cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Luminescent sensors: modeling of microheterogeneous systems and model differentiation

Many recent advances in remote optical sensors of O2, pH, and pCO2 have been based on luminescence species as the reporter molecule. Both organic probes and, more recently, transition metal complexes are being used on inorganic or organic polymer supports. Polymer supported systems are highly microheterogeneous. However, heterogeneity has an enormous effect on luminescence, quenching, and photochemistry, which has led to considerable difficulty in properly interpreting and correcting sensor behavior. An intimate understanding of the detailed interactions between the complexes and their environment is necessary before the rational design of new high performance sensors and probes can be achieved. Key to such understanding is developing reliable models for the nature of this heterogeneity and its consequences in sensor performance. While several different models for heterogeneity have evolved, it is not widely appreciated that these models are not unique and that proof of such models is extraordinarily difficult. We outline some different models, demonstrate their effect on sensor response, spell out the magnitude of the uniqueness problem, and indicate what types of measurement are necessary to differentiate between models.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Interactive multiobjective complex search

Abstract An interactive procedure based on Box's complex search is used to solve the vector maximization problem. This method has the advantage that the decision maker's underlying value function need not be explicitly specified. Also, the problem may have nonlinear objective functions and nonlinear constraints. Several example problems are presented.
CDD: specific functional annotation with the Conserved Domain Database.

NCBI's Conserved Domain Database (CDD) is a collection of multiple sequence alignments and derived database search models, which represent protein domains conserved in molecular evolution. The collection can be accessed at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Structure/cdd/cdd.shtml, and is also part of NCBI's Entrez query and retrieval system, cross-linked to numerous other resources. CDD provides annotation of domain footprints and conserved functional sites on protein sequences. Precalculated domain annotation can be retrieved for protein sequences tracked in NCBI's Entrez system, and CDD's collection of models can be queried with novel protein sequences via the CD-Search service at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Structure/cdd/wrpsb.cgi. Starting with the latest version of CDD, v2.14, information from redundant and homologous domain models is summarized at a superfamily level, and domain annotation on proteins is flagged as either ‘specific’ (identifying molecular function with high confidence) or as ‘non-specific’ (identifying superfamily membership only).
Energy-gap anomaly in the Pb chalcogenides and electronic structure of PbPo

Relativistic energy-band calculations for the Pb chalcogenides confirm the suggestion that PbTe is the anomalous member of the family. This anomaly is the result of the irregularly large size of the Te atom among the chalcogens, a fact which is reflected in a corresponding large lattice constant for PbTe. The calculations, however, show that PbPo is a semimetal in contrast to the previously predicted direct-gap semiconductor model.
The National Dialogue on Academic and Student Affairs Collaboration

In the last decade reported collaborations between student and academic affairs have increased and broadened.
A study of antimicrobial property of textile fabric treated with modified dendrimers

Dendrimers have been used as a vehicle to develop the antimicrobial properties of textile fabrics. We have taken advantage of the large number of functional groups present in the regular and highly branched three-dimensional architecture of dendrimers. In this study, the poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) G-3 dendrimer was modified to provide antimicrobial properties. Following a procedure similar to what is suggested in the literature, PAMAM (G3) with primary amine end groups was converted into ammonium functionalities. The modification was then confirmed by FTIR and 13 C-NMR analysis. Dendrimers have unique properties owing to their globular shape and tunable cavities, this allows them to form complexes with a variety of ions and compounds; and also act as a template to fabricate metal nanoparticles. AgNO 3 -PAMAM (G3) complex as well as a MesoSilver-PAMAM (G3) complex were formed and these modified dendrimers were characterized by a UV-Visible spectrophotometer to study the complex formation. Modified dendrimers were applied to the Cotton/Nylon blend fabric. SEM and EDX analysis were performed to study the dispersion of silver nanoparticles onto the fabric. An antimicrobial test of the treated-fabric against Staphylococcus aureus exhibited significant biocidal activities for each type of modified-dendrimer. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 115: 716-722, 2010.
Understanding noise in SIS receivers

