cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theory of disordered flux-line liquids

We study the equilibrium statics and nonequilibrium driven dynamics of flux-line liquids in the presence of a random pinning potential. Under the assumption of replica symmetry, we find in the static case using a replica Gaussian variational method that the only effect of disorder is to increase the tilt modulus and the confining ``mass'' of the internal modes of the flux lines, thus decreasing their thermal wandering. In the nonequilibrium driven case, we derive the long-scale, coarse-grained equation of motion of the vortices in the presence of disorder, which, apart from new Kardar-Parisi-Zhang nonlinearities, has the same form as the equation of motion for unpinned vortices, with renormalized coefficients. We also compute the structure factor of a disordered vortex liquid, and show that the disorder contributes an additive, Lorentzian squared term, to the structure factor of the center of mass mode, otherwise leaving the functional form of terms describing the internal modes unchanged. The expression of the static structure factor derived within our approach is consistent both with experimental data and with the standard theory of elasticity of vortices in high temperature superconductors.
Hemodynamic correlates of the third heart sound during the evolution of chronic heart failure

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the temporal relation between the development of a third heart sound during the course of evolving heart failure and associated hemodynamic abnormalities. Background. Although various theories have been proposed to explain the origin of the third heart sound, the exact origin of this sound remains unknown. Methods. Studies were performed in seven dogs in which heart failure was produced by multiple sequential intracoronary microembolizalions. Hemodynamic studies including ventriculography, pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography and intracardiac phonocardiography were performed at baseline, at the time a third heart sound was first heard and at 6 and 24 weeks after onset of the third heart sound. Results. All dogs developed a third heart sound at 9 ± 2 weeks after the initial embolization. The onset of the sound was accompanied by an increase in left ventricular chamber stiffness relative to the baseline value (0.25 ± 0.03 vs. 0.14 ± 0.01 mm Hg/ml) (p Conclusions. These data indicate that the onset of a third heart sound during the course of evolving heart failure occurs coincident with the development of increased left ventricular chamber stiffness and the manifestation of rapid deceleration of early mitral inflow velocity. These findings are consistent with a myocardial vibratory origin of this sound.
Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Food Allergies

The rates of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders appear to be increasing. The most common of these is eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) which is a clinicopathologic condition consisting of characteristic symptoms and endoscopic features accompanied by a pan-esophageal, acid resistant epithelial eosinophilia of greater than equal to 15 per high power field. Typical symptoms include dysphagia and abdominal pain. Typical endoscopic features include pallor, plaques, furrows, concentric rings. Complications include food impactions and strictures. EoE resolution with food elimination diets provides evidence that EoE is a food-antigen driven process. In vitro and microarray studies have identified specific immunologic factors underlying EoE pathogenesis. Other gastrointestinal manifestations of food intolerances/allergy include food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome.
The status of children in a liberal society

Conservative legislators in California recently have proposed a "Parent's Rights" amendment to the state constitution. One of the avowed purposes of the amendment is to make it more difficult than it now is for the state to intervene in cases in which parents use corporal punishment to discipline their children. Supporters of the amendment argue that parents should have the right to control their children without fear of state intervention. They argue that social agencies are often too quick to intervene, with the result that families are disrupted and children suffer emotional harm when removed from their parents for long periods of time. Opponents of the amendment predict that if it should become law, cases of childhood death due to parental abuse will dramatically rise due to the inability of state agencies to intervene when parents claim that they are merely attempting to "control" their children. The current debate in California raises an old but important ethical question: Under what conditions is it morally permissible for the state to coercively intervene in the family? It is one of the merits of David Archard's book is that he helps the reader to see the complexity of this question. In Part III ("Children, parents, family and state"), Archard points out that even if we make the traditional liberal assumptions that (a) it is desirable that children are brought up within families and (b) child-rearing families require privacy and autonomy in order to do this job adequately, there is still a great deal of room for debate about the appropriate conditions for state intervention. However, Archard forces the liberal both to clarify her language and to support both (a) and (b). For example, if family privacy refers to the right of parents to refuse unconsented intrusions into the family, then why is
Inactivation of macrophage nitric oxide synthase activity by NG-methyl-L-arginine.

.N = O synthase catalyzes the oxidation of one of the two chemically equivalent guanido nitrogens of L-arginine to nitric oxide (.N = O). NG-Methyl-L-arginine has been previously characterized as a potent competitive inhibitor of both major types of .N = O synthases. Initial rate kinetics were performed with a spectrophotometric assay based on the oxidation of oxy- to methemoglobin by .N = O. NG-Methyl-L-arginine was a competitive inhibitor of .N = O synthase activity derived from activated murine macrophages with a Ki of 6.2 microM. When the enzyme was pre-incubated in the presence of the required cofactors NADPH and tetrahydrobiopterin, time- and concentration-dependent irreversible inactivation of the activity was observed. At 37 degrees C the kinact was 0.050 min-1. This inactivation process exhibited substrate protection, saturation kinetics and required the cofactors necessary for enzymatic turnover. These data indicate that NG-methyl-L-arginine acts as a mechanism-based enzyme inactivator of murine macrophage .N = O synthase.
Development and performance of some porous cellulose acetate membranes for reverse osmosis desalination

