cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear power-dependent effects in exchange-coupled magnetic bilayers

We investigate the dynamics of exchange-coupled ferromagnetic films in the nonlinear limit and find a number of interesting features. The introduction of asymmetries in the magnetic driving field can produce a power-dependent localization of the magnetization oscillations, in one film or the other, by way of the optic mode frequency shifting in the large field limit. A nonlinear mixing of the acoustic and optic modes in the antiferromagnetically coupled system leads to quasiperiodic and multiperiodic composite modes. Numerical ferromagnetic resonance experiments will show additional absorption peaks (in the 20--50 GHz range) which have a rapid increase in strength with input power. The results are calculated through linearization techniques and numerical solutions of the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. The nonlinear (and linear) behavior is illustrated through Poincar\'e section bifurcation diagrams.
Exploring the gender gap: Letters of recommendation to pediatric surgery fellowship

Abstract Background Letters of recommendation (LoR) are considered one of the most important predictors of matching into a pediatric surgery fellowship. We determined if gendered differences exist in LoR written for resident candidates. Methods A retrospective review of blinded LoR to a fellowship program between 2015 and 2017 was performed. Results Of the 364 LoR reviewed for 49 female and 48 male applicants, male surgeons wrote 82.5% of letters. Male LoR contained more agentic terms (p = 0. 042), first name occurrences (p = 0.0082) and phrase “future success” (p = 0.015). Female letters included more socio-communal phrases (p = 0. 010) and 5% referenced a spouse's accomplishments vs. 0% of male letters. Male LoR contained more active possessive language (p-0. 027); ie: “he published”, “he presented”. We found no difference in an applicant's research experience (p = 0.06) or leadership qualities (p = 0. 067). Conclusion Gender differences exist in LoR written for fellowship applicants applying to a highly competitive subspecialty.
Working with Euro-American Families in the United States During the Perinatal Period and Early Childhood

This chapter discusses concepts like “whiteness,” what is Euro-American, and the commonalities and differences between different immigrant groups. There is emphasis on the parenting values based on Protestant ethics, which values hard work, self-reliance, individual responsibility, and accountability. These values are reinforced by parents in order to promote the adaptation of young children to a society that values independence, individuation, and high social mobility, as well as economic success. Parents and other caregivers discourage interdependence (mother–child, father–child, relying on other children) and promote children self-regulating, sleeping by themselves, and eating on their own devices after the first birthday. These practices and values are often “exported” to traditional societies where they are seen as more modern and “scientific” when in reality they are adaptations to cultural values and economic necessities. Many mothers work outside the home even during the first year of the baby’s life and have to rely on child care services. The general trend during the preschool years also emphasizes obedience, complying with rules, and consequences for undesirable behavior so the child learns to adapt to those expectations.
Water: Aruite mo aruite mo/Still Walking, 2008

Still Walking is about the accumulation of small details in a multigenerational family during a reunion. This Kore-eda film highlights human foibles with a dry, and sometimes ironic, comic tone.
Kinetics of Arsenic Contaminated Soils Remediation with Arthrobacter nicotiniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae

This work is on bioremediation of soils contaminated with arsenic (As) using Arthrobacter nicotiniae (A. nicotiniae) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) with a special focus on the kinetics of the bioremediation. The organisms were indigenous to the treated soils. They were respectively inoculated into 5 g each of soils samples dressed to attain a condition preset with optimum influencers earlier screened from first phase of remediation study. The samples were studied on 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days for residual As, and the laboratory results were assessed with four kinetics models. The tested models well described the bioremediation process. However, bioremediation with A. nicotiniae was overwhelmed by chemical process and the bioremediation with K. pneumoniae was taken charge of by physical process as determined from the rate-limiting steps of chemisorption and diffusion for the influences of A. nicotiniae and K. pneumoniae respectively. This is vital for the design and operation of an effective treatment system. Keywords - Kinetics, soils, bioremediation, systems
Excited Delirium Syndrome: Diagnosis and Treatment

Excited delirium syndrome (ExDS) is a specific type of agitation in which individuals typically present in an extremely violent and uncontrollable manner. The actual existence of ExDS, which is not currently listed in the APA Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), has been criticized by some as having been “invented” to classify and ultimately justify deaths that occur in highly agitated individuals during police arrest and restraint. Many researchers, however, believe that ExDS has a long history and has been described using various terms over the past two centuries. Although ExDS does not always result in death, it does carry relatively high mortality compared to other acute behavioral emergencies. Similar to delirium generally, ExDS is a behavioral manifestation of a medical emergency. Knowledge of this condition is therefore significant for individuals who take care of patients in the acute setting, both in and out of the hospital. This includes law enforcement officers, emergency medical system (EMS) providers, critical care psychiatrists, and emergency physicians.
Epigenetic Age Acceleration Reflects Long-Term Cardiovascular Health

Rationale: Epigenetic aging is a novel measure of biological age, reflecting exposures and disease risks independent of chronological age. It may serve as a useful biomarker of cardiovascular health (CVH) and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk for early detection or prevention. Objective: To examine associations between GrimAge acceleration (GrimAA), a measure of epigenetic aging calculated from the residuals of GrimAge regressed on chronological age, and two repeated CVH measures: a full score for the AHA "Life's Simple 7" (diet, smoking, physical activity, BMI, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and glucose) and a clinical CVH score (BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose). Methods and Results: We used Illumina array DNA methylation data from two prospective cohort studies: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study and Framingham Heart Study (FHS), to calculate GrimAA and model associations with CVH. CARDIA randomly selected 1,118 participants for assays at Y15 (2000-2001; mean age 40) and/or Y20 (2005-2006); in FHS, 2,106 Offspring participants had DNA methylation measured at exam 8 (2005-2008; mean age 66). We examined multiple cross-sectional and longitudinal models of GrimAA and each CVH score measured at CARDIA Y0-Y20 and FHS exams 7-8. In CARDIA clinical CVH score from Y0-Y20 was associated with Y15 and Y20 GrimAA (β range -0.41 to -0.21 years per 1-point increase in CVH; p range <0.01 to 0.01), as was full score (β range -0.65 to -0.67 years; p<0.01 for all). These findings were validated in FHS (clinical score β range -0.51 to -0.54 years; full score β range -0.76 to -0.83 years; p<0.01 for all). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that faster GrimAA is associated with the loss of CVH from young age. Epigenetic age may be a useful biomarker of CVD risk and provides biological insight into the role of epigenetic mechanisms linking age-related CVH loss and CVD.
Examining L2 English University students’ uses of lexical bundles and their relationship to writing quality

Abstract Responding to limited extant scholarship in the second language writing (L2) and testing literature, the current study explores the production of recurring formulaic sequences in the writing of L2 English learners in a testing context. In particular, the authors investigate the lexical bundles produced in the academic writing of L2 English learners at a Chinese university using a corpus of 120 argumentative essays as writers prepared to take China’s College English Test. Along with exploring characteristics of the bundles produced by the writers, we examine the relationship between learners’ bundle use and holistic writing quality. The results suggest that quantitatively, there were differences between the number of 3-word bundles produced by learners who received high- and low-scores. Likewise, there were clear qualitative differences in specific features of the bundles learners used, which potentially contributed to differences in scores. Beyond highlighting such features, the authors discuss the pedagogical implications for the L2 writing classroom along with the need for future researchers to investigate the formulaic language produced by L2 learners and how it may impact scoring.
Traversable wormholes and non-singular black holes from the vacuum of quadratic gravity

We present new traversable wormhole and non-singular black hole solutions in pure, scale-free $R^2$ gravity. These exotic solutions require no null energy condition violating or "exotic" matter and are supported only by the vacuum of the theory. It is well known that $f(R)$ theories of gravity may be recast as dual theories in the Einstein frame. The solutions we present are found when the conformal transformation required to move to the dual frame is singular. For quadratic $R^2$ gravity, the required conformal factor is identically zero for spacetimes with $R=0$. Solutions in this case are argued to arise in the strong coupling limit of General Relativity.
Active Site and Other Sequence Data from Torpedo Californica Acetylcholinesterase

Two distinct molecular forms of acetylcholinesterase are found in the electric organ of Torpedo californica: a dimensionally asymmetric species localized in the basal lamina of the synapse and a globular, hydrophobic species associated with the plasma membrane (1–3). The asymmetric species are; comprised of two or usually three tetrametric sets of catalytic subunits linked to both collagenous and non–collagenous structural subunits. These elongated species sediment as discrete 13S and 17S species respectively and as an 11S species after limited proteolytic treatment (4–6). The hydrophobic globular species is a dimer of catalytic subunits with a sedimentation constant of 5.6S in the presence of a neutral detergent. The catalytic subunits of these two forms exhibit small differences in electrophoretic migration, amino acid composition, monoclonal antibody affinity, and peptide mapping (3,4,7). Primary structural studies were undertaken in order to define specific functional sites and, in addition, to elucidate whether the observed structural differences between the two acetylcholinesterase species are the result of multiple genes, alternate mRNA transcripts, or post–translational modifications.
Overcoming the Challenges of Teaching Engineering Ethics in an International Context: A U.S. Perspective

The delivery of high-quality instruction in the field of engineering ethics can be challenging. Multiple reports and publications have identified a general hesitation or reluctance among faculty in the engineering disciplines to teach classes in professional ethics. Additional complexity is encountered when delivering that content to an international context. However, a vast array of instructional material is available to assist with the process of preparing to teach engineering ethics. This chapter will identify unique challenges associated with teaching engineering ethics in an international context and it will also provide a detailed assessment of the available teaching resources. The teaching resources evaluated in this chapter will include traditional textbooks, on-line assets, journals, and video-based media. A review of moral development assessment tools will also be provided.
A first step toward functionally graded plasticity in porous materials

Abstract With an eye toward functionally graded plasticity in porous material, a homogenization scheme is developed to determine the overall elastoplastic behavior of a porous material with an interfacial ductile zone. The development involves four key steps: i) a linear comparison composite, ii) the secant moduli of the ductile phases, iii) an energy approach, and iv) a field-fluctuation method. With the aid of a 3-phase spherically concentric solid, the developed theory can be readily used to calculate the overall elastoplastic behavior of the porous material regardless whether the interfacial ductile layer is softer or stiffer than the matrix. To assess its accuracy, an exact local analysis is also carried out under pure dilatation, and comparison between the two indicates a close agreement. The theory is then applied to examine the influence of the ductile interfacial zone on the overall elastoplastic strength. The results show that its volume concentration and its relative stiffness to the ductile matrix can both have a very significant effect on the overall elastoplastic behavior of the porous material.
Surveillance and Control: Privatizing and Nationalizing Corporate Monitoring after Sarbanes-Oxley

This essay explores consequences flowing from the imposition of increasingly significant governmentally directed and enforced surveillance obligations on private actors within the economic sphere. The emerging public-private regime, exemplified by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, has more clearly revealed its character: surveillance and control of the market and the firm by government in the name, and on behalf, of the private stakeholders traditionally charged with the development and protection of their economic arrangements. Surveillance is privatized -- outside directors, auditors, outside counsel, and corporate employees now increasingly serve as the eyes and ears of the state. Enforcement is nationalized. In lieu of private action by stakeholders, the state offers 'fair funds' reimbursements and state enforcement. The focus will be on the observer (who is required to survey), the observed (who must be monitored), the purpose of the surveillance (what must be monitored), and the persons or entities to whom the monitors must report. The essay then sets out three sets of archetypal factual narratives, the consequences of which are being currently litigated. The first relates to Chancellor Corp., the second to Solucorp Industries, Ltd., and the third to part of the Enron litigation. Using these as archetypal narratives, the essay extracts a series of norms for behavior applicable to both observer and observed. These are the beginnings of a system of standards ultimately governed by and beholden to the state. The essay then turns to an examination of the state, lying at the very center of this web of surveillance. First it analyzes the role of the state as enforcer as evidenced by the state's role in the cases considered. It considers the state as source of redress to stakeholder and market as evidenced by the SEC's campaign to widen its legislative authority to seek damages from wrongdoers and return the recovered funds to investors. Second, it examines the impact of SOX in the context of post-September 11, 2001 policies. In particular, it suggests that the elevation of monitoring as a significant state policy after September 11, 2001, may explain certain parallels between SOX and the anti-terrorism provisions adopted in 2001 and 2002. The essay ends with a preliminary consideration of the consequences of the construction of this great panoptic system of disclosure, in which individuals, firms and markets form the periphery and government lies at its center, and suggests that what may be emerging is a system of surveillance mercantilism.
Thermographic and Acoustic Imaging of Spot-Welded and Weld-Bonded Joints

The work presented here is part of a research effort focused on developing nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and testing techniques that are sufficiently fast, robust, accurate, and cost effective for on-line inspection of automotive structures. A series of laboratory experiments was conducted to assess the feasibility of thermographic and acoustic methods for evaluating the quality of individual spot welds and the structural integrity of spot-welded and weld-bonded joints. Emphasis was placed on identifying structurally weak “stick” welds, which are much more difficult to detect than broken welds. After nondestructive evaluation, the samples were subjected to mechanical tests to determine the strength of individual spot welds. Analytical and numerical models are also being developed to help interpret results of the laboratory experiments. The insight gained from the data and modeling results are essential in moving from qualitative techniques that identify flaws to quantitative methods that assess the severity of defects.
On the stability of a brans-dicke static universe

Abstract A Brans-Dicke flat universe is studied, concerning density perturbations, and found to be unstable. When compared with the general relativity static flat universe, it is found that the speed of sound can have real values in the BD case, while it has an imaginary value in general relativity.
Comments on the crystal field analysis of Dy3+ EPR in single crystal Pd

Abstract The need to use the full crystalline electric field Hamiltonian in the analysis of the Dy 3+ EPR in Pd is reaffirmed. Criticisms of the author's previous analysis are shown to be invalid. The following parameters are obtained: x = ±0.556±0.001; W = −0.200±0.020 K and the effects of exchange is (−7.1±1.2) per cent of the applied magnetic field. Details of the analysis and the effects of strains are included.
Multi-layer scattering tissue phantom for assessing angle-resolved low coherence interferometry precancer diagnostic technique

Scattering tissue phantoms are developed for assessment of promising optical precancer diagnostic technique. The tissue phantoms provide a valuable evaluation method for the low-coherence interferometry technique. Size determination results and phantom relevance are examined.
Evidence for down-regulation of 3H-nitrendipine recognition sites in mouse brain after long-term treatment with nifedipine or verapamil.

Abstract Mice were fed powdered food which contained nifedipine, verapamll or diltiazem for 28 days. Long lasting treatment with nifedipine (0.28 mg g b.w./day) or verapamil (0.27 mg g b.w./day), but not with diltiazem (0.38 mg g b.w./day) reduced the number of H-nltrendlpine recognition sites in membranes prepared from cerebral cortex, caudate nucleus, and hippocampus. In addition, the veratridine-elicited stimulation of 45 Ca-uptake in slices of the same brain areas was decreased in nice which were fed nifedipine or verapamil for 28 days.
Triplet Exciton Formation as a Novel Photoprotection Mechanism in Chlorosomes of Chlorobium tepidum

Chlorosomes comprise thousands of bacteriochlorophylls (BChl c, d, or e) in a closely packed structure surrounded by a lipid-protein envelope and additionally contain considerable amounts of carotenoids, quinones, and BChl a. It has been suggested that carotenoids in chlorosomes provide photoprotection by rapidly quenching triplet excited states of BChl via a triplet-triplet energy transfer mechanism that prevents energy transfer to oxygen and the formation of harmful singlet oxygen. In this work we studied triplet energy transfer kinetics and photodegradation of chlorosomes isolated from wild-type Chlorobium tepidum and from genetically modified species with different types of carotenoids and from a carotenoid-free mutant. Supporting a photoprotective function of carotenoids, carotenoid-free chlorosomes photodegrade ∼3 times faster than wild-type chlorosomes. However, a significant fraction of the BChls forms a long-lived, triplet-like state that does not interact with carotenoids or with oxygen. We propose that these states are triplet excitons that form due to triplet-triplet interaction between the closely packed BChls. Numerical exciton simulations predict that the energy of these triplet excitons may fall below that of singlet oxygen and triplet carotenoids; this would prevent energy transfer from triplet BChl. Thus, the formation of triplet excitons in chlorosomes serves as an alternative photoprotection mechanism.
The shape of a view: Are rectilinear views necessary to elicit boundary extension?

Viewers tend to remember seeing beyond the boundaries of a view (boundary extension [BE]; Intraub & Richardson, 1989). However, only rectilinear views have been tested (e.g., photographs, or views through windows). Views more typical of natural settings (irregular or rounded) have not been considered. Is BE an artifact of rectilinear boundaries? In Experiment 1, participants memorized rectilinear, oval, or irregularly shaped views (outermost points were equated) of 15 natural scenes. Minutes later, memory for the expanse of each view was tested (5-point scale). In Experiments 2 and 3, memory for rectilinear and oval views was contrasted using a new boundary adjustment procedure. Not only did BE occur for all shapes (Experiments 1–3), but it did so to the same degree. Layout projection appears to be a general characteristic of memory for a view—providing anticipatory representation of upcoming layout by extending outward from the farthest visible point.
INSTRUCTIONS, WORD ASSOCIATION, AND THE HOSPITALIZED PSYCHIATRIC PATIENT

Hospitalized psychiatric patients who had high scores on MMPI Scale 8 were given word-association tests under three instructions, namely, free association, instructions to give the responses most people would give, and instructions to give responses no one else besides themselves would give. These Ss, in contrast to Ss in previous studies selected for either psychiatric hospitalization or high Scale 8 scores alone, failed to produce a significant change in either popular or original responses under “most people” instructions. It is evidently only the combination of psychometrically defined “schizophrenia” and psychiatric hospitalization which predicts the inability to show more conventional associative processes when asked to do so.
Pelvic floor stimulation in the treatment of mixed incontinence complicated by a low-pressure urethra

Objective To determine the efficacy and safety of transvaginal pelvic floor stimulation in the treatment of women with genuine stress incontinence and detrusor instability complicated by a low-pressure urethra. Methods Twenty-six consecutive women with mixed incontinence complicated by a low-pressure urethra who elected to try pelvic floor stimulation were studied. Visual analogue symptom scales and weekly incontinence episodes were compared before and after 8 weeks of twice-daily device use. Results The symptoms of stress and urge incontinence were completely resolved in six (23%) and ten (38%) women, respectively. Ten of 26 subjects (38%) had greater than 50% overall symptomatic improvement, and two subjects (8%) were completely dry during their last week of therapy, Symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and stress incontinence improved significantly. No factors were found to be predictive of treatment success. Conclusion Pelvic floor stimulation was found to be an effective and safe treatment for some patients with genuine stress incontinence and detrusor instability complicated by a low-pressure urethra.
A Numerical Method for the Location of Limit Cycles of Higher-order Nonlinear Autonomous Systems

Abstract A numerical method for the determination of the limit cycles of higher-order nonlinear autonomous systems of arbitrary order and investigation of their stability is presented. The method is based on Andronov's point-transformation method and Liapunov stability theory. Several illustrative examples of second- and third-order nonlinear autonomous systems are given.
Synthesis, gas-liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry of per-O-trimethylsilyl carbohydrate boronates

Abstract The characterization by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of benzene-, butane-, and methane-boronate trimethylsilyl ether derivatives of some common carbohydrates has been investigated by a combination of high- and low-resolution mass spectrometry. Preparation of stereospecific derivatives with alkane- or arene-boronic acids, followed by silylation and mass spectrometry, allows the identification of isomeric structures of pentoses, hexoses, 6-deoxyhexoses, and 2-acetamido-2-deoxyhexoses.
PIG-B: A homemade monophasic cocktail for the extraction of RNA

An inexpensive monophasic reagent has been developed for the extraction of total RNA from cells or tissues. The main ingredients of the reagent are Phenol, Isoamyl alcohol, Guanidinium isothiocyanate, and Beta-mercaptoethanol (PIG-B). The quality and yield of RNA obtained by this reagent is at par with that obtained by TRIzol, an expensive but widely used monophasic reagent available commercially. The complete composition and method of preparation of PIG-B is provided to aid preparation of the reagent in the laboratory.
Safety and efficacy of the direct endonasal transsphenoidal approach for challenging sellar tumors.

Introduction The direct endonasal approach to pituitary microadenomas is relatively atraumatic, rapid, and carries a lower complication rate than the sublabial approach. Large macroadenomas (3–4 cm) can still be addressed with this simple, unmodified direct endonasal approach. We present our experience with this unique and challenging patient population. Methods About 64 consecutive patients with large (3–4 cm) pituitary adenomas and craniopharyngiomas were treated by the senior author (SK) using the direct endonasal approach from May 2001 to July 2004. The hospital course, endocrinological function, radiographic imaging, and outpatient follow-up were retrospectively reviewed for each patient. Results The mean volume of these lesions was 31.5 cm3 (range, 10.3–168 cm3). Tumor pathologies included 2 craniopharyngiomas, 16 functional, and 46 nonfunctional pituitary adenomas. Suprasellar extension of tumor was evident in all patients and 10 had cavernous sinus invasion. Gross total resection was achieved in 30 patients, near-gross total in 6 patients, and subtotal resection in 26 patients. Eight patients (12.5%) demonstrated postoperative complications, with diabetes insipidus for less than 1 year (n = 4) being the most common. There was no incidence of CSF leak, new panhypopituitarism, or worsened vision. Five patients (7.8%) had tumor residual requiring radiation therapy. Additionally, after a mean clinical follow-up of 24.5 months, 4 patients (6.3%) demonstrated recurrent disease. Conclusions Direct endonasal transsphenoidal surgery enables safe and effective resection of large sellar masses while maintaining a favorable morbidity profile.
Early onset of cerebral salt wasting in a patient with head and facial injuries.

Hyponatremia secondary to cerebral salt wasting (CSW) or the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) may be difficult to differentiate. Accurate diagnosis is important because the therapy for each is different. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons may encounter patients with hyponatremia secondary to closed head injuries. The purpose of this case report is to present a patient with head and facial injuries who developed early onset hyponatremia that was associated with CSW. Report of a Case A 9-year-old male was evaluated in the emergency department after falling from a 20-foot embankment while riding an all terrain vehicle. Injuries included facial lacerations to the chin and closed head trauma causing a loss of consciousness. The patient was intubated in the field. Computerized tomography (CT) of the head showed no evidence of subdural or epidural hematomas, subarachnoid or intraparenchymal bleeding, midline shifts or cerebral edema. The patient’s facial lacerations were repaired in the operating room. He was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for further management. Cervical‐spine precautions were maintained and the patient was extubated without difficulty. An electrolyte panel obtained on admission showed a sodium (Na) level of 138 mmol/l. Thirty-two hours later a serial electrolyte panel showed a Na of 124 mmol/l. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were normal, with urine output being greater than 1 cc/kg/hr, with a specific gravity of 1.020. The patient received 3% saline to raise the serum Na to 130 mmol/l. Twenty hours later, the serum Na had dropped to 123 mmol/l. Urine Na was 25 mmol/l, urine osmolality was 597 mOsm/kg, and free T4 was normal. Urine output never decreased and was not concentrated. A diagnosis of CSW was made, the patient was hydrated, 3% NaCl was given to again raise the Na level to 130, and supplemental oral NaCl tablets were given. Serum Na levels stabilized and the patient was discharged.
V. O, key's “the lack of a budgetary theory”: Where are we now?

V. O. Key's essay, “The Lack of a Budgetary Theory,” published in 1940, is considered one of the true classics of public budgeting. The reason is that he posed what many will agree is the question ...
Hybrid Approach for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Intermediate Results After the Learning Curve

Background Lessons learned during the development of a novel hybrid approach have resulted in a reliable, reproducible alternative treatment for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Herein we report our results using this hybrid approach in a uniform risk cohort. Methods This is a review of prospectively collected data on patients treated for HLHS using a hybrid approach (n = 40) between July 2002 and June 2007. The hybrid approach includes pulmonary artery bands, a ductal stent, and atrial septostomy as a neonate, comprehensive stage 2 procedure resulting in Glenn shunt physiology at six months and Fontan completion at two years. Results Forty patients had a hybrid stage 1 with 36 undergoing a comprehensive stage 2 procedure. Fifteen patients have completed the Fontan procedure with 17 pending. Overall survival was 82.5% (33 of 40). The seven deaths included one at stage 1, two between stages 1 and 2, three at stage 2, and one between stages 2 and 3. One patient had successful heart transplantation during the interstage period. Conclusions The hybrid approach can yield acceptable intermediate results that are comparable with a traditional Norwood strategy. Potential advantages of the hybrid approach include the avoidance of circulatory arrest and shifting the major surgical stage to later in life. These data provide the platform for a prospective trial comparing these two surgical options to assess whether there is less cumulative impact with the hybrid approach, thereby improving end organ function, quality, and quantity of life.
Classically solvable field theory model

The embedding of a surface in a three-dimensional Euclidean space provides a natural way of associating a linear problem with a nonlinear evolution equation. This fact is here exploited to solve a particular set of coupled Lorentz-invariant equations arising in a number of different contexts. Light-cone coordinates are used for simplicity in the inverse scattering method. The system has soliton solutions and an infinite set of polynomial conserved quantities. Sine-Gordon theory is a particular case of the problem considered.
Blockade of morphine supersensitivity by an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide targeting the delta opioid receptor (DOR-1).

Abstract An antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) targeting 20 bases of the coding sequence of the cloned delta opioid receptor (DOR-1), a mismatched ODN (different from the antisense ODN at 4 bases) or saline was administered to 3 groups of CD-1 mice implanted with naltrexone pellets (7.5 mg) for 7 days. Morphine supersensitivity (i.e., increased potency as defined by decreased morphine ED50 values) was observed 24 h after pellet removal (day 8) in mice treated with saline or mismatch ODN, but not in antisense ODN treated mice. Antisense ODN alone had no effect on basal nociceptive thresholds or morphine analgesia but reduced the analgesic potency of the delta2 opioid agonist [D-Ala2]deltorphin II. These data suggest that the delta2 opioid receptor system participates in the adaptive changes contributing to increased morphine potency following chronic naltrexone treatment.
Myosin synthesis in cultures of differentiating chicken embryo skeletal muscle.

Abstract Myosin synthesis rates have been measured in cultures of differentiating chick embryo muscle cells before, during and following a period of rapid cell fusion leading to the formation of functional striated muscle. Prior to this fusion “burst” there is a low level of myosin synthesis attributable to a small number of multinucleated myotubes normally present in the culture by 24 hr. This low level of synthesis is not affected by bromodeoxyuridine at concentrations known to block myogenesis. Myosin synthesis begins at a linearly increasing rate with a lag period of approximately 4 hr following the main fusion burst. Cell fusion is reversibly blocked by addition of ethylene-glycol-bis(aminoethyl ether)N,N′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to the culture medium. EGTA has a high affinity for calcium ions and the EGTA-fusion block is reversed by addition of calcium. EGTA does not interfere with myosin synthesis once it has been initiated in control cultures. Myoblasts will divide in the presence of EGTA at least once. By 60 hr in EGTA cultures, the myoblasts have ceased dividing and are arrested in G0 or G1 of the cell cycle. On the addition of calcium, these cells fuse with an average rate of 10% per hour and complete the main fusion burst within 6 hr. EGTA-fusion-blocked cells do not synthesize myosin until fusion is permitted by calcium addition. The lag period for myosin synthesis in these released cells is approximately 4 hr longer than for control cultures. While EGTA-fusion-blocked cells cannot synthesize myosin, they have differentiated to the point of being competent to fuse. Such cells will fuse on calcium addition in the presence of actinomycin D or cycloheximide. It is tentatively concluded that, in the regulation of chicken skeletal muscle myogenesis, cell fusion potential and the potential for myosin synthesis are developed not simultaneously, but sequentially.
GEOMETRICAL FACTOR AND DIRECTIONAL RESPONSE OF SINGLE AND MULTI-ELEMENT PARTICLE TELESCOPES.

After a general treatment of the gathering power of particle telescopes, exact formulae are presented for the geometrical factor and directional response of multi-element cylindrically symmetric telescopes with circular or rectangular cross sections. Some useful approximations to these formulae are given. For the gathering power in arbitrary geometries, there is a discussion of applicable digital computer techniques focusing particularly on a Monte-Carlo method.
Computerized tomography in subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy (Leigh disease)

The computerized tomographic brain scans of two patients with subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopthy contained symmetrical focal lesions that corresponded to the sites of known anatomical abnormalities in this disease.
Magnetic resonance perfusion/diffusion imaging of the excised dog kidney.

Pickens DR, Jolgren DL, Lorenz CH, Creasy JL, Price RR. Magnetic resonance perfusion/diffusion imaging of the excised dog kidney. Invest Radiol 1992;27:287–292. RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. The authors developed a model of tissue capillary beds applicable to perfusion/diffusion imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The model consists of a formalin-fixed excised dog kidney attached to a variable speed pump. With this system, it is possible to perfuse the kidney at selected rates. METHODS. Using the intravoxel incoherent motion model (IVIM), the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), diffusion coefficient (D), and perfusion fraction (f) were computed for a region of interest (ROI) in the renal cortex and in the medulla of seven kidneys, one of which was injected with a vasodilator before fixation. ADC and D values were computed for both cortex and medulla. These values were normalized to zero flow and plotted against renal perfusion. The perfusion fraction f was expressed in percent and was not normalized to zero flow. RESULTS. Normalized ADC and f were correlated with tissue perfusion rates using the Spearman rank-sum test (n = 18, rs> 0.5, P ≥ .02 for the standard preparation in both cortex and medulla), whereas normalized D (rs ≦ 0.5) was uncorrelated for both preparations in cortex and medulla. CONCLUSIONS. The isolated perfused dog kidney is a useful model of tissue capillary beds for perfusion imaging technique development. The perfusion/diffusion-related parameters ADC and f increase as flow increases in the tissues, whereas D does not.
Prevalence and distribution of illicit drug use in the workforce and in the workplace: Findings and implications from a U.S. National survey.

This U.S. national study explored the overall prevalence, frequency, and distribution of illicit drug use in the workforce and in the workplace during the preceding 12 months. Illicit drug use in the workforce involved an estimated 14.1% of employed adults (17.7 million workers). Illicit drug use in the workplace involved an estimated 3.1% of employed adults (3.9 million workers). Illicit drug use in the workforce and in the workplace is not distributed uniformly in the employed population. At-risk, though circumscribed, segments of the U.S. workforce were identified with prevalence rates up to 55.8% for any use of illicit drugs and up to 28.0% for illicit drug use in the workplace. The implications of these data for future theoretical research and for management policy and practice are discussed.
Evaluation of Season, Temperature, and Water Stress Effects on Stomata Using a Leaf Conductance Model

A model was developed earlier describing conductance for three conifers (Picea engelmannii Parry ex Engelm., Abies lasiocarpa [Hook.] Nutt., and Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm.) and one hardwood (Populus tremuloides Michx.) using only two terms, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and absolute humidity difference from leaf to air (DAH). Using residual analysis techniques (actual minus estimated conductance), it was determined that no seasonal or temperature effects existed that were not taken into account with PPFD and DAH. However, conductance was reduced on days following cold nights (below 4°C) or, in aspen, when xylem pressure potential was below −20 bars (1 bar = 105 Pa). The following model takes these terms into account: Conductance = b1 (√PPFD/√DAH) + b2 (√PPFD/DAH) + b3 (√PPFD/DAH2) + b4f(Tmin) + b5f(ψthreshold), where the first three terms describe normal conductance, and the last two terms account for reductions in conductance caused by cold night temperatures or water stress.
Patient and Regimen Characteristics Associated with Self-Reported Nonadherence to Antiretroviral Therapy

Background Nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ARVT) is an important behavioral determinant of the success of ARVT. Nonadherence may lead to virological failure, and increases the risk of development of drug resistance. Understanding the prevalence of nonadherence and associated factors is important to inform secondary HIV prevention efforts. Methodology/Principal Findings We used data from a cross-sectional interview study of persons with HIV conducted in 18 U.S. states from 2000–2004. We calculated the proportion of nonadherent respondents (took <95% of prescribed doses in the past 48 hours), and the proportion of doses missed. We used multivariate logistic regression to describe factors associated with nonadherence. Nine hundred and fifty-eight (16%) of 5,887 respondents reported nonadherence. Nonadherence was significantly (p<0.05) associated with black race and Hispanic ethnicity; age <40 years; alcohol or crack use in the prior 12 months; being prescribed ≥4 medications; living in a shelter or on the street; and feeling “blue” ≥14 of the past 30 days. We found weaker associations with having both male-male sex and injection drug use risks for HIV acquisition; being prescribed ARVT for ≥21 months; and being prescribed a protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen not boosted with ritonavir. The median proportion of doses missed was 50%. The most common reasons for missing doses were forgetting and side effects. Conclusions/Significance Self-reported recent nonadherence was high in our study. Our data support increased emphasis on adherence in clinical settings, and additional research on how providers and patients can overcome barriers to adherence.
Glomerular tip lesion in minimal change nephropathy: a study of autopsies before 1950.

The clinical significance of the glomerular tip lesion, characterized by podocyte prominence, capsular adhesion, and/or intracapillary foam cells at or adjacent to the urinary pole, remains unclear. It has been postulated that this lesion simply represents a response to heavy proteinuria, and cases of nephrotic syndrome with tip lesions, but no other histological abnormalities, may represent a form of minimal change nephropathy (MCN). However, others have reported that such lesions have a clinical course similar to that of primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and the tip lesion often is included among histological variants of FSGS. To determine whether tip lesions may be seen in MCN, we examined histological slides of kidneys from pre-1950 autopsies of patients with a diagnosis of lipoid nephrosis, a term that at that time comprised MCN and FSGS. Before the introduction of antibiotics and corticosteroid therapy, patients with nephrotic syndrome frequently died of sepsis. Eight such cases, with autopsies performed from 1924 to 1943, were identified in which no glomeruli had changes typical of classic FSGS or membranous nephropathy. More than 400 glomeruli were present in each case. Patient ages ranged from 3 to 45 years (six patients <11 years), all had marked edema (duration, 2 weeks to 21 months) and heavy proteinuria, and each died of sepsis and/or pneumonia (pneumococcal in six patients). Glomerular tip lesions were found in five of these eight cases (range, 3 to 26 lesions per case; 0.3% to 4.4% of total glomeruli present), with no predilection for the deep, middle, or superficial cortex. No tip lesions were seen in kidneys from autopsies of age-matched patients without a history of glomerular disease. These findings suggest that the glomerular tip lesion can occur in MCN and most likely represents a response to heavy proteinuria that is not disease specific.
Two-sided bias bound of the Kaplan-Meier estimator

We prove in this paper that the bias of the Kaplan-Meier estimator functional, which always under-estimates the true value, is decreasing at an exponential rate. An application of the inequality is also given.
Novel use of noninvasive high-intensity focused ultrasonography for intercostal nerve neurolysis in a swine model.

Background High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive thermal ablation technique. High-intensity focused ultrasound has been used in small-animal models to lesion neural tissue selectively. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of HIFU in a large-animal model for ablation of nerves similar in size to human nerves. Methods Twelve acute magnetic resonance–guided HIFU ablation lesions were created in intercostal nerves in a swine model. In a second pig, as a control, 4 radiofrequency ablation and 4 alcohol lesions were performed on intercostal nerves under ultrasound guidance. Preprocedural and postprocedural magnetic resonance imaging was then performed to evaluate radiologically the lesion size created by HIFU. Animals were euthanized 1 hour postprocedure, and necropsy was performed to collect tissue samples for histopathologic analysis. Results On gross and histological examination of the intercostal nerve, acute HIFU nerve lesions showed evidence of well-demarcated, acute, focally extensive thermal necrosis. Four intercostal nerves ablated with HIFU were sent for histopathologic analysis, with 2 of 4 lesions showing pathologic damage to the intercostal nerve. Similar results were shown with radiofrequency ablation technique, whereas the intercostal nerves appeared histologically intact with alcohol ablation. Conclusions High-intensity focused ultrasound may be used as a noninvasive neurolytic technique in swine. High-intensity focused ultrasound may have potential as a neuroablation technique for patients with chronic and cancer pain.
Renal and hepatic microsomal enzyme stimulation and renal function following three months of dietary exposure to polybrominated biphenyls

Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) stimulate microsomal enzyme activity and produce a variety of toxic manifestations, including renal and hepatic histopathological changes. Therefore, it was of interest to determine the effect of chronic exposure to PBB on renal and hepatic microsomal enzyme stimulation and renal function. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing 0 or 100 ppm of PBB for 3 months. Treatment with PBB retarded weight gain and increased the liver to body weight ratio but did not alter kidney to body weight ratio. Biphenyl-4-hydroxylase (BP-4-OH) and biphenyl-2-hydroxylase (BP-2-OH) activities were elevated in the kidney and liver following treatment with PBB. Exposure to PBB increased aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity in the kidney and liver. Epoxide hydratase (EH) activity was increased in the liver but decreased in the kidney following exposure to PBB. A three-month exposure to PBB had no effect on blood urea nitrogen, the clearance of inulin, p-aminohippurate (PAH), or fractional sodium excretion. Similarly, the in vitro accumulation of PAH and N-methylnicotinamide (NMN) in thin renal cortical slices and ammoniagenesis and gluconeogenesis in renal cortical slices were not affected by PBB. In conclusion, chronic exposure to PBB resulted in significant alterations in renal and hepatic microsomal enzyme activities but had no detectable effect on renal function. These experiments suggest that alterations in microsomal enzyme activities following PBB do not lead to impairment of renal function; however, this compound may sensitize the kidney to toxicity produced by agents administered subsequent to PBB.
Environmental infrastructure and socio-economic indicators in San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Access to water and sanitation was evaluated with respect to socio-economic factors for San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SPS), a medium-sized industrial city. A multidisciplinary analysis was conducted using socio-economic distribution and infrastructure assessments to determine the nature and extent of any existing inequalities. Although piped water access was nearly universal, socio-economic status did not always correlate with quality of service. Other notable relationships were observed with monthly expenditures, homes with dirt floors, and topography. Results indicate that SPS would benefit from improved operation and maintenance of existing infrastructure, implementation of groundwater disinfection and source water protection, and construction of sewage treatment facilities.