A simple laboratory test receiver has been built and used to examine some interesting aspects of heterodyne mixing with superconductor-insulator-superconductor tunnel junctions. Experiments made over the frequency range 220 GHz–490 GHz using junctions of both the Pb/Bi/In-type and the Pb/In/Au-type indicate that, in the majority of cases, a receiver may be characterized through a few simple measurements made external to it's dewar. We also show that, at high local oscillator drive levels, excess mixer noise may be generated which may be removed by the application of a magnetic field. This is of particular relevance to high frequency mixing where Josephson interference may be strong. Finally, it is observed that even in the presence of severe interference a stable bias point, free from excess mixer noise, is often possible.
Invited tutorial: The classical/emerging reliability considerations of semiconductor devices

As the CMOS technology approaches the fundamental scaling limits and the functional integration of multiple components (e.g., NEMS, biosensors, ferroelectric/polymer capacitors, etc.) onto the CMOS fabric suggests remarkable potential for More-than-Moore technologies, the landscape of reliability considerations are evolving rapidly for the semiconductor industry. In this tutorial talk, I will discuss four classical and emerging reliability issues to provide a snapshot of the emerging trends in the field: (1) Stochastic variability is becoming an important consideration of classical reliability issues such as NBTI and PBTI, just as it did for dielectric breakdown almost two decades ago; (2) Self-heating and thermal-cross talk of surround-gate technologies such as FinFET suggests thermal management as a new/emerging reliability concern; (3) the hot atom damage is being understood as a universal reliability concern for all logic/memory technologies that rely on movement of the central atom in a dual well Landau energy landscape (e.g. Ferroelectric, Piezoelectric, phase-change devices), and (4) stability of CMOS-based biosensors in fluid environment will continue to define the potential for integration onto a mobile platform. I will show that once the basic physics of the classical and emerging reliability issues are understood, there are intuitively obvious approaches to address them within an end-to-end hierarchical IC design framework.
Further improvements in the 2,4-xylenol spectrophotometric method for nitrate

Abstract Improvements are described for the 2,4-xylenol spectrophotometric method for nitrate that reduce the elapsed and working time. Diluted (22 + 3) sulfuric acid is added quickly to the sample solution while the flask is immersed in tap water. 2,4-xylenol solution is added, the 6-nitro-2,4-xylenol formed is steam-distilled into a composite ammonia—isopropanol reagent, and the absorbance of the ammonium salt of 6-nitro-2,4-xylenol is measured. Further possible interferences are described. Br2, I2, ClO-, CIO3-, BrO3-, and I04-, cause low results by deactivating or destroying the 2,4-xylenol. Azide, hydrazine, and elemental carbon cause low results by reducing the nitrate in the strong sulfuric acid solution. Se+ causes low results because 2,4-xylenol is consumed in reducing Se4+ to the element. Pt4+ and Os8+ cause high results. Interferences from Br2, I2, ClO-, ClO3- lO3-, and I04- can be eliminated by reduction to the halide with sulfurous acid and precipitation with silver sulfate. Sulfurous acid reduction also eliminates interferences from V5+. Mn7+, Cr6+, S2O82-, and H202. Interferences from N3-, Br2, I2, and S2082- are eliminated merely by boiling a 0.5% sulfuric acid solution for 30 min (and precipitating any residual halide with silver sulfate).
Effects of orienting activities and practice on achievement, continuing motivation, and student behaviors in a cooperative learning environment

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of orienting activities and type of practice on achievement, continuing motivation, and student behaviors in a cooperative learning environment. Eighty graduate education majors were assigned to cooperative groups and required to learn instructional design principles from three instructional television lessons. Each lesson included specific orienting activities (advance organizers or objectives) and different types of practice (verbal information or intellectual skills). Results indicated that subjects who worked in groups that received intellectual skills practice performed better on the application portion of the posttest than those who received verbal information practice. Knowledge acquisition and student behaviors were affected by a combination of type of practice and orienting activity. Groups that received intellectual skills practice discussed more content, gave more help to their fellow group members, and exhibited less individual behavior than groups that received verbal information practice. Groups given objectives discussed significantly more content than groups given advance organizers.
Low dielectric fluorinated amorphous carbon thin films grown from C6F6 and Ar plasma