The effects of casting solution composition and evaporation period on the performance of resulting porous cellulose acetate membranes have been studied, and the results are discussed in terms of casting solution structure, solvent evaporation rate during film formation, and the film shrinkage temperature profile. The development of Batch 316-type porous cellulose acetate membranes is reported. At 90% level of solute separation and feed flow conditions corresponding to a mass transfer coefficient of 45 × 10−4 cm/sec, the productivities of the above membranes are 21.5 gallons/day/ft2 at 250 psig using 3500 ppm of NaCl in the feed, and 53.9 gallons/day/ft2 at 600 psig using 5000 ppm of NaCl in the feed.
Culpable Control or Moral Concepts

Knobe argues in his target article that asymmetries in intentionality judgments can be explained by the view that concepts such as intentionality are suffused with moral considerations. We believe that the "culpable control" model of blame can account both for Knobe's side effect findings and for findings that do not involve side effects.
Clinical studies with a solid state fiberoptic oximeter

Abstract A new fiberoptic catheter oximeter with the capability of continuously measuring oxygen saturation and pressure for 72 hours is described. The in vitro calibration and the in vivo evaluation of this catheter appears to be satisfactory with a high correlation coefficient and a standard deviation of less than 2 percent. Problems with catheter size, blood clot formation on the catheter and special care to prevent destruction of the fibers are presented, as well as limitations in interpreting information obtained with this new technique. Despite these limitations, the data warrant the use of such a continuous reading instrument in selected critically ill patients.
Impaired placentation in fetal alcohol syndrome.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is one of the key features of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), and IUGR can be mediated by impaired placentation. Insulin-like growth factors (IGF) regulate placentation due to stimulatory effects on extravillous trophoblasts, which are highly motile and invasive. Previous studies demonstrated that extravillous trophoblasts express high levels of aspartyl-(asparaginyl) β-hydroxylase (AAH), a gene that is regulated by IGF and has a critical role in cell motility and invasion. The present study examines the hypothesis that ethanol impaired placentation is associated with inhibition of AAH expression in trophoblasts. Pregnant Long Evans rats were fed isocaloric liquid diets containing 0% or 37% ethanol by caloric content. Placentas harvested on gestation day 16 were used for histopathological, mRNA, and protein studies to examine AAH expression in relation to the integrity of placentation and ethanol exposure. Chronic ethanol feeding prevented or impaired the physiological conversion of uterine vessels required for expansion of maternal circulation into placenta, a crucial process for adequate placentation. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated significant reductions in IRS-1, IRS-2, and significant increases in IGF-II and IGF-II receptor mRNA levels in ethanol-exposed placentas. These abnormalities were associated with significantly reduced levels of AAH expression in trophoblastic cells, particularly within the mesometrial triangle (deep placental bed) as demonstrated by real time quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, ELISA, and immunohistochemical staining. Ethanol-impaired placentation is associated with inhibition of AAH expression in trophoblasts. This effect of chronic gestational exposure to ethanol may contribute to IUGR in FAS.
Fault emulation and test pattern generation using reconfigurable computing

This paper investigates the use of reconfigurable computing and readily available Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platforms to expedite the generation of input-patterns for testing integrated circuits after manufacture. In this paper, we describe our techniques that efficiently identify the fault locations and the most effective input patterns by leveraging the parallel nature of the FPGA hardware. Our result on benchmark circuits show that our approach is able to create the smallest test-set size for detection of nodes stuck-at high or low voltages.
Genome-wide expression profiling in the Drosophila eye reveals unexpected repression of notch signaling by the JAK/STAT pathway

Although the JAK/STAT pathway regulates numerous processes in vertebrates and invertebrates through modulating transcription, its functionally relevant transcriptional targets remain largely unknown. With one jak and one stat (stat92E), Drosophila provides a powerful system for finding new JAK/STAT target genes. Genome-wide expression profiling on eye discs in which Stat92E is hyperactivated, revealed 584 differentially regulated genes, including known targets domeless, socs36E, and wingless. Other differentially regulated genes (chinmo, lama, Mo25, Imp-L2, Serrate, Delta) were validated and may represent new Stat92E targets. Genetic experiments revealed that Stat92E cell-autonomously represses Serrate, which encodes a Notch ligand. Loss of Stat92E led to de-repression of Serrate in the dorsal eye, resulting in ectopic Notch signaling and aberrant eye growth there. Thus, our micro-array documents a new Stat92E target gene and a previously unidentified inhibitory action of Stat92E on Notch signaling. These data suggest that this study will be a useful resource for the identification of additional Stat92E targets. Developmental Dynamics 238:2235–2253, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Two proteins purified from lobster nerve extract; isolation and physicochemical characterization.

