous in 0.7% agarose-2% polyacrylamide electrophoresis under nonreducing conditions. Comparable analysis with 2-mercaptoethanol revealed at least 3 subunits. Based upon recoverable weight, the mucin was composed of 75% carbohydrate, 21% protein, and 3% sulfate. Oligosaccharides obtained by alkaline β-elimination indicated O -glycosyl linkage to the peptide component. Marked heterogeneity of the carbohydrate side-chains was reflected in the preparation of 20 distinct oligosaccharides ranging in size from 4 to 17 residues.
A NEW CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR URBAN STORMWATER POLLUTANT LOADING: A CASE STUDY IN THE SANTA MONICA BAY AREA

Urban stormwater runoff has been identified as the major source of many pollutants. Estimating stormwater mass emissions is inherently difficult due to the large area, many emission points, and the difficulty associated with sampling episodic storm events. Modeling urban stormwater runoff often requires land use information to estimate emissions. Conventional collection of land use information, i.e. ground surveys, is time-consuming and expensive. Alternatively, land use data can be estimated from satellite imagery, and pollutants can be correlated using previously developed relationships. An alternate but less often used approach is to estimate stormwater pollutant loadings directly from satellite imagery, which is the objective of this research.We conducted Bayesian network classification with Landsat TM image of Marina del Rey area in Santa Monica Bay Watershed. The results suggest an improved classification system for stormwater modeling, using open land use as low pollutant loading areas and transportation land use as high pollutant loading areas. Commercial and industrial land uses were medium and high loading areas, depending on the pollutant type. This indicates that management strategies should generally address transportation areas first. Classification systems should be developed for each water quality parameter. These results are useful in developing management practices for stormwater runoff.
Comparison of the effects of intracerebrally administered MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) in three species: microdialysis of dopamine and metabolites in mouse, rat and monkey striatum

Abstract Intracerebral microdialysis in 3 awake species allowed the measurement of the basal output of dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindole-acetic acid (5-HIAA) from rat and mouse striatum and monkey caudate in vivo. The DOPAC/HVA ratios in dialysates from mouse and rat striatum were about 1 and 2 respectively, but only 0.09 in monkey caudate dialysates. The extracellular levels of the metabolites correlated well with reported tissue levels, while extracellular DA levels were 3 orders of magnitude lower than tissue concentrations. The effects of the intracerebrally administered dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) were essentially similar in the 3 species. In all cases an immediate, massive release of DA was accompanied by a pronounced decrease in the output of the metabolites. Basal DA release was no longer detectable 5–12 h after MPP+ administration and a second MPP+ perfusion failed to increase the release of DA.
Weak bed control of the eastern shear margin of Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica

Recent acceleration and thinning of Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica, motivates investigation of the controls upon, and stability of, its present ice-flow pattern. Its eastern shear margin separates Thwaites Glacier from slower-flowing ice and the southern tributaries of Pine Island Glacier. Troughs in Thwaites Glacier's bed topography bound nearly all of its tributaries, except along this eastern shear margin, which has no clear relationship with regional bed topography along most of its length. Here we use airborne ice-penetrating radar data from the Airborne Geophysical Survey of the Amundsen Sea Embayment, Antarctica (AGASEA) to investigate the nature of the bed across this margin. Radar data reveal slightly higher and rougher bed topography on the slower-flowing side of the margin, along with lower bed reflectivity. However, the change in bed reflectivity across the margin is partially explained by a change in bed roughness. From these observations, we infer that the position of the eastern shear margin is not strongly controlled by local bed topography or other bed properties. Given the potential for future increases in ice flux farther downstream, the eastern shear margin may be vulnerable to migration. However, there is no evidence that this margin is migrating presently, despite ongoing changes farther downstream.
Incidence of cerebral desaturation events in the ICU following cardiac surgery

