cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The dialectic between expert knowledge and professional discretion: accreditation, social control and the limits of instrumental logic

Cycles of reform have been a constant feature of engineering education. This study suggests that these cycles are endemic because engineering begins with a particularly instrumental conception of responsible preparation. The instrumental logic of engineering repeatedly undermines educational reforms seeking to cultivate the capacities for discretionary interpretation and judgment at the root of professional practice. Using interviews with faculty at two new engineering colleges in the United States, we show how this instrumental logic once again leads to retreat from educational reform. Beginning with criticisms of engineering's failure to produce innovative and socially responsible engineers, new engineering schools attempted to address directly the limitations of instrumental rationality by creating curricula that would immerse students from the very outset of their engineering education in the ambiguous work of client-defined problem-solving. Rather than begin with the expertise grounded in mathematics...
Large scale atomistic simulation of size effects during nanoindentation: Dislocation length and hardness

Abstract The present paper studies the size effects during nanoindentation in Ni thin films using large scale atomistic simulation. The main focus of this paper is to evaluate the available theoretical models of size effects during nanoindentation using atomistic simulation. First, the dislocation nucleation and evolution in the simulated samples are studied. In the next step, the plastic zone size is obtained for each sample at several indentation depths incorporating the dislocation visualization. The results show that the plastic zone size divided by the contact radius is not a constant factor and varies as the indentation depth changes. The total length of dislocations located in the plastic zone is measured in the simulated samples and compared to that of the corresponding theoretical models. The results obtained from the atomistic simulation verify the theoretical predictions of the dislocation length. Next, the variation of hardness obtained directly from the molecular dynamics outputs, which is the indentation force over the contact area, is studied. In the case of conical indenter, the theoretical predictions of hardness have been verified using both experiments and simulations, and the current simulation shows the same trend, i.e. the hardness decreases as the indentation depth increases. However, in the cases of flat indenters, the theoretical models have not been validated using any experiments or simulations. Here, in the cases of flat indenters, the simulation results verify the theoretical predictions of hardness. They show that the hardness increases as the indentation depth increases. The variation of dislocation density as a function of indentation depth is then studied. In the case of nanoindentation experiment, the validity of Taylor hardening model, i.e. the relation between the hardening and dislocation density, which has not been previously studied with full atomistic details, is investigated. Accordingly, the hardness obtained directly from the simulation is compared with the one calculated from the dislocation density and theoretical size effects models.
Managing Six Sigma projects through the integration of Six Sigma and project management processes

While Six Sigma concepts and tools have established proven practices and have demonstrated their worth within industry, the variation and style in which the Six Sigma projects are formulated and executed leaves much opportunity for continued development. The purpose of this paper is to propose a practical framework for integrating conventional project management process groups, as established by the Project Management Institute and Six Sigma DMAIC methodologies. The goal of the proposed framework is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness with which Six Sigma projects are initiated, planned, executed and closed. The expected results of the paper will introduce and elaborate on the new model for the integration and application of Six Sigma and project management methods. This paper will conclude with recommendations of the future work needed to validate the model.
Simplifying polygonal models using successive mappings

We present the use of mapping functions to automatically generate levels of detail with known error bounds for polygonal models. We develop a piece-wise linear mapping function for each simplification operation and use this function to measure deviation of the new surface from both the previous level of detail and from the original surface. In addition, we use the mapping function to compute appropriate texture coordinates if the original map has texture coordinates at its vertices. Our overall algorithm uses edge collapse operations. We present rigorous procedures for the generation of local planar projections as well as for the selection of a new vertex position for the edge collapse operation. As compared to earlier methods, our algorithm is able to compute tight error bounds on surface deviation and produce an entire continuum of levels of detail with mappings between them. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm on several models: a Ford Bronco consisting of over 300 parts and 70,000 triangles, a textured lion model consisting of 49 parts and 86,000 triangles, and a textured, wrinkled torus consisting of 79,000 triangles.
Splenectomy reduces infarct volume and neuroinflammation in male but not female mice in experimental stroke

The peripheral immune response contributes to neurodegeneration after stroke yet little is known about how this process differs between males and females. The current study demonstrates that splenectomy prior to experimental stroke eliminates sex differences in infarct volume and activated brain monocytes/microglia. In the periphery of both sexes, activated T cells correlate directly with stroke outcome while monocytes are reduced by splenectomy only in males. This study provides new information about the sex specific mechanisms of the peripheral immune response in neurodegeneration after stroke and demonstrates the need for representation of both sexes in basic and clinical stroke research.
Neogene avian and mammalian tracks from Death Valley National Monument, California: Their context, classification and preservation