1. A protein component, fraction B, of lobster nerve extracts has been isolated and purified by differential ultracentrifugation and precipitation with zinc acetate. 2. Physicochemical data obtained from this protein and from fraction C are summarized. 3. Fraction B is present in lobster nerve extracts in higher concentration (relative to fraction A) than in blood. 4. A second component, fraction C, of sedimentation constant S 20 o = 13.2 has been isolated from lobster nerve extracts.
Weather and climate research with AIRS/AMSU

AIRS was launched on EOS Aqua on May 4, 2002, together with AMSU A and HSB, to form a next generation polar orbiting infrared and microwave atmospheric sounding system. The primary products of AIRS/AMSU/HSB are twice daily global fields of atmospheric temperature-humidity profiles, ozone profiles, sea/land surface skin temperature, and cloud related parameters including OLR. The sounding goals of AIRS are to produce 1 km tropospheric layer mean temperatures with an rms error of 1K, and 1 km tropospheric layer precipitable water with an rms error of 20%, in cases with up to 80% effective cloud cover. Pre-launch simulation studies indicated that these results should be achievable. Minor modifications have been made to the pre-launch retrieval algorithm as alluded to in this paper. Sample fields of parameters retrieved from AIRS/AMSU/HSB data are presented and temperature profiles are validated as a function of retrieved effective fractional cloud cover. As in simulation, the degradation of retrieval accuracy with increasing cloud cover is small. Select fields are also compared to those contained in the ECMWF analysis, done without the benefit of AIRS data, to demonstrate information that AIRS can add to that already contained in the ECMWF analysis with regard to daily, monthly mean, and interannual differences of monthly mean fields.
SU-E-I-58: Objective Models of Breast Shape Undergoing Mammography and Tomosynthesis Using Principal Component Analysis.

Purpose: To develop an objective model of the shape of the compressed breast undergoing mammographic or tomosynthesis acquisition. Methods: Automated thresholding and edge detection was performed on 984 anonymized digital mammograms (492 craniocaudal (CC) view mammograms and 492 medial lateral oblique (MLO) view mammograms), to extract the edge of each breast. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed on these edge vectors to identify a limited set of parameters and eigenvectors that. These parameters and eigenvectors comprise a model that can be used to describe the breast shapes present in acquired mammograms and to generate realistic models of breasts undergoing acquisition. Sample breast shapes were then generated from this model and evaluated. The mammograms in the database were previously acquired for a separate study and authorized for use in further research. Results: The PCA successfully identified two principal components and their corresponding eigenvectors, forming the basis for the breast shape model. The simulated breast shapes generated from the model are reasonable approximations of clinically acquired mammograms.Conclusions: Using PCA, we have obtained models of the compressed breast undergoing mammographic or tomosynthesis acquisition based on objective analysis of a large imagedatabase. Up to now, the breast in the CC view has been approximated as a semi‐circular tube, while there has been no objectively‐obtained model for the MLO view breast shape. Such models can be used for various breast imaging research applications, such as x‐ray scatter estimation and correction, dosimetry estimates, and computer‐aided detection and diagnosis.
A depression of ethanol consumption in rats as a result of intraperitoneal injections of pyrazole

When 12 rats were given intraperitoneal injections of pyrazole (6.6 mmole/kg), a depression of ethanol consumption occurred. Water consumption of experimental and control Ss was not significantly different. It was concluded that the depression effect occurred as a result of the pyrazole.
Patterns of recurrence following surgery alone for adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum

Two hundred and eighty patients with previously untreated large bowel adenocarcinoma were retrospectively evaluated following complete primary resection to determine patterns of recurrence. One hundred and five patients (37%) subsequently developed recurrent disease. Sixty percent (63/105) presented with local recurrence alone, 14% (15/105) with concomitant local recurrence and distant metastases, and 26% (27/105) with distant metastases alone. Ninety-two percent of local recurrences developed in structures contiguous to the operative area of the incision. The degree of tumor anaplasia and depth of tumor penetration into the bowel wall influenced the rate of local recurrence. Through 5 years, local recurrence without clinical evidence of distant metastases was the most common cause of death. Plans for adjuvant radiation therapy are discussed.
A lightweight approach to transparent sharing of familiar single-user editors

Special-purpose group editors remain underused despite significant work over the past two decades.This paper proposes a novel approach to transparently adapting familiar single-user editors for group editing without modifying their source code. It only needs to adapt single-user editors to support two simple interfaces that get and set their states; edit scripts are derived between document states by diffing and concurrent scripts are merged on the fly. The approach is significantly less expensive than recent alternatives because it no longer needs to translate editing operations at the windows event level. The users are free to use any editing commands and even heterogeneous single-user editors can be used in the same group editing task. This work is part of a project called intelligent collaboration transparency (ICT).
The Silent Majority: Manuscript Rejection and Its Impact on Scholars