Fluorinated amorphous carbon (a-C:F) thin films were synthesized for applications in low dielectric constant intermetal dielectric materials. The deposition was carried out in a capacitively coupled, asymmetric plasma reactor using hexafluorobenzene (C6F6) as the source gas and argon as the carrier gas. The effects of applied rf power on the electric, optical and mechanical properties of the a-C:F films were investigated. The bonding structures and properties of the films were evaluated by FTIR spectrometry, UV-Vis spectrophotometry and stress measurements. The films exhibit a dielectric constant as low as 2.0 and have high transparency in the visible range. The deposition rate of the a-C:F films increases, reaches a maximum, and then gradually decreases with increasing rf power. High rf power raises the negative self-bias voltage at the substrate and leads to an increase in the content of conjugated CC bonds in the a-C:F films. As the negative self-bias voltage at the substrate is increased, the dielectric constant, residual stress, and graphitization of the a-C:F films are increased while the optical energy gap is decreased.
Extranodal lymphoid microstructures in inflamed muscle and disease severity of new-onset juvenile dermatomyositis.

Objective Juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disease of childhood characterized by lesions in skin and muscle that are populated by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) and lymphocyte infiltrates. We undertook this study to examine the cellular composition, organization, and molecular milieu of the cellular infiltrates in muscle in juvenile DM and to correlate the infiltrates with clinical disease manifestations. Methods Since PDCs and lymphocyte foci express CCL19 and CCL21, we investigated for in situ formation of lymphoid microstructures that could be sites of extranodal immune activation. Results Analyses of muscle biopsy samples from children with new-onset juvenile DM showed 3 categories of lesions: diffuse infiltrates, lymphocytic aggregates lacking follicle-like organization, and follicle-like structures. The last of these exhibited elements of classic lymphoid follicles, including networks of follicular dendritic cells and high endothelial venules. They also expressed high levels of CXCL13 and lymphotoxins known to support lymphoid organogenesis. There were also resident naive CD45RA+ T cells and maternally derived B cells and PDCs. Patients with diffuse infiltrates or lymphocytic aggregates were responsive to standard therapy with steroids and methotrexate, but those with follicle-like structures tended to have severe disease that required additional agents such as intravenous Ig or rituximab. Conclusion These data suggest that lymphoneogenesis is a component of the early disease process in juvenile DM. Ectopic lymphoid structures could indicate a severe course of disease; their early detection could be a tool for disease management.
Multimode safety metric analysis

This paper describes the development of a safety analysis model to quantify safety tradeoffs in the intercity mode spilt process. The model developed is part of the Transportation System Analysis Model (TSAM) - a multimode planning tool. The model presented estimates potential fatalities for different modes of transportation (auto and air) using historical fatality metrics and the annual intercity travel demand calculated in the TSAM model. The estimation of auto fatalities is represented as a function of Vehicle Mile Traveled (VMT) and by road Functional Classifications (FC). Look-up tables of states FC (Functional Classification) fatality rates are derived from highway statistic databases and tested using parametric and non parametric ANOVA tests. A network assignment model is used to estimate auto traffic volumes on the network. The analysis presents an example calculation of intercity safety when changes in airline fares induce higher use of auto for short to medium intercity trips. The model and algorithms developed are integrated and visually displayed in TSAM model.
Postextrasystolic potentiation: Analysis of methods of induction

Studies were conducted in 15 patients with coronary artery disease to determine if the type of pacing used to induce an extrasystole had a bearing on subsequent postextrasystolic potentiation (PESP) and if the fact that these were evaluated in jeopardized or nonjeopardized portions of the ventricle altered the ability to assess PESP. Two types of pacing were used. In the first group, all beats in the test sequence (basic heart rate, extrasystole, and postextrasystole) were delivered from a programmed external pacemaker. This group was termed the "all-paced" (AP) group, and the postextrasystole was introduced before a compensatory pause could occur, so that loading conditions within the ventricle at the last regular beat and after the extrasystole were not different. In the second group, the extrasystole was coupled to the sensed intrinsic heart rate of the patient, and the postextrasystole was allowed to occur spontaneously. This group was termed the "sensed-paced" (SP) group. Despite differences in basic heart rates and postextrasystolic intervals between the two groups, comparable results were obtained with the two techniques. However, the postextrasystole in the SP group occurred much earlier than expected, probably due to intrinsic cardioacceleration during ventriculography. The net result was that loading conditions in this group before and after the extrasystole were also not different from each other. Results from the pacing techniques were not influenced by whether they were obtained from jeopardized or nonjeopardized segments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
How Would an Appreciation of the Renminbi and Other East Asian Currencies Affect China's Exports?