We hypothesize that there is a high incidence of cerebral desaturation events (CDE - an absolute decrease in SctO2 to <55% for ≥15 seconds) during the first 6 hours of ICU admission following cardiac surgery. Clinical trials have validated transcranial cerebral oximetry, a non-invasive tool that uses near-infrared spectroscopy to measure cerebral oxygen saturation, as a way to detect cerebral ischemia [1]. Cerebral oximetry is frequently used in the intraoperative setting, but rarely utilized postoperatively [2]. We attempted to identify if CDEs occur in the ICU.
Endoscopic Keel Placement to Treat and Prevent Anterior Glottic Webs

We performed a retrospective chart review to examine and describe our clinical experience of use of the Lichtenberger technique to place silicone elastomer keels after lysis of existing webs or for prevention of webs following anterior commissure surgery in adults. Twenty-two patients were identified for inclusion, ranging in age from 24 to 80 years. For 18 patients with existing glottic webs,the surgical procedure involved laryngoscopy with complete lysis of the anterior glottic web by laser or sharp technique, followed by placement of a square of silicone elastomer that is sutured in place with the Lichtenberger needle holder and left in place for 3 to 5 weeks. The procedure was well tolerated, and successfully corrected the web in all but 2 cases. For 4 patients, the procedure was performed prophylactically at the time of anterior commissure surgery considered high-risk for web formation. The procedure does not require a tracheotomy, and patients can maintain a normal diet and have functional phonation while the keel is in place. This approach to treating anterior glottic webs offers several advantages over traditional open thyrotomy with keel placement and should be considered to treat or prevent anterior glottic webs.
1.4.2 A Model for Successful Engineering Internship: Growing Our Own Future Engineers

UCLA's Higher Education Research Institute reported there has been a 60% drop in science and engineering majors among incoming college freshmen since the year 2000. Competition for the dwindling number of graduating entry-level engineers is fierce. At the same time, the academic experience of engineering rarely emulates what students can expect in the real world. Students need relevant work opportunities to validate their career plans while keeping them engaged in their engineering degree programs. Two years ago, we established an Internship Program to respond to both sides of this challenge. Internship expands the concept of training beyond enhancing the skills of existing staff, to include a company making a training investment in student engineers they might like to hire full-time someday. In this paper, we provide a template for our successful Internship Program as a model for other employers who would like to “grow their own” entry-level engineers.
Bond equilibrium theory in covalent alloys molecular cluster constituents in binary alloys containing network-forming atoms

Abstract A statistical mechanical theory which takes into account the effect of the polymeric structure on bond equilibrium has been extended to allow molecular clusters as well as single atoms to be treated as units in the polymer chains. This formally removes a previous limitation by allowing any multiply connected region of the molecule to be treated as a unit in a simply connected branched chain. Some of the problems in applying the theory to the equilibrium structure of a network-forming alloy such as As—Se are discussed.
Group Representation in Local Bureaucracies

This paper examines a variety of explanations for why some active groups are better represented in local bureaucracies than other active groups. An examination of 1397 group-agency relationships in 55 cities resulted in some tentative evidence supporting the following propositions: (1) The organizational structures of groups-their permanency, their cohesion, and their size—do not explain the level of group representa tion in local bureaucracies. (2) The behavioral characteristics of groups—"the public-regardingness" of their demands, the "effectiveness" of their leadership, and the "conventionality" of their style-partially explain variations in group representation. (3) Organizations composed primarily of blacks and especially of low-status citizens tend to adopt some ineffective behaviors—making private-regarding demands, using ineffective leadership, and adopting unconventional styles-which result in reduced representation. (4) The extent to which blacks are underrepresented in local bureaucracies is n...
Antidysrhythmic actions of meobentine sulfate