Abstract The Copper Canyon Formation consists of over 3000 m of basalt and alluvial fan and lacustrine strata deposited in a small Neogene basin. Lacustrine strata are of two typs: fine-grained dolomitic carbonates deposited in a playa-lake environment and calcitic bioclastic carbonates deposited in a freshwater lake environment. Bedding surfaces of the playa-lake carbonates deposited in shoreline environments commonly contain avian and mammalian footprints. Tracks of artiodactyls are most abundant; those of birds, horses, carnivores and proboscideans are less common. Using the binomial avian and mammalian footprint classification scheme of Vialov (1966) , four different mammalian ichnogenera containing thirteeen ichnospecies, as well as six ichnospecies of avian tracks are recognized. Environmental factors of the ancient Copper Canyon playa-lake which contributed to good footprint preservation included: (1) periods of flooding and intense evaporation which resulted in receding shorelines that presented wet, fine-grained sediment surfaces for impression and subsequent subaerial exposure; and (2) periodically high sedimentation rates which insured quick burial of the tracks. While vertebrate footprints also occur in sandstones and conglomerates deposited in alluvial fan environments, the morphological distinctness of tracks is best preserved in fine-grained dolomitic carbonate and siltstone strata deposited in the playa-lake environment. Distinctness of preserved tracks also increases with apparent decrease, within a certain range, of sediment water content at the time of impression. An examination of preserved morphologies has allowed several sediment water content states important to footprint preservation to be deduced. Changes in sediment water content at the time of impression acted to produce a wide range of track morphologies for each individual trackmaker. An examination of track abundance and occurrence within the formation suggests increasing visitation by larger vertebrates to the playa-lake as lake water freshened. The rare ocurrence of tracks of small mammals and low amount of vertebrate bioturbation within the playa deposits also suggests that the ancient Copper Canyon playa-lake lacked a resident vertebrate population of its own, probably receiving only migrating visitors seeking food and water. The footprints in the Copper Canyon Formation reflect part of the wide diversity of vertebrates present in southern California during the Hemphillian.
Matrix Assisted Ionization Vacuum (MAIV), a New Ionization Method for Biological Materials Analysis Using Mass Spectrometry *

The introduction of electrospray ionization (ESI) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) for the mass spectrometric analysis of peptides and proteins had a dramatic impact on biological science. We now report that a wide variety of compounds, including peptides, proteins, and protein complexes, are transported directly from a solid-state small molecule matrix to gas-phase ions when placed into the vacuum of a mass spectrometer without the use of high voltage, a laser, or added heat. This ionization process produces ions having charge states similar to ESI, making the method applicable for high performance mass spectrometers designed for atmospheric pressure ionization. We demonstrate highly sensitive ionization using intermediate pressure MALDI and modified ESI sources. This matrix and vacuum assisted soft ionization method is suitable for the direct surface analysis of biological materials, including tissue, via mass spectrometry.
Comparative utilization of d- and l-methionine by the white pekin duckling (Anas platyrhynchos)

1. 1. White Pekin ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos) were fed a sulfur amino acid-deficient corn-peanut meal basal diet supplemented with either d- or l-methionine (MET) at levels of 0,0.04, 0.08, or 0.16%. 2. 2. Although liver and kidney d-amino acid oxidase activities were induced in birds fed d-MET, their weight gains were only approximately 78% of those fed l-MET at each level of supplementation. 3. 3. Ducklings fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.08 or 0.16% d-MET had significantly (P<0.05) higher plasma MET levels than birds fed an equimolar amount of l-MET. 4. 4. It was concluded that d-MET was a less efficacious source of dietary MET activity than l-MET for White Pekin ducklings.
Effects of surface roughness on plasma sheath

In this experiment, sheath potential profiles are measured over smooth (R a a = 9.08 um) wall material samples of AX05-grade boron nitride. Argon plasmas are generated at 1.0 ° 10−4 Torr-Ar using a multidipole-type plasma device. Wall material samples are positioned within the plasma and heated using an enclosed radiative sample heater. The sheath potential profiles are measured with emissive probes, and electron number densities and temperatures are measured in the bulk plasma with a planar Langmuir probe. Plasma number densities are roughly 3 × 1012 m −3 . The electron energy distribution of the plasma is non-Maxwellian, with isotropic and directed energetic electron populations from 70 – 150 eV and hot and cold Maxwellian populations from 3.4 – 6.4 eV and 0.3 – 1.3 eV, respectively. Plasma Debye lengths range from 3 to 6 mm and ion-neutral mean free paths are maintained at least two orders of magnitude greater in order to study the collisionless sheath regime. Sheath thicknesses range from approximately 30 to 60 mm, and are smaller in the collapsed sheaths. For both rough and smooth samples, increased primary electron energy is seen to affect a transition in the sheath structure to a collapsed profile. Secondary electron emission (SEE) is inferred as the mechanism for the transition in accordance with prevalent theory. Increased surface roughness causes the sheath to transition at higher plasma electron energies, believed due to decreased SEE from geometrical obstruction of escaping electrons. When rough and smooth wall are in the same sheath regime, sheaths are similar within the measured precision.
Charter schools, choice, and distributive justice: What evidence do we need?:

This article looks at charter schools from the perspective of distributive justice. It suggests three principles of distributive justice that should be satisfied by schools: the adequacy principle, the equity principle, and the communicative principle. It also sketches the justice argument for charter schools and uses the three principles to examine it. The focus of the article concerns the kinds of evidence required to decide if charter schools promote distributive justice. It argues that a focus on distributive justice helps to formulate a suitably broad view of what evidence is required that serves as a corrective to the excessive emphasis on test scores that characterizes much of the empirical work on school reform. The article also considers the claim that charter schools are more effective than other public schools because they create competition. It argues that an alternative explanation of their (alleged) success is that they are more communal.
Be prepared [sociotechnical systems in disaster environments]

Discusses the simulation of sociotechnical systems in disaster environments to anticipate robot and human responses.
Social Categorization and the Formation of Intergroup Attitudes in Children

The study was designed to test several hypotheses derived from intergroup theory concerning the effects of the presence of a novel social category on the formation of intergroup attitudes. Elementary school children (N = 61; aged 6-9) were given measures of classification skill and self-esteem and assigned to 1 of 3 types of school classrooms in which teachers made: (1) functional use of "blue" and "yellow" groups assigned on the basis of a biological attribute, (2) functional use of "blue" and "yellow" groups assigned on the basis of a random drawing, or (3) no explicit groups (despite the presence of blue and yellow groups). After 4 weeks, children completed measures of intergroup attitudes and behavior. As predicted, the functional use of color groups affected children's attitudes toward group members, with children showing consistent biases favoring their own group. Children with higher levels of self-esteem showed higher levels of intergroup stereotyping.
Rapid methods for concurrent measurement of the RF-pulse flip angle and the longitudinal relaxation time.

Measuring both the flip angle (FA) and the longitudinal relaxation time T1 is essential in quantitative and longitudinal studies because the signal amplitude is dependent on these quantities. Conventional methods can only measure one of them at a time and require long scan times. In this work, two mutually consistent methods are developed; each can acquire multislice data for determining both the FA and T1 in a scan time about half the time needed for a conventional FA measurement. On the basis of a recent development of longitudinal-relaxation measurement (Hsu and Lowe, J Magn Reson 2004;169:270–278; Hsu and Glover, J Magn Reson 2006;181:98–106), one of the methods uses RF pulse trains of two FAs whereas the other uses pulse trains of different pulse spacing. When only the FA or T1 is needed, the present methods can still be faster than conventional methods for the needed quantity. In benchmarking with a uniform-density sample, both methods generate precise T1 values independent of the FA chosen (except at and near 90°). In the demonstration with three normal volunteers at 3 T, the T1 values of frontal and occipital white matter, putamen, and caudate are compared; the T1 values are in agreement with literature values and the intrasubject deviation is 0.2%–2.8%. Magn Reson Med, 61:1319–1325, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of parathyroid hormone on phosphate reabsorption in the presence of acetazolamide

Effect of parathyroid hormone on phosphate reabsorption in the presence of acetazolamide. The hypothesis that parathyroid hormone and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have a common mechanism or site of action on phosphate reabsorption by the renal tubule was tested by administration of parathyroid hormone in the absence and presence of acetazolamide in thyroparathyroidectomized dogs. Re-collection micropuncture and electron probe microanalysis methodologies were utilized. In the absence of acetazolamide, parathyroid hormone increased fractional delivery of phosphate (and volume) from the proximal tubule from 28 ± 2 to 38 ± 3%, P Effet de l'hormone parathyroidienne sur la reabsorption du phosphate en presence d'acetazolamide. L'hypothese selon laquelle l'hormone parathyroidienne et les inhibiteurs de l'anhydrase carbonique partagent un meme mecanisme ou un meme site d'action sur la reabsorption du phosphate par le tube renal a ete etudiee au moyen de l'administration d'hormone parathyroidienne en l'absence et en presence d'acetazolamide chez des chiens thyroparathyroidectomises. Les recollections de microponctions et la microsonde electronique ont ete utilisees. En l'absence d'acetazolamide, l'hormone parathyroidienne augmente le debit fractionnel de phosphate (et d'eau) qui quitte le tube proximal de 28 ± 2% a 38 ± 3%; P
CTNS Mutations in African American Patients with Cystinosis