China's global current account surplus equaled 9% of Chinese GDP in 2006 and 11% of GDP in 2007. Many argue that a renminbi appreciation would help to rebalance China's trade. Using a panel dataset including China's exports to 33 countries we find that a 10% renminbi (RMB) appreciation would reduce ordinary exports by 12% and processed exports by less than 4%. A 10% appreciation of all other East Asian currencies would reduce processed exports by 6%. A 10% appreciation throughout the region would reduce processed exports by 10%. Since ordinary exports tend to be simple, labor-intensive goods while processed exports are sophisticated, capital-intensive goods, a generalized appreciation in East Asia would generate more expenditure-switching towards US and European goods and contribute more to resolving global imbalances than an appreciation of the RMB or of other Asian currencies alone.
Secondary linitis plastica of the rectum: EUS features and tissue diagnosis (with video).

Background Luminal metastases to the GI tract may be seen at the time of the primary diagnosis or may represent evidence of a distant recurrence. Objectives To determine the prevalence of rectal-wall metastases in patients undergoing an EUS and to describe the EUS features and yield of EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) and Trucut biopsy (TCB). Design A case series. Setting A single tertiary-referral center. Patients Patients undergoing lower GI (LGI) EUS from July 1, 2005, to October 31, 2007. Intervention EUS-FNA and/or TCB. Main Outcome Measurements EUS features and cytologic and/or histologic confirmation of secondary rectal linitis plastica. Results Over the 28-month period, an LGI-EUS was performed in 598 patients with presumed primary rectal cancer, of whom 6 (1%) were diagnosed with rectal-wall metastases. The EUS features were that of diffuse, circumferential, hypoechoic wall-thickening that mimics that of linitis plastica, breaching the muscularis propria in all cases. EUS-FNA and/or TCB of the rectal wall or perirectal lymph node established a diagnosis in all cases. The primary cancers originated from the bladder (n = 3), breast (n = 1), stomach (n = 1), and a right forearm cutaneous melanoma (n = 1). The time interval from the initial primary cancer diagnosis to that of GI-tract rectal metastasis ranged from 0 days (simultaneous diagnoses) to 119 months (mean ± SD 49 ± 43 months). Limitations Although firm EUS criteria of rectal-wall metastases cannot be established based on 6 patients alone, certain features may prove useful for the diagnosis in the clinical practice. Conclusions EUS-FNA and/or TCB can confirm the diagnosis of secondary linitis plastica of the rectum.
Probing dense matter in compact star cores with radio pulsar data

