cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of ST-segment depression as a sign of coronary artery disease when confined to the postexercise recovery period

Abstract Although ST-segment depression during exercise is a diagnostic sign usually indicating the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD), the significance of ST-segment change confined only to the postexercise recovery period remains unknown. We evaluated 2,000 exercise electrocardiographic (ECG) tests and identified 62 patients who developed ≥1 mm horizontal or downsloping ST depression in the postexercise period despite a negative ST response during exercise (Figure 1). Isolated postexercise ST-segment depression was assessed as a sign of CAD by thallium-201 perfusion imaging and, in a subgroup of 26 patients, by coronary angiography.
Soft x-ray polarimeter laboratory tests

Multilayer-coated optics can strongly polarize X-rays and are central to a new design of a broad-band, soft X-ray polarimeter. We have begun laboratory work to verify the performance of components that could be used in future soft X-ray polarimetric instrumentation. We have reconfigured a 17 meter beamline facility, originally developed for testing transmission gratings for Chandra, to include a polarized X-ray source, an X-ray-dispersing transmission grating, and a multilayer-coated optic that illuminates a CCD detector. The X-rays produced from a Manson Model 5, multi-anode source are polarized by a multilayer-coated flat mirror. The current configuration allows for a 180 degree rotation of the source in order to rotate the direction of polarization. We will present progress in source characterization and system modulation measurements as well as null and robustness tests.
Genre, Motive, and Metaphor: Conditions for Creativity in Ritual Language

Although much anthropological discussion of ritual has focused on symbolic objects and actions, specific concern with the linguistic dimension of ritual can be traced back at least as far as Malinowski's (1935) Coral Gardens and Their Magic. Lienhardt's (1961) work on Dinka religion encouraged this concern by offering, in addition to a chapter on ritual action, a separate chapter on religious language. Since then, a variety of analyses has appeared. These studies can be summarized under the following general headings: specialized religious vocabularies (Fabian 1971, Wheelock 1981, Zaretsky 1972); genres of religious language (Bauman 1974, Fabian 1974, Gossen 1974, McDowell 1983); religious speaking as illocutionary act (Ahern 1979, 1982, Austin 1962, Finnegan 1969, Gardner 1983, Gill 1977, Ray 1973, Tambiah 1968, 1973, 1979, Wheelock 1982); religious language as discourse (Fabian 1979, Jules-Rosette 1978, Samarin 1976); religious language as power or authority (Andelson 1980, Bloch 1974, Fields 1982, McGuire 1983); ecstatic language and glossalalia (Eliade 1964, Goodman 1972, Jennings 1968, May 1956, Motley 1981, Pattison 1968, Samarin 1972). The area defined by these studies lies adjacent to the fields of rhetoric, poetics, and the cross-cultural phenomenology of the sacred. A single hermeneutic issue that links these concerns is whether the property of creativity can be attributed to the language of religious ritual. That is, can the characteristic persuasiveness, the metaphorical vividness, and the evocation of the sacred in ritual language justifiably be said to be creative? Or, on the contrary, is such language primarily the servant of a linguistic and cultural status quo, lacking the creative potential inherent in the language of poetry or even in everyday speech? An attempt to resolve this problem bears directly on our understanding of both the nature of language and the nature of religious experience. If it is to be argued, as does the present article, that ritual language can be creative, then two criteria must be met: (1) It must be demonstrated how that creation is achieved, identifying the conditions under which creativity is possible and the processes through which it works; (2) It must be demonstrated that something in particular is created, whether it be a new meaning, new state of mind, new way of understanding the world,
Recognizing Perspectives on Community Reentry From Offenders with Mental Illness: Using the Afrocentric Framework and Concept Mapping with Adult Detainees

By using concept-mapping techniques and incorporating the Afrocentric framework, this study demonstrated that people with mental illnesses, when asked and provided the means to participate, can engage in meaningful identification of their needs, service conceptualization, and prioritization. They provided 13 service area needs that included 104 indicators of their success when returning to the community. The identification of these indicators of success is helpful to program developers so that they can address the challenges of the consumer, and move offenders with mental illness toward independent living. Implications of the findings for social workers and public health professionals working in the corrections field are explored and discussed.
Effects of surface charge and particle morphology on the sorption/desorption behavior of water on clay minerals

Abstract In situ DRIFT spectroscopy is used in the current study to follow sorption/desorption of water vapor on several clay minerals that vary in surface charge and morphological character. Spectra of the dried sorbents indicate the significant effect of those factors on both liquid and vapor phase water remaining within the particles. Changes in the IR bands recorded during exposure to water vapor at 50% RH confirm the assignment of those bands to water. They also indicate that the dynamics of liquid phase sorption/desorption for all the sorbents investigated is consistent with the concept of capillary condensation within nanometer scale pores that was advanced in previous studies conducted with 1,2-dihaloethanes. The intraparticle accumulation of the vapor phase water, however, was found to be profoundly affected by both surface charge and particle morphology. These differences are attributed to the high polarity and hydration capabilities of water molecules. Band area changes documented during a second sorption/desorption cycle are nearly identical to those occurring during the first with regard to both timing and extent. They also confirm that some liquid phase water is retained by the sorbents even after five days of desorption and amounts of sorbed vapor phase water increase over the course of the experiments.
Solid-fluid equilibrium : new perspectives from molecular theory

Abstract Some recent developments in the molecular modeling of solid-fluid phase equilibrium are reviewed. Theoretical approches to solid phase thermodynamics and solid-fluid equilbria are described as well as methods for studying solid phases by computer simulation. Applications to the study of solid-fluid equilibrium in systems of nonspherical molecules and to predicting solid-fluid phase diagrams for mixtures are described.
The evaluation of standard sedimentation coefficients of sodium RNA and sodium DNA from sedimentation velocity data in concentrated NaCl and CsCl solutions.

1. 1. The sedimentation velocity of the sodium and cesium salts of MS2 RNA and T7 DNA has been investigated in NaCl and CsCl solutions which range in concentrations from about 1 M to concentrations in which the macromolecules are buoyant. Over this range the product of the sedimentation coefficient and the viscosity of the solution decreases linearly with the density of the solvent. 2. 2. It is shown that the linearity is consistent with the previously published large changes in the preferential solvation of cesium DNA in concentrated salt solution. 3. 3. A method for the determination of the band shape and buoyant density of MS2 RNA in CsCl at 40° is described. The buoyant density of this cesium RNA at 25° is 1.895 g·cm−3. 4. 4. The relative viscosity at 20° of CsCl solutions in a range of concentrations from 1 to 7 M has been measured. The minimum in the viscosity vs. density curve occurs at approx. 2.5 M. At this concentration the relative viscosity is 0.92. 5. 5. Relations for the refractive index vs. density at 25° of CsCl solutions (1.00 < ϱ < 1.37) and NaCl solutions (1.00 < ϱ < 1.19) are reported.
Ion-solvent interactions: Conductance behavior of NaAlBu4 and Bu4NAlBu4 in benzene and tetrahydrofuran

Conductance measurements are reported for NaAlBu 4 and Bu 4 NAlBu 4 in benzene and in tetrahydrofuran (THF) from a concentration of approximately 5×10−3 M to the fused state for each salt. This is the first reported study where a comparison of a salt with a small cation is made with one having a large cation in a noncomplexing solvent (benzene) and a complexing solvent (THF). The similarity in conductance behavior in THF and the differences in benzene are considered in terms of ion-ion and ion-solvent interactions.
Preliminary results from high resolution heat capacity measurements near the lambda-line of 3He4He mixtures☆

Abstract We report the first heat capacity measurements on a 3 He 4 He mixture which resolve the gravitational rounding at the λ-transition. The sample height was 0.38 mm, giving a two-phase region width ΔT/T λ of ∼ 3 × 10 −8 . We compare the data with similar measurements on a sample of pure helium of the same vertical height. We also report the initial results from an analysis aimed at performing an improved test of the universality hypothesis for co-operative phase transitions.
Mortality of exotic and native seeds in invaded and uninvaded habitats

We examined seed survival in exotic- and native-dominated grasslands by placing seeds of a once-pervasive native grass species, Nassella pulchra, and two of the most common, widespread exotic grass species, Avena fatua and Bromus hordeaceus, in mesh bags in the field for 3 months. Compared to germination of unexposed seeds not placed in the field, exotic species experienced an approximately 40% reduction in viability, whereas the mortality experienced by the native species was <20%. Despite these differences, germination rates of exposed seeds were similar between native and exotic species because native N. pulchra seeds had lower initial viability prior to entering the seed bank. Seed mortality did not differ based on whether seeds were placed in habitats dominated by exotic or native grasses. Rather, our results suggest that re-establishment of native N. pulchra must focus on maximizing seed viability and survival, and that A. fatua and B. hordeaceus overcome relatively higher losses of viable seeds in the seed bank, potentially by producing large numbers of highly viable seeds.
A model of vertical distribution for Pensacola bahiagrass

A simple mathematical model has been used to describe the vertical distribution of plant dry matter for Pensacola bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge). Data from the literature are used to illustrate the model. The model contains two parameters, one related to mass density at ground level and the other to height above ground. Both model parameters are functions of time interval between harvests. Integration of the distribution function gives an estimate of total mass above ground level. Vertical distribution is particularly important to efficiency of harvesting in hay operations. *Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. R-08271.
How Much for Whom? Lessons from an Efficacy Study of Modest Professional Development for Child Care Providers.

Research Findings: Examining the effects of professional development of the early childhood workforce that fit within the constraints of government policy is crucial for identifying types and amounts of effective training and informing child care policy. The present study used a cluster-randomized trial to evaluate the effects of a professional development program for child care providers designed to meet the criteria for 2 state-level policies: (a) that child care providers working in licensed centers engage in 10 hr of professional development annually and (b) that all licensed child care settings provide 30 min of developmentally appropriate literacy activity daily. Results indicated that 10 hr of professional development focused on literacy was effective for significantly improving the literacy practices and knowledge of child care providers. However, it was not effective in eliciting substantial growth in child literacy outcomes, at least in the short term. The lack of child outcomes illustrates the ...
Soviet studies in the psychodynamics of the unconscious

In this paper I am going to focus on those inner resources present in Soviet science and humanities which helped the problem of the unconscious to survive the period of "blacklisting" ? from the mid 19308 to the mid-1950s ? and which contributed to its rehabilitation in the 1960s and 1970s. Some of these same inner resources, I believe and will venture to prove, are providing the "archetypal" problems of Russian psychology which determine its singular character and original ity. The history of the relations between the problem of the unconscious and Soviet psychology appears as a drama in three acts. The first act includes the pre-Revolutionary period and the early 1920s when the problem of the unconscious in general and Freudian theory in particular were popular in Russia. Such recognized champions of the objective study of behavior as Ivan Pavlov and Vladimir Bekhterev were eager to invoke the phenomena of the unconscious as an argument in their polemics with introspective psychologists.1 A small group of Russian analysts trained in Europe succeeded in founding the Russian Psycho analytic Society which survived until 1933.2 Yet another trend appeared after the Revolution as a response to ideological demands to create a new psychology that was to be materialistic, monistic and deterministic.3 In the beginning of the 1930s this first act came to an end. Psycho analytic publications were banned and former psychoanalysts were forced to recant their views. Psychological theories of the unconscious were rejected as were all somewhat independent psychological theories and approaches; psychoanalysis as a form of therapy had no chances for survival within the highly centralized and controlled system of public health and medical education; psychoanalysis as a world view was declared to be a "bourgeois deviation" and condemned. Those who witnessed the revival of studies addressing the problem of the uncon scious in the 1960s had one legitimate question to ask: How had this problem survived the period of the 1930s through the 1950s?
Long-term experience with salvage of infected penile implants.

Purpose: The effectiveness of treating patients with an infected penile implant by removing the device, cleansing the wound with a series of antiseptic solutions and placing a new device at the same procedure was assessed.Materials and Methods: A total of 65 patients were included in the study. All foreign material was removed from the infected wound followed by copious wound irrigations with a protocol of 7 antibacterial solutions. A new prosthesis was inserted and the patient was placed on antibiotics.Results: Followup ranged from 6 to 93 months. Recent status was determined in 85% of cases (55 of 65). Of the 55 patients 45 (82%) showed no sign of infection. In 5 patients recurrent infection was documented and in 5 others erosion of parts to the exterior possibly related to infection was noted.Conclusions: Salvage of an infected penile implant has been successful and is gaining in popularity among urologists to reduce morbidity associated with infection.
State Actions to Mitigate Drought: Lessons Learned

ABSTRACT: Drought has been a common feature in the United States during the past decade and has resulted in significant economic, social, and environmental impacts in virtually all parts of the nation. The purpose of this paper is two fold. First, the status of state drought planning is discussed to illustrate the significant increase in the number of states that have prepared response plans - from three states in 1982 to 27 in 1997. In addition, six states are now in various stages of plan development. Second, mitigative actions implemented by states in response to the series of severe drought years since 1986 are summarized. This information was obtained through a survey of states. The study concludes that states have made significant progress in addressing drought-related issues and concerns through the planning process. However, existing plans are still largely reactive in nature, treating drought in an emergency response mode. Mitigative actions adopted by states provide a unique archive that may be transferable to other states. Incorporating these actions into a more anticipatory, risk management approach to drought management will help states move away from the traditional crisis management approach.
Metastatic adenocarcinoma involving the bone marrow

![Figure][1] A 70-year-old man was being evaluated for back pain. Two years earlier he was found to have a monoclonal IgA λ protein (0.3 g/dL). Past history included long-standing history of ulcerative colitis with a partial colectomy and ileostomy 31 years earlier. A magnetic resonance
A Note on the Use of Ayahuasca among Urban Mestizo Populations in the Peruvian Amazon1

The use of the psychedelic vine, ayahuasca (various Banisteriopsis species), in the Peruvian Amazon by mestizo folk healers is related to such variables as cultural expectations of drug experience and belief systems concerning illness. A subjective personal experience inherent in psychedelic use takes on cultural coloration, as determinants of hallucinatory experience show strong relationships to cultural data.
Advances and Applications of Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI)

The principle of Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry - ESPI - is explained by comparing it to image holography where recording and reconstruction are performed by videotechniques. As such, ESPI can be used for different interferometric measurements, but it is especially suitable for vibration testing and measurement of movements. Our work on extending the measuring range and general use of ESPI for those purposes is described and illustrated by some practical applications.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Clearcuts, salamanders, and field studies

Environmental impact assessment is an extremely difficult area in which to conduct field research studies. There are many design problems due to difficulties in finding controls and in randomization and replication of study plots. Often, the need for results in a short time and with little expenditure poses practical difficulties. Currently, examining effects of clearcutting and other forest management techniques on herpetofauna is a very active field. The studies in question deal specifically with Plethodontid salamanders of the Southern Appalachians. We note that there are (at least) two fundamentally different approaches considered in the literature for the estimation of salamander population recovery following clearcutting. One approach, used by Ash (1988, 1997), is a direct longitudinal approach. Matched control and treated (clearcut) plots at different locations are followed over time-ideally from before clearcutting until many years later-to monitor the recovery of the salamander populations. This is an example of the well-known beforeafter-control-impact (BACI) design (e.g., Green 1979; Eberhardt & Thomas 1991). Assuming that the control and treated plots (in absence of clearcutting) would have had the same time trends since clearcutting, recovery can be measured directly, provided that the different sites are measured over a long enough time period. At intermediate time points, extrapolation of trends forward in time is necessary and requires the additional assumption that past recovery trends will hold in the future. Ash (1997) assumes that the recovery trends can be extrapolated linearly. Another approach, used by Petranka and coworkers (Petranka et al. 1993, 1994), is a time-specific approach. Sites of different ages since clearcutting are all sampled at one specific point in time to monitor the current status of salamander populations. Recovery of clearcut
Microflotronics: A Flexible, Transparent, Pressure‐Sensitive Microfluidic Film

There is an increasing demand for sensitive, flexible, and low-cost pressure sensing solutions for health monitoring, wearable sensing, robotic and prosthetic applications. Here, the first flexible and pressure-sensitive microfluidic film is reported, referred to as a microflotronic, with high transparency and seamless integratability with the state-of-the-art microelectronics. The microflotronic film represents the initial effort to utilize a continuous microfluidic layer as the sensing elements for large-area dynamic pressure mapping applications, and meanwhile an ultrahigh sensitivity of 0.45 kPa−1 has been achieved in a compact, flexible, and transparent packaging. The response time of the device is in the millisecond range, which is at least an order of magnitude faster than that of its conventional flexible solid-state counterparts. In addition, the fabrication process of the device is fully compatible with the industrial-scale manufacturing of capacitive touchscreen devices and liquid-crystal displays. The overall device packaging can be as thin as 200 μm with an optical transparency greater than 80%. Several practical applications were successfully demonstrated, including surface topology mapping and dynamic blood pressure monitoring. The microflotronic devices offer an alternative approach to the solid-state pressure sensors, by offering an unprecedented sensitivity and ultrafast response time in a completely transparent, flexible and adaptive platform.
Attitude and Trajectory Estimation Using Earth Magnetic Field Data

The magnetometer has long been a reliable, inexpensive sensor used in spacecraft momentum management and attitude estimation. Recent studies show an increased accuracy potential for magnetometer-only attitude estimation systems. Since the Earth's magnetic field is a function of time and position, and since time is known quite precisely, the differences between the computer and measured magnetic field components, as measured by the magnetometers throughout the entire spacecraft orbit, are a function of both the spacecraft trajectory and attitude errors. Therefore, these errors can be used to estimate both trajectory and attitude. Traditionally, satellite attitude and trajectory have been estimated with completely separate system, using different measurement data. Recently, trajectory estimation for low earth orbit satellites was successfully demonstrated in ground software using only magnetometer data. This work proposes a single augmented extended Kalman Filter to simultaneously and autonomously estimate both spacecraft trajectory and attitude with data from a magnetometer and either dynamically determined rates or gyro-measured body rates.
Sediment Spatial Patterns in a Hurricane Katrina Overwash Fan on Dauphin Island, Alabama, U.S.A.

Abstract Hurricane Katrina scoured the seaward side of Dauphin Island, Alabama, and then deposited the sediment on the back side of the island into a repeating pattern of arc-shaped overwash fans. We set out to determine if sediment sorting operated at the scale of the individual overwash fan during the storm. Variograms and kriging were used to create maps of the topography and sediment patterning in terms of the mean grain size, standard deviation, skewness, and mineral composition. Mantel tests were used to correlate hypothesized directional processes with the patterns. We found that sands near the surface were spatially sorted in a direction consistent with the north-northwesterly forces of Katrina. The spatial distribution was not correlated with the topography. Our results support the concept that horizontal spatial pattern formation primarily begins as the extreme forces of a hurricane subside.
Explaining Changes to Employees: The Influence of Justifications and Change Outcomes on Employees' Fairness Judgments

Major changes are occurring in many organizations on an almost constant basis. Managers motivated by profit and by ethics seek to apply methods that help employees adapt to change. One method is Kotter and Schlesinger's "education, " which includes giving explanations for a change to affected employees. This study looks at the efficacy of giving explanations from the perspective of a growing body of theory on fairness judgments. Employees from seven relocated organizations were surveyed. The study finds that, when employees are evaluating the fairness of change outcomes, they apparently expect explanations only when those outcomes are negative. However, employees apparently expect explanations as a means of evaluating decision procedures even when outcomes are favorable. The latter result is likely due to the long term, system-oriented nature of Thibaut and Walker's "procedural fairness" judgments.
Alexithymia and the Interpretation of Hostile-Provoking Situations

Background: To examine the relationship between alexithymia and the interpretation of hostility-provoking situations. Methods: Sixty-two college students completed the TAS-20 and the Test for the Interpretation of Provoking Situations (TIPS). The TIPS measures how accurately participants can select the most likely explanation for the occurrence of a hypothetical, potentially provoking situation; it also measures how accurately participants judge whether explanations for events are innocent or noninnocent. Results: Higher levels of alexithymia were associated with greater degrees of accuracy in interpreting the innocence of interpersonal information. The facets of alexithymia that were most strongly associated with interpretation accuracy varied by gender. Conclusions: Alexithymia is not associated with a general affect recognition deficit. The results are consistent with social factors playing a central role in alexithymia.
Effect of Surgical Intervention on Survival of Patients With Clinical N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Veterans' Affairs Central Cancer Registry (VACCR) Database Analysis.

BACKGROUND Optimal management of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lacks consensus. A retrospective analysis of patient data entered in the Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry was conducted to evaluate these issues. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data of patients with cT1-4, cN2, and cM0 NSCLC diagnosed in the VA Health System between 1995 and 2003 were evaluated. Age, sex, race, smoking history, TNM stage, treatment, and overall survival were abstracted. Survival was compared using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS Of the 7328 patients analyzed, 7218 (98.5%) were male, 6061 (82.7%) were white, and 321 (4.4%) were never smokers. The treatment received included: none, 23.8%; chemotherapy alone, 14.3%; radiation alone, 23%; and chemoradiation (sequential or concurrent), 31.4%. Only 7.5% of patients had a surgical resection, with or without multimodality therapy. The median survival (months) of these patient groups were: surgery, 19.3; chemoradiation, 13; chemotherapy alone, 9.2; radiation alone, 7.3; and no treatment, 4 (P<0.0001). African Americans had a significantly decreased risk of mortality compared with whites (hazard ratio 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.98). CONCLUSIONS Inclusion of surgical resection as a treatment modality was associated with a better overall survival. Also, African Americans appeared to do better than whites. These hypothesis-generating findings should be useful in the ongoing pursuit of better treatment strategies for locally advanced NSCLC.
Imlooking: image-based face retrieval in online dating profile search

Textual search, the approach used by the majority of existing online dating sites, successfully covers a variety of attributes, such as age range and gender, but falls short when searching for facial features. Meanwhile, by using images as the query in a search, current image-based face-retrieval applications ease the challenge of textual description from users, but only focus on finding the same person. We believe there is a gap that needs to be filled in image-based face retrieval to further support the interpersonal search scenarios on Internet dating sites. Therefore, we are introducing a profile search prototype -- ImLooking - using an augmented image-based face retrieval filter. First, we present a prototype design and offer technical support. In a user study, participants quickly felt at home in user interface and acclimatized to the way the prototype operates. In addition, they reported they enjoyed the interaction process.
Nonlinear modelling applied to one-port microwave active circuits

A recently developed nonlinear model for characterising two-terminal microwave active circuits under dynamic and steady-state conditions has been reduced to a form suitable for numerical calculations. The simplified model retains the nonlinear dependence of the active-device currents on RF voltage and frequency and it also takes into consideration the nonlinearity in frequency of the passive circuit. The model is applied to two hypothetically postulated Impatt-diode oscillators and dynamic solutions are calculated. Furthermore the calculated transients are compared with those obtained for a practical oscillator.
Viewing the earth : the social construction of the Landsat satellite system

"Viewing the Earth "examines the role played by interest groups in shaping the process of technological change, offering valuable insights into how technologies evolve. It traces the history of Landsat from its origins through the launch and use of the first few satellites, showing how a variety of forces shape the form and the eventual reception of any new technology.The Landsat earth resources satellite system was a project of The National Aeronautics and Space Administration that was created to collect data about earth resources from space. The first satellite was launched in 1972 with great fanfare and high expectations. The data proved useful for everything from finding oil to predicting harvests, yet today the successful commercialization of the program is still uncertain. Why?To answer this question, Pamela E. Mack focuses on the negotiating process that went on among different parts of the space agency, other interested government agencies, and various organizations that were potential users of the data. This formal and informal negotiating process, she points out, involved not only choices between alternative technologies and the satellite but also conflicting definitions of what the satellite would do. The story is full of fascinating detail, from the concerns of the intelligence community over civilian satellites looking at the earth to the politics of agricultural survey.
Prognostic significance of vegetations detected by two-dimensional echocardiography in infective endocarditis

Although 2DE is considered the most sensitive method for detecting vegetations in infective endocarditis, the independent clinical significance of these vegetations continues to be debated. To further examine this, we identified 74 patients who were diagnosed as having infective endocarditis over a 54-month period. The 50 patients who underwent 2DE examination form the basis of this report. Definite vegetations were present in 21 (42%) patients and measured 1.2 +/- 0.2 cm2. The vegetation was localized to the aortic valve in 10 patients, the mitral valve in eight, and the tricuspid valve in three. A major complication, defined as death, new-onset congestive heart failure, major arterial embolus, or valve surgery occurred in 86% of the vegetative endocarditis patients compared to 62% of those without vegetations. Among those patients with vegetations, death occurred in 24%, heart failure in 38%, arterial embolus in 48%, and surgery in 43%. This compared to 7%, 21%, 21%, and 24%, respectively, in those patients without vegetations. These data support the concept that 2DE detection of a vegetation defines a high-risk subgroup of patients with infective endocarditis in whom careful monitoring and aggressive management are warranted.
The cost of vision for vitreoretinal interventions.

Purpose of review This article reviews the current status of treatments for age-related macular degeneration from a cost-effectiveness perspective. Recent findings Treatments are now available to a broad range of patients with age-related macular degeneration, but they are pharmaceutical based and require repeated evaluation and treatment. The resulting unprecedented levels of cost make cost-effectiveness considerations more prescient. Newer methods to evaluate cost-effectiveness and treatment outcomes have included utility and value-based analyses. These have attempted to utilize accurate, objective parameters, but are calibrated by subjective patient assessments and are limited by certain methodological assumptions. Treatment methods to improve outcomes are increasingly being considered within the context of cost-effectiveness. Summary Although improved understanding of basic, cellular processes has led to markedly improved treatment options for age-related macular degeneration within the past decade, the high costs and wide applicability threaten the balance and viability of the payor system. Accurate means of assessing cost-effectiveness are critical to defining clinical applications.
Subspecific Variation in the Long Calls of the Tamarin, Saguinus fusckollis

Long call vocalizations were recorded in the field from four adjacent subspecies of the saddle-back tamarin, Saguinus fusckollis ssp. Quantitative measurements of several call parameters were analyzed and four variables were found to be significantly different across subspecies. Each of the four subspecies had a distinctive set of long call parameters. One animal's call was a mosaic of its own subspecies call and that of the subspecies found directly across the river. Recordings of captive hybrids of the same two subspecies showed components of only one of the parental calls, and of calls of another subspecies with which they were housed. Long call structures of subspecies of Saguinus fusckollis are useful for studies of vocal ontogeny and identification of subspecies. Zusammenfassung Aus 4 einander benachbarten Unterarten des Krallenaffen Saguinus fuscicollis wurden „Lang-Rufe” aufgenommen und quantitativ analysiert. In 4 Ruf-Parametern unterscheiden sich alle Unterarten voneinander. Ein Tier auserte eine Mischform des Rufes zwischen seiner eigenen und einer anderen, in Horweite lebenden Unterart. Gefangenschafts-Hybriden zwischen diesen beiden Unterarten zeigten diese Mischform nicht; sie besasen einige Rufkomponenten einer weiteren Unterart, mit der sie zusammen wohnten. S. fuscicollis eignet sich gut zur Untersuchung der Ruf-Ontogenese bei Affen. Die Unterschiede zwischen Unterarten eignen sich als taxonomisches Merkmal und lassen den Grad der Aufsplitterung erkennen.
Kinetic non-ideality during ionic diffusion in β-alumina

Abstract Phenomenological transport equations are used to consider mixed ion conductivities. The model incorporates interaction between the conducting species independent of the atomistic mechanism. The importance of the interaction between conducting ions is illustrated by considering the mixed alkali conductivities in β-Al 2 O 3 . The decrease in total ionic conductivity in the Li-Na β-Al 2 O 3 when compared with Na β-Al 2 O 3 can be qualitatively understood using the phenomenological theory. The model is similarly applied to the ionic conductivity anomaly in Li-K β-Al 2 O 3 .
Ignitor Excitation Circuits ana Misfire Indication Circuits

Several circuits are available for excitation of ignitron rectifiers. Static magnetic-impulse circuits are used for most applications. Several such circuits are discussed in some detail. Ignitor requirements are given, and circuit requirements affecting the choice of excitation circuits are indicated. While ignitor failures are rare, they should be detected promptly to utilize all apparatus to the best advantage. Two conditions may arise 1. When two anodes operate in parallel from a single transformer winding. 2. When a single anode is connected to each transformer winding. Means for detecting ignitor misfiring are described for both conditions.
Zeno’s arrow and the infinitesimal calculus

I offer a novel solution to Zeno’s paradox of The Arrow by introducing nilpotent infinitesimal lengths of time. Nilpotents are nonzero numbers that yield zero when multiplied by themselves a certain number of times. Zeno’s Arrow goes like this: during the present, a flying arrow is moving in virtue of its being in flight. However, if the present is a single point in time, then the arrow is frozen in place during that time. Therefore, the arrow is both moving and at rest. In “Zeno’s Arrow, Divisible Infinitesimals, and Chrysippus,” White suggests using an infinitesimal value as the length of the present. Contra Zeno, this allows the arrow to be moving in the present, rather than frozen in place. In this paper, I follow the basic outline of White’s solution but argue that his solution suffers from arbitrariness and a related theoretical artificiality in relation to the system of infinitesimals he invokes, viz. in relation to the hyperreal infinitesimals of nonstandard analysis. After arguing that any solution to the paradox must satisfy certain theoretical requirements, I examine White’s solution alongside two nilpotent solutions. One of these solutions is inspired by F.W. Lawvere’s Smooth Infinitesimal Analysis and the other is inspired by Paolo Giordano’s ring of Fermat Reals. I argue that Giordano’s nilpotents supply the best answer to Zeno’s paradox.
Cerebral bigeminy: Alternating periodic epileptiform discharges

The EEG of a patient in coma after an anoxic event showed brief episodes in which two distinct epileptiform discharges of different amplitudes alternated with each other at regular intervals of approximately 1 sec. We have used the term 'cerebral bigeminy' to describe this pattern because its electrographic appearance is similar to cardiac bigeminy. The pattern was present for only part of the entire tracing and was not seen on earlier or later EEGs. This finding suggests that under appropriate circumstances periodic EEG events can occur as a result of reciprocal excitation of spike generators.
Addressing telehealth's foremost barrier: Provider as initial gatekeeper

Objectives: During the past decade, telehealth has enjoyed a plethora of public funding and publication outlets around the world. Yet, rhetoric appears to be outpacing the actual diffusion and utilization of telehealth technologies for patient care. Several barriers, such as reimbursement and legal/regulatory issues, are commonly cited as impeding the successful deployment of this innovation. However, two separate studies carried out in Michigan that controlled for these barriers point out a more significant initial gatekeeper to the deployment of telehealth, namely providers. Methods: Multiple data collection strategies were used in both the telehospice and telepsychiatry projects, including utilization logs, surveys, telehospice nursing notes, cost frame data collection, patient interviews, caregiver interviews and focus groups, and videotaped visits. Results: This study summarizes data from the two studies to support the hypothesis that the provider is the most important initial gatekeeper for telemedicine. Conclusions: The implications from this conclusion have important consequences for health system deployment strategies. Specifically, telemedicine project managers must keep providers' needs (ease of use and incentives) in mind when designing a telemedicine system.
On the generation of drought events using an alternating renewal-reward model

This research study focused on the hypothesis that extreme drought and high streamflow events come from different independent populations with different probability distributions which need to be studied separately, rather than considering the streamflow population as a whole. The inability of traditional streamflow generator models to consistently reproduce the frequency of occurrence of severe droughts observed in the historical record has been questioned by many researchers. Our study focused on the development of astochastic event generator model which would be capable of doing so. This was accomplished in a two-step process by first generating the drought event, and then deriving the streamflows which comprised that event. The model considered for this analysis was an alternating renewal-reward procedure that cycles between eventon andoff times, and is representative of drought or high streamflow event duration. The reward gained while the event ison oroff represents drought severity or high streamflow surplus. Geometric and gamma distributions were considered for drought duration and deficit respectively. Model validation was performed using calculated required capacities from the sequent peak algorithm.
MAS: a multiplicative approximation scheme for probabilistic inference

We propose a multiplicative approximation scheme (MAS) for inference problems in graphical models, which can be applied to various inference algorithms. The method uses ∊-decompositions which decompose functions used throughout the inference procedure into functions over smaller sets of variables with a known error ∊. MAS translates these local approximations into bounds on the accuracy of the results. We show how to optimize ∊-decompositions and provide a fast closed-form solution for an L2 approximation. Applying MAS to the Variable Elimination inference algorithm, we introduce an algorithm we call DynaDecomp which is extremely fast in practice and provides guaranteed error bounds on the result. The superior accuracy and efficiency of DynaDecomp is demonstrated.
Microhardness of sputter-deposited zirconia films on silicon wafers

Calcia-stabilized zirconia films were deposited on the surface of silicon wafers using radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputter deposition. Deposition was conducted at substrate temperatures that varied in the range of 80--900 C. X-ray diffractometry results showed that all the films consisted of cubic zirconia. The fracture surface morphology and etched surfaces of the films were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Depending on the deposition temperature, the structure of the film was either columnar or equiaxed. The transition temperature from the columnar structure to the equiaxed structure was at a ratio of deposition temperature to melting temperature of {approximately}0.42. The microhardness of the films was evaluated using a developed model that is based on the plastic zone analysis below a diamond (Vickers) indentor. From this model, the microhardness was found to increase as the deposition temperature increased, which was probably because the hardness of ceramic materials decreases as the defect concentration increases.
Economic evaluation of minimally invasive colectomy.

Background We performed a cost-benefit analysis of minimally invasive colectomy (MIC) with the appreciation that this approach extends the duration of the operation and requires additional instruments and equipment when compared with the open procedure. These negatives may be offset by decreased pain, earlier initiation of oral feeding, and a shorter hospitalization. Study design We reviewed operating room records of all open colectomies (OCs) and MICs performed at Strong Memorial Hospital between January 1, 2000, and March 31, 2004, as defined by CPT codes. Operating room times, total operating room costs, lengths of hospital stay, and total hospital costs were calculated for each procedure. Results Sixty-eight right hemicolectomies (54 OCs and 14 MICs) were performed. Operating room time was significantly longer for MIC compared with OC (214 ± 41 minutes versus 170 ± 56 minutes, p = 0.01). Length of hospital stay was shorter for MIC compared with OC (4.5 ± 1.3 days versus 7.4 ± 2.5 days, p = 0.004). There were 131 left hemicolectomies (104 OCs and 27 MICs) performed. Operating room time was significantly longer for left MIC compared with left OC (256 ± 46 minutes versus 213 ± 60 minutes, p = 0.005). Length of hospital stay was shorter for left MIC than for left OC (4.4 ± 1.3 days versus 7.9 ± 3.0 days, p = 0.001). Total hospital costs were significantly lower for MIC compared with OC ($8,580 ± $1,358 versus $10,303 ± $3,299, p = 0.046). Conclusions MIC is associated with a significantly longer operating room time and a shorter hospital stay than OC. Operating room cost is significantly higher for MIC, but total hospital cost is lower. MIC is cost effective and results in significant savings to the health-care system.
A unique approach to yield enhancement/defect characterization using electrical comb monitors

Comb/serpent defect monitors are typically used to characterize and understand process yields on production by mimicking actual production flow. In contrast, a unique application of comb/serpent defect monitors is discussed. By processing the monitors in a non-standard process flow compared to production wafers, sources of defects can be definitively isolated and then eliminated. Comb/serpent defect monitors are an important supplement to any yield improvement plan because: (1) They definitely pinpoint the source process which is affecting yield. (2) They determine the kill ratio of each defect type. As design rules shrink and semiconductor devices add multiple layers of metal the detectability of killing defects using inline inspections diminishes, thus does the need increase for type of defect partitioning described herein. Advantages and disadvantages as well as specific examples of the benefits of comb/serpent monitors in a 0.6 /spl mu/m CMOS process manufacturing environment are discussed. Also discussed is the use of this non-standard process flow material to monitor key yield impact in an integrated process instead of using a PWP monitor.
Avoidance of biliary injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Biliary injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still a serious problem. Injury occurs as a result of technical errors or misidentification of ducts. Inexperience, inflammation, and aberrant anatomy are key risk factors. The most serious technical problem is cautery-induced injury. This problem may be avoided by use of cautery under very low power settings in the triangle of Calot. Misidentification injuries occur when the surgeon mistakes the common bile duct or an aberrant right hepatic duct for the cystic duct. This error usually occurs when the surgeon uses the “infundibular” technique to identify the cystic duct. This technique, which depends on seeing the cystic duct flare as it becomes the infundibulum, is especially prone to be misleading in the face of acute inflammation. This technique is unreliable and should not be used alone for anatomic identification of the ducts. It is preferable to use the critical view technique or to perform a cholangiogram.
An Open-Access, Very-Low-Field MRI System for Posture-Dependent 3He Human Lung Imaging

We describe the design and operation of an open-access, very-low-field, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for in-vivo hyperpolarized 3He imaging of the human lungs. This system permits the study of lung function in both horizontal and upright postures, a capability with important implications in pulmonary physiology and clinical medicine, including asthma and obesity. The imager uses a bi-planar B0 coil design that produces an optimized 65 G (6.5 mT) magnetic field for 3He MRI at 210 kHz. Three sets of bi-planar coils produce the x, y, and z magnetic field gradients while providing a 79-cm inter-coil gap for the imaging subject. We use solenoidal Q-spoiled RF coils for operation at low frequencies, and are able to exploit insignificant sample loading to allow for pre-tuning/matching schemes and for accurate pre-calibration of flip angles. We obtain sufficient SNR to acquire 2D 3He images with up to 2.8 mm resolution, and present initial 2D and 3D 3He images of human lungs in both supine and upright orientations. 1H MRI can also be performed for diagnostic and calibration reasons.