Given high rejection rates at most journals, many academics receive rejections. For some scholars, rejections may be emotionally difficult and lead to decrements in creativity, productivity, and pr...
Globalization, the knowledge society, and the Network State: Poulantzas at the millennium

In State, Power, Socialism, Nicos Poulantzas conceptualized a state that materializes and concentrates power and displaces the class struggle from the economic to the political arena. In the past twenty years, much has changed. We argue that economic relations have been transformed by economic globalization, work reorganization, and the compression of space, time, and knowledge transmission through an information and communications revolution. Knowledge is far more central to production, and the locus of the relation between power and knowledge has moved out of the nation state that was so fundamental to Poulantzas’ analysis.
Effect of oral triiodothyronine during amiodarone treatment for ventricular premature complexes

Whether there is a link between the antiarrhythmic efficacy of amiodarone and its blocking effect on the peripheral conversion of tetraiodothyronine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) is uncertain. If such a link exists, oral intake of T3 during amiodarone treatment could reverse, at least partially, the antiarrhythmic efficacy of amiodarone. To assess the safety of oral intake of T3 during amiodarone treatment and gain further insight into the relation between the antiarrhythmic action of amiodarone and its metabolic effect on T4, 7 patients (aged 32 to 62 years) with multiple ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) but no underlying heart disease were studied. Antiarrhythmic treatment was indicated for symptomatic relief only. Each patient underwent a 48-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic recording, electrocardiography and thyroid function tests, including plasma T4, T3, reverse T3 (rT3), free T4, free T3 and thyroid-stimulating hormone without treatment (baseline) after 1 month of amiodarone therapy and after a second month of amiodarone therapy with increasing doses of oral T3 (up to 75 μg/day). Treatment with amiodarone resulted in a decrease in plasma T3 and free T3, an increase in plasma rT3, a marked diminution in the frequency of VPCs and a prolongation of the corrected QT interval (QTc). During treatment with amiodarone and T3, plasma T3 and free T3 increased and plasma T4, free T4 and rT3 levels decreased; the frequency of VPCs remained low despite shortening of the QTc to values not different from baseline. Thus, in patients with frequent VPCs and no underlying heart disease, oral intake of T3 during amiodarone treatment is safe and does not abolish the antiarrhythmic efficacy of amiodarone, despite a shortening of the QTc. This suggests the absence of a significant link between the antiarrhythmic efficacy of amiodarone and its metabolic effect on the peripheral metabolism of T4.
Glucose dysregulation associated with antidepressant agents: an analysis of 17 published case reports.

Aim of the review Although there are several case reports in literature linking use of antidepressants and disturbances in glucose control, it is difficult to identify risk factors for serious adverse drug events from individual case reports. The aim of this review is to provide a descriptive analysis of the demographic and clinical characteristics of published glucose dysregulation case reports following initiation of antidepressant agents. Methods Published case reports of glucose dysregulation associated with antidepressants were accessed through PubMed (Medline), PsycINFO, and Web of Science (WOS) between January 1, 1970 and April 30, 2010. The following key words were used: antidepressant agents, glucose dysregulation, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic ketoacidosis. Case reports were excluded if glucose dysregulation occurred after a drug overdose/improper dosing or after the patient was prescribed drugs known to cause glucose disturbances in addition to antidepressant agents. Results Out of the 17 cases reports reviewed, nine (53%) were of hyperglycemia while eight (47%) were of hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia was reported following treatment with clomipramine, fluvoxamine, imipramine, mianserin, mirtazapine, paroxetine, and sertraline. Hypoglycemia was reported following treatment with doxepine, fluoxetine, imipramine, nefazodone, nortriptyline, maprotiline, and sertraline. Fourteen out of the seventeen patients were female (82%) while ten had a history of diabetes mellitus (59%). The average age of the patients was 53.9 (SD = 17.5) years (range: 24–84 years). The time to onset of glucose dysregulation ranged from 4 days to 5 months after initiation of antidepressant therapy. More than two-thirds (68%) of the cases (n = 11) reported glucose control disturbances within 1 month of therapy. Conclusions It is not clear from published case reports whether changes in glucose regulation, following antidepressant therapy initiation are due to antidepressants or changes in mood and lifestyle. Nonetheless, healthcare providers should be aware of the potential changes in glucose regulation especially in the first month of antidepressant therapy, and use appropriate clinical and laboratory monitoring to prevent serious adverse events in patients at risk.
Evaluation of a gerontological nursing continuing education programme: effect on nurses' knowledge and attitudes and on patients' perceptions and satisfaction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a four-session (8-hour) gerontological nursing continuing education (CE) programme on nurses' knowlege of and attitudes towards the elderly. The study also sought to ascertain the effects of the CE programme on patient satisfaction with and perceptions of nursing care. Seventy-six nurses completed the Miller-Dodder Revision of the Palmore Facts on Ageing Quiz and the Kogan Attitudes Towards Old People Scale before and after participating in the CE programme. Post-test scores on both measures were slightly but significantly higher than pretest scores. Thirty hospitalized elderly patients were interviewed before and 33 were interviewed after the CE programme was offered to the nurses on their hospital units, using the LaMonica-Oberst Patient Satisfaction Scale and the Harrison-Novak Patient Perception Scale. Post-test measures of patient satisfaction and perception were not significantly different from pretest scores. Patients were generally satisfied with their nursing care, but perceived that nurses did not focus on health promotion activities. In addition, 59% of the patients indicated that they were unable to distinguish nurses from other health care providers. The article identifies implications of the study for nursing education, practice and research.
Background-free THz imaging using interferometric tomography