Abstract Astrophysical observations of compact stars provide, in addition to collider experiments, the other big source of information on matter under extreme conditions. The largest and most precise data set about neutron stars is the timing data of radio pulsars. We show how this unique data can be used to learn about the ultra-dense matter in the compact star interior. The method relies on astro-seismology based on special global oscillation modes (r-modes) that emit gravitational waves. They would prohibit pulsars from spinning with their observed high frequencies, unless the damping of these modes, determined by the microscopic properties of matter, can prevent this. We show that for each form of matter there is a distinct region in a frequency/spindown-rate diagram where r-modes can be present. We find that stars containing ungapped quark matter are consistent with both the observed radio and X-ray data, whereas, even when taking into account the considerable uncertainties, neutron star models with standard viscous damping are inconsistent with both data sets and additional damping mechanisms would be required.
The Role of Akt/GSK-3β Signaling in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Mutations in cardiac troponin T (TnT) are a cause of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC). Transgenic mice expressing a missense mutation (R92Q) or a splice site donor mutation (Trunc) in the cardiac TnT gene have mutation-specific phenotypes but mice of both models have smaller hearts compared to wild type and exhibit hemodynamic dysfunction. Because growth-related signaling pathways in the hearts of mice expressing TnT mutations are not known, we evaluated the impact of increased Akt or glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity in both mutant TnT mice; molecules that increase heart size via physiologic pathways and block pathologic growth, respectively. Expression of activated Akt dramatically augments heart size in both R92Q and Trunc mice; however, this increase in heart size is not beneficial, since Akt also increases fibrosis in both TnT mutants and causes some pathologic gene expression shifts in the R92Q mice. Activated GSK-3β results in further decreases in left ventricular size in both R92Q and Trunc hearts, but this decrease is associated with significant mutation-specific phenotypes. Among many pathologic consequences, activating GSK-3β in R92Q hearts decreases phosphorylation of troponin I and results in early mortality. In contrast, increased GSK-3β activity in Trunc hearts does not significantly impact cardiac phenotypes. These findings demonstrate that increased Akt and its downstream target, GSK-3β can impact both cardiac size and phenotype in a mutation-specific manner. Moreover, increased activity of these molecules implicated in beneficial cardiac phenotypes exacerbates the progression of disease in the R92Q TnT mutant.
Hepatitis G infection: role in cryptogenic chronic liver disease and primary liver cell cancer in the UK

Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a flavivirus that can cause acute hepatitis and persistent infection but its role in chronic liver disease or primary liver cancer is unproven. In this study we have examined the prevalence of HGV RNA in the serum of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and in patients with cryptogenic chronic liver disease, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and in patients with HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HCC arising in patients with cryptogenic liver disease. One-hundred and thirty patients who were positive for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV), 54 patients with cryptogenic chronic liver disease (including 17 patients with NASH) and 46 patients with hepatitis C-related (n=27) or cryptogenic liver disease-related HCC (n=19) were studied. HGV RNA was detected using nested reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and was found in 16.1% of patients with HCV infection. HGV RNA was not detected in any patient with cryptogenic liver disease. In patients with HCC, 7/34 samples were positive for HGV RNA and six out of seven HGV-positive subjects also had HCV infection. Only one patient with HCC in cryptogenic liver disease was positive for HGV RNA. Hence, cryptogenic liver disease in the UK is not caused by HGV/GBVc infection. It seems unlikely that HGV plays a significant role in hepatocarcinogenesis.
The use of photographs as occupational stimuli

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the potential of photographic stimuli portraying well-known occupational activities in order to elicit vocationally relevant responses. Color photographs of persons performing occupational tasks or activities were the stimuli used to determine if aspects of the photographs would elicit discriminating responses. Eighty special education high school students were asked individually to respond to 15 color photographs. Out of a maximum of 1200 possible picture identifications, 35 responses were scored incorrect or unknown as to content. These results indicated 97.1% effectiveness in identifying the stimulus content by this population. Therefore, photographs consisting of occupational content can discriminate as stimuli by eliciting content-appropriate responses. Implications for further research and application of this finding are discussed.
The thermal decomposition of explosives with full containment in one-dimensional geometries

This paper describes some experiments designed to accurately determine the time interval required to produce the reactive event in confined explosives and propellants subjected to temperatures which will cause decomposition. Geometry and boundary conditions were both well defined so that these experiments on the rapid thermal decomposition of high explosives are amenable to predictive modeling. Spherical and infinite slab experiments have been carried out on TNT, TATB, PETN, BTF, and HMX-based explosives. When the results of these experiments are plotted as the logarithm of the time to explosion vs the reciprocal of the kelvin temperature (Arrenhius plot), the curves produced are remarkably linear. This is in contradiction to the results obtained by iterative solution of the La Place equation for a system with a first order rate heat source. Such calculations produced plots which display considerable curvature. Experiments have also shown that the time to explosion is strongly influenced by the void volume of the containment vessel. Comparisons have been made between the spherical experiments and calculations based on the heat flow equations coupled with various models of chemical decomposition. These have shown the importance of using realistic thermal conductivity models and in defining the type of explosive event; i.e., thermal explosion versus pressure rupture. We have able, by this process, to model the experimental results using a three step chemical kinetic model.
Energy Uptake and Allocation During Ontogeny