Abstract Cystinosis, an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder, is rarely diagnosed in African Americans. The disease results from mutations in the gene CTNS ; at least 55 such mutations have been reported. By far the most common is a 57,257-bp deletion of Northern European origin encompassing most of the CTNS gene. We performed mutation analysis on DNA from four African American patients with cystinosis. In one individual with classical, nephropathic cystinosis, we identified a new molecular defect, i.e., a homozygous GT→CC substitution at the +5 position of IVS 5 of CTNS (IVS 5+5 GT→CC). The out-of-frame splicing of exon 5 creates a null allele consistent with the patient's severe phenotype. Two patients were heterozygous and one homozygous for the common 57-kb deletion allele, reflecting the admixture of African and Northern European gene pools in North America. The two African Americans heterozygous for the 57-kb deletion were also hemizygous for a 928G→A change, associated with ocular or nonnephropathic cystinosis. These two individuals are the only known African Americans with ocular cystinosis. We conclude that the diagnosis of cystinosis should be entertained in African Americans with symptoms of the disease, and that mutation analysis for the 57-kb deletion should be considered in this group of patients.
Source of pyrrole-2-car☐ylate in mammalian urine

Abstract Pyrrole-2-car☐ylate, earlier reported in human urine and labeled in rat urine after administration of radioactive proline, arises more directly from labeled hydroxyproline. Antibiotic treatment appeared to exclude epimerization of administered hydroxy- L -proline to a D -epimer by intestinal bacteria. A likely reaction for the in vivo conversion is hydroxy- L -proline oxidation by the L -amino acid oxidase of rat kidney, demonstrable with purified enzyme. Crystalline D -amino acid oxidase also catalyzes a slow oxidation of hydroxy- L -proline. These two reactions are adequate to account for the normal excretion of pyrrole-2-car☐ylate by a number of species.
Corpus-based Approaches to Issues in Applied Linguistics

L'A. illustre des techniques d'analyse du discours basee sur un corpus dans trois domaines de la recherche appliquee: -la grammaire anglaise, -la lexicographie, -le changement de registre
Theoretical investigation of the transverse optical force between a silicon nanowire waveguide and a substrate

We present a study of transverse optical forces arising in a freestanding silicon nanowire waveguide. A theoretical framework is provided for the calculation of the optical forces existing between a waveguide and a dielectric substrate. The force is evaluated using a numerical procedure based on finite-element simulations. In addition, an analytical formalism is developed which allows for a simple approximate analysis of the problem. We find that in this configuration optical forces on the order of pN can be obtained, sufficient to actuate nano-mechanical devices.
The associations of adiposity, physical activity and inflammation with fatigue in older adults

Abstract Persistent feelings of fatigue are a widespread complaint reported by older adults, and are associated with detriments in health and quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of weight status, habitual physical activity and inflammation, after controlling for common psychosocial variables such as depression, on perceptions of fatigue in relatively healthy older adults. Older men and women ( N = 182, age = 69.2 ± 6.7 years, 98 men) were assessed for adiposity via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, physical activity (PA) using accelerometers, systemic inflammation [serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), sIL-6R and WBC count], fatigue according to the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), sleep using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and depression via the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Men and women reported similar levels of fatigue in all dimensions ( p > 0.05) except women reported higher levels of mental fatigue than men ( p = 0.049). With the exception of mental fatigue, adiposity was positively, and physical activity was inversely associated with all other dimension of fatigue ( r range = 0.20–0.42, and −0.18 to −0.37, respectively). CRP, IL-6 and WBC were also related to several dimensions of fatigue ( r range = 0.15–0.26). Regression analyses revealed that after controlling for other factors, including depression and sleep quality, adiposity independently explained a significant amount of the variance in general and physical fatigue. In addition to depression and sleep quality, adiposity may represent a potential target for reducing fatigue in older adults.
Levels of Bcl-2 and P53 are altered in superior frontal and cerebellar cortices of autistic subjects.

1.Autistic disease (AD) is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder affecting 2–4 children per 10,000. We have recently shown reduction of Bcl-2 and increase in P53, two important markers of apoptosis, in parietal cortex of autistic subjects.
A Sensitive and Selective Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Quantitative Analysis of Efavirenz in Human Plasma

A selective and a highly sensitive method for the determination of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), efavirenz, in human plasma has been developed and fully validated based on high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Sample preparation involved protein precipitation followed by one to one dilution with water. The analyte, efavirenz was separated by high performance liquid chromatography and detected with tandem mass spectrometry in negative ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring. Efavirenz and ¹³C₆-efavirenz (Internal Standard), respectively, were detected via the following MRM transitions: m/z 314.20243.90 and m/z 320.20249.90. A gradient program was used to elute the analytes using 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile as mobile phase solvents, at a flow-rate of 0.3 mL/min. The total run time was 5 min and the retention times for the internal standard (¹³C₆-efavirenz) and efavirenz was approximately 2.6 min. The calibration curves showed linearity (coefficient of regression, r>0.99) over the concentration range of 1.0-2,500 ng/mL. The intraday precision based on the standard deviation of replicates of lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 9.24% and for quality control (QC) samples ranged from 2.41% to 6.42% and with accuracy from 112% and 100-111% for LLOQ and QC samples. The inter day precision was 12.3% and 3.03-9.18% for LLOQ and quality controls samples, and the accuracy was 108% and 95.2-108% for LLOQ and QC samples. Stability studies showed that efavirenz was stable during the expected conditions for sample preparation and storage. The lower limit of quantification for efavirenz was 1 ng/mL. The analytical method showed excellent sensitivity, precision, and accuracy. This method is robust and is being successfully applied for therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies in HIV-infected patients.
Effect of Inbreeding on Broiler Weights and Feathering in the Fowl

Abstract SEVERAL studies have been conducted on the effect of inbreeding on the fowl. Most of these investigations, however, have dealt with egg production and have not considered broiler traits in detail. Waters and Lambert (1936) concluded from their growth rate studies on inbred White Leghorns that intense inbreeding did not decrease the growth rate of birds materially. The present investigation was undertaken to attempt to learn more concerning the effect of inbreeding, primarily on growth rate. The following factors were considered: 1. Does inbreeding retard improvement in rate of early feathering? 2. Is genetic uniformity in body weight at broiler age increased by inbreeding? 3. Does inbreeding tend to cause a decline in broiler weight? 4. If inbreeding does result in a decline in growth rate, how effective is selection in overcoming this depression? MATERIALS AND PROCEDURE In 1944 and 1945 eggs were purchased from three breeders of New Hampshires . . .
Catabolism of Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Heart Failure: Insights from Genetic Models

Genetic defects in amino acid metabolism are major causes of newborn diseases that often lead to abnormal development and function of the central nervous system. Their direct impact on cardiac development and function has rarely been investigated. Recently, the authors have established that a mitochondrial targeted 2C-type ser/thr protein phosphatase, PP2Cm, is the endogenous phosphatase of the branched-chain alpha keto acid-dehydrogenase complex (BCKD) and functions as a key regulator in branched-chain amino acid catabolism and homeostasis. Genetic inactivation of PP2Cm in mice leads to significant elevation in plasma concentrations of branched-chain amino acids and branched-chain keto acids at levels similar to those associated with intermediate mild forms of maple syrup urine disease. In addition to neuronal tissues, PP2Cm is highly expressed in cardiac muscle, and its expression is diminished in a heart under pathologic stresses. Whereas phenotypic features of heart failure are seen in PP2Cm-deficient zebra fish embryos, cardiac function in PP2Cm-null mice is compromised at a young age and deteriorates faster by mechanical overload. These observations suggest that the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids also has physiologic significance in maintaining normal cardiac function. Defects in PP2Cm-mediated catabolism of branched-chain amino acids can be a potential novel mechanism not only for maple syrup urine disease but also for congenital heart diseases and heart failure.
Decreased sensitivity of lung ultrasound limited to the anterior chest in emergency department diagnosis of cardiogenic pulmonary edema: a retrospective analysis

B-lines are vertical echogenic artifacts seen on lung ultrasound that allow bedside diagnosis of pulmonary edema. The BLUE protocol, published by Lichtenstein and Meziere, suggests that cardiogenic pulmonary edema is sufficiently ruled out in the ICU setting when B-lines are not predominant in the anterior chest (the B-profile). Our analysis sought to evaluate the sensitivity of the B-profile for ruling out pulmonary edema in the ED patient population. The ultrasound lung scans of patients with confirmed official diagnoses of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) from two ED databases were retrospectively analyzed. 170 acutely dyspneic patients had complete studies (130 from one database and 40 from the other). The scans were reviewed using the B-profile definition for ruling out pulmonary edema and comparing that to an alternate scanning protocol that includes ultrasound evaluation of the lateral and anterior chest. Of the 170 ED patients with ADHF diagnoses, the B-profile missed 16.5% (n = 28) for a sensitivity of 83.5% (95% CI 77–89%). These 28 patients did not show anterior bilateral B-lines that fit the criteria for positive under the BLUE protocol. Moreover, 25% (7/28) of these missed patients had only lateral B-lines on their lung scans and B-lines would have been detected only by including scans of the lateral zones. Limiting the sonographic lung examination to the anterior chest areas only will miss cases of ADHF in the dyspneic ED patients. The BLUE protocol (B-profile) may need to be modified to include examination of the lateral chest as necessary for ED patients with ADHF.
A class of parametric properties of transportation problems

This paper studies certain “second order” parametric relations in capacitated transportation problems. These relations concern the question of what happens to the effect of a parameter (first derivative) as another parameter is varied. These relationships have been found quite useful in the solution of many types of facility location and capacity expansion problems. The paper presents several results on the parametric behavior of the dual multipliers from which second order parametric relations can be derived.
Management of Systemic Steroid Therapy for Asthma: An Art Form Not Likely to be Replaced by Computer Decision Making

Physicians who treat patients with severe asthma know that systemic corticosteroid medications represent a two-edged sword; steroids being not only the most potent treatment for asthma but also the most dangerous. The list of adverse side effects of these medications seems almost endless, ranging from irritability and increased appetite to adrenal suppression (including the possibility of adrenal insufficiency, especially during periods of stress), cataracts, osteoporosis, hypertension, electrolyte abnormalities, and myopathy.Management of systemic steroid therapy is truly an art. There is no standard cookbook approach that can be applied to the average patient who requires this form of treatment. The art of steroid management includes knowing when to use the drug to minimize or avoid as many side effects as possible.
Feeding Difficulties and Growth Delay in Children with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome versus d-Transposition of the Great Arteries

The objective of this study was to identify the incidence of feeding difficulties in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA). Congenital heart disease is a risk factor for growth failure. The etiologies include poor caloric intake, inability to utilize calories effectively, and increased metabolic demands. The goals of our study were to (1) identify feeding difficulties in infants with HLHS and d-TGA and (2) assess their growth in the first year of life. We performed a chart review of 27 consecutive infants with HLHS and 26 with d-TGA. Descriptive statistics were generated for demographic and clinical variables within each group and are presented as means ± standard deviations. HLHS and d-TGA groups were compared on time to achieving nutritional goals using the log rank test, on complication rate using the chi-square test, and on weight using the t-test. A significance level of 0.05 was used for all tests. Birth weight was similar for both the HLHS and d-TGA groups (3.19 ± 0.69 vs 3.35 ± 0.65 kg, respectively; p = 0.38). Infants with HLHS weighed less than those with d-TGA at l month (3.29 ± 0.58 vs 3.70 ± 0.60 kg, respectively; p = 0.021), 6 months (6.27 ± 1.06 vs 7.31 ± 1.02 kg, p = 0.003), and 12 months of age (8.40 ± 1.11 vs 9.49 ± 1.01 kg, p = 0.006). Time to achieving full caloric intake (at least 100 kcal/kg/day) for the HLHS group (24 ± 11.9 days) was significantly longer than for the d-TGA group (12.0 ± 11.2 days, p < 0.001). In addition, infants with HLHS had a higher incidence of feeding-related complications that those with d-TGA (48 vs 4%, respectively; p = 0.001). Compared to the d-TGA group, infants with HLHS weighed less at follow-up, took longer to reach nutritional goals, and had a much higher incidence of feeding-related complications.
TABLETOP X-RAY LASERS

Details of schemes for two tabletop size x‐ray lasers that require a high‐intensity short‐pulse driving laser are discussed. The first is based on rapid recombination following optical‐field ionization. Analytical and numerical calculations of the output properties are presented. Propagation in the confocal geometry is discussed and a solution for x‐ray lasing in Li‐like N at 247 A is described. Since the calculated gain coefficient depends strongly on the electron temperature, the methods of calculating electron heating following field ionization are discussed. Recent experiments aimed at demonstrating lasing in H‐like Li at 135 A are discussed along with modeling results. The second x‐ray laser scheme is based on the population inversion obtained during inner‐shell photoionization by hard x rays. This approach has significantly higher‐energy requirements, but lasing occurs at very short wavelengths (λ≤15 A). Experiments that are possible with existing lasers are discussed.
Failure of positive end-expiratory pressure to decrease postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery

To determine whether the application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in the postoperative period after cardiac operation would reduce postoperative blood loss, the number of transfusions required, or the rate of reoperation for bleeding, we conducted a prospective study of 83 patients who underwent elective coronary revascularization. These patients were randomly assigned to receive either PEEP (10 cm H2O) or no PEEP (zero end-expiratory pressure). All other aspects of their care were identical. There was no statistically significant reduction in the amount of bleeding in patients treated with PEEP at 8 or 24 hours postoperatively. There was no significant difference in hematocrit between the groups preoperatively or postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of reexplorations for bleeding. Finally, there was no significant difference between the groups in the amount of blood administered. On the basis of our results, we conclude that the application of PEEP in the postoperative period of cardiac operation did not reduce the amount of blood loss, the need for reexploration for bleeding, or the blood requirements in this group of patients.
Motor Adaptation Training for Faster Relearning

Adaptation is an error-driven motor learning process that can account for predictable changes in the environment (e.g., walking on ice) or in ourselves (e.g., injury). Our ability to recall and build upon adapted motor patterns across days is essential to this learning process. We investigated how different training paradigms affect the day-to-day memory of an adapted walking pattern. Healthy human adults walked on a split-belt treadmill, and returned the following day to assess recall, relearning rate, and performance. In the first experiment, one group adapted and de-adapted (i.e., washed-out the learning) several times on day 1 to practice the initial stage of learning where errors are large; another group adapted only one time and then practiced in the adapted (“learned”) state where errors were small. On day 2, they performed washout trials before readapting. The group that repeatedly practiced the initial portion of adaptation where errors are large showed the fastest relearning on the second day. In fact, the memory was nearly as strong as that of a third group that was left overnight in the adapted state and was not washed-out before reexposure on the second day. This demonstrates that alternating exposures to early adaptation and washout can enhance readaptation. In the second experiment, we tested whether the opposite split-belt pattern interferes with day 2 relearning. Surprisingly, it did not, and instead was similar to practicing in the adapted state. These results show that the structure of the initial phase of learning influences the ease of motor relearning.
Magnet power supply as a network object

Magnet power supplies with embedded microprocessor controls are being installed in the beam-lines of the linear accelerator and proton storage ring at the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF). Using an RS422 link they communicate with the accelerator control system through a terminal server connected to the site-wide DECnet backbone. Each supply is, for all intents and purposes, a network object. The controller has a command set of over seventy-five three-character ASCII control and readback instructions. Strategies for choosing the appropriate control protocol and the process of integrating these devices into a large accelerator control system are presented. >
From confrontation to collaboration? Banks, community groups, and the implementation of community reinvestment agreements

Abstract Banks and other depository institutions have signed more than 300 community reinvestment agreements valued at $350 billion in the two decades since the passage of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). This article examines the effectiveness of negotiating CRA agreements in Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and New Jersey. After describing the agreements and the procedures by which they are enforced, the article looks at their impact and discusses several factors that could limit implementation of CRA agreements in the future. The findings suggest that CRA agreements are more effective in some areas than others. They seem most consistently successful in meeting their goals for mortgages, investments in low‐income housing tax credits, grant giving to community‐based organizations, and in opening (and keeping open) inner‐city bank branches. The future of CRA agreements is clouded by several factors, most notably the restructuring and consolidation of the financial service sector.
Communication Requirements and Interconnect Optimization for High-End Scientific Applications

The path toward realizing next-generation petascale and exascale computing is increasingly dependent on building supercomputers with unprecedented numbers of processors. To prevent the interconnect from dominating the overall cost of these ultrascale systems, there is a critical need for scalable interconnects that capture the communication requirements of ultrascale applications. It is, therefore, essential to understand high-end application communication characteristics across a broad spectrum of computational methods, and utilize that insight to tailor interconnect designs to the specific requirements of the underlying codes. This work makes several unique contributions toward attaining that goal. First, we conduct one of the broadest studies to date of high-end application communication requirements, whose computational methods include: finite difference, lattice Boltzmann, particle-in-cell, sparse linear algebra, particle-mesh ewald, and FFT-based solvers. Using derived communication characteristics, we next present the fit-tree approach for designing network infrastructure that is tailored to application requirements. The fit-tree minimizes the component count of an interconnect without impacting application performance compared to a fully connected network. Finally, we propose a methodology for reconfigurable networks to implement fit-tree solutions. Our Hybrid Flexibly Assignable Switch Topology (HFAST) infrastructure, uses both passive (circuit) and active (packet) commodity switch components to dynamically reconfigure interconnects to suit the topological requirements of scientific applications. Overall, our exploration points to several promising directions for practically addressing the interconnect requirements of future ultrascale systems.
Targeting toxic proteins for turnover.

Results now emerge from a preclinical trial of a heat-shock protein inhibitor in a mouse model of neurodegenerative disease. The data indicate that targeting a misfolded protein for degradation may be a useful therapeutic strategy (pages 1088–1095).
A new inverter control scheme for induction motor drives requiring wide speed range

A new control scheme to extend the speed range of a four-pole induction machine is investigated. A three-phase stator winding is used with each of two coil groups per phase being independent resulting in a six-coupled circuit, six-terminal stator winding. Two inverters supply the machine with the required regulated currents to obtain the effect of either four-pole or two-pole windings. Four-pole operation is proposed from zero speed until the end of its constant power region. Employing contactorless pole changing to obtain two-pole operation extends the constant power region resulting in a doubling of the speed range for approximately the same inverter/machine rating. The application is to electric vehicles.
The enigmas of exile: reflections on Edward Said

When Edward Said, a public intellectual and professor of literature at Columbia University for over three decades, passed away in late autumn 2003, an era appeared to have come to an end. The world...
Selective rapid eye movement sleep deprivation affects cell size and number in kitten locus coeruleus.

Cells in the locus coeruleus (LC) constitute the sole source of norepinephrine (NE) in the brain, and change their discharge rates according to vigilance state. In addition to its well established role in vigilance, NE affects synaptic plasticity in the postnatal critical period (CP) of development. One form of CP synaptic plasticity affected by NE results from monocular occlusion, which leads to physiological and cytoarchitectural alterations in central visual areas. Selective suppression of rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) in the CP kitten enhances the central effects of monocular occlusion. The mechanisms responsible for heightened cortical plasticity following REMS deprivation (REMSD) remain undetermined. One possible mediator of an increase in plasticity is continuous NE outflow, which presumably persists during extended periods of REMSD. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of NE and serves as a marker for NE-producing cells. We selectively suppressed REMS in kittens for one week during the CP. The number and size of LC cells expressing immunoreactivity to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH-ir) was assessed in age-matched REMS-deprived (RD)-, treatment-control (TXC)-, and home cage-reared (HCC) animals. Sleep amounts and slow wave activity (SWA) were also examined relative to baseline. Time spent in REMS during the study was lower in RD compared to TXC animals, and RD kittens increased SWA delta power in the latter half of the REMSD period. The estimated total number of TH-ir cells in LC was significantly lower in the RD- than in the TXC kittens and numerically lower than in HCC animals. The size of LC cells expressing TH-ir was greatest in the HCC group. They were significantly larger than the cells in the RD kittens. These data are consistent with a possible reduction in NE in forebrain areas, including visual cortex, caused by one week of REMSD.
Prescriptive Leadership Development: Developing Tomorrows Leaders Today

This article highlights the Chancellor’s Leadership Class, a highly selective, fouryear program for undergraduate students at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. The four primary components of the program are coursework, community service, skill building, and mentoring. Although the program has a uniform structure for all students, it is tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each student through a concept called prescriptive leadership development.
Development of flow in the entrance region of a converging channel

An approximate solution for the laminar flow of an incompressible viscous fluid in the entrance region of a converging channel is obtained. The radial velocity distribution at the entrance of the channel is taken to be a symmetric but otherwise arbitrary function of the angular position. Expressions for the velocity components and pressure are given. The case of the uniformly distributed entrance velocity is considered as an example.
The influence of fire frequency on the abundance of Maerua subcordata in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Aims Invasive species alter the composition and function of communities, threatening the conservation of important ecosystems worldwide. In savanna ecosystems, fire plays a key role by modifying biogeochemical cycles and shaping the composition and structure of vegetation communities. Although many studies have examined the long-term effects of fire frequency on grassland communities, few studies have examined the relationship between fire regime and woody species invasions. Methods The Serengeti ecosystem is an ecologically and economically valuable natural resource in East Africa whose conservation is currently threatened by a variety of factors, including invasive species. We determined the abundance of Maerua subcordata, a noxious woody shrub, in three different regions of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. We then examined the influence of fire frequency, developed through the use of 7 years of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery, on M. subcordata abundance. Important Findings In all regions, burned transects had significantly greater abundances of M. subcordata compared to unburned transects. Furthermore, the number of times each transect burned from 2000 to 2006 had a significant positive effect on the abundance of M. subcordata and the number of years since a transect last burned had a significant negative relationship with abundance. These results are particularly important as this species provides little forage value and is potentially toxic to wildlife and cattle. Additional studies are needed to determine the ecological consequences of increasing M. subcordata abundance, as the potential expansion of noxious shrubs into protected areas of important conservation status is of serious concern.
Brain Insulin Resistance and Deficiency as Therapeutic Targets in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease [AD] is the most common cause of dementia in North America. Despite 30+ years of intense investigation, the field lacks consensus regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of sporadic AD, and therefore we still do not know the best strategies for treating and preventing this debilitating and costly disease. However, growing evidence supports the concept that AD is fundamentally a metabolic disease with substantial and progressive derangements in brain glucose utilization and responsiveness to insulin and insulin-like growth factor [IGF] stimulation. Moreover, AD is now recognized to be heterogeneous in nature, and not solely the end-product of aberrantly processed, misfolded, and aggregated oligomeric amyloid-beta peptides and hyperphosphorylated tau. Other factors, including impairments in energy metabolism, increased oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin and IGF resistance, and insulin/IGF deficiency in the brain should be incorporated into all equations used to develop diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to AD. Herein, the contributions of impaired insulin and IGF signaling to AD-associated neuronal loss, synaptic disconnection, tau hyperphosphorylation, amyloid-beta accumulation, and impaired energy metabolism are reviewed. In addition, we discuss current therapeutic strategies and suggest additional approaches based on the hypothesis that AD is principally a metabolic disease similar to diabetes mellitus. Ultimately, our ability to effectively detect, monitor, treat, and prevent AD will require more efficient, accurate and integrative diagnostic tools that utilize clinical, neuroimaging, biochemical, and molecular biomarker data. Finally, it is imperative that future therapeutic strategies for AD abandon the concept of uni-modal therapy in favor of multi-modal treatments that target distinct impairments at different levels within the brain insulin/IGF signaling cascades.