Summary form only given. THz imaging is an emerging technology that permits three-dimensional tomographic imaging of nonmetallic objects. Numerous applications have been demonstrated where THz imaging could be a valuable complement to existing technologies for noninvasive testing, including the detection of faults or delaminations in packaged integrated circuits and the location of air bubbles or cracks within polymer or ceramic parts. In many of these applications, the feature one wishes to detect is subtle, in the sense that its interaction with the single-cycle THz pulse imposes only a small additional distortion on the waveform. A good example is the detection of a delamination or disbonding between two surfaces. In many practical cases, the gap which opens up between the two surfaces is narrower than the coherence length of the THz pulse, and the waveform is little changed as a result. We report on the use of interferometry in combination with THz tomography, for improving the detectability of such subtle features. This idea has analogies to optical coherence tomography, in which the signal pulse, reflected off of the sample, is interfered with a reference wave to provide enhanced sensitivity.
Driver Trust, Annoyance, and Acceptance of an Automated Calendar System

Driver annoyance, trust, and workload were manipulated in a simulated driving task with an unreliable auditory calendar system side task while cardiovascular measures were collected. Participants performed a car-following task in either a difficult or easy driving condition while interacting with an automated voice calendar. The automated calendar system used a spoken alert to notify drivers as they approached a desired location (i.e., “pharmacy”). Reliability was manipulated at 90, 70, 50, and 30 percent correct prediction of the location. Drivers also experienced of one of four auditory alerts (none, 60, 75, or 90 dB SPL) designed to elicit subjective annoyance. Low-frequency hear rate variability (LF-HRV, 0.10 Hz band variance) was suppressed during high workload and differed between baseline driving and driving with the calendar system. LF-HRV suggested that cognitive effort was lower for more reliable systems with an alarm tone.
Intentionality in Parenting Styles of Parents and Student-Facilitators’ Reflections: A Hermeneutical-Deconstruction Analysis

In the context of a seminar-workshop on parenting styles, the intentionality of parent-participants and student-facilitators was explored over the goal of enhancing the welfare and functioning of children. Student-facilitators conducted learning activities and processed discussions on care and discipline issues. Using the mixed method, quantitative and qualitative analyses were drawn. A Likert scale measured democratic and authoritarian dimensions in parenting style. Through the lens of postmodern paradigm, the hermeneutic-deconstruction analysis illuminated the phenomena on parents’ understanding of parenting styles and student-facilitators’ learning outcomes based on their reflections. In conclusion, the celebration of special occasions is the ‘signified’ indicant of parents’ nurturing in the family. Responsiveness and communication are ‘signifiers’ (not emphasized /hidden). Their ‘folk belief’ concepts are operatives of mental states that reflect an authoritarian parenting style; but group-acknowledgements in discussions can move them to favor the democratic style. Parents value a norm-based rationality on discipline of children. In the deconstruction process unexpected events are laid bare. This contributes an authentic learning opportunity for students to expand a social consciousness that rouses the move for social action. Implications of a postmodern analytical approach to learning intervention for parents, and the pedagogic method of reflective analysis and social action are discussed. Keywords - intentionality, parenting style, hermeneuticalde construction analysis, pedagogy, social action
MBE growth and characterization of IV-VI semiconductor thin-film structures on (110) BaF2 substrates

Abstract PbSe thin film and PbSe/PbSrSe multiple quantum well (MQW) structures were successfully grown on (1 1 0) BaF2 substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. The average linewidth of the rocking curve from high-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements of the (2 2 0) reflection for the PbSe thin film was 60 arcsec, which indicates high crystalline quality. The dislocation density estimated from the rocking curve was 1×107 cm−2. Strong photoluminescence (PL) of the MQW structure at room temperature was observed. This PL signal was two times larger than those measured from a duplicate structure grown at the same time on a (1 1 1) BaF2 substrate. The energy bandgap of (1 1 0) PbSe follows the same temperature dependence as [1 0 0]- and [1 1 1]-orientated PbSe.
Outcome after posthemorrhagic ventriculomegaly in comparison with mild hemorrhage without ventriculomegaly.

The neurodevelopmental sequelae in 33 low birth weight neonates with moderate or severe hemorrhage and ventriculomegaly (VM group) and in 39 neonates with mild hemorrhage only (non-VM group) were evaluated prospectively. Both groups were comparable in birth weight, gestational age, and socioeconomic status. Ventriculoperitoneal shunts were inserted in 23 of the 33 VM group infants at a mean age of 26 days. Eighty-two shunt revisions were performed, for obstruction (71 revisions) or infection (11 revisions), in 18 of the 23 children. At a mean age of 50 months, 19 of 33 children in the VM group had sequelae; 14 children had moderate or severe neurologic deficits, and 5 children had mild sequelae. In the non-VM group, only 3 of 39 children had deficits, all of which were mild ( p p p p p
Elective cesarean delivery for women with a previous anal sphincter rupture.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate elective cesarean delivery for women with a history of anal sphincter rupture. Study design The effectiveness of cesarean delivery in parous women with a previous anal sphincter rupture was determined by decision analysis. The outcomes were excess cesarean deliveries and morbidity and mortality rates per prevented case of anal incontinence. Results We needed 2.3 cesarean deliveries to prevent one case of anal incontinence. A woman who chooses a cesarean delivery has a 11.3% risk of morbidity compared with a 4.2% risk for vaginal delivery (relative risk, 2.7; 95% CI, 2.6-2.8; P Conclusion Continent women with a previous anal sphincter rupture who are delivered vaginally are at high risk for permanent anal incontinence. Cesarean delivery will prevent most cases of anal incontinence, although marginally increasing maternal risk. The increased risk may be justified by the potential benefits. Patients should be counseled on these risks and benefits.
Serum levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 are decreased in women receiving oral contraceptives compared with normally menstruating women: implications in atherosclerosis.

Objective The primary objective was to assess whether short-term changes in estradiol (E 2 ), such as those observed in the menstrual cycle, alter serum levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), and whether VCAM-1 expression is suppressed in long-term users of exogenous estrogens. The secondary objective was to assess the association, if any, between inflammatory cytokines and expression of sVCAM-1. Design Prospective collection of serum samples in healthy volunteers. Setting University hospital. Patients(s) Thirty-one normally menstruating women and 37 oral contraceptive (OC) users. Interventions included serum collection in the early follicular, late follicular, and midluteal phases of the menstrual cycle and once in oral contraceptive users. Main Outcome Measure(s) Samples were assayed for sVCAM-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-6 by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Estradiol (E 2 ) was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Result(s) Oral contraceptive users had significantly lower serum levels of sVCAM-1 compared with normally menstruating women. No significant change was noted in the mean values of sVCAM-1 throughout the menstrual cycle, despite the significant change in 17β-estradiol levels. Throughout the menstrual cycle, a significant correlation was noted between the serum levels of TNF-α and sVCAM-1. The serum levels of IL-6 correlated with those of sVCAM-1 in the late follicular and midluteal phase of the cycle. Similar correlations were observed in OC users. Conclusion(s) Long-term exposure to exogenous estrogens suppresses serum levels of sVCAM-1. Short-term changes in endogenous estrogens, as observed during the menstrual cycle, may not alter VCAM-1 expression; TNF-α and IL-6 may play a role in the regulation of VCAM-1 expression in vivo.
Lung function changes in asthmatic children treated with HFA‐BDP

Study Objectives Asthma guidelines suggest that normal or near normal lung function should be one of the goals for good asthma control. Therefore, children with chronic persistent asthma and reduced peripheral airway function were assessed after the replacement of conventional inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) with an extrafine aerosol formulation, hydrofluoroalkane–134a beclomethoasone diproprionate (HFA-BDP). Design and Setting Lung function and clinical details were studied in children with moderate persistent asthma who regularly attended the pediatric pulmonary outpatient clinic at Kosair Children's Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. Subjects A total of 20 children, 7 girls and 13 boys, with stable asthma but reduced forced expiratory flows between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25–75) were included in the study. Intervention After the initial assessment, each subject was switched from conventional ICS to HFA-BDP. All other medications remained the same. Reassessment of lung function and clinical status was performed at least 3 weeks after the intervention. Results FEF25–75 increased from a mean of 50.75% to 68.85% predicted (P < 0.001). Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) also increased significantly from 84.6% to 93.8% predicted (P = 0.001). No changes asthma symptoms were observed. Conclusion Compared to conventional ICS, the use of HFA-BDP in asthmatic children significantly improves airflow in both the large and the peripheral airways without loss of asthma control. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:837–841. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Linker effect in organic donor–acceptor dyes for p-type NiO dye sensitized solar cells

Three organic donor–acceptor dyes with different bridging ligands are reported for p-type NiO dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The 3,4-ethoxythiophene linker outperforms thiophene and phenyl groups giving the best solar cell performance with Jsc = 1.74 mA cm−2, Voc = 90 mV, FF = 0.38, and an efficiency of 0.060%.
Mechanism underlying mechanical dysfunction in the border zone of left ventricular aneurysm: a finite element model study.

Abstract Background . The global left ventricular dysfunction characteristic of left ventricular aneurysm is associated with muscle fiber stretching in the adjacent noninfarcted (border zone) region during isovolumic systole. The mechanism of this regional dysfunction is poorly understood. Methods . An anteroapical transmural myocardial infarct was created by coronary arterial ligation in an adult Dorset sheep and was allowed to mature into left ventricular aneurysm for 10 weeks. The animal was imaged subsequently using magnetic resonance imaging with simultaneous recording of intraventricular pressures. A realistic mathematical model of the three-dimensional ovine left ventricle with an anteroapical aneurysm was constructed from multiple short-axis and long-axis magnetic resonance imaging slices at the beginning of diastolic filling. Results . Three model simulations are presented: (1) normal border zone contractility and normal aneurysmal material properties; (2) greatly reduced border zone contractility (by 50%) and normal aneurysmal material properties; and (3) greatly reduced border zone contractility (by 50%) and stiffened aneurysmal material properties (by 1000%). Only the latter two simulations were able to reproduce experimentally observed stretching of border zone fibers during isovolumic systole. Conclusions . The mechanism underlying mechanical dysfunction in the border zone region of left ventricular aneurysm is primarily the result of myocardial contractile dysfunction rather than increased wall stress in this region.
Simulations Technologies in the Mission Operational Environment

This paper proposes a methodotogy for applying sim ulation technology to the monitoring and control of operations, focusing on the use of intelligent agents. These agents monitor the course of the real operation and compare it with the near-real-time simulation of that operation. When these agents detect significant differences between the planned operation and the real operation, they explore the discrepancies to determine the impact on the desired outcome of the operation. These agents can launch additional simulations or other tools to make this determination. In cases in which the success of the plan is threatened, the agents advise the decision maker. The contributions of this research are (1) to help identify the requirements for a simulation designed for use during operations and (2) the development of a methodology for using sim ulation, along with rational agents, to compare the real, ongoing operation with the planned operation and make recommendations when appropriate. While several training si...
Sensory Quality of Selected Sweeteners: Unbaked and Baked Flour Doughs

Sucrose, fructose, aspartame, acesulfame K, sodium saccharin, and calcium cyclamate were studied in unbaked and baked shortbreadtype cookies. Sweeteners were evaluated for initial, maximum, and residual sweetness intensity and nonsweet aftertaste for effects of lemon and vanilla flavor on sweetness character. Type of sweetener influenced sweetness quality in unbaked and baked cookies. Intensities and sweetness profiles for the six sweeteners differed between unbaked and baked cookies, particularly for aspartame. Sweetness of sucrose and saccharin were perceived similarly in baked cookies, but they differed in quality and intensity of nonsweet aftertaste. Flavor did not affect initial, maximum, or residual sweetness but nonsweet aftertaste was less intense in lemon and plain unbaked cookies than in vanilla-flavored unbaked cookies.
Balloon-borne, high-altitude gravimetry

Abstract Gravity measurements from a high-altitude balloon can verify global and upward-continued gravity models. A gravimeter suspended beneath a balloon is in a dynamic, and largely unpredictable, environment sensing accelerations due to gravity and balloon motions. Independent measurements of balloon motions using inertial navigation data combined with ground tracking data will allow for separation of balloon-induced accelerations from gravitational accelerations. Analysis of these data must estimate: 1) vertical gravimeter accelerations due to motion and gravity, 2) horizontal velocity to estimate the Eotvos effect, and 3) gravimeter position for comparison with gravity models. The first engineering test flight occurred on 11 October 1983, during the seasonal wind reversal and was very successful. Flight duration was approximately seven hours, with two hours of data collected at each of 30 km and 26 km altitudes. The results include gravity estimates, design criteria for future flights and feasibility analysis for vertical gravity profiles during ascent and descent.
Does Thyrotropin Cleave Its Cognate Receptor

A recent report of major pathophysiological significance, and opposed to present concepts, is that TSH (but not MS-1, a hamster monoclonal thyroid-stimulating antibody), cleaves the single-chain TSH receptor (TSHR) on the cell surface into its two-subunit form. We reassessed the issue using two approaches. First we wished to confirm the flow-cytometric assay previously used to quantitate TSHR cleavage. We used CHO cell lines expressing large (TSHR-10,000 cells) or conventional (TSHR-0 cells) numbers of TSHR. Cells were preincubated (16 h) in either control medium or medium supplemented with TSH (5 × 10−8 m) or MS-1 (10 μg/ml). After stringent washing to maximize removal of residual ligand, we performed flow cytometry with two antibodies, one recognizing only the single-chain TSHR, the other recognizing all (cleaved and uncleaved) TSHRs. TSH pretreatment did not appear to increase TSHR cleavage. Instead we observed ligand occupancy of the TSHR (with MS-1) or fewer receptors on the cell surface (down-regula...
Sulfhydryl groups in urocanase: Relationship to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide binding☆

Abstract This study concerned the role of the sulfhydryl groups in urocanase of Pseudomonas putida . When p -chloromercuribenzoate was added to the enzyme, two sulfhydryl groups reacted at once with little inhibition; the enzyme slowly became inhibited while further sulfhydryls reacted. After the p -chloromercuribenzoate inhibition occurred, if a thiol was subsequently added, most of the original activity was recovered. As the incubation time with p -chloromercuribenzoate was increased, the thiol became less effective in reversing the inhibition. However, if NAD + (10 μ m ) was added with the thiol, 60–90% of the initial activity was restored even after long p -chloromercuribenzoate incubations. Restoration of activity by NAD + was concentration dependent and specific for NAD + . Radioactive NAD + could be bound to urocanase. These results confirm the coenzyme role for NAD + in urocanase. In urea, p -chloromercuribenzoate titration of urocanase measured 11.9 -SH groups per molecule. Sulfite-modified enzyme treated with p -chloromercuribenzoate and dialyzed was substantially photoactivated in the presence of a thiol; that is, NAD + was not required to restore activity. From these results, it is proposed that this enzyme contains two reactive —SH groups and that an essential —SH group is involved in NAD + binding. Forces present in the sulfite-modified enzyme prevent the release of the NAD + in the presence of mercurials.
Effects of grain size and test temperature on ductility and fracture behavior of A B-doped Ni3Al alloy

Abstract Effect of grain size on ductility and fracture behavior of boron-doped Ni3Al (Ni-23A1-0.5Hf, at.%) was studied by tensile tests using a strain rate of 3.3 × 10−3S−1 at temperatures to 1000°C under a high vacuum of
Multi-tenancy on GPGPU-based servers

While GPUs have become prominent both in high performance computing and in online or cloud services, they still appear as explicitly selected 'devices' rather than as first class schedulable entities that can be efficiently shared by diverse server applications. To combat the consequent likely under-utilization of GPUs when used in modern server or cloud settings, we propose 'Rain', a system level abstraction for GPU "hyperthreading" that makes it possible to efficiently utilize GPUs without compromising fairness among multiple tenant applications. Rain uses a multi-level GPU scheduler that decomposes the scheduling problem into a combination of load balancing and per-device scheduling. Implemented by overriding applications' standard GPU selection calls, Rain operates without the need for application modification, making possible GPU scheduling methods that include prioritizing certain jobs, guaranteeing fair shares of GPU resources, and/or favoring jobs with least attained GPU services. GPU multi-tenancy via Rain is evaluated with server workloads using a wide variety of CUDA SDK and Rodinia suite benchmarks, on a multi-GPU, multi-core machine typifying future high end server machines. Averaged over ten applications, GPU multi-tenancy on a smaller scale server platform results in application speedups of up to 1.73x compared to their traditional implementation with NVIDIA's CUDA runtime. Averaged over 25 pairs of short and long running applications, on an emulated larger scale server machine, multi-tenancy results in system throughput improvements of up to 6.71x, and in 43% and 29.3% improvements in fairness compared to using the CUDA runtime and a naive fair-share scheduler.
The Internal Conversion Electrons of Several Short-Lived Neutron Induced Radioactivities

Accurate values of the transition energy were measured for seven neutron-induced radioactivities using a permanent magnet beta-ray spectrograph. A special vacuum gate permitted the introduction of short-lived samples within twelve seconds after the end of bombardment without disturbing the vacuum in the spectrograph. Transition energies, accurate to about one percent, were determined as follows: cesium (3 hr.) 128.0 kev, cobalt (10.7 min.) 58.9 kev, columbium (6.6 min.) 41.5 kev, dysprosium (1.3 min.) 109.0 kev, dysprosium (2.6 hr.) 87.8 kev, iridium (1.5 min.) 57.4 kev, thulium (120 day) 84.8 kev. For the five isomeric transitions, approximate values of the relative intensities of the electron lines were determined, and an assignment was made of the multipole order of the radiation, assuming electric multipole radiation.
Design and evaluation of the rollback chip: special purpose hardware for Time Warp

Existing approaches to implement state saving are not appropriate for large Time Warp programs. The authors propose a component called the rollback chip (RBC) that efficiently implements state saving. Such a component could be used in a programmable, special purpose parallel discrete event simulation engine based on Time Warp. The algorithms implemented by the rollback chip are described, as well as mechanisms that allow efficient implementation. Results of simulation studies are presented that show that the rollback chip can virtually eliminate the state saving and rollback overheads that plague current software implementations of Time Warp. >
Observatory changes hands

The Carnegie Institution of Washington (D.C.) announced on January 5 that it will transfer control of the Mount Wilson Observatory, which it has managed since 1904, to the Mount Wilson Institute, a private group established in 1986. The Mount Wilson Institute's board is made up of representatives from the Carnegie Institution, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, U.S. Forest Service, the southern California business community, and the astronomy departments of the University of Southern California and University of California, Los Angeles.