All organisms face the problem of how to fuel ontogenetic growth. We present a model, empirically grounded in data from birds and mammals, that correctly predicts how growing animals allocate food energy between synthesis of new biomass and maintenance of existing biomass. Previous energy budget models have typically had their bases in rates of either food consumption or metabolic energy expenditure. Our model provides a framework that reconciles these two approaches and highlights the fundamental principles that determine rates of food assimilation and rates of energy allocation to maintenance, biosynthesis, activity, and storage. The model predicts that growth and assimilation rates for all animals should cluster closely around two universal curves. Data for mammals and birds of diverse body sizes and taxa support these predictions.
The dark matter haloes and host galaxies of Mg II absorbers at z~ 1

Strong foreground absorption features from singly ionized magnesium (Mg II) are commonly observed in the spectra of quasars and are presumed to probe a wide range of galactic environments. To date, measurements of the average dark matter (DM) halo masses of intervening Mg II absorbers by way of large-scale cross-correlations with luminous galaxies have been limited to z 1 DEEP2 galaxies are known to exhibit ubiquitous blueshifted Mg II absorption, we find no direct evidence in our small sample linking Wλ2796r≥ 0.6 A absorbers to galaxies with ongoing star formation.
Office Environmental Conditions and Computer Work Performance

A field study of 16 people in a law office was conducted. Environmental conditions, air temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2), respirable particulates at 10 microns (PM10) and total volatile organics (TVOC), at each person's workstation were recorded at one-minute intervals for 4 weeks. Synchronous measures of computer work performance data at minute intervals were logged with a web-based software system. Results showed a contemporaneous effect of temperature on correct keystrokes, CO2 on mouse clicks and of, and one- hour lagged effects of CO2 and PM10 on correction keystrokes. Findings confirm that the quantity and quality of computer work is affected by environmental conditions.
Development of hypertension induced by subpressor infusion of angiotensin II: role of sensory nerves.

Abstract —Long-term administration of a subpressor dose of angiotensin II (Ang II) leads to pressor hyperresponsiveness and slow development of hypertension. Our preliminary data show that mRNA expression for calcitonin-gene related peptide in dorsal root ganglia was significantly increased by subpressor infusion of Ang II. To determine the role of sensory nerves in the development of hypertension induced by subpressor infusion of Ang II, newborn Wistar rats were given 50 mg/kg SC capsaicin on the 1st and 2nd days of life. After the weaning period, male rats were divided into 4 groups and subjected to the following treatments for 2 weeks: capsaicin+Ang II (150 ng · kg−1 · min−1 SC by osmotic pumps, CAP-AII), capsaicin+vehicle (CAP), control+Ang II (CON-AII), and control+vehicle (CON). The results show that mean arterial pressure was significantly elevated in both Ang II–infused rats compared with non–Ang II–treated rats ( P <0.05), and it was higher in CAP-AII than in CON-AII rats ( P <0.05). The 24-hour urinary and sodium excretions were lower in CAP-AII than in CON-AII, CAP, and CON rats ( P <0.05). These data demonstrated that sensory denervation exacerbates the development of hypertension and impairs renal excretory function when a subpressor dose of Ang II is given. These results indicate that activation of sensory nerves, either by Ang II or by other hormonal or hemodynamic factors, plays a compensatory role in promoting urine and sodium excretion and attenuating elevated blood pressure initiated by Ang II.
Who Abolished Slavery? Slave Revolts and Abolitionism: A Debate with João Pedro Marques

Who Abolished Slavery? Slave Revolts and Abolitionism: A Debate with Joao Pedro Marques, edited by Seymour Drescher and Pieter C. Emmer, New York, Berghahn Books, 2010, viii + 208 pp., $39.95, £26....
Comment on: "Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation of the 10-Valent Pneumococcal Non-Typeable Haemophilus influenzae Protein D Conjugate Vaccine and 13-Valent Pneumococcal Vaccine in Japanese Children".

Because all important assumptions used in the model are simultaneously biased toward PCV10, the model results are erroneous and misleading. Routine infant pneumococcal vaccination in Japan would undoubtedly bring substantial reductions in morbidity and mortality. However, given the current epidemiologic landscape in Japan and the current evidence, the clinical and economic gains from the use of PCV13 would, undoubtedly, far exceed those potentially observed from the use of PCV10. We urge those who conduct, critique, and consider cost-effectiveness studies to evaluate the strength of the evidence of clinical claims for the products and the influence these assumptions have on the overall findings. In addition, when performing economic predictive modeling, it is critical to provide a balanced perspective by weighing the strengths and weaknesses of all available data to construct the base case analysis.
Neo-Charismatic Leadership and the Fate of Mergers and Acquisitions: An Institutional Model of CEO Leadership

CEOs face complex situational demands at each phase of the merger process. We offer an institutional perspective on how pre-merger and post-merger objectives and demands translate into CEO leadership role requirements. By illustrating how these role requirements are well-served by CEO neo-charismatic leadership, we answer why the rise of CEO neo-charismatic leadership is relevant to the merger context. Our model contributes to the institutional understanding of the merger process and its demands, and specifies forms of executive leadership needed for mergers to be successful.
The anomalous component of cosmic rays

Abstract The anomalous component, observed first in the early 1970's, poses a significant challenge to our understanding of cosmic-ray origin and transport. It appears at present that most of its observed properties, including composition, time-dependence, energy spectrum and spatial gradients, can be understood as a natural consequence of the acceleration of freshly-ionized interstellar neutral atoms at the termination shock of the solar wind. It therefore provides a valuable probe of the outer heliosphere. The models show significantly-improved agreement with the data if the polar heliospheric magnetic field is modified to be larger and more transverse, as suggest recently. The models also suggest that the energy density of the anomalous component may modify the solar wind flow and shock if the shock is at a heliospheric distance which is significantly greater than 80-100 A.U.
Xab: a tool for monitoring PVM programs

Xab is a run time monitoring tool for parallel virtual machine (PVM) programs. Xab gives the user direct feedback as to what PVM functions his or her program is performing. In its most simple form, this feedback is displayed in a window. The approach of real time monitoring is particularly apropos in a heterogeneous multiprogramming environment. Differences in computation and communication speeds here are due both to heterogeneity and external CPU and network loads. Monitoring can help give the user insight into how a program is behaving in such an environment. Xab is a continuing research project. The author discusses several related research projects, the current version of Xab, and the future development of the Xab tool. >
Incremental survival benefit with adherence to standardized heart failure core measures: a performance evaluation study of 2958 patients

Abstract Background In 2002, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) established four heart failure (HF) core measures to standardize and improve health care quality in the United States. Although adherence to these HF care processes may be improving, their collective impact on survival is not yet settled. Methods JCAHO HF measures were implemented within a 20-hospital health care system. Eligible patients had a principal discharge diagnosis of HF. Metrics representing compliance with these measures were derived and their relationship with 1-year survival was examined using an adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression. Results A total of 2958 patients met study criteria. The average age was 73 years, 50% were male, and 9.9% were smokers. One-year survival benefits were seen in an item-by-item evaluation of HF measures for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker therapy (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69), left ventricular function assessment (HR = 0.83), and patient education (HR = 0.79). When assessed collectively, improved survival was seen among patients eligible for two (HR = 0.53), three (HR = 0.36), or four HF measures (HR = 0.65). Further, we found a positive and incremental relationship between the degree of adherence and survival ( P = .008). Conclusion Adherence to JCAHO HF core measures is associated with improved 1-year survival after HF hospitalization. This validates these simple and effective performance measures and justifies efforts to implement them in all eligible patients with HF.
The power of love on the human brain

Romantic love has been the source for some of the greatest achievements of mankind throughout the ages. The recent localization of romantic love within subcortico-cortical reward, motivation and emotion systems in the human brain has suggested that love is a goal-directed drive with predictable facilitation effects on cognitive behavior, rather