cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coronary revascularization and quality of life

The ultimate goal of therapy is to increase length of ife, quality of life, or both in treated patients. Alhough the effects of cardiovascular therapies on morality have been studied intensively, their effects on uality of life have received far less scrutiny. In particlar, coronary revascularization has been examined ore thoroughly for its effect on mortality and irreersible complications than for its effect on functional tatus and quality of life. Fortunately, more clinical trils now measure these important patient-oriented outomes. The sum of evidence from clinical trials of coronary ypass grafting surgery and of coronary angioplasty ompared with medical therapy shows mortality rates re reduced in proportion to the extent of disease. ypass grafting surgery prolongs life in patients with eft main disease or triple-vessel disease, especially in he setting of reduced left ventricular function. Angiolasty does not significantly reduce mortality rates in atients with stable coronary disease, but does so in atients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial nfarction. The effects of an aggressive approach to oronary angiography and revascularization in acute oronary syndromes has been more controversial. Alhough early randomized trials found no advantage to strategy of routine angiography and aggressive coroary revascularization, recent studies have shown an nvasive approach reduces cardiac events, primarily on-fatal recurrent myocardial infarction. The invasive pproach to acute coronary syndromes costs signifiantly more than a conservative approach, howver, and the value provided by the additional invasive rocedures has not been fully established. A favorable effect on quality of life of the invasive trategy to acute coronary syndromes would provide urther justification for its wider application. Coronary evascularization in patients with stable angina reduces nginal symptoms compared with medical therapy. bjective evidence of myocardial ischemia is also reuced by coronary revascularization, an important
Poster: On the Cost of a General GPU Framework: The Strange Case of CUDA 4.0 vs. CUDA 5.0

The first release of CUDA was in 2007. Since then, we have experienced frequent new releases. CUDA reached its max performance with CUDA 4.0. Since its release, NVIDIA has started a re-design of the CUDA framework driven by software engineering prospective, i.e., the search for a general, multi-layer framework whose compiler back-end is unified with OpenCL. This can have significant impact on both maintenance costs and cross-platform portability. The software engineering community applauded this direction. However, our poster indicates that the new direction comes at a high cost in performance. Supported by the rigorous performance analysis of a MD code and its optimizations, we want to provocatively raise the question: Is the HPC community, that has been benefiting the most from CUDA and GPU programming, ready to face the challenge?
Sex Steroids and the Differentiation of Avian Reproductive Behavior

Experiments in which avian embryos are treated with sex steroids or steroid antagonists suggest that sexual differentiation of reproductive behavior (and thus differentiation of the brain mechanisms for such behavior) is controlled by steroids produced by the embryonic gonads. In chickens and Japanese quail, males hatched from eggs treated with estradiol or testosterone during incubation are feminized (demasculinized); they fail to exhibit masculine sexual behavior as adults, and no longer are behaviorally distinguishable from females. Some evidence suggests that testosterone may mimic the feminizing action of estradiol by being converted to an estrogen in the embryonic brain. Genetic female quail exposed to an antiestrogen during embryonic development are masculinized; they exhibit an increased ability to display the masculine copulatory pattern. Thus the behavior of these species is feminized by embryonic exposure to sex steroids, the anhormonal (neutral) sex for behavioral differentiation appears to be the male, and females appear to result from estrogen produced by the embryonic ovaries. In contrast, sex steroid treatment of mammals early in development masculinizes behavior, the female is the neutral sex, and males result from fetal androgen secretion. These opposite patterns of psychosexual differentiation in birds and mammals are correlated with a major difference between the avian and mammalian sex-determining mechanism. Implications for other vertebrates are discussed.
Theoretical properties of Omega-loops in the convective zone of the sun. 2: The origin of enhanced solar irradiance

The brightness of the Sun is observed to vary by 0.2% with the 11 yr activity cycle. We suggest that the brightness increase with magnetic activity is a direct result of the enhanced heat transport provided by the vertical wakes of the successive Omega-loops of magnetic field that produce the activity. The dynamics of a vertical wake in a stratified atmosphere is relatively complicated, but the observed rapid succession of emergence of Omega-loops at a localized site in the middle of a bipolar active region can be understood only if an established concentrated updraft extends up from the bottom of the convective zones. It is these updrafts that we suggest are the major cause of the brightness enhancement. The next paper examines some of the dynamical characteristics of vertical wakes.
A Framework for Military Precedence-Based Assured Services in GIG IP Networks

The military precedence-based assured service (PBAS) has been a prominent topic of discussion for the past several years. A community effort, where stakeholders from key GIG organizations and programs have worked collaboratively in a working group environment, has been used to define the future GIG Quality of Service (QoS) architecture. Whereas there are no official PBAS requirements for converged services in the GIG, there is a general consensus within this community that a PBAS capability is needed and that the associated functions and requirements should be clearly defined and documented. This paper provides a refined view and some analysis of military precedence concepts, which are considered in a reasonable operational context, and provides a metric-based model for defining military precedence requirements. Expected PBAS behaviors within the GIG IP network environment are described and a high-level PBAS engineering framework is presented.
A survey of current methods for the elimination of initialization bias in digital simulation

Initialization bias in digital simulation typically arises in estimating a steady-state statistic from replicated data. While methods have been developed to avoid this bias, such as batch means, the problem remains in some simulation contexts. This report surveys current methods for dealing with this bias and assesses their effectiveness and usefulness.
Exact analysis of resonant transfer networks

A state-space approach is used to derive an exact closed-form solution for both the transient and steady-state response of a general resonant transfer network. The usual assumption that the ratio of the switch closure time ? to the switching period T, i.e. ?/T, approaches zero is removed in the analysis. The analysis also gives the time-varying network function of the resonant transfer network in closed form and in Fourier series which in turn yields frequency spectra of the output of the resonant transfer network. The approach is simple and suitable for computer simulation and experiment.
A fully on-chip area-efficient CMOS low-dropout regulator with fast load regulation

Fully integrated voltage regulators with fast transient response and small area overhead are in high demand for on-chip power management in modern SoCs. A fully on-chip low-dropout regulator (LDO) comprised of multiple feedback loops to tackle fast load transients is proposed, designed and simulated in 90 nm CMOS technology. The LDO also adopts an active frequency compensation scheme that only needs a small amount of compensation capacitors to ensure stability. Simulation results show that, by the synergy of those loops, the LDO improves load regulation accuracy to 3 μV/mA with a 1.2 V input and 1 V output. For a 100 mA load current step with the rise/fall time of 100 ps, the LDO achieves maximum output voltage drop and overshoot of less than 95 mV when loaded by a 600 pF decoupling capacitor and consumes an average bias current of 408 μA. The LDO also features a magnitude notch in both its PSRR and output impedance that provides better suppression upon the spectral components of the supply ripple and the load variation around the notch frequency. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to show that the LDO is robust to process and temperature variations as well as device mismatches. The total area of the LDO excluding the decoupling capacitor is about 0.005 mm2. Performance comparisons with existing solutions indicate significant improvements the proposed LDO achieves.
Ab initio study of radiation effects on the Li4Ti5O12 electrode used in lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are currently in wide use owing to their high energy density and enhanced capabilities. Li4Ti5O12 is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries because of its advantageous properties. Lithium-ion batteries could be exposed to radiation occurring in various conditions such as during outer space exploration and nuclear accidents. In this study, we apply density functional theory to explore the effect of radiation damage on this electrode and, ultimately, on the performance of the battery. It was found that radiation could affect the structural stability of the material. Furthermore, the electrode was shown to undergo a transition from insulator to metal, following the defects due to radiation. In addition, the effect of radiation on the intercalation potential was found to be highly dependent on the nature of the defect induced.
Failed autograft after the ross procedure in children: management and outcome.

Background Autograft dilatation (AD) and aortic insufficiency (AI) after the Ross procedure are the most common causes of late autograft failure. The purpose of this study was to examine the results of valve-sparing root replacement (modified David) and composite root replacement. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all children (n = 78) undergoing a Ross procedure at our Center from 1993 to 2011. Results Median follow-up was 10 years (1to 18 years). Freedom from autograft reoperation was 94% at 5 years, and 65% at 15 years. Freedom from greater than 2+ autograft AI was 93% at 5 years and 76% at 15 years. Autograft reoperation was necessary in 22 patients, at a median interval of 8.7 years after the original procedure. Indications for reoperation were AI with autograft dilatation in 15 patients, AI without dilatation in 2 patients, and AD without AI in 5 patients. Surgical procedures used at reoperation included valve-sparing root replacement in 14 patients, root replacement either mechanical or biologic valved conduit in 6 patients, and valve replacement in 2 patients. At a mean follow-up of 5.8 years after reoperation, 4 patients from the valve-sparing group underwent second reoperation (valve replacement). Freedom from second autograft reoperation was 71% for patients after a valve sparing procedure and 100% for patients after an aortic valve or root replacement (Bentall procedure) at 5 years. Conclusions Autograft valve-sparing root replacement and composite aortic root replacement are effective treatments for aortic root dilation and AI after the Ross procedure. The potential of late autograft insufficiency after valve-sparing root replacement warrants annual follow-up.
Temporal relationships between changes in phantom limb pain intensity and changes in surface electromyogram of the residual limb

Abstract Previous studies of relationships between surface EMG of the residual limb and phantom pain have not shown which changed first. Thus, predictive relationships could not be demonstrated. 24 male (20) and female (4) amputees between the ages of 33 and 71 who reported either burning (3), cramping (8), shocking-shooting-stabbing (6), or a combination of these descriptions of phantom pain (7) participated in one or two recording sessions. Raw surface EMG from the major muscles of the residual limb was recorded while subjects activated an event marker to indicate changes in pain. All eight subjects with cramping phantom pain reported changes in pain after the recording showed sharply demarcated increases in EMG. Subjects reporting either shocking-shooting or burning pain did not show any consistent relationships between EMG and pain. Three of the four subjects reporting experiencing both shocking-shooting and cramping phantom pain simultaneously during recordings showed changes in EMG preceding changes in pain. Sensations of cramping phantom pain were preceded by increase in muscle tension in the residual limb in almost every instance for each of our subjects showing changes in cramping phantom pain. Thus, changes in muscle tension in the residual limb are likely to either be causes or close intermediaries for the cause of cramping phantom pain but not necessarily of other common descriptors.
Computational Modeling of ansa-Zirconocene Amide Complexes

The structures and relative energies of ansa-zirconocene bis-amide complexes were studied by DFT computations. X-ray crystal structures and experimental trends in ΔErac-meso values for a series of zirconocenes with terminal and chelated bis-amide ligands were reproduced with reasonable accuracy by B3LYP/LANL2DZ//B3LYP/LANL2MB. In the absence of overriding steric interactions, the most stable conformation of Zr{PhN(CH2)3NPh} rings in zirconocenes is the twist conformation. For (C5H5)2Zr{PhN(CH2)3NPh} (5), the twist conformer is 2.7 kcal/mol more stable than the chair and 3.6 kcal/mol more stable than the boat. rac-(MBSBI)Zr{PhN(CH2)3NPh} (rac-3; MBSBI = Me2Si(2-Me-4,5-benzindenyl)2) is 5.7 kcal/mol more stable than the meso isomer because the latter species must undergo a combination of distortions to accommodate the favored twist conformation of the Zr{PhN(CH2)3NPh} ring. These distortions include a significant η3-slip and an exaggerated angle between the C6 and C5 ring planes for one benzindenyl ligand a...
Prenatal high saturated fat diet modifies behavioral effects of prenatal alcohol exposure in rats

Pregnant rats were fed a control diet, a high saturated fat diet, or a high polyunsaturated diet lacking in vitamin E and zinc, for 6 weeks prior to breeding and continued to consume these diets during pregnancy. Beginning on gestation day 8, rats in each diet group were intubated with 5.3 or 0 g/kg alcohol. Rats in the 0 and 3 g/k group were pair fed to those in their respective 5 g/kg groups. A fourth group received one of the three diets ad lib, and was not intubated. On postnatal day 20, offspring were tested for locomotor activity and head-dipping behavior. Animals prenatally exposed to alcohol were more active and made more head dips than pair-fed controls, but only if their mothers consumed the control diet. Alcohol had an opposite effect on offspring whose mothers consumed the high saturated fat diet, and had no effect on animals consuming the high polyunsaturated/no vitamin E or zinc diet. These preliminary results suggest that dietary fat may modify the behavioral effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. This effect may be the result of the stabilizing effect of saturated fats on cell membranes which increases their resistance to perturbation by alcohol.
Surface-temperatures on the New York to Cape São Roque steamship-route

Early in 1932 the Brazilian Traction and Light Company installed thermographs on three of their vessels which ply between New York and Cape Sao Roque and thence to South American ports. Twenty-one southbound trips furnished the data for the preliminary survey of the line over which these vessels traveled. The period of investigation was from January 1932 through August 1933. The vessels plied over a great-circle route which, passing north of Bermuda, transversely cut across the continental shelf, slope-area, and the Gulf Stream, and passed obliquely across the Central Atlantic area and the North Equatorial Current.
Variables Affecting the Legibility of Computer Generated Text.

The effects of three text layout variables—justification, line length, and leading, are examined. Text presented on computer display terminals is read faster when the text is left justified, characters are small, and lines are long and separated by blank space. Although each of the variables affects the efficiency of reading text and may also have affective consequences, the overall effect of each on learning outcomes may be negligible.
Tandem Action of the O2- and FADH2-Dependent Halogenases KtzQ and KtzR Produce 6,7-Dichlorotryptophan for Kutzneride Assembly

Kutznerides are actinomycete-derived antifungal nonribosomal hexadepsipeptides which are assembled from five unsual nonproteinogenic amino acids and one hydroxy acid. Conserved in all structurally characterized kutznerides is a dichlorinated tricyclic hexahydropyrroloindole postulated to be derived from 6,7-dichlorotryptophan. In this Communication, we identify KtzQ and KtzR as tandem acting FADH2-dependent halogenases that work sequentially on free l-tryptophan to generate 6,7-dichloro-l-tryptophan. Kinetic characterization of these two enzymes has shown that KtzQ (along with the flavin reductase KtzS) acts first to chlorinate at the 7-position of l-tryptophan. KtzR, with a ∼120 fold preference for 7-chloro-l-tryptophan over l-tryptophan, then installs the second chlorine at the 6-position of 7-chloro-l-tryptophan to generate 6,7-dichloro-l-tryptophan. These findings provide further insights into the enzymatic logic of carbon−chloride bond formation during the biosynthesis of halogenated secondary metabo...
Improved estimation of the limit of detection in multivariate calibration

The limit of detection is one of the most important performance characteristics of an analytical procedure. This paper critically examines a recently introduced expression for estimating a multivariate limit of detection. The main result is that the proposed expression is inconsistent. An application from inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) shows that the true limit of detection may be overestimated by more than 20%. In addition, the practical evaluation of the proposed expression amounts to an iterative procedure, which is unattractive from an application point of view. A modification is derived that solves both problems. The relevant expressions are discussed with respect to their interpretability in terms of experimental design.
The Excited-State Symmetry Characteristics of Platinum Phenylacetylene Compounds

[Pt((nBu)3P)2(ethynylbenzene)2] and [Pt((nBu)3P)2(1,4-diethynylbenzene)2], which possess D2h micro-symmetry in their ground states, were studied at 77 K by time-resolved infrared (TRIR), FTIR, steady-state emission, and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopies. The primary luminescence peaks are at 22 573 cm-1 and 20 408 cm-1, respectively, with additional resolved structure from both phenyl ring and ethynyl vibrations. A quantum chemical modeling study showed that the HOMO is composed of conjugated π-obitials, which include contribution from the dxy orbital on the platinum metal, while the LUMO consists of only the ligand π* antibonding orbitals, thus the excitation is a mixture of ππ* and MLCT. From the results of the TRIR study and from group theoretical requirements, it has been concluded that the excitation in the lowest triplet manifold is confined to one ligand, resulting in a reduction of symmetry to C2v. For the ethynylbenzene compound, the lowest energy grow-in in the TRIR spectrum is in t...
Computational approaches to color constancy: adaptive and ontogenetic considerations.

Recent computational approaches to color constancy can be realized using a two-stage model of color vision. Adaptation at both the sensor stage and the second or reflectance channel stage is necessary to compute illuminant-invariant reflectance estimates, von Kries adaptation is shown to contribute significantly toward reducing, but not completely eliminating, the need for adaptation at the second stage. Examples of computations from the model using daylight illummants, simulated natural reflectance functions, and putative human spectral sensitivity functions are shown. The ontogenetic plausibility of these models is also discussed. The role of the second-stage transformation in estimating surface reflectance is compared with the role of opponent color transformations in decorrelating primary receptor outputs. Part of the adaptive value of trichromatic color vision derives from its ability to deliver information about differences in the material characteristics of objects and surfaces. Differences in the spectral reflectance characteristics of regions within an image can be indicative of material differences in those regions of the scene. These chromatic differences within an image may be useful for segregating or aggregating different image regions as a preliminary step toward representing surfaces and objects within the scene. It would also be useful if the representation of the reflectance properties of a given object remained invariant across changes in the illumination on the scene. This invariance would simplify the task of recognizing the same object or class of objects in different contexts or under different illuminants. However, the physical laws of surface illumination complicate this extraction of invariant reflectance information. The spectrum of the light that reaches the eye from a region in a scene is the product of the reflectance spectrum of the object and the spectral power distribution (SPD) of the illuminant. Changes in the illuminant SPD cause changes in the spectrum of light reaching the eye from the same surface in a scene. This inconstancy must somehow be overcome in order to realize the adaptive value of trichromatic color vision. Several recent computational approaches to this problem have met with success (Brill, 1978;Buchsbaum, 1980;Maloney & Wandell, 1986). The success of these models depends on several important constraints on possible object spectral reflectance functions and illuminant spectral power distributions. It is assumed that object spectral reflectance functions and illuminant spectral power distributions can be modeled with a small amount of residual error using linear combinations of a small number of weighted basis functions. Maloney (1986) showed
Performance evaluation of the slotted ring multiprocessor

As microprocessor speeds continue to improve at a very fast rate the bandwidth requirements for system level interconnections in multiprocessors may eventually rule out the use of shared buses even for small scale multiprocessors. On the other hand high speed unidirectional links are an emerging technology that has the potential to scale with microprocessor technology and could replace buses as the interconnection fabric for future multiprocessors. We evaluate the performance of the unidirectional slotted ring interconnection for small to medium scale shared memory systems, using a hybrid methodology of analytical models and trace driven simulations. We use memory traces from actual execution of parallel programs to drive detailed event driven simulations of a variety of ring and bus multiprocessors. Snooping and directory coherence protocols for the slotted ring are evaluated in the context of multitasking. Snooping is shown to outperform full map and linked list directory schemes in the unidirectional slotted ring, and it also compares favorably to high performance split transaction bus systems. >
Developmental Factors in Positive Attitudes toward Zoo Animals

Research suggests that attitudes toward animals are established through childhood experiences. Currently, educational wildlife experiences for most urban children are available only at zoos and wil...
Bifunctional imidoesters as cross-linking reagents.

Abstract Bifunctional small molecule reagents have been important in the study of a number of problems in protein chemistry (cf. Wold, 1961 a, b; Zahn and Meienhofer, 1958 ; Singer, 1959 ). For most purposes it is desirable that the chemical modifications produced by the bifunctional reagent cause as little alteration as possible in the conformation of the protein molecule. The exhaustive amidination of ɛ-NH 3 + groups with monofunctional imidoesters ( Hunter and Ludwig, 1962 ) preserves the positive charges near these sites, and was shown to produce little or no significant changes in the conformational properties or biological activities of proteins ( Wofsy and Singer, 1963 ). It was therefore anticipated that bifunctional imidoesters would be highly useful cross-linking agents, in that they would not affect the charge distribution of the proteins which they modified. Preliminary investigations along these lines are reported in this paper.
Minireview: Metabolic Control of the Reproductive Physiology: insights from genetic mouse models

Abstract This article is part of a Special Issue Energy Balance. Over the past two decades, and in particular over the past 5–7 years, there has been a tremendous advancement in the understanding of the metabolic control of reproductive physiology. This has been in large part due to the advancement and refinement of gene targeting tools and techniques for molecular mapping. Yet despite the emergence of exciting and often times thought-provoking data through the use of new mouse models, the heavy reliance on gene targeting strategies has become fundamental in this process and thus caution must be exercised when interpreting results. This minireview article will explore the generation of new mouse models using genetic manipulation, such as viral vector delivery and the use of the Cre/loxP system, to investigate the role of circulating metabolic hormones in the coordination of reproductive physiology. In addition, we will also highlight some of the pitfalls in the use of genetic manipulation in the current paradigms. However, it has become clear that metabolic cues employ integrated and plastic neural circuits in order to modulate the neuroendocrine reproductive axis, and despite recent advances much remains to be elucidated about this circuitry.
Space Transportation Options for the 21st Century

Advanced space transportation options may eventually enable rapid, affordable access to any point in the solar system. Advanced propulsion systems with energy densities several orders of magnitude greater than state-of-the art systems may be available in the 21 st century. These propulsion systems include systems based on fission, fusion, antimatter annihilation, and other advanced processes. Other transportation options propose using in-situ resources to enable rapid, affordable access to any point in the solar system using more conventional propulsion technologies. This presentation will. summarize select space transportation options of current interest to NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's Propulsion Research Center, present progress being made towards developing each of the options, and discuss obstacles that must be overcome before any of the options can be implemented.
Fear Avoidance Beliefs Predict Disability in Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain

Objectives To determine whether fear avoidance beliefs (FABs) in older adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) are significantly associated with gait speed decline and/or self-report of greater disability. Design Cross-sectional analysis. Setting An academic medical center (single site). Participants Two hundred English-speaking participants aged 65 years and older with CLBP every day or almost every day of moderate or greater intensity for ≥3 months. Main Outcome Measurements The physical activity portion of the FAB questionnaire assessed FABs. Disability was measured with gait speed and the Roland Morris Questionnaire. Covariates measured included age, gender, body mass index, chronic disease (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale), and pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form). Results FABs were significantly associated with the Roland Morris Questionnaire ( P P = .002) after controlling for all covariates. Conclusion FABs related to physical activity in older adults with CLBP were significantly associated with both self-reported and performance-based disability after controlling for known confounders. Previous studies have reported similar associations between self-reported measures of disabling back pain and FABs. Ours is the first study to examine the relationship between FAB and gait speed, a powerful predictor of morbidity and mortality. Future work should examine whether targeting fear avoidance in addition to other psychosocial measures in older adults with CLBP improves gait speed and functional independence.
The Intersection of Gay and Christian Identities on Christian College Campuses

Because some Christian colleges prohibit same-sex sexual behaviors, the development of authentic sexual identities on these campuses may be difficult for gay and lesbian students. This article introduces the idea of an identity conflict that may occur between sexual and spiritual identities for gay and lesbian students at Christian colleges and briefly identifies the major factors that contribute to this conflict. Following this discussion, specific implications for student affairs practice are identified that exist as a result of this identity conflict. Specifically, enrollment communications and decisions, institutional values and culture, and student codes of conduct in relation to the intersection of gay and Christian identities on the college campus are discussed.
Procedures for using clinical practice guidelines.

Purpose This article provides information about clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to facilitate their application to the practice of speech-language pathology. CPGs are sets of recommendations ba...
Enhancing Social Goal Involvement through Cooperative Instructions

The current study examined the influence of giving competitive, cooperative, and individualistic goals on goal involvement. After being given cooperative, competitive, or individualistic goals, college students (N = 198; 65 male, 133 female) played a social dilemma task and completed questions assessing task, ego, and cooperative goal involvement. Experimental grouping significantly predicted goal involvement, with cooperative group participants defining success by working with partners more often and outperforming others less often than competitive group participants did. As social ways of defining success generally predict beneficial motivation-related outcomes (e.g., Hodge, Allen, & Smellie, 2008; Stuntz & Weiss, 2009), promoting cooperative goals appears beneficial.
Relationship between path-integral and scaling theories of small polarons.

The detailed correspondence between the Emin-Holstein scaling theory and Feynman path-integral method for small-polaron formation is presented. In particular it is shown that the first-cumulant approximation to the path integral using a harmonic trial action in the adiabatic limit is identical to the use of a Gaussian trial wave function in the Emin-Holstein one-parameter scaling theory for the ground-state energy with polaron radius. This is then generalized to a simple two-parameter scaling theory involving both the polaron radius as well as nonadiabaticity of the electron-phonon interaction.
Effect of confinement on the relaxation behavior of poly(ethylene oxide)

Abstract It is widely thought that confinement of an amorphous polymer alters the chain mobility, which affects the temperature and intensity of the glass transition. The present study sought to determine whether the same effects extend to semicrystalline polymers. Confinement was achieved by forced assembly of hundreds of alternating layers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with either poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) or polystyrene. The confinement gradually reduced the intensity of the PEO β-relaxation as the layer thickness decreased from the microscale to the nanoscale. By considering the changes in crystalline morphology that accompanied layer confinement, it was possible to completely account for the reduction in relaxation intensity using standard mechanical models. The viscoelastic behavior of the amorphous phase was satisfactorily represented by a modified standard linear solid (SLS). The amorphous and crystalline contributions were combined using a combination of parallel and series coupling in accordance with the Takayanagi model. No adjustment in the viscoelastic parameters of the modified SLS was required, indicating that there was no significant change in amorphous chain dynamics even in layers as thin as 45 nm.
Treatment of acromegaly with a somatostatin analog in a patient with McCune-Albright syndrome

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An integrated model of homebased work effects on family quality of life

Abstract A model has been proposed to examine the effects of women's at-home income generation on quality of family life and satisfaction. The decision to choose home-based work is examined and theoretical propositions on the influence of worker/family characteristics and factors associated with the nature of the work and the home/work environment are offered.
Spectral expansion of the occupation measure for birth and death on a flow

Abstract A natural approach to investigating the dynamics of stochastic flows is to study the action of such flows on measures. In models of pollution transport the resulting measure-valued random process describes the distribution of pollutant mass in space. When, in addition, pollutants are allowed to enter and leave the space, the process is called “birth” and “death” on a flow. Here we study this model with an eye towards numerical calculation of its statistical descriptors (particularly the mean and covariance functionals). We propose a sequence of weak approximations convenient for numerics. This sequence is obtained by expanding a conditional mean measure in the eigenfunctions of a properly chosen self-adjoint operator.
Re-Opening the Cloze Blank Issue

One aspect of cloze methodology that has received little systematic attention concerns the blanks that remain when the passage is mutilated. Taylor (1953) stated that the deleted word should be replaced by a line of a standard length. The standard length was recommended to avoid giving the subjects information on word length, i.e., the number of letters on the deleted words. The standard length line has since been general practice in cloze research, as shown by many studies.Anderson (1971), however, compared standard-length blanks and exact-length blanks (same length as the deleted words) on three English language passages of differing levels of difficulty. Spooncer (1974) compared a standard-length blank and a blank the size of the deleted word. No significant differences were found between scores when using the two variations. This experiment was designed to examine more closely the effects of word length cues on cloze scores.
Effects of Administered Alcohol on Intimate Partner Interactions in a Conflict Resolution Paradigm

Objective:Although couples’ alcohol use has been associated with intimate partner aggression and poorer marital functioning, few studies have examined the proximal effects of alcohol on couple interactions. The current experimental study examined the effects of alcohol, administered independently to male and female intimate partners, on positive and negative interaction behaviors within a naturalistic conflict resolution paradigm.Method:Married and cohabiting couples (n = 152) were recruited from the community and each partner randomly assigned to receive either alcohol (target dose: .08 mg/kg) or no alcohol. They engaged in two 15-minute interactions regarding current disagreements in their relationship, one before and one after beverage administration. Videotaped interactions were coded by trained observers using the Rapid Marital Interaction Coding System, and positive and negative interaction behaviors were analyzed using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model.Results:Participants displayed decreased...
Q Value of Λ 0 Decay

Measurements of the energy release or Q value in Λ0 decay have previously been reported [1]. From the photographs obtained in the 48-in. magnet cloud chambers now operating in Pasadena, a set of the most accurately measurable Λ0 decays have been selected for calculations of Q values.
Transfusions in the critically ill pediatric patient

Anemia is one of the most common medical complications encountered in critically ill children. Based on the results of clinical trials, transfusion practices across the world have generally become more restrictive. The decision process leading to the conduction of a red blood cell transfusion should be based on available evidence as much as possible. The risks and benefits of the transfusion as well as the risks attributable to anemia must be taken into account. This review summarizes the current practice approach to the critically ill pediatric patient.
CONTINUOUS MEMBRANE-CYTOSKELETON ADHESION REQUIRES CONTINUOUS ACCOMMODATION TO LIPID AND CYTOSKELETON DYNAMICS

The plasma membrane of most animal cells conforms to the cytoskeleton and only occasionally separates to form blebs. Previous studies indicated that many weak interactions between cytoskeleton and the lipid bilayer kept the surfaces together to counteract the normal outward pressure of cytoplasm. Either the loss of adhesion strength or the formation of gaps in the cytoskeleton enables the pressure to form blebs. Membrane-associated cytoskeleton proteins, such as spectrin and filamin, can control the movement and aggregation of membrane proteins and lipids, e.g., phosphoinositol phospholipids (PIPs), as well as blebbing. At the same time, lipids (particularly PIPs) and membrane proteins affect cytoskeleton and signaling dynamics. We consider here the roles of the major phosphatidylinositol-4,5-diphosphate (PIP2) binding protein, MARCKS, and PIP2 levels in controlling cytoskeleton dynamics. Further understanding of dynamics will provide important clues about how membrane-cytoskeleton adhesion rapidly adjusts to cytoskeleton and membrane dynamics.
Combined local hyperthermia and immunotherapy treatment of an experimental subcutaneous murine melanoma

Immunotherapy (IT) has become an accepted therapeutic modality for a limited number of tumor types. One of the limiting factors in the use of interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been dose-related toxicity. We undertook these studies to study the effects of combined therapy on a murine melanoma. The B16 melanoma was implanted in the right hindlimb of C57BL/6 mice and therapy begun on day 3 (microscopic tumor model) or day 10 (macroscopic tumor model). Animals were divided into four groups: No therapy, local hyperthermia (HT) alone (45 degrees C x 15 minutes on days 3 and 6 or days 10 and 13), HT+IL-2 at 300,000 IU ip tid, and HT+IL-2 at 600,000 IU ip tid. We have shown in multiple previous experiments that IL-2 alone at these doses has no effect on tumor growth; these groups were omitted. In the microscopic model, tumors in the no treatment group were an average of 400 mm2. Animals treated with HT alone had a mean tumor size of 300 mm2. However, tumors in animals receiving both therapeutic modalities measured a mean of 100 mm2 (300,000 IU IL-2 ip tid) and 80 mm2 (600,000 IU IL-2 ip tid). In the macroscopic tumor model, tumors in animals receiving no treatment were an average of 7.5 times larger than on day 10, in animals receiving HT alone were an average of 5 times larger, animals receiving IL-2 were 2.95 times larger (both dose levels). These results show that combined IT+HT therapy resulted in significantly (P < .05) reduced growth with both microscopic and macroscopic tumors compared to HT alone or no therapy in a murine subcutaneous melanoma model using doses significantly lower than those usually needed to observe a therapeutic response with IL-2 used alone. This study further supports the use of this combined modality approach in patients with advanced malignancies.
Software configurable optical test system: a computerized reverse Hartmann test

A software configurable optical test system (SCOTS) based on the geometry of the fringe reflection or phase measuring deflectometry method was developed for rapidly, robustly, and accurately measuring large, highly aspherical shapes such as solar collectors and primary mirrors for astronomical telescopes. In addition to using phase shifting methods for data collection and reduction, we explore the test from the point view of performing traditional optical testing methods, such as Hartmann or Hartmann-Shack tests, in a reverse way. Using this concept, the slope data calculation and unwrapping in the test can also be done with centroiding and line-scanning methods. These concepts expand the test to work in more general situations where fringe illumination is not practical. Experimental results show that the test can be implemented without complex calibration for many applications by taking the geometric advantage of working near the center curvature of the test part. The results also show that the test has a large dynamic range, can achieve measurement accuracy comparable with interferometric methods, and can provide a good complement to interferometric tests in certain circumstances. A variation of this method is also useful for measuring refractive optics and optical systems. As such, SCOTS provides optical manufacturers with a new tool for performing quantitative full field system evaluation.
Diphallus with imperforate anus and complete duplication of recto-sigmoid colon and lower urinary tract.

Background: Diphallus is a rare anomaly and accompanying anomalies vary from bifid scrotum, bladder exstrophy, imperforate anus and colo‐rectal anomaly such as duplication, and other associated anomalies. Case Presentation: A 2‐day old infant is reported with imperforate anus and complete duplication of recto‐sigmoid colon, re ctal pouch, doubling of the genitalia with completely formed penis (diphallus), double bladder, urethra and hypospadias. No family history of abnormalities was noted. The patient underwent several operations: laparatory and colostomy at 3rd day of life, and after clinical and paraclinical investigations, cystoplasty, ureteral reimplantation and resection of left phallus were carried out when 4 months old. At the age of 1 year, after colostogram and total colon evaluation, laparatomy, resection of duplicated recto‐ sigmoid colon, and pull‐through was carried out; 3 months later c olostomy closure was performed and the patient discharged without complications. Conclusion: The patients with diphallus have to be examined carefully because of the high incidence of other systemic anomalies. Treatment of diphallus usually includes excision of the duplicated penile structure, its urethra, and repair of associated anomalies.
Andragogy and Self‐Directed Learning: Pillars of Adult Learning Theory

Andragogy and self-directed learning continue to be important to our present-day understanding of adult learning.
A randomized clinical trial of the effects of supplemental calcium and vitamin D3 on the APC/β-catenin pathway in the normal mucosa of colorectal adenoma patients

APC/β-catenin pathway perturbation is a common early event in colorectal carcinogenesis and is affected by calcium and vitamin D in basic science studies. To assess the effects of calcium and vitamin D on adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), β-catenin, and E-cadherin expression in the normal appearing colorectal mucosa of sporadic colorectal adenoma patients, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled 2 × 2 factorial clinical trial. Pathology-confirmed colorectal adenoma cases were treated with 2 g/day elemental calcium and/or 800 IU/day vitamin D(3) versus placebo over 6 months (N = 92; 23/group). Overall APC, β-catenin, and E-cadherin expression and distributions in colon crypts in normal-appearing rectal mucosa biopsies were detected by standardized automated immunohistochemistry and quantified by image analysis. In the vitamin D(3)-supplemented group relative to placebo, the proportion of APC in the upper 40% of crypts (Φh APC) increased 21% (P = 0.01), β-catenin decreased 12% (P = 0.18), E-cadherin increased 72% (P = 0.03), and the Φh APC/β-catenin ratio (APC/β-catenin score) increased 31% (P = 0.02). In the calcium-supplemented group Φh APC increased 10% (P = 0.12), β-catenin decreased 15% (P = 0.08), and the APC/β-catenin score increased 41% (P = 0.01). In the calcium/vitamin D(3)-supplemented group, β-catenin decreased 11% (P = 0.20), E-cadherin increased 51% (P = 0.08), and the APC/β-catenin score increased 16% (P = 0.26). These results support (i) that calcium and vitamin D modify APC, β-catenin, and E-cadherin expression in humans in directions hypothesized to reduce risk for colorectal neoplasms, (ii) calcium and vitamin D as potential chemopreventive agents against colorectal neoplasms, and (iii) the potential of APC, β-catenin, and E-cadherin expression as modifiable, preneoplastic risk biomarkers for colorectal neoplasms.
A model for research efforts: evolutionary not revolutionary

The U.S. home builders and suppliers, funded by the Federal government, have developed new methods and technologies to improve the energy efficiency and reduce the cost of single-family housing. This report by Michael Crosbie, one of the researchers involved in the effort, reviews the work done so far and looks ahead to future collaborative efforts to advance this huge sector of the U.S. economy.
Further evidence for low serum cholesterol and suicidal behaviour.

Abstract Objective: To examine for a relationship between serum cholesterol and suicidal behavior. Methods: Patients admitted after an overdose ( N =120) were compared with controls ( N =120) for their serum cholesterol levels. Results: Patients who had overdosed had significantly lower serum cholesterol levels than controls (mean±S.D. 171±31 vs. 196±30 mg/dl, P Conclusion: These results add to a grouping literature reporting that low serum cholesterol is associated with suicidal behavior.