Abstract The antiarrhythmic efficacy of meobentine sulfate, a bethanidine derivative lacking inhibitory effects on adrenergic neuronal function, was assessed in three canine models. Intranvenous meobentine sulfate, administered in dosages of 5.0, 10,0, and 20.0 mg/kg, produced a dose-related increase in the ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) under nonischemic conditions (7.6 ± 1.8 mA vs 37.8 ± 8.6 mA) (20 mg/kg; p p p 0.05). In the conscious dog, 4 days after an anterior myocardial infarction, programmed electrical stimulation (PES) produced nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) in five dogs. After meobentine sulfate administration, eight of nine animals had sustained VT and one animal developed ventricular fibrillation (VF). At a dose of 20 mg/kg, there was prolongation of the cycle length of the VT (169 ± 11 msec to 237 ± 20 msec), prolongation of the QRS duration (58 ± 2.6 msec to 71 ± 3.7 msec), and prolongation of the delay in epicardial activation. There was an enhanced potential after meobentine administration for programmed stimulation to produce ventricular arrhythmias with the introduction of fewer premature impulses. In the third canine model, conscious dogs with a previous anterior myocardial infarction developed VF in response to electrically induced left circumflex coronary artery injury. Meobentine (20 mg/kg) failed to prevent VF in eight of eight dogs. These results suggest that while meobentine sulfate significantly increases the electrical VFT, it does not protect the conscious canine from the induction of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in response to PES, and it does not prevent VF in a conscious canine model of sudden coronary death. The data would suggest that meobentine will not be effective in preventing sudden death in patients with ischemic heart disease.
Patterson correlation methods: a review of molecular replacement with CNS.

This paper presents a review of the principles of molecular replacement with the audience of the CCP4 Study Weekend in mind. A complementary presentation with animated Patterson maps is available online (http://cci.lbl.gov/~rwgk/ccp4sw2001/). The implementation of molecular-replacement methods in the Crystallography and NMR System (CNS) is presented and discussed in some detail. The three principal components are the direct rotation function, Patterson correlation refinement and the fast translation function. CNS is available online and is free of charge for academic users.
Haplotype-Based Pharmacogenetic Analysis for Longitudinal Quantitative Traits in the Presence of Dropout

We propose a variety of methods based on the generalized estimation equations to address the issues encountered in haplotype-based pharmacogenetic analysis, including analysis of longitudinal data with outcome-dependent dropouts, and evaluation of the high-dimensional haplotype and haplotype–drug interaction effects in an overall manner. We use the inverse probability weights to handle the outcome-dependent dropouts under the missing-at-random assumption, and incorporate the weighted L 1 penalty to select important main and interaction effects with high dimensionality. The proposed methods are easy to implement, computationally efficient, and provide an optimal balance between false positives and false negatives in detecting genetic effects.
Dynamics of mantle flow and melting at a ridge-centered hotspot: Iceland and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

The dynamics of mantle flow and melting of a ridge-centered plume were investigated with three-dimensional variable-viscosity numerical models, focusing on three buoyancy sources: temperature, melt depletion, and melt retention. The width, W, to which a plume spreads along a ridge axis, depends on plume volume flux, Q, full spreading rate, U, buoyancy number, B, and ambientrplume viscosity contrast g . When all melting effects are considered, our numerical . 1 r 2 . 0.04 results are best parameterized by Ws 2.37 Qr UB g . Thermal buoyancy is first-order in controlling along-axis plume spreading while latent heat loss due to melting, and depletion and retention buoyancy forces contribute second-order . effects. We propose two end-member models for the Iceland plume beneath the Mid-Atlantic Ridge MAR . The first has a broad plume source with temperature anomaly DT of 758C, radius, a, of 300 km, and Q of 1.2 = 10 7 km 3 rmy. The second p is of a narrower and hotter plume source with DT of 1708C, a radius of 60 km, and Q of 2.1 = 10 6 km 3 rmy. The broad p plume source predicts successfully the observed seismic crustal thickness, topographic, and gravity anomalies along the MAR, but predicts an along-axis geochemical plume width substantially broader than that suggested by the observed 87 Srr 86 Sr anomaly. The narrow plume source model predicts successfully the total excess crustal production rate along the
Auger electron spectroscopy and its use for the characterization of titanium and hydroxyapatite surfaces

This review paper provides the basic background and underlying theory behind Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Among the many surface analytical tools, AES has been shown to be very effective for surface composition analysis. These analyses are critically needed to better understand the interactions between the host and implant. The use of AES for titanium (Ti) and hydroxyapatite (HA) biomaterials characterization is demonstrated in this paper. The relative peak heights of TiL(2,3)M(2,3)V can be used as 'fingerprints' for TiO2 surfaces which have undergone different degrees of reduction. Similarly, for HA coatings, a shift in the phosphorus Auger peaks to a higher kinetic energy indicates the presence of a phosphate group, with strong P-O bonds. Depth compositional profiling and thin-film analysis can be performed using AES. In our studies, oxide thicknesses on Ti surfaces range from 36.8 +/- 7.4 A to 436 +/- 49 A depending on the surface treatment. Depth profiling can also be used to determine the subsurface composition of biomaterials. For HA coatings, a phosphorus concentration at the oxide/metal interface has been observed to be higher than at the outermost oxide surface. The HA coatings have also been observed to coexist within the titanium oxide, suggesting the occurrence of chemical bonding between the coatings and the metallic substrates. However, like other analytical tools, AES has its limitations. The electron beam damage can severely limit useful analysis of organic and biological materials and occasionally ceramic materials. Carbide buildup during long beam exposure times has been shown to affect the relative peak-to-peak intensities of the oxygen and metal Auger signals. The determination of film thickness requires a standard of known thickness and depth profiling of overlapping peaks can be very problematic. Even with these limitation, AES can be a powerful analytical tool for the characterization of biomaterial surfaces.
Sensory-Based Design & Epilepsy: Analyzing effects of design innovations on patient treatment and recovery

The patient room has more influence on neurological, physiological and biological responses than any other area within a healthcare environment. When it comes to the treatment of epilepsy, the patient room often acts as a refuge from and instigator of seizure activity, depending on patient condition or status. Inspired by this dichotomy, this research report explores specific design parameters that affect the spectrum of epileptic treatment, from instigation to recovery. At its core, this research identifies specific environmental elements that can assist in instigating an episode and recovery post seizure.Inclusions: Patients between the ages of 18 and 65 who are admitted for monitoring purposes only.Exclusions: Post-surgical procedure patients. Patients who are admitted for any type of pre-surgical procedure. Patients who are admitted less than two days.Limitations: The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit was designed as a Medical Surgical Unit.
Field-effect and single-electron transistors based on single-walled carbon nanotubes catalyzed by Al/Ni thin films

Growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) via a chemical vapor deposition technique catalyzed by a thin Al/Ni stack is presented. Catalyst islands are defined by lithography, thin film evaporation and lift off technique. The process is fully compatible with conventional micro- and nanolithography techniques. Micrometer size semiconducting SWNT devices have been used to explore field-effect properties of the nanotubes at room temperature while smaller length semiconducting SWNT islands are used to study single-electron charging effects at low temperatures.
Respiratory and Arousal Responses to Acoustic Stimulation

Study objectives Although sleep-related obstructive apnea is most often associated with transient arousal, the impact of this arousal on respiratory control remains unclear. We tested the hypotheses that acoustic arousing stimulation can generate a significant respiratory response during sleep in healthy subjects and that the magnitude or timing of this response is affected by the presence of electrocortical arousal or inhaled carbon dioxide. Design We employed binaural tone bursts (0.5-s duration, 4-KHz center frequency, 99-s interstimulus interval) to elicit repetitive transient arousals from sleep during nocturnal polysomnographie recordings beginning at 10 PM and ending at 6 am . Participants Recordings were conducted in five healthy adult volunteers aged 24 to 37 years. Interventions Inspired gas was alternated between room air and 3% to 7% CO 2 (titrated to yield an approximate 50% increase in minute ventilation) at 1-h intervals. Measurements and results Each 30-s epoch was scored for sleep/wake stage according to standard criteria. Only results obtained during nonrapid eye movement sleep are presented herein. Tone-evoked arousals were detected by computer analysis as increased EEG frequency occurring within 3 s of acoustic stimulation. For each tone, respiratory parameters for each of three prestimulus and four poststimulus breaths were normalized to the overall mean of prestimulus breaths measured during room air breathing for each subject. Tone bursts elicited repetitive transient arousals with a mean duration of approximately 10 s from all stages of sleep. With respect to the three prestimulus breaths, acoustic stimulation was associated with increased tidal volume and decreased inspiratory duration for at least four breaths. These respiratory responses to acoustic stimulation were not significantly influenced by either presence of transient arousal from sleep or inspired gas. Conclusions We conclude that transient EEG arousal may be repeatedly evoked from nonrapid eye movement sleep by transient acoustic stimulation in normal sleepers. This sensory stimulation is associated with augmented ventilation, a response that is not significantly affected by inspired hypercapnia or the presence of generalized EEG arousal.
Topological liquids and valence cluster states in two-dimensional SU(N) magnets

We study the zero-temperature phase diagram of a class of two-dimensional SU$(N)$ antiferromagnets. These models are characterized by having the same type of SU$(N)$ spin placed at each site of the lattice, and share the property that, in general, more than two spins must be combined to form a singlet. An important motivation to study these systems is that they may be realized naturally in Mott insulators of alkaline-earth atoms placed on optical lattices; indeed, such Mott insulators have already been obtained experimentally, although the temperatures are still high compared to the magnetic exchange energy. We study these antiferromagnets in a large-$N$ limit, finding a variety of ground states. Some of the models studied here have a valence-bond solid ground state, as was found in prior studies, yet we find that many others have a richer variety of ground states. Focusing on the two-dimensional square lattice, in addition to valence cluster states (which are analogous to valence-bond states), we find both Abelian and non-Abelian chiral spin liquid ground states, which are magnetic counterparts of the fractional quantum Hall effect. We also find a ``doubled'' chiral spin liquid ground state that preserves time-reversal symmetry. These results are based on a combination of rigorous lower bounds on the large-$N$ ground-state energy and a systematic numerical ground-state search. We conclude by discussing whether experimentally relevant SU$(N)$ antiferromagnets, away from the large-$N$ limit, may be chiral spin liquids.
The Relationships between Privacy and Different Components of Job Satisfaction

The level of workspace architectural privacy has previously been found to relate to overall job satisfaction. It was hypothesized that because privacy may serve particular functions, only particular facets of job satisfaction will be related to it, both in the short term (less than 1 year) and in the long term (more than 1 year). One hundred thirty professional secretaries assessed their level of privacy and their level of job satisfaction as measured by the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. The results supported the hypotheses and showed that the environment in which one works affects some but not all facets of job satisfaction.
The Arabidopsis Unannotated Secreted Peptide Database, a Resource for Plant Peptidomics

In the era of genomics, if a gene is not annotated, it is not investigated. Due to their small size, genes encoding peptides are often missed in genome annotations. Secreted peptides are important regulators of plant growth, development, and physiology. Identification of additional peptide signals by sequence homology searches has had limited success due to sequence heterogeneity. A bioinformatics approach was taken to find unannotated Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) peptides. Arabidopsis chromosome sequences were searched for all open reading frames (ORFs) encoding peptides and small proteins between 25 and 250 amino acids in length. The translated ORFs were then sequentially queried for the presence of an amino-terminal cleavable signal peptide, the absence of transmembrane domains, and the absence of endoplasmic reticulum lumenal retention sequences. Next, the ORFs were filtered against the The Arabidopsis Information Resource 6.0 annotated Arabidopsis genes to remove those ORFs overlapping known genes. The remaining 33,809 ORFs were placed in a relational database to which additional annotation data were deposited. Genome-wide tiling array data were compared with the coordinates of the ORFs, supporting the possibility that many of the ORFs may be expressed. In addition, clustering and sequence similarity analyses revealed that many of the putative peptides are in gene families and/or appear to be present in the rice (Oryza sativa) genome. A subset of the ORFs was evaluated by reverse transcription-PCR and, for one-fifth of those, expression was detected. These results support the idea that the number and diversity of plant peptides is broader than currently assumed. The peptides identified and their annotation data may be viewed or downloaded through a searchable Web interface at peptidome.missouri.edu.
PARAFAC-Based Blind Estimation Of Possibly Underdetermined Convolutive MIMO Systems

In this paper, we consider the problem of blind identification of a convolutive multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) system with No outputs and Ni inputs. While many methods have been proposed to blindly identify convolutive MIMO systems with No ges Ni (overdetermined), very scarce results exist for the case of (underdetermined), all of which refer to systems that either have some special structure or special and values. In this paper, we show that, as long as , independent of whether the system is overdetermined or underdetermined, we can always find the appropriate order of statistics that guarantees identifiability of the system response within trivial ambiguities. We also propose an algorithm to reach the solution, that consists of parallel factorization (PARAFAC) of a -way tensor containing th-order statistics of the system outputs, followed by an iterative scheme. For a certain order of statistics , we provide the description of the class of identifiable MIMO systems. We also show that this class can be expanded by applying PARAFAC decomposition to a pair of tensors instead of one tensor. The proposed approach constitutes a novel scheme for estimation of underdetermined systems, and improves over existing approaches for overdetermined systems.
Multiple ribbons in face-centred cubic materials. I. Geometry and properties of double ribbons

The geometry of double ribbons in f.c.c. materials is discussed. It is shown that two different types of double ribbon can exist and that each of these can be present in two different defect configurations which are referred to as the elongated-node type and the parallel-interaction type. The properties of these two configurations differ because the former must involve the presence of jogs while the second need not; if present these jogs then affect the formation and movement of the double ribbons. Images of the defects are compared for weak-beam and conventional strong-beam diffraction conditions. It is also shown that double ribbons can exist which do not contain an extrinsic stacking fault and that double ribbons can be stable in the edge orientation. In k.f.z.-Materialien konnen zwei verschiedene Typen von Doppelbandern vorkommen, davon jeder in zwei verschiedenen Konfigurationen, die nach ihrer Geometrie als “Typ mit verlangertem Knoten” und als “Typ mit paralleler Wechselwirkung” bezeichnet werden. Die Eigenschaften der beiden Konfigurationen unterscheiden sich, da der Typ mit verlangertem Knoten Versetzungs-sprunge enthalten mus, der andere Typ jedoch nicht notwendigerweise. Die vorhandenen Versetzungssprunge beeinflussen Bildung und Bewegung der Doppelbander. Die Kontraste der Defekte werden in ‘weak-beam’-Abbildung und in herkommlicher Abbildung mit stark angeregtem Reflex verglichen. Auserdem wird gezeigt, das Doppelbander auftreten konnen, die keinen extrinsischen Stapelfehler enthalten, und das Doppelbander in der Stufenorientierung stabil sein konnen.
The Role of Trapped Interstitials During Rapid Thermal Annealing

During the rapid thermal annealing of ion implanted layers, trapped interstitials are responsible for transient enhanced dopant diffusion and the formation of a band of defects at the mean projected ion range. We describe the detailed nature and extent of these effects and show how they can be predicted in practice. We present a model which explains why trapping only occurs with group V implantation and describe double implantation experiments which confirm the model and show how the formation of projected range defects can be suppressed.
Confusing dinosaurs with mammals: Tetrapod phylogenetics and anatomical terminology in the world of homology

At present, three different systems of anatomical nomenclature are available to researchers describing new tetrapod taxa: a nonstandardized traditional system erected in part by Sir Richard Owen and subsequently elaborated by Alfred Romer; a standardized system created for avians, the Nomina Anatomica Avium (NAA); and a standardized system for extant (crown-group) mammals, the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (NAV). Conserved homologous structures widely distributed within the Tetrapoda are often granted different names in each system. The recent shift toward a phylogenetic system based on homology requires a concomitant shift toward a single nomenclatural system also based on both evolutionary and functional morphological homology. Standardized terms employed in the NAA and NAV should be perpetuated as far as possible basally in their respective phylogenies. Thus, NAA terms apply to nonavian archosaurs (or even all diapsids) and NAV terms apply to noncrown-group mammals and more basal synapsids. Taxa equally distant from both avians and crown-group mammals may maintain the traditional nonstandardized terminology until a universal anatomical nomenclature for all tetrapods is constructed.
Evaluation of particle size distribution of salmeterol administered via metered-dose inhaler with and without valved holding chambers

Background Administration of inhaled medications to very young children is sometimes difficult. Administration of inhaled medications via metered dose inhalers (MDIs) to pediatric patients younger than 4 years of age requires use of a holding chamber/spacer with an attached facemask. Objective This in vitro study was conducted to determine the particle size distribution and overall dose of salmeterol delivered in conjunction with the use of various US-marketed valved holding chambers (VHCs) in comparison to the dose-delivered via MDI without VHCs. Methods Cascade impaction methodology with high-performance liquid chromatography was used to evaluate the fine particle mass (FPM) of salmeterol administered without and with the use of the following VHCs: Optichamber, medium and large Aerochambers, adult Aerochamber, and medium Aerochamber Plus. Results Particle size distributions for the Optichamber, various sizes of Aerochamber, and the Aerochamber Plus were very similar and the particle size distributions for all VHCs were similar to the distribution of the control. The FPM for particles ranging from 0.7 to Conclusions In vitro results obtained under these test conditions demonstrate that all FPM values for the VHCs tested were within 15% of the control range, a difference that is unlikely to be clinically meaningful. These results indicate that the difference in FPM does not warrant a change in the recommended dosage of salmeterol administered when using the VHCs tested. Our results demonstrate that the use of an MDI and VHC provides a reasonable therapeutic approach for administration of salmeterol MDI to young children and other patients who have difficulties administering the MDI alone.
Upper summation and product bounds for solution eigenvalues of the Lyapunov matrix equation

Upper bounds for summations including the trace, and for products including the determinant, of the eigenvalues of the solution of the continuous algebraic Lyapunov matrix equation are presented. The majority of the bounds are tighter than those in the literature, and some are new. >
Best-value supply chains and firms’ competitive performance: empirical studies of their linkage

Purpose – Best-value supply chains characterized by agility, adaptability, and alignment, have become a crucial strategic means for firms to create and sustain competitive advantage in today’s turbulent environment. The purpose of this paper is to investigate linkage between best-value supply chains and firms’ competitive performance. Design/methodology/approach – In Study 1, survey data from 76 firms is used to test the impact of the three qualities of best-value supply chains on firms’ competitive performance. In Study 2, to test if a firm’s competitive advantage can be sustained through building best-value supply chains, a long-run performance analysis is conducted, which is based on a stock portfolio of firms identified from the American Marketing Association’s annual list of “Supply Chain Top 25.” Findings – The results of Study 1 indicate that the three qualities of best-value supply chains are positively related to firms’ competitive performance. The results of Study 2 show that firms having best-v...
Sean-Thomas Morrissey

### Good science comes from good data. — STM Sean-Thomas Morrissey, an innovative and dedicated instrumentalist, died on March 6th at the age of 59. He was a remarkable individual who worked tirelessly, despite recurring health problems, to find new ways to improve the quality of both seismological and geodetic data. Sean brought a dedication, a perseverance, and a commitment to seismology, to long-term data acquisition, and to instrumentation that helped our science evolve from its beginnings with analog on-site photo recordings to modern digital data acquisition and transmission. ![][1] Sean Morrissey (without hat) working on the installation of the Cathedral Cave, Missouri (CCM) IRIS/GSN station. Sean was educated in the Jesuit tradition, graduating from St. Mark's Academy in Denver and attending Saint Louis University (SLU), where he obtained a B.A. in philosophy in 1964, with majors in mathematics, literature, and education, and pursued a M.S. degree in physics. Only Sean would consider rebuilding the department's cyclotron from scratch as a suitable Master's thesis project. Unfortunately, he had to discontinue this project due to health problems that developed from Addison's disease, a debilitating illness that often requires constant hospitalization of its victims. Typically, Sean let few people know about the disease and continued to conduct difficult and arduous fieldwork, whether it was riding ore carts at unreasonable speeds to service instruments in a dimly lit lead mine, climbing 300-foot cable TV towers to fix errant telemetry receivers, or braving Aleutian gales in an open inflatable Navy Zodiac to land … [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif