cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical operator for electroweak baryogenesis

In electroweak baryogenesis, a domain wall between the spontaneously broken and unbroken phases acts as a separator of baryon (or lepton) number, generating a baryon asymmetry in the Universe. If the wall is thin relative to plasma mean free paths, one computes baryon current into the broken phase by determining the quantum mechanical transmission of plasma components in the potential of the spatially changing Higgs vacuum expectation value. We show that baryon current can also be obtained using a statistical density operator. This new formulation of the problem provides a consistent framework for studying the influence of quasiparticle lifetimes on baryon current. We show that when the plasma has no self-interactions, familiar results are reproduced. When plasma self-interactions are included, the baryon current into the broken phase is related to an imaginary time temperature Green's function.
Regulation of the cross-bridge transition from a weakly to strongly bound state in skinned rabbit muscle fibers

The regulation of cross-bridge transition from weakly attached to force-bearing states was studied at 10 degrees C in skinned muscle fibers by measuring the rate of force development after a quick release-restretch cycle (ktr), the rate of force decline (kPi) after photogeneration of Pi from caged Pi, and stiffness in the presence and absence of an inhibitor of strong cross-bridge formation, 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM). Both BDM and Pi suppressed force more than stiffness. However, reduction of Ca2+ suppressed force and stiffness in a parallel fashion. Both ktr and kPi were reversibly reduced (by 30-35%) in 3 mM BDM, but both were increased by increasing Pi concentration. Reduction of Ca2+ concentration to match the force seen in 3 mM BDM had no effect on kPi but decreased ktr by 85%. These results are inconsistent with cross-bridge models undergoing the transition from a weakly bound to a force-generating state in a single step but are consistent with a model having two steps, one of which is controlled by pCa.
Learning to Collaborate: General and Special Educators in Teacher Education.

One of the foremost challenges for K–12 teachers is to provide relevant learning experiences in an environment of increasing accountability and student diversity. This balance is particularly consequential for students with disabilities who rely on special and general education teachers to ensure access to and success within the general curriculum. Teacher collaboration has been viewed as a critical part of the equation to help meet the needs of those learners. In this article, we present a case study from a course codeveloped and cotaught by secondary and special education faculty working in a teacher preparation program. Findings indicate that the teacher candidates with whom we worked showed a more complex sense of collaboration and recognition of critical elements of successful collaborative partnerships at the conclusion of the course.
Donor leukocyte infusions in 140 patients with relapsed malignancy after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

PURPOSERecipients of allogeneic bone marrow transplants (BMTs) who have relapsed may attain complete remissions when treated with transfusions of leukocytes obtained from the original bone marrow donor. We performed a retrospective study to characterize better this new treatment modality.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe surveyed 25 North American BMT programs regarding their use of donor leukocyte infusions (DLI). Detailed forms were used to gather data regarding the original BMT, relapse, DLI, response to DLI, complications of DLI, and long-term follow-up evaluation. Reports of 140 patients were thus available for analysis.RESULTSComplete responses were observed in 60% (95% confidence interval [CI], 51.9% to 68.1%) of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients who received DLI and did not receive pre-DLI chemotherapy; response rates were higher in patients with cytogenetic and chronic-phase relapse (75.7%; 95% CI, 68.2% to 83.2%) than in patients with accelerated-phase (33.3%; 95% CI, 19.7% to 46.9%) or blastic-p...
Switching and synchronization performance of CORD, an optical ATM packet switched network

The CORD (COntention Resolution using Delay lines) consortium has been formed to investigate methods of optical contention resolution. We have developed a WDM network test-bed to demonstrate our Contention Resolution Optics (CRO). The CRO, consisting of optical switches and delay lines, is an optical buffered switch element, capable of rearranging the order of arrival of packets. Shown is the two-stage CRO structure used in CORD. An extension of this structure could be used as a 2/spl times/2 optical switch element for a distributed buffered optical switching fabric or a variety of switch architectures.
Transcription bypass of DNA lesions enhances cell survival but attenuates transcription coupled DNA repair

Transcription-coupled DNA repair (TCR) is a subpathway of nucleotide excision repair (NER) dedicated to rapid removal of DNA lesions in the transcribed strand of actively transcribed genes. The precise nature of the TCR signal and how the repair machinery gains access to lesions imbedded in stalled RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) complexes in eukaryotic cells are still enigmatic. RNAP II has an intrinsic capacity for transcription bypass of DNA lesions by incorporation or misincorporation of nucleotides across the lesions. It has been suggested that transcription bypass of lesions, which exposes the lesions, may be required for TCR. Here, we show that E1103G mutation of Rpb1, the largest subunit of RNAP II, which promotes transcription bypass of UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), increases survival of UV irradiated yeast cells but attenuates TCR. The increased cell survival is independent of any NER subpathways. In contrast, G730D mutation of Rpb1, which impairs transcription bypass of CPDs, enhances TCR. Our results suggest that transcription bypass of lesions attenuates TCR but enhances cell tolerance to DNA lesions. Efficient stalling of RNAP II is essential for efficient TCR.
The value of changes in deer hunting quality: a travel cost approach

(1988). The value of changes in deer hunting quality: a travel cost approach. Applied Economics: Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 533-539.
Biography of the Mufti: The Mufti of Jerusalem: Al-Hajj Amin al-Husayni and the Palestinian National Movement, by Philip Mattar

(1989). Biography of the Mufti: The Mufti of Jerusalem: Al-Hajj Amin al-Husayni and the Palestinian National Movement, by Philip Mattar. Journal of Palestine Studies: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 95-97.
Management of cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia using prostaglandin E1 and aspirin

P ATIENTS WITH heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) who require anticoagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) present a difficult management problem. The therapeutic options available are limited, particularly if the indication for surgery requiring CPB is urgent. A case is presented of a patient with HIT and unstable angina who underwent urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) without thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications. The patient was anticoagulated with heparin. 400 U/kg (4 mg/kg); preoperative aspirin and an intraoperative infusion of prostaglandin E, were administered as inhibitors of platelet aggregation.
Influence of plasma prolactin concentrations and age on neonatal immune function

Prolactin (PRL) plays an immunomodulatory role in adult animals. However, little information is available concerning PRL's effects on neonatal immune function. Experiments were designed to evaluate the effects of hyper- and hypoprolactinemia and age on immunity in neonatal pigs. In Experiment 1, 4-day-old pigs were treated with bromocriptine, an inhibitor of PRL release or vehicle for 1, 2, or 3 weeks. Mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation was evaluated in splenic lymphocytes at 11, 18, and 25 days of age. In Experiment 2, PRL or vehicle were administered to 6-day-old pigs for 2 weeks and lymphocyte proliferation, in vitro interleukin 2 (IL-2) and plaque forming cell (PFC) assays were performed. Bromocriptine administration suppressed (P = .0001) plasma PRL concentrations and enhanced concanavalin A-(ConA) and pokeweed mitogen-(PWM) stimulated proliferation of lymphocytes (P = .09). In contrast, PRL administration increased circulating plasma PRL concentrations (P < .03), decreased lymphocyte proliferation (P = .08) and suppressed the numbers of PFC/mg DNA (3.5 ± 1.6) vs control pigs (8.7 ± 3.3). Both in vitro IL-2 production and PWM-induced proliferation was decreased (P = .0004 and P = .002, respectively) in older vs younger pigs. The results of these studies suggest that PRL may limit specific aspects of immune system function in neonatal pigs.
Multimodality Treatment of Germ Cell Tumors of the Mediastinum

Germ cell tumors originating in the anterior mediastinal compartment represent a rare but biologically interesting group of neoplasms. Knowledge of the specific biologic behaviors and therapeutic strategies for the three histologic types is important. This article discusses the multimodality treatment strategy for primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors.
Moisture barrier and chemical corrosion protection of silver-based telescope mirrors using aluminum oxide films by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition

An urgent demand remains in astronomy for high-reflectivity silver mirrors that can withstand years of exposure in observatory environments. The University of California Observatories Astronomical Coatings Lab has undertaken development of protected silver coatings suitable for telescope mirrors that maintain high reflectivity at wavelengths from 340 nm through the mid-infrared spectrum. We present initial results of an investigation into whether plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) can produce superior protective layers of transparent dielectrics. Several novel coating recipes have been developed with ion-assisted electron beam deposition (IAEBD) of materials including yttrium fluoride, and oxides of yttrium, hafnium, and titanium. Samples of these mirror coatings were covered with conformal layers of aluminum oxide (AlOx) deposited by PEALD using trimethylaluminum as a metal precursor and oxygen as an oxidant gas activated by remote plasma. Samples of coating recipes with and without PEALD oxide undergo aggressive environmental testing, including high temperature/high humidity (HTHH), in which samples were exposed to an environment of 80% humidity at 80°C for ten days in a simple test set-up. HTHH testing show visible results suggesting that the PEALD oxide offers enhanced robust protection against chemical corrosion and moisture from an accelerated aging environment. Mirror samples are further characterized by reflectivity/absorption and atomic force microscopy before and after deposition of oxide coatings. AlOx is suitable for many applications and has been the initial material choice for this study, although we also tried TiOx and HfOx. Further experimentation based on these initial results is on-going.
American Healthy Homes Survey: a national study of residential pesticides measured from floor wipes.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in collaboration with the United States Environmental Protection Agency conducted a survey measuring lead, allergens, and insecticides in a randomly selected nationally representative sample of residential homes. Multistage sampling with clustering was used to select the 1131 homes of which a subset of 500 randomly selected homes included the collection of hard surface floor wipes. Samples were collected by trained field technicians between June 2005 and March 2006 using isopropanol wetted wipes. Samples were analyzed for a suite of 24 compounds which included insecticides in the organochlorine, organophosphate, pyrethroid and phenylpyrazole classes, and the insecticide synergist piperonyl butoxide. The most commonly detected were permethrin (89%), chlorpyrifos (78%), chlordane (64%), piperonyl butoxide (52%), cypermethrin (46%), and fipronil (40%). Mean and geometric mean (GM) concentrations varied widely among compounds, but were highest for trans-per...
Correlation of blood pressure with plasma ascorbic acid

Abstract In a nutrition survey of 247 Chinese Americans (38% men and 62% women) aged 60–96, the mean plasma ascorbic acid was found to be lower than that of white Americans. The association between their blood pressure and plasma ascorbic acid was explored by analysis of covariance and multiple regression, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, alcohol and cigarette consumption, dietary Na:K ratio, serum Ca:P ratio and physical activity level. Inverse associations were observed between plasma ascorbic acid and systolic blood pressure (p
Saints and Sinners: On Gandhi's Lawyers and Touts

We know from work on early county courts that by the twelfth and thirteenth centuries there was a solidly established class of professional lawyers in England,' although they were pleaders and attorneys rather than barristers and solicitors.2 By the fifteenth century there were at least six categories of lawyers that, by the eighteenth century, were consolidated into two.3 It is these two groups-barristers and solicitors-who were exported to the colonies to provide the backbone not only of their legal professions, but also of their judicial and administrative personnel.' Except in India, most emigrant lawyers were barristers. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the condition of the English bar was at best precarious, for the bar had grown dramatically in this
Understanding classroom communication

The purpose of the lesson was to help students acquire reading vocabulary and develop their reading comprehension skills. The teacher asked a question to help the student comprehend and understand the story. When the student answered the question, he responded with factually correct information but his initial response was not accepted by the teacher. She modeled for him how he was to structure his response. That is, she showed him that he should respond in a book-like sentence. When he provided a book-like sentence with the correct information, he was told that his answer was "very good." This communication provided opportunities for learning more than just reading comprehension and vocabulary. The student learned how to formulate
An online system for classifying computer graphics images from natural photographs

We describe an online system for classifying computer generated images and camera-captured photographic images, as part of our effort in building a complete passive-blind system for image tampering detection (project website at http: //www.ee.columbia.edu/trustfoto). Users are able to submit any image from a local or an online source to the system and get classification results with confidence scores. Our system has implemented three different algorithms from the state of the art based on the geometry, the wavelet, and the cartoon features. We describe the important algorithmic issues involved for achieving satisfactory performances in both speed and accuracy as well as the capability to handle diverse types of input images. We studied the effects of image size reduction on classification accuracy and speed, and found different size reduction methods worked best for different classification methods. In addition, we incorporated machine learning techniques, such as fusion and subclass-based bagging, in order to counter the effect of performance degradation caused by image size reduction. With all these improvements, we are able to speed up the classification speed by more than two times while keeping the classification accuracy almost intact at about 82%.
Effect of top-contact geometry on spreading resistance in proton-implanted vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

Analytical expressions are derived for calculating electrical spreading resistance in vertical- cavity surface-emitting diode lasers. Three contact configurations are considered: annular, circular, and broad-area. Calculations performed for proton-implanted surface-emitting lasers demonstrate that low values of series resistance can be achieved by combining the broad-area or circular contact configuration with a sufficiently large active-region diameter.
Angiogenesis in squamous cell carcinoma in situ and microinvasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Objective To evaluate angiogenesis in squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS) and microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and to investigate the relations among angiogenesis, stromal inflammation, and depth of invasion. Methods Three groups of women were studied: 22 controls who had undergone hysterectomy for benign conditions; 18 with squamous cell CIS of the cervix who under-went cone biopsy, hysterectomy, or both; and 14 with microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma who underwent conization of the cervix and subsequent surgical management according to depth of invasion. All specimens were stained immunohistochemically for factor VIH-related antigen. Areas below the basement membrane with the highest angiogenic density were selected. The degree of stromal inflammatory reaction was assessed. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis, analyses of variance and covariance, Scheffe and Bonferroni-Dunn post hoc procedures, and Pearson correlation analysis. P Results Microvessel counts per high-power field (×400) of microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix differed significantly from those of controls and squamous cell CIS (median 34.5 per high-power field, range 9–76 versus median 17, range 7–47, and median 19, range 8–39, respectively; P P = .91). Among patients with microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, no significant correlation was found between microvessel counts per high-power field and the depth of invasion ( r = 0.19, P = .51). Stromal inflammatory reaction (graded 0–3) differed significantly among controls, squamous cell CIS, and microinvasive carcinoma (mean 0.40, 0.83, and 1.64, respectively; P Conclusions Microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix is angiogenic, but depth of invasion is not associated with increased angiogenicity. Squamous cell CIS is not angiogenic.
Hamilton's modified principle applied to nonlinear circuit problems

Hamilton's Modified Principle (HMP) is used to solve two nonlinear problems. The amplitude, frequency, and stability in the limit cycle of a simple pentode oscillator are calculated in order to demonstrate the principle. A standard graphical method finds the amplitude of oscillations, and results are compared with experimental data. For the case under consideration, the HMP solution gives better agreement with the experimental results ? 6.6% deviation as compared with 12.4% for the graphical solution. An approximate answer is also found for the transient behavior of a nonlinear system where the input is a step function. The result is compared with an analog computer solution and shows good agreement. The solution of a simple relay servo system is indicated in which the amplitude and frequency in the limit cycle along with its stability are obtained by application of the one method of HMP.
The questionable role of a microsomal °8 acyl-CoA-dependent desaturase in the biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids

Several experimental approaches were used to determine whether rat liver and testes express an acyl-CoA-dependent δ8 desaturase. When [1-14C]5, 11, 14-eicosatrienoic acid was injected via the tail vein, or directly into testes, it was incorporated into liver and testes phospholipids, but it was not metabolized to other labeled fatty acids. When [1-14C]11, 14-eicosadienoic acid was injected, via the tail vein or directly into testes, or incubated with microsomes from both tissues, it was only metabolized to 5,11, 14-eicosatrienoic acid. When ethyl 5,5,11,11,14,14-d6-5,11,14-eicosatrienoate was fed to rats maintained on a diet devoid of fat, it primarily replaced esteri-fied 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid, but not arachidonic acid. No labeled linoleate or arachidonate were detected. Dietary ethyl linoleate and ethyl 19,19,20,20-d4-1,2-13C-11,14-eicosadienoate were about equally effective as precursors of esterified arachidonate. The doubly labeled 11,14-eicosadienoate was metabolized primarily by conversion to 17,17,18,18-d4-9,12-ocatdeca-dienoic acid, followed by its conversion to yield esterified arachidonate, with a mass four units greater than endogenous arachidonate. In addition, the doubly labeled substrate gave rise to a small amount of arachidonate, six mass units greater than endogenous arachidonate. No evidence was obtained, with the radiolabeled substrates, for the presence of a δ8 desaturase. However, the presence of an ion, six mass units greater than endogenous arachidonate when doubly labeled 11, 14-eicosa-dienoate was fed, suggests that a small amount of the substrate may have been metabolized by the sequential use of δ8 and δ5 desaturases.
Assessment of Sleep Position Over Time Among Infants At Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrom (SIDS) and Healthy Term Infants. † 462

The AAP continues to recommend avoidance of the prone sleep position to reduce the risk of SIDS. To evaluate compliance with this recommendation over time among families of at-risk and healthy term (HT) infants, we determined sleep position by interview among 630 enrollees in the Collaborative Home Infant Monitoring Evaluation (CHIME) at 5 sites across the USA from 5/1/94-4/30/96. Of these, 503 (89 SIDS siblings (SS), 88 apnea of infancy(AOI), 264 preterm (PT) infants ≤ 34 wks, 62 HT) completed the first follow up visit (≈30 days after enrollment). To determine adherence over time, we examined a subset of 208 infants (51 SS, 28 AOI, and 99 PT, 30 HT) who completed a minimum of 4 follow-up visits at the following postconceptional ages (mean wks ± SD): 44 ± 4, 49 ± 4, 56 ± 5, 71± 15. Table
Study of timing properties of silicon photomultipiers

A new setup has been made at Fermilab for detector timing measurements at picosecond level. The core timing resolution of the amplifiers, discriminators and TAC/ADC combination is approximately 2 picosecond. We have made a study of a single photoelectron time resolution (SPTR) measured for signals coming from silicon photomultipliers (SiPm) made by different manufacturers. The obtained SPTR is of the order of 180 picosecond with SiPms illuminated by red (635 nm) PiLas laser light. IRST SiPms show better SPTR when illuminated by the blue laser light (405 nm). Most of the data were taken with 1 Volt of the overvoltage. The SiPms time resolution is inversely proportional to the square root of the number of photoelectrons. A time-of-flight (TOF) system with few tens of picosecond time resolution, based SiPms with quartz Cherenkov radiators looks practically achievable. A simple model is proposed to explain the difference in SPTR of the IRST SiPms when illuminating by the blue and red light. The explanation of the origin of the tail in the MPPC SiPm’s single photoelectron time spectra is presented. Finally, requirements for the SiPms temperature and bias voltage stability to maintain few picosecond time resolution are discussed.
Variant of the Thomas Algorithm for Opposite-Bordered Tridiagonal Systems of Equations

To solve tridiagonal systems of linear equations, the Thomas Algorithm is a much more efficient method than, for instance, Gaussian elimination. The algorithm uses a series of elementary row operations and can solve a system of n equations in (n) operations, instead of (n3) . Many variations of the Thomas Algorithm have been developed over the years to solve very specific near-tridiagonal matrix. However, none of these methods address the situation of a system of linear equations that could easily be solved if elementary operations on columns are applied, instead of elementary operations on rows. The present paper proposes an efficient method that allows the use of elementary column operations to solve linear systems of equations using vector multiplication techniques, such as the one proposed by Thomas. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Exotic Nematode Parasite of the American Eel

Abstract We investigated reports from commercial fishers of parasitized American eels (Anguilla rostrata) in the Patuxent River (located in the mid-Chesapeake Bay) and discovered that some eels were infected with an exotic swim bladder nematode, Anguillicola crassus. Here, we (1) describe the dispersal of this blood-feeding nematode, endemic to the Japanese eel (A. japonica), in Europe and North America; (2) discuss what is known of the effects of this parasite on eels; (3) summarize current knowledge of the life cycle and identification of this parasite; and (4) present new data on the range of A. crassus in the eastern United States. We examined the swim bladders of 329 American eels from 4 sites in the mid- and upper Chesapeake Bay as well as 150 eels from 4 sites in the Hudson River in New York. Prevalence ranged from 10% to 29% in the Chesapeake Bay and from 0% to 12% in the Hudson River. Maximum intensity of infection was 24 for Chesapeake Bay eels and 3 for Hudson River eels. We urge our U.S and Ca...
Accelerating String Set Matching in FPGA Hardware for Bioinformatics Research

Background This paper describes techniques for accelerating the performance of the string set matching problem with particular emphasis on applications in computational proteomics. The process of matching peptide sequences against a genome translated in six reading frames is part of a proteogenomic mapping pipeline that is used as a case-study. The Aho-Corasick algorithm is adapted for execution in field programmable gate array (FPGA) devices in a manner that optimizes space and performance. In this approach, the traditional Aho-Corasick finite state machine (FSM) is split into smaller FSMs, operating in parallel, each of which matches up to 20 peptides in the input translated genome. Each of the smaller FSMs is further divided into five simpler FSMs such that each simple FSM operates on a single bit position in the input (five bits are sufficient for representing all amino acids and special symbols in protein sequences).
Reconstitution of intercalator-induced DNA scission by an active component from nuclear extracts

Treatment with intercalating agents causes formation of protein-associated DNA breaks in mammalian cells in culture and in the nuclei isolated from these cells. We found that this effect, when induced by the intercalator m-AMSA, required a component which could be dissociated from nuclei by 0.3 M NaCl. The effect was restored by combining the extracted nuclei with the nuclear extract. The active component of the extract eluted in gel filtration at a point corresponding to a molecular weight of 800 000. During its reaction with DNA, DNA-protein links and DNA breaks appeared in approximately equal frequencies. In this respect the reaction stimulated by m-AMSA resembled the reaction of a topoisomerase with DNA. However, intercalator-stimulated formation of protein-associated DNA breaks differed from the activity of the nuclear topoisomerase I in that there was a different optimum salt concentration and a different apparent molecular weight.
NPMT performance after coronary artery bypass grafting: cardiopulmonary bypass versus off-pump coronary artery bypass

Introduction. New techniques to reduce cerebral dysfunction after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are being developed, which include changes to the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits and performing CABG off-pump (OPCAB). This prospective study was undertaken to determine the incidence of cerebral dysfunction in patients having CABG with nonheparin or heparin-bonded CPB circuits or OPCAB. Methods. Sixty-six patients scheduled for elective CABG surgery were randomly assigned to CPB either with non-heparin-bonded (group A) or heparin-bonded (Carmeda) (group B) CPB circuits. Some patients were chosen by their CT surgeon to have OPCAB (group C). Induction was with conventional agents and maintenance was by a continuous infusion of fentanyl, midazolam, and cisatracurium supplemented with isoflurane. All patients were examined before and after surgery (5 to 7 days and 1 to 2 months) with five NPMTs. These generated eight scores. A significant change was defined as a decrease in the postoperative performance by 25% or more. We calculated: 1) number of tests changed for each patient; and 2) number of patients with zero, only one, only two, only three, or more than three tests changed. The groups were than compared using the Mann-Whitney rank sum test. Results. The groups were different for OPCAB patients who had a significantly shorter duration of surgery, fewer grafts, and less transfusion. Cerebral dysfunction was statistically less in group C (OPCAB) compared with group A at 5 to 7 days, although group B showed a similar trend. There were no differences between the two types of CPB circuits although there was a trend to less cerebral dysfunction in group B (heparin-bonded) at 1 to 2 months. Conclusions. A number of new techniques associated with CPB surgery may decrease the incidence of cognitive changes. Our data demonstrate a better outcome in cognitive performance when surgery is performed OPCAB.
Perfluoroctylbromide as a gastrointestinal contrast agent for MR imaging: use with and without glucagon.

The utility of perfluoroctylbromide (PFOB) as a gastrointestinal contrast agent for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was evaluated with MR examinations performed in 30 subjects (16 healthy volunteers and 14 patients). Transaxial T1-, proton density-, and T2-weighted MR images were acquired in each subject before and after the administration of PFOB. The healthy volunteers each underwent two sets of post-PFOB MR examinations, one before and one after glucagon administration. The degree of bowel marking, clarity of bowel-wall visualization, ability to distinguish bowel from adjacent parenchymal organs, and severity of phase-encoding artifacts were independently analyzed by two reviewers. Oral administration of PFOB significantly (P less than .001) increased the percentage of bowel loops with low signal intensity. Subcutaneous administration of glucagon significantly (P less than .001) increased the clarity of bowel-wall visualization on post-PFOB MR studies. The severity of phase-encoding artifacts did not change substantially after administration of PFOB or glucagon.
On detection of the number of signals when the noise covariance matrix is arbitrary

Abstract In this paper, the authors proposed model selection methods for determination of the number of signals in presence of noise with arbitrary covariance matrix. This problem is related to finding the multiplicity of the smallest eigenvalue of Σ 2 Σ 1 −1 , where Σ 2 = Γ + λΣ 1 , Σ 1 and Σ 2 are covariance matrices, λ is a scalar, and Γ is non-negative definite matrix and is not of full rank. Also, the authors proposed methods for determination of the multiplicities of various eigenvalues of Σ 2 Σ 1 −1 . The methods used in these procedures are based upon certain information theoretic criteria. The strong consistency of these criteria is established in this paper.
Modulation of LV Loading and Arterial Pulsatility Affects PET/CT Coronary Flow Reserve in Continuous Flow LVAD Patients

s S195 Conclusion: Significant residual MR post LVAD implantation assessed quantitatively is associated with increased LA and LV dimensions, and worse RV size and function. Further studies are warranted to determine whether residual significant MR affects long term outcomes in LVAD patients.
Currency crises and contingent liabilities

A contingent liability is a future spending commitment that is realized with some probability. International organizations emphasize the dangers of contingent liabilities when providing advice. Why? One answer is obvious—if significant contingent liabilities are realized they commit governments to substantial fiscal costs. There is a further reason: by taking on a contingent liability the government can increase the probability of the underlying shock taking place. This paper describes how the issuance of government guarantees and the methods by which they are financed affect the probability of crises taking place. It also discusses the determinants of post-crisis inflation and depreciation.
Child Health Providers' Precautionary Discussion of Emotions During Communication About Results of Newborn Genetic Screening

Objective To demonstrate a quantitative abstraction method for Communication Quality Assurance projects to assess physicians' communication about hidden emotions after newborn genetic screening. Design Communication quality indicator analysis. Setting Standardized parent encounters performed in practicing physicians' clinics or during educational workshops for residents. Participants Fifty-nine pediatrics residents, 53 pediatricians, and 31 family physicians. Intervention Participants were asked to counsel standardized parents about a screening result; counseling was recorded, transcribed, and parsed into statements (each with 1 subject and 1 predicate). Pairs of abstractors independently compared statements with a data dictionary containing explicit-criteria definitions. Outcome Measures Four groups of “precautionary empathy” behaviors (assessment of emotion, anticipation/validation of emotion, instruction about emotion, and caution about future emotion), with definitions developed for both “definite” and “partial” instances. Results Only 38 of 143 transcripts (26.6%) met definite criteria for at least 1 of the precautionary empathy behaviors. When partial criteria were counted, this number increased to 80 of 143 transcripts (55.9%). The most common type of precautionary empathy was the “instruction about emotion” behavior (eg, “don't be worried”), which may sometimes be leading or premature. Conclusions Precautionary empathy behaviors were rare in this analysis. Further study is needed, but this study should raise concerns about the quality of communication services after newborn screening.
Grammatical impairments in PPA

Background: Grammatical impairments are commonly observed in the agrammatic subtype of primary progressive aphasia (PPA-G), whereas grammatical processing is relatively preserved in logopenic (PPA-L) and semantic (PPA-S) subtypes.Aims: We review research on grammatical deficits in PPA and associated neural mechanisms, with discussion focused on production and comprehension of four aspects of morphosyntactic structure: grammatical morphology, functional categories, verbs and verb argument structure, and complex syntactic structures. We also address assessment of grammatical deficits in PPA, with emphasis on behavioural tests of grammatical processing. Finally, we address research examining the effects of treatment for progressive grammatical impairments.Main Contribution: PPA-G is associated with grammatical deficits that are evident across linguistic domains in both production and comprehension. PPA-G is associated with damage to regions including the left inferior frontal gyrus and dorsal white matter tr...
Electromigration of eutectic SnPb solder interconnects for flip chip technology

The electromigration of eutectic SnPb solder interconnects between a Si chip and a FR4 substrate was studied at 120 °C for up to 324 h with current stressing of 104 amp/cm2. Hillocks were observed at the anode and voids at the cathode. The dominant diffusing species was found to be Pb, confirmed by its accumulation at the anode. Diffusion markers were used to measure the electromigration flux and calculate the effective charge of atomic diffusion in the solder. Extensive microstructural evolution was also observed in the two-phase solder alloy that occurred by a ripening process.
Student Effort, Learning, and Course Evaluation

Although the literature on student evaluations of teaching is extensive—and appears to be growing almost daily—Needham finds a “void” in that literature. In this article he develops a “general model of student allocation of effort between courses incorporating constraints on student time and ability, curricular choices open to students, and information concerning course characteristics.” He asserts that his model should help the reader interpret the conflicting results of other studies which have considered these factors and to provide a rationale for better empirical measures of student efforts and learning rates than the measures now being used.
Conceptual Issues in Framing Theory: A Systematic Examination of a Decade's Literature

Although many scholars have pointed out problems in framing research, there has been very few systematic examinations of the published literature. To examine the common conceptual debates, the present study content analyzes framing literature from 93 peer-reviewed journals for a decade. Two methods were employed for the sample: First, every journal identified as a “communication journal” in the Journal Citation Report was included; second, keyword searches in electronic databases were used. The main findings showed that framing studies have concentrated more on message design and “unique” frames. Consistent with existing debates, results highlight the lack of research about production of frames and mixed frames. This examination of a decade's published literature reveals better direction for future research.
Enhancement of laying-hen manure as a feedstuff by aerobic stabilization

Abstract The potential of aerobic stabilization to increase the value of poultry manures as feedstuffs was evaluated. Laboratory batch and continuous studies using laying-hen manure as a substrate were conducted. Both studies indicated that the essential amino acid content—and thus the potential value of laying-hen manure as a feedstuff—can be increased with short-term aeration. In the continous studies, a retention time of 3 days resulted in a 22% increase in the quantity of essential amino acids present. Longer periods of aeration (retention times exceeding 3 days) were found to be detrimental to the potential value of laying-hen manure as a source of amino acids. Aerobically stabilized laying-hen manure appears to be a well balanced source of the essential amino acids required by White Leghorn laying hens. If used to replace tap water, aerobically stabilized laying-hen manure could furnish up to 10% of the daily protein requirement (1·7 g per hen per day) of a White Leghorn laying hen and result in an estimated reduction in feed costs of US$0·017 per dozen eggs produced.
Specification of Motor Neuron Identity by the MNR2 Homeodomain Protein

Abstract Sonic hedgehog signaling controls the differentiation of motor neurons in the ventral neural tube, but the intervening steps are poorly understood. A differential screen of a cDNA library derived from a single Shh-induced motor neuron has identified a novel homeobox gene MNR2 , expressed by motor neuron progenitors and transiently by postmitotic motor neurons. The ectopic expression of MNR2 in neural cells initiates a program of somatic motor neuron differentiation characterized by the expression of homeodomain proteins, by neurotransmitter phenotype, and by axonal trajectory. Our results suggest that the Shh-mediated induction of a single transcription factor, MNR2, is sufficient to direct somatic motor neuron differentiation.
DNA tumor viruses and human cancer

There is a strong association between viruses and the development of human malignancies. A group of oncogenic DNA viruses exists in the human population today, members of which serve as infectious agents of cancer worldwide. The group includes the Epstein-Barr virus, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, human papillomaviruses and human polyomaviruses. Globally, it is estimated that 20% of all cancers are linked to infectious agents. Studies of DNA viruses have contributed to our current understanding of the key molecular players in the transformation process. Research has also shed light on the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis that are employed by these viruses and there are indications that cofactors could be required for viral oncogenicity in some cases.
SOLITARY AND PERIODIC SOLUTIONS OF NONLINEAR NONINTEGRABLE EQUATIONS

The singular manifold method and partial fraction decomposition allow one to find some special solutions of nonintegrable partial differential equations (PDE) in the form of solitary waves, traveling wave fronts, and periodic pulse trains. The truncated Painleve expansion is used to reduce a nonlinear PDE to a multilinear form. Some special solutions of the latter equation represent solitary waves and traveling wave fronts of the original PDE. The partial fraction decomposition is used to obtain a periodic wave train solution as an infinite superposition of the “corrected” solitary waves.
Chemical Sequence and Kinetics of Alkali-Silica Reaction Part I. Experiments

The deterioration induced by alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is initiated by complicated heterogeneous chemical reactions. This study describes the experimental results obtained from the model reactant experiments focused on the kinetics of physical and chemical changes in the reactive aggregate-simulated pore solution system undergoing ASR. Specifically, the study investigated the products formed by exposing reactive silica mineral (α-cristobalite) to two alkali solutions in the presence of solid calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]. The experimental results showed that, as long as the Ca(OH)2 remains in the system, the dissolution of the silica mineral proceeds at a constant rate and the only reaction product formed is the tobermorite-type C–S–H. However, once the supply of Ca(OH)2 in the system is exhausted, the level of dissolved silica ions starts to increase. At the same time, the previously formed C–S–H changes in composition by incorporating silicon and alkali ions from the solution. Continuous increase in the concentration of silica leads to formation of the ASR gel as a result of interaction between silica and alkali ions.
Respect in Organizations Feeling Valued as “We” and “Me”

Research suggests that organizational members highly prize respect but rarely report adequately receiving it. However, there is a lack of theory in organizational behavior regarding what respect actually is and why members prize it. We argue that there are two distinct types of respect: generalized respect is the sense that “we” are all valued in this organization, and particularized respect is the sense that the organization values “me” for particular attributes, behaviors, and achievements. We build a theoretical model of respect, positing antecedents of generalized respect from the sender’s perspective (prestige of social category, climate for generalized respect) and proposed criteria for the evaluation of particularized respect (role, organizational member, and character prototypicality), which is then enacted by the sender and perceived by the receiver. We also articulate how these two types of respect fulfill the receiver’s needs for belonging and status, which facilitates the self-related outcomes...
Primary hyperparathyroidism and salt-wasting nephropathy.

Abstract Studies are presented in two male patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who had developed salt-wasting nephropathy in the course of their disease. Both of them had nephrocalcinosis and markedly impaired renal function and exhibited an abnormal decrease in the fraction of filtered sodium reabsorbed by the renal tubules. Both patients showed impaired intestinal absorption and negative balances of calcium and phosphorous and had osteitis fibrosa cystica. Thus salt-wasting nephropathy is an additional and previously undescribed complication of primary hyperparathyroidism.
Religion, ethics and the implications for moral education: A critique of nucci's morality and religious rules

Through a critique of a recent argument by Larry Nucci, this article claims that for many religious believers, religion and morality cannot be wholly separated. Accordingly, efforts at moral education that seek to ignore the role of religion in moral judgement will fail to engage with the realities of many students' moral frameworks. In contrast to Nucci's claim that religion is irrelevant to moral judgement, this essay argues that morality is only weakly independent from religion. Moral knowledge does not derive exclusively from religious sources, but none the less involves relevant (and sometimes critical) religious considerations. Accordingly, moral education in American public schools needs curricula that help students explore and understand various moral rationales and motivations from a variety of cultural sources, religious and otherwise, providing opportunities for students to engage with difference and develop the capacity for mutual respect and (when necessary) reasonable disagreement.
Uncertainty in the niches that maintain haematopoietic stem cells

Haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niches are specialized microenvironments that contain stem cells and regulate their maintenance. Cells at the interface of bone and the bone marrow (the endosteum) contribute to the creation of HSC niches. It remains uncertain whether this interface itself is a niche, or whether endosteal cells secrete factors that diffuse to nearby niches. Vascular and/or perivascular cells may also create niches as many HSCs are observed around sinusoidal blood vessels, and perivascular cells secrete factors that regulate HSC maintenance. Do endosteal and perivascular cells create distinct niches, or do they contribute to a common niche? We discuss a range of niche models consistent with recent evidence.
Phase noise measurements of ultrastable 10 GHz harmonically modelocked fibre laser

Measurements are presented of the lowest timing jitter reported to date for a harmonically modelocked Er fibre laser. Phase detection noise measurements demonstrate a timing jitter of <10 fs over a frequency range of 100 Hz-1 MHz.
PEROXYNITRITE-INDUCED APOPTOSIS IN HUMAN EPITHELIAL CELLS (T84) IS ATTENUATED BY ASCORBIC ACID OR 5-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID. • 496

PEROXYNITRITE-INDUCED APOPTOSIS IN HUMAN EPITHELIAL CELLS (T84) IS ATTENUATED BY ASCORBIC ACID OR 5-AMINOSALICYLIC ACID. • 496
Moments of the Distribution of Sample Size in a Sprt

Abstract Approximate expressions are given for the first four moments of the distribution of sample size required by a sequential probability ratio test. Some possible uses of these moments are also discussed.
Floral Phenology and Sex Ratio of Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla), a Rare Dioecious Shrub Endemic to the Southern Appalachian Mountains

ABSTRACT Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla, Santalaceae) is a rare dioecious and hemiparasitic shrub endemic to the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Previous studies on piratebush suggest sexual reproductive deficiency as a possible explanation for the rare and scattered distribution of piratebush and a concern for subsequent population decline. To further investigate the reproductive biology of piratebush, we examined sex ratio and flowering phenology in the densest population of piratebush, found on Poor Mountain in southwest Virginia. Sex ratio data were collected through field surveys along ecological transects. Results show a male-biased sex ratio (61:39) of flowering individuals, with 15% nonflowering. Size data confirm significantly smaller size for nonflowering individuals (p < 0.01), suggesting combined characteristics of size and nonflowering as an indicator of juvenility. Floral phenology data were recorded from 23 males and 20 females in varied representative...
Differences in gene expression between strabismic and normal human extraocular muscles.

Purpose. Strabismic extraocular muscles (EOMs) differ from normal EOMs in structural and functional properties, but the gene expression profile of these two types of EOM has not been examined. Differences in gene expression may inform about causes and effects of the strabismic condition in humans.