cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Capping layers, cleaning method, and rapid thermal processing temperature on cobalt silicide formation

The effect of some key variables such as rapid thermal processing (RTP) temperature, substrate cleaning method and capping layers, on cobalt silicide formation has been investigated. The in-situ RF sputter etch is found to give a post RTP2 R sh that is equivalent to a wet cleaned wafer. The temperature transformation curve of cobalt films, analyzed with R sh data and XRD, reveal the formation of Co 2 Si-CoSi-CoSi 2 phases in that order. The transformation curves of TiN capped films match those of blanket cobalt but the Ti capped films show the CoSi phase to be stable over a broader temperature range. There is no effect of dopants on the final cobalt disilicide R sh values for either the single of polycrystalline substrates. Controlled oxygen leak studies in the RTP ambient reveal that the R sh after RTP1 is degraded if a capping layer is not present. Electrical test results confirm the need for capping layers. This is indicated by lower R sh and R c values on both n+ and p+ junctions and poly structures. Furthermore the electrical results are comparable for Ti and TiN layers used as the cap films although the R sh /R c values are in general lower for the TiN capped films. Poly gate length vs R sh plots show the extendibility of the capped cobalt silicide process to the 0.18 um node.
Integrative Learning and the Individualized Prior Learning Assessment Narrative

In this article, I have drawn upon three strands of thought to tie the individualized prior learning assessment narrative to the current movement for integration of learning in higher education. Fi...
Geomorphology and Sediment Stability of a Segment of the U.S. Continental Slope off New Jersey

The morphology of complex deposits of Pleistocene sediments covering the upper continental slope between Lindenkohl Canyon and South Toms Canyon results from both depositional and erosional processes. Small slump or slide features were detected primarily on the flanks of canyons or valleys and were observed to occur only within Pleistocene-aged sediments. Eocene to Miocene sediments are exposed over much of the mid- and lower slope in this area.
Magnetic Breakdown Effects in the Galvanomagnetic Properties of Zinc

The galvanomagnetic properties of several single-crystal specimens of high-purity zinc have been investigated. The results of this investigation are presented and a Fermi-surface topology consistent with the data is discussed. Many of the detailed features of the galvanomagnetic properties are found to result from the effects of magnetic breakdown. The open orbit parallel to the hexagonal axis is modified but not eliminated by magnetic breakdown at fields of about 17.5 kG. A "giant orbit" of the type previously observed in magnesium is found in zinc. This orbit results from magnetic breakdown across the energy gap near $K$ which separates the second-band hole sheet from portions of the third-band electron sheets. Magnetic breakdown across this same energy gap gives rise to discrete bands of open trajectories in the basal plane when the direction of the magnetic field is tilted away from the hexagonal axis in the ($10\overline{1}0$) and ($11\overline{2}0$) crystallographic planes. The transition region of the magnetic breakdown which gives rise to the giant orbit is investigated in detail, and the large quantum oscillations which have been previously observed in the transport properties of zinc are shown to be a transition-region phenomenon. The oscillations appear to result from an oscillatory breakdown probability which, in turn, arises from oscillations in the density of states associated with the Landau levels of the needle-shaped portion of the Fermi surface of zinc. An analysis of the detailed shape of the oscillations indicates that the Landau levels of the needle are split into discrete spin levels with a very large effective $g$ factor. The three values of the effective $g$ factor which are compatible with the present data are ${g}^{*}=90$, ${g}^{*}=180$, and ${g}^{*}=360$, but an investigation with higher magnetic-field strengths will allow a unique choice to be made. No evidence has yet been obtained that yields a direct confirmation of the quasi-particle states predicted by Pippard.
Fluid dynamics and aero-optics of turrets

Abstract A summary of research efforts for last several years on fluid-dynamics and aero-optics of hemisphere-on-cylinder turrets with flat and conformal windows is presented. The topology of flow behind turrets and both steady and unsteady sources of optical distortions are discussed. Scaling laws for levels of optical aberrations are proposed and results of several experimental studies are compared and discussed. Effects of passive and active flow control in mitigation of aero-optical environment around turrets, as well as current computational studies of aero-optics of turrets are summarized and discussed.
Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency during perinatal development increases serotonin turnover in the prefrontal cortex and decreases midbrain tryptophan hydroxylase-2 expression in adult female rats: Dissociation from estrogenic effects

Abstract A dysregulation in central serotonin neurotransmission and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency have been implicated in the pathophysiology of major depression. To determine the effects of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency on indices of serotonin neurotransmission in the adult rat brain, female rats were fed diets with or without the omega-3 fatty acid precursor α-linolenic acid (ALA) during perinatal (E0-P90), post-weaning (P21-P90), and post-pubescent (P60-130) development. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats and OVX rats with cyclic estrogen treatment were also examined. Serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) content, and fatty acid composition were determined in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH-2), serotonin transporter, and 5-HT1A autoreceptor mRNA expression were determined in the midbrain. ALA deficiency during perinatal (−62%, p = 0.0001), post-weaning (−34%, p = 0.0001), and post-pubertal (−10%, p = 0.0001) development resulted in a graded reduction in adult PFC docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n−3) composition. Relative to controls, perinatal DHA-deficient rats exhibited significantly lower PFC 5-HT content (−65%, p = 0.001), significant greater 5-HIAA content (+15%, p = 0.046), and a significant greater 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio (+73%, p = 0.001). Conversely, post-weaning DHA-deficient rats exhibited significantly greater PFC 5-HT content (+12%, p = 0.03), no change in 5-HIAA content, and a significantly smaller 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio (−9%, p = 0.01). Post-pubertal DHA-deficient and OXV rats did not exhibit significant alterations in PFC 5-HT or 5-HIAA content. Only perinatal DHA-deficient rats exhibited a significant reduction in midbrain TPH-2 mRNA expression (−29%, p = 0.03). These preclinical data support a causal link between perinatal omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and reduced central serotonin synthesis in adult female rats that is independent of ovarian hormones including estrogen.
Functional ecology of a blue light photoreceptor: effects of phototropin-1 on root growth enhance drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Summary • The blue light photoreceptor phototropin-1 has been shown to enhance fitness in Arabidosis thaliana under field conditions. Here, we ask whether performance consequences of phototropin-1 reflect its impact on root growth and drought tolerance. • We used a PHOT1-GFP gene construct to test whether phototropin-1 abundance in roots is highest at shallow soil depths where light penetration is greatest. We then compared root growth efficiency and size at maturity between individuals with and without functional phototropin-1. Comparisons were made under wet and dry conditions to assess the impact of phototropin-1 on drought tolerance. • Phototropin-1 was most abundant in upper root regions and its impact on root growth efficiency decreased with soil depth. Roots of plants with functional phototropin-1 made fewer random turns and traveled further for a given length (higher efficiency) than roots of phot1 mutants. In dry (but not wet) soil, enhancement of root growth efficiency by phototropin-1 increased plant size at maturity. • Results indicate that phototropin-1 enhances performance under drought by mediating plastic increases in root growth efficiency near the soil surface.
GaAs/GaAIAs Lasers-State Of The Art

AbstractGaAs /GaAIAs injection lasers are presently used in a variety of applications including fiber optic communications, optical disk data storage, and laser printing as well as many others. Each of these applications may require a somewhat different type of laser. This paper reviews the operating parameters and physicallimitations of many of the different types of GaAs /GaAlAs lasers. IntroductionContinuous wave (CW) GaAs /GaAIAs injection lasers have been commercially available over the past several years. These commercial units are of two fundamentally different types, each of which has different operatingcharacteristics and attributes. The two different types of lasers are referred to by specialists in the field as "gain guided" and "refractive index guided" devices and in this paper we compare their properties. Gain guiding vs. refractive index guiding The terms "gain guiding" and "refractive index guiding" both refer to the method of optical wave guidancealong the plane of the p -n junction within the laser diode. The earliest types of continuous wave lasers employedgain guiding configurations to restrict the lateral extent of the current to widths between 3µm and 20 µm alongthe entire length of the laser. Examples of "gain guided" lasers are the proton implanted stripe laser,' the oxide
PERMUTATION SYMMETRY AND THE N--ELECTRON PROBLEM.

The techniques of tensor algebra customarily applied to exploit spatial symmetry are applied to exploit permutational symmetry of the $N$-electron problem. In the approximation of no spin-orbit coupling, the results are nontrivial and give a further reduction of what is normally regarded as the reduced matrix element with respect to spatial symmetry alone. The required $3\ensuremath{-}j$ coefficients of the permutation group are evaluated in an appendix so that intermediate group-theoretical indices that have no direct physical significance are eliminated from the formulation. The spin integral for any operator can always be reduced to known integrals of the fundamental Pauli operators. Thus all matrix elements can be reduced to a corresponding spin-free form with known weighting coefficients. An explicit expression is given for the matrix element of an operator suitable for evaluating spin-own-orbit coupling or spin density at the nucleus. A recursion relation for the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients of bipartition representations of ${S}_{N}$ in terms of its subgroups and the $9\ensuremath{-}j$ sympols of $\mathrm{SU}(2)$ is developed in the appendix. For one of the representations being the totally symmetric representation, the Clebsch-Gordan coefficient is known and the recursion relation (the group-orthogonality relation in this case) can be considered as giving nontrivial sum rules on the $9\ensuremath{-}j$ symbols of $\mathrm{SU}(2)$.
Electronic Current Distribution Calculation for a Ni‐YSZ Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anode

A simulation of a nickel-yttrium stabilized zirconium oxide (Ni-YSZ) solid oxide fuel cell cermet anode was used to determine the electronic current distribution within the percolating networks of nickel particles distributed in the electrode. The anode is simulated via a Monte–Carlo percolation model and current distribution is calculated via a relaxation algorithm. Nickel particle current densities are reported as a ratio to the total anode current density allowing results to be applied to any anode current density. Calculated current distributions were drastically affected by the volume percent of nickel as well as anode porosity. Experiments were performed to determine failure current densities of thin nickel wires to establish the relationship between critical current densities and surface area or volume of the wires. Both reducing and oxidizing environments were used for these measurements over a temperature range up to 800 °C.
Behavioral pharmacology of buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is an opioid mixed agonist-antagonist that has potential usefulness as a pharmacotherapy for opiate addiction. Buprenorphine significantly suppressed opiate self-administration by heroin addicts. Buprenorphine also suppressed opiate self-administration in a primate model. Although buprenorphine is a positive reinforcer in rhesus monkey, it is less reinforcing than other opioids and some opioid mixed agonist-antagonists as evaluated in progressive ratio and drug substitution procedures. These data suggest that the abuse liability of buprenorphine should be less than that of other opioid drugs. The safety and potential therapeutic benefits of buprenorphine relative to other currently available pharmacotherapies probably overweigh the possible risks of abuse.
Concomitant aortic valve procedures in patients undergoing implantation of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices: An INTERMACS database analysis

Background Management of existing aortic insufficiency (AI) and mechanical aortic valves in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains controversial. Surgical options to address these issues include closure, repair or replacement of the valve. Methods Continuous-flow LVAD/biventricular VAD patients entered into the INTERMACS database between June 2006 and December 2012 were included ( n = 5,344) in this analysis. Outcomes were compared between patients who underwent aortic valve (AV) closure ( n = 125), repair ( n = 95) and replacement ( n = 85). Results Among patients who underwent an AV procedure, actuarial survival was significantly reduced for AV closures (63.2%) compared with AV repairs (76.8%) and replacements (71.8%) ( p = 0.0003). Differences were greater between groups when only INTERMACS Level 1 or 2 patients were analyzed ( p = 0.003). After multivariate adjustment, AV closure remained a significant risk factor for mortality (hazard ratio=1.87, 95% confidence interval 1.39 to 2.53, p p Conclusions AV closure was associated with increased mortality when compared with repair or replacement in patients with AI who underwent LVAD insertion. The reasons for this association require further investigation. This is the largest study to date to examine concomitant AV procedures in patients undergoing LVAD insertion.
Motion of three point vortices in a periodic parallelogram

The motion of three interacting point vortices with zero net circulation in a periodic parallelogram defines an integrable dynamical system. A method for solving this system is presented. The relative motion of two of the vortices can be ‘mapped’ onto a problem of advection of a passive particle in ‘phase space’ by a certain set of stationary point vortices, which also has zero net circulation. The advection problem in phase space can be written in Hamiltonian form, and particle trajectories are given by level curves of the Hamiltonian. The motion of individual vortices in the original three-vortex problem then requires one additional quadrature. A complicated structure of the solution space emerges with a large number of qualitatively different regimes of motion. Bifurcations of the streamline pattern in phase space, which occur as the impulse of the original vortex system is changed, are traced. Representative cases are analysed in detail, and a general procedure is indicated for all cases. Although the problem is integrable, the trajectories of the vortices can be surprisingly complicated. The results are compared qualitatively to vortex paths found in large-scale numerical simulations of two-dimensional turbulence.
Effect of birth weight on the association between necrotising enterocolitis and red blood cell transfusions in <=1500 g infants.

Context Reports evaluating a possible association between necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and blood transfusion have been predominantly case–control studies. As the possible associations of disease with any variable on which cases and controls have been matched cannot be explored, a cohort study would offer a solution to this problem. Objective Our objective was to evaluate the association between exposure to a packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion and development of NEC in a cohort where biases of matching are omitted. Design In a retrospective cohort, exposed infants were defined as those who received a transfusion and did not develop NEC or developed NEC within 48 h of the transfusion. All others were considered unexposed. Setting A single regional perinatal centre in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Patients 3060 ≤1500 g birth weights (BW) were included. Outcome measures The relative risk of developing NEC after exposure to a PRBC transfusion was measured. Results 3060 infants were identified. 174 infants (5.7%) developed NEC; 116 of the 174 infants (67%) were exposed. NEC infants had a significantly lower BW (924 vs 1042 g) and required a longer stay on a ventilator (7 vs 2 days). Divided into groups, infants with BW ≤750 , 751–1000 , 1001–1250 g and 1251–1500 g (n=52, 51, 46 and 25, respectively) had a relative risk of 0.14, 0.46, 1.83 and 1.78 (p Conclusions Exposure to transfusions was less likely associated with NEC in ≤1000 g infants and remained a risk factor in 1001–1500 infants. BW has to be factored in any study evaluating the association between PRBC transfusions and NEC.
Parameter studies of modal vibrations associated with impurity pinned dislocations in a metal single crystal

Koehler's model [1–2] of motion for edge-type dislocations in a metal single crystal that are pinned down by impurity atoms is studied. An exact solution can be found, which is composed of a rapidly decaying transient and a steady time-oscillating, steady state vibration. This solution is used to improve Koehler's [1] approximation to the steady time-oscillating steady state vibration. General parameter studies of the modes of oscillation are then performed. The present result is of some significance, because it allows insight into the behavior of crystalline solids over a wide parameter range, whereas Koehler's asymptotic approach is valid only for materials that exhibit order-of-magnitude variation in system parameters. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 17: 427–439, 2001.
The interaction of steroid hormones and coenzyme components.

Abstract 1. 1. The distribution-equilibrium method has been refined to permit the measurement of equilibrium constants for complex formation between several steroids and coenzyme components in aqueous solution. 2. 2. From the relation of the structure of the steroid and the coenzyme component to the equilibrium constant, it is concluded that complexes result from interactions between the purine nucleus of coenzyme components which contain purines, and the α-side of rings, C, D, and part of ring B of the steroid. The flatness of this region of the steroid is of primary importance for complex formation. Interactions found to occur with riboflavine phosphate are presumably of a similar type. 3. 3. The nature of the forces leading to complex formation are discussed. The interaction appears to be of a non-polawr character, most of the energy being derived from the recombination of water molecules which are displaced from the interacting surfaces.
Old wine in new bottles

Although the application of general systems theory to the study of organizations may be promising, there are dangers of compromising the integrity of each. Several deficiencies in the attempt by Toronto (1975) are reviewed. In addition certain generalizations regarding GST and organizations are discussed briefly.
Spaceflight-relevant stem education and outreach: Social goals and priorities

This paper is based on a presentation and conference proceedings paper given at the 65th International Astronautical Congress. The paper addresses concerns in education and public outreach (EPO) in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The author serves as a Director of a US statewide NASA-funded Space Grant Consortium, with responsibilities to coordinate funding for undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, and program awards. Space Grant is a national NASA network of STEM EPO programs including over 1000 higher education, outreach center, science museum, local government, and corporate partners. As a Space Grant Director, the author interacts with a variety of levels of STEM literacy and sophistication among members of the public. A number of interactions highlight the need for STEM EPO leaders to speak directly to a variety of social goals and priorities. Spaceflight is largely seen as an appealing and potentially desirable STEM application. However, members of the public are often unclear and ill-informed regarding relative expense, relative benefit, and relative breadth of domains of expertise that are relevant to the spaceflight enterprise. In response (and resulting in further disconnects between STEM specialists and the public), focused STEM professionals frequently over-emphasize their own technical specialty and its priority in general because of its importance to that professional. These potential divides in the attempt to share and connect STEM related goals and priorities are discussed as an elaboration of invitations to discuss spacefaring in “futures forum” contexts. Spaceflight can be seen as addressing a combination of “actualization” and “aspirational” goals at social and societal levels. Maslow׳s hierarchy of needs distinguishes between “basic needs” and “actualization” as a higher–order need. Another aspect of spaceflight is aspirational—it speaks to hopes and desires for levels of flexibility and capability at the societal level. One analogy is the marketing of premium brand luxury items, at lower cost and larger volumes, to larger segments of the population. STEM EPO activities should not be directed solely at the “rocket science” applications of technology and engineering capabilities. Additional effort is needed to connect spaceflight experiences and examples to broader STEM needs, social priorities, and local contexts.
The influence of age and chronic medical conditions on neurological outcomes in out of hospital cardiac arrest.

Abstract Aim It is unknown whether older patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have worse outcomes because of aging itself, or because age can be a marker for overall health status. We aimed to study the prognostic utility of age and pre-arrest comorbidities. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study, reviewing electronic health records of all adults treated for non-traumatic OHCA in the University of Michigan Emergency Department ( N =588). Primary covariates included age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and a combined Charlson-age index. The primary dichotomized outcome was favorable neurological outcome (cerebral performance category, 1–2), evaluated by logistic regressions. Results Dementia ( p =0.01), witnessed arrest ( p =0.03), bystander CPR ( p p p p =0.004], CCI and rhythm [ p =0.01]). Conclusion Age, but not CCI, was significantly associated with less favorable neurological outcomes in patients with OHCA after adjusting important covariates. Age appears to be an independent predictor of prognosis rather than a marker for comorbidity.
Ex vivo two-photon fluorescence tumor vasculature imaging: Small molecule and copolymer rgd peptide conjugates

Herein, we compared the tumor-targeting characteristics of small molecule and block copolymer RGD peptide conjugates for αvβ3 integrin 2PFM ex vivo imaging in a Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) mouse tumor model.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering from molecules adsorbed on gallium surfaces

Abstract We report the first observation of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for molecules adsorbed on gallium surfaces. The gallium surfaces were prepared in UHV by depositing gallium vapor on cold copper substrates. The enhanced Raman spectra could be generated by all argon ion laser wavelengths between 457.9 and 514.5 nm but the magnitude of the enhancement was at least three times greater at 457.9 nm excitation than at 514.5 nm excitation. At 514.5 nm excitation, gallium SERS is about an order of magnitude weaker than silver SERS at the same excitation wavelength.
Antipsychotic Use and Risk of Nursing Home Admission Among Dual-Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries: A Propensity-Matched Study.

Background Antipsychotic use is associated with serious adverse events in the elderly, and consequently can lead to further healthcare utilization such as nursing home admission.
Interfaces between water splitting catalysts and buried silicon junctions

The coupling of water-splitting catalysts to silicon photovoltaics enables direct solar-to-fuel conversion. Critical to the performance of such devices is the use of interfaces to protect silicon from the oxygen-evolving reaction (OER) and at the same time to provide Ohmic contact between the buried silicon junction and the immobilised OER catalyst. Presented herein are guidelines for constructing the Si|catalyst interface, which is a crucial building block for efficient direct solar-to-fuel conversion devices. We show that fluorinated-tin-oxide is an especially attractive interface for buried-junction devices.
Extension of filopodia by motor-dependent actin assembly.

A variety of mechanisms have been proposed to explain the forward extension of cytoplasm in advancing cells and axonal growth cones, including actin polymerization and osmotic swelling. Based on our observations of the filopodia of cultured neuronal growth cones, we propose a mechanism involving motor-induced extension and retraction. We observed that filopodia (actin-based protrusions 0.2–0.5 μ in diameter) extend and retract from growth cone lamellae at the same rate. Further, force is generated at the tips of filopodia which is sufficient to produce compressive buckling of the proximal portion of the filopodium. From our analysis of these movements we suggest that a motor protein powers both the extension and retraction of filopodia. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Teacher-Student Relationship as an Interpersonal Relationship.

Communication skills, as defined by Burleson and Samter (1990), were examined in the teacher‐student relationship. Three questions guided this investigation: (a) with regard to effective teaching, what are students’ perceptions of the importance of communication skills and immediacy behaviors? (b) what is the relationship between students’ perceptions of teachers’ use of communication skills, immediacy behaviors, motivation and learning? and (c) do male and female students differ in their perceptions of communication skill and immediacy behaviors in regard to importance, motivation, and learning? Two studies were conducted. Study one found that students reported referential skill, ego support, and conflict management as being most important to effective teaching. Study two found referential skill, ego support, and immediacy to have a strong relationship with student learning and motivation. Some sex differences also were found and explored in both study one and two.
Drug and alcohol use by homicide victims in Trinidad and Tobago, 2001–2007

This paper examines toxicology results from homicide victims in Trinidad and Tobago to explore patterns in pre-mortem drug and alcohol use. Toxicology test results were obtained for 1,780 homicide victims. Toxicology data from the coroner's office were linked with police data on homicide incidents to examine patterns in drug use and homicide. Trinidad and Tobago homicide victims tested positive for cannabis at a significantly higher rate (32%) than the average rate among other drug toxicology studies. Victims tested positive for alcohol (29%), cocaine (7%), and opioids (1.5%) at rates that were either comparable with or lower than those of homicide victims examined in other studies. The proportion of victims testing positive for cannabis grew significantly from 2001 to 2007; the proportions for alcohol and other drugs were fairly stable over time. Toxicology results also varied by homicide motive, weapon type, and the demographic characteristics of the victim. Toxicology data are a useful source for understanding patterns in drug use and homicide. Though such data have limitations, when combined with other types of data, they can often provide unique insights about a community's drug and violence problems.
Algebraic models for two-edge-connected graphs

The purpose of this paper is to associate two-edge-connected graphs to a vector space of matrices. The fruitfulness of this association is shown by deriving various graph theoretic results via algebraic arguments on the associated vector space. The paper is divided into two sections. In the first section, an association between a vector space of matrices and two-edge-connected graphs is developed. The transfer of various properties of graphs to matrices and of matrices to graphs is then considered. In the second section the utility of the association developed in Section 1 is indicated by showing how the algebraic representation may be used, as a tool, to deduce rather interesting results concerning the structure of the associated graphs.
Clinical and operative predictors of outcomes of carotid endarterectomy

Objective The net benefit for patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy is critically dependent on the risk of perioperative stroke and death. Information about risk factors can aid appropriate selection of patients and inform efforts to reduce complication rates. This study identifies the clinical, radiographic, surgical, and anesthesia variables that are independent predictors of deaths and stroke following carotid endarterectomy. Methods A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy in 1997 and 1998 by 64 surgeons in 6 hospitals was performed (N = 1972). Detailed information on clinical, radiographic, surgical, anesthesia, and medical management variables and deaths or strokes within 30 days of surgery were abstracted from inpatient and outpatient records. Multivariate logistic regression models identified independent clinical characteristics and operative techniques associated with risk-adjusted rates of combined death and nonfatal stroke as well as all strokes. Results Death or stroke occurred in 2.28% of patients without carotid symptoms, 2.93% of those with carotid transient ischemic attacks, and 7.11% of those with strokes ( P Conclusions Information about these risk factors may help physicians weigh the risks and benefits of carotid endarterectomy in individual patients. Two operative techniques (use of local anesthesia and patch closure) may lower the risk of death or stroke.
To hang together or separately.

Benjamin Franklin stated in 1776 that "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately." This sententious piece of Philadelphian wisdom is absolutely appropriate for American dermatology in 1986. Our specialty is being presented with a continuum of challenges that are unmatched in the history of American dermatology. The problems increase in number and magnitude daily. Most distressing to me is that our response to these difficulties has resulted in the appearance of divisiveness within our specialty. I came to dermatology in 1968 after extended training in academic internal medicine. I was impressed, surprised, and delighted with the unity and esprit of dermatology. The pervasive sense of respect and warmth among all elements of the specialty was palpable. Clinical dermatologists, teachers, surgeons, and basic and clinical investigators shared a truly happy, collegial commitment. I am afraid things are changing. There is now a proliferation of groups whose
Adhesion molecules in liver ischemia and reperfusion.

Reperfusion of an acutely ischemic tissue is recognized to elicit an intense inflammatory response that causes tissue injury. The mechanisms of reperfusion injury are multifactorial, including all the biochemical and molecular events following ischemia. While restoration of blood flow is essential in ameliorating the progression of cellular injury associated with decreased oxygen and nutrient delivery, it is also followed by a series of complex reactions that paradoxically injures tissue [1–3]. Ischemic liver injury is a significant problem in clinical medicine that can occur as a consequence of circulatory shock or hepatic surgery (trauma, tumor resection, or liver transplantation) and may lead to local and organ systemic dysfunction. The purpose of this review is to analyze all important changes associated with the response of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.
Assertion-based flow monitoring of SystemC models

SystemC is the de facto standard system-modeling language for hardware-software systems. A concurrent and reactive hardware-software system performs different “jobs” during its execution. Each such job begins with a set of input data, flows through different processes in the system, and finally produces a set of output data. We call such a job a flow, since it flows from one process to another. Flows are dynamic and concurrent; a flow can begin anytime during the simulation and the system can process multiple flows at the same time. We provide a library for explicitly implementing flows in a SystemC model or annotating flows in an existing SystemC model with minimal modification. We also provide an automated monitoring framework for monitoring properties of flows. Such properties capture the reactive nature of a system naturally and are intuitive to write. Our experimental results show that the framework adds minimal simulation runtime overhead.
Social isolation, C-reactive protein, and coronary heart disease mortality among community-dwelling adults

Social isolation confers increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) events and mortality. In two recent studies, low levels of social integration among older adults were related to higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, suggesting a possible biological link between social isolation and CHD. The current study examined relationships among social isolation, CRP, and 15-year CHD death in a community sample of US adults aged 40 years and older without a prior history of myocardial infarction. A nested case-cohort study was conducted from a parent cohort of community-dwelling adults from the southeastern New England region of the United States (N = 2321) who were interviewed in 1989 and 1990. CRP levels were measured from stored sera provided by the nested case-cohort (n = 370), which included all cases of CHD death observed through 2005 (n = 48), and a random sample of non-cases. We found that the most socially isolated individuals had two-and-a-half times the odds of elevated CRP levels compared to the most socially integrated. In separate logistic regression models, both social isolation and CRP predicted later CHD death. The most socially isolated continued to have more than twice the odds of CHD death compared to the most socially integrated in a model adjusting for CRP and more traditional CHD risk factors. The current findings support social isolation as an independent risk factor of both high levels of CRP and CHD death in middle-aged adults without a prior history of myocardial infarction. Prospective study of inflammatory pathways related to social isolation and mortality are needed to fully delineate whether and how CRP or other inflammatory markers contribute to mechanisms linking social isolation to CVD health.
IGF-1R Signaling in Chondrocytes Modulates Growth Plate Development by Interacting With the PTHrP/Ihh Pathway

Systemic derangements and perinatal death of generalized insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) knockout mice preclude definitive assessment of IGF-1R actions in growth-plate (GP) chondrocytes. We generated cartilage-specific Igf1r knockout ((Cart) Igf1r(-/-)) mice to investigate local control of chondrocyte differentiation in the GP by this receptor. These mice died shortly after birth and showed disorganized chondrocyte columns, delayed ossification and vascular invasion, decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and increased expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein (Pthrp) RNA and protein in their GPs. The increased Pthrp expression in the knockout GPs likely was due to an increase in gene transcription, as determined by the increased activity of a LacZ reporter that was inserted downstream of the endogenous PTHrP promoter and bred into the knockout mice. To circumvent the early death of (Cart) Igf1r(-/-) mice and investigate the role of IGF-1R during postnatal growth, we made tamoxifen (Tam)-inducible, cartilage-specific Igf1r knockout ((TamCart) Igf1r(-/-)) mice. At 2 weeks of age and 7 to 8 days after Tam injection, the (TamCart) Igf1r(-/-) mice showed growth retardation with a disorganized GP, reduced chondrocyte proliferation, decreased type 2 collagen and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh) expression, but increased expression of PTHrP. Consistent with in vivo observations, in vitro knockout of the Igf1r gene by adenoviral expression of Cre recombinase suppressed cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and increased Pthrp expression. Our data indicate that the IGF-1R in chondrocytes controls cell growth, survival, and differentiation in embryonic and postnatal GPs in part by suppression of Pthrp expression.
Gravity in twisted space

Numerical simulations with periodic boundary conditions are widely used in cosmology. These have a multiply connected topology known as a three-torus. Such nontrivial topologies for the actual universe may have arisen in the Big Bang. A two-dimensional numerical model with a twisted topology, sometimes a Klein bottle, is shown as well as the fact that local properties of the model are not dependent on topology.
Color changes induced by peptide derivatives of lysergic acid in the fiddler crab, UCA PANACEA

Abstract 1. Ergocornine, α-ergocryptine and 2-Br-α-ergocryptine (bromocryptine, CB-154) evoke erythrophoric pigment concentration in intact fiddler crabs. 2. Dopamine evokes erythrophoric pigment concentration in intact fiddler crabs. DA was more effective in eliciting this response than the ergot alkaloids. 3. The ergot alkaloids act synergistically with DA in eliciting erythrophoric pigment concentration. 4. The ergot alkaloids and DA do not cause erythrophoric pigment concentration in vitro . Their actions in vivo appear to be mediated by the release of a red pigment-concentrating hormone from the neuroendocrine system.
Oral Perception: 1. Two-Point Discrimination

Various oral structures were evaluated in 25 normal subjects, in order to gather normative data for selected parameters of tactile perception. Results revealed a significant progression of maximal ...
Educating Generation X and Generation Y: Teaching Tips for Librarians

This article provides a list of helpful teaching tips for instructional librarians who need to meet the changing generational needs of their patrons. Specific generational qualities and attitudes of Generation X and Generation Y are discussed along with educational techniques and software recommendations. These tips are based on the authors' experiences at Drexel University's Hahnemann Library and Thomas Jefferson University's Scott Memorial Library, both of which are academic health sciences libraries.
Monitoring of unfolding and refolding in fungal phytase (phyA) by dynamic light scattering

Role of disulfide bridges in phytase's unfolding-refolding was probed using dynamic light scattering. Phytase was unfolded by guanidinium chloride and then refolded by removing the denaturant by dialysis. Thiol reagents prevented refolding; thus, disulfide bridge formation is an integral step in phytase folding. Catalytic demise of phytase after unfolding and refolding in presence of Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) indicates that disulfide bridges are necessary for refolding. The hydrodynamic radius (rh) of active and unfolded phytase is 4 and 14 nm, respectively. Removal of denaturant through dialysis refolds phytase; its rh shifts back to 4 nm. When TCEP remains in the refolding media, the rh remains high. The unfolded phytase when diluted in assay medium refolds as a function of time at 25 and 37 degrees C, but not at higher temperature. Monitoring rh under denaturing and renaturing condition gives an accurate measure of the folding status of phytase.
Community Colleges, the Media, and the Rhetoric of Inevitability

Community college practitioners frequently bemoan negative or stereotypical representations of community college students and community college life in general in the popular media. Saturday Night Live skits and satirical news reports in The Onion enjoy poking fun at community colleges, while mainstream news outlets often fail to challenge stereotypes of community colleges as lacking academic rigor. Those frustrated by these portrayals should know that the press overwhelmingly lauded 2 year colleges during the early decades of the “junior college” movement. Such reporting celebrated the new institutions' missions, and praised their speedy growth as components of public education. In fact, the press often implied that these new campuses reflected an inevitable step in the evolution of American higher education. This paper analyzes media reports about public 2 year colleges (at the time called junior colleges) published during the 1920s and 1930s. The term junior college is used in this historical review si...
Effects of logging and coarse woody debris harvest on lepidopteran communities in the eastern deciduous forest of North America

Expansion of biomass energy production using woody feedstocks is being accomplished through post-timber harvest removal of coarse woody debris > 10 cm. The effect of this management on forest Lepidoptera is poorly known. The present study aimed to determine whether forest lepidopteran diversity and species composition were affected by two silvicultural disturbances: timber harvest and post-logging removal of coarse woody debris > 10.0 cm in diameter. In 2014, Lepidoptera were sampled from nine forest stands subject to one of three management treatments: control (no manipulation at all), clear cut and partial retention of coarse woody debris (80% removal), and clear cut and complete removal of coarse woody debris. As expected, species richness and composition were significantly impacted by timber harvest. Subsequent removal of 80% or 100% coarse woody debris, however, did not affect specialists, detritivores and pollinators. The absence of an effect as a result of the removal of coarse woody debris could be a result of the limited number of replicate stands, small stand size and the limited range of retention treatments. We suggest, however, that retention of fine woody debris with a diameter < 10.0 cm and inclusion of unlogged stands in the forest landscape maintains some of the habitat elements necessary for Lepidoptera.
Registered Sex Offenders in the United States: Behind the Numbers

Although sex offender registration and notification policies have occupied an increasingly prominent place on state and federal crime control agendas, much policy discourse has occurred amid a dearth of reliable and relevant national data. This article presents the results of a study designed to broaden knowledge about the registered sex offender (RSO) population and the content of the nation's sex offender registries. The authors analyze state- level RSO populations across several dimensions, including levels of public Inter- net disclosure, RSO residential status, supervision status, and assigned risk levels. Findings suggest significant interstate variation across these dimen- sions, and indicate that the nation's RSO population is considerably more diverse and complex than commonly portrayed in the media and in policy debates. Implications for federal and state policies aimed at reforming the nation's sex offender registries are discussed.
High performance pattern matching with dynamic load balancing on heterogeneous systems

This paper presents an efficient parallel-and-distributed string matching scheme in a heterogeneous environment. The contribution of the proposed approach is in two-fold; exploiting a non-trivial parallelism in each node that possibly is SMP, and distributed processing with dynamic load balancing on a network-connected system. For the parallel processing in each node, a multithreaded computation model is designed and implemented with Java Threads. For the distributed processing, a dynamic load balancing method is developed and implemented with Java RMI. The proposed approach manipulates both exact string matching and approximate string matching with k-mismatches. Experimental results demonstrate that the approach is an efficient parallel-and-distributed solution to the problem in a clustered system that is either homogeneous or heterogeneous.
DCE-MRI Segmentation and Motion Correction Based on Active Contour Model and Forward Mapping

This paper presents an automatic method to segment and correct motion artifact on Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI). The breast region is segmented from DCE-MRI using mathematical morphology, region growing, and active contour models. The motion artifact presented in the image is then corrected by applying B-Spline curve fitting, active contour model and forward mapping algorithm. Our segmentation method has been tested on 72 DCR-MRI studies from 33 patients. The average segmentation accuracy was 96.76%, and the confidence interval was [95.55%, 97.97%] with p\lt0.05. Simulation and validation experiments for motion correction are working in progress. The detail experimental results will be presented at the conference. The paper represents work-in-progress in our effort to build a CAD system for breast DCE-MRI.
The 2.6 A resolution structure of Rhodobacter capsulatus bacterioferritin with metal-free dinuclear site and heme iron in a crystallographic 'special position'.

Bacterioferritin from Rhodobacter capsulatus was crystallized and its structure was solved at 2.6 A resolution. This first structure of a bacterioferritin from a photosynthetic organism is a spherical particle of 24 subunits displaying 432 point-group symmetry like ferritin and bacterioferritin from Escherichia coli. Crystallized in the I422 space group, its structural analysis reveals for the first time the non-symmetric heme molecule located on a twofold crystallographic symmetry axis. Other hemes of the protomer are situated on twofold noncrystallographic axes. Apparently, both types of sites bind heme in two orientations, leading to an average structure consisting of a symmetric 50:50 mixture, thus satisfying the crystallographic and noncrystallographic symmetry of the crystal. Five water molecules are situated close to the heme, which is bound in a hydrophobic pocket and axially coordinated by two crystallographic or noncrystallographically related methionine residues. Its ferroxidase center, in which FeII is oxidized to FeIII, is empty or fractionally occupied by a metal ion. Two positions are observed for the coordinating Glu18 side chain instead of one in the E. coli enzyme in which the site is occupied. This result suggests that the orientation of the Glu18 side chain could be constrained by this interaction.
Blue-light-induced infrared absorption in KNbO 3

We have used a high-finesse cavity to measure the cw intensity dependence and dynamics of blue-light-induced infrared absorption (BLIIRA) in KNbO3 crystals for blue-light intensities between 7 x 10^-4 and 2 x 10^4 W/cm^2. We discuss the detrimental effects of BLIIRA on the efficiency of intracavity frequency doubling and the threshold for parametric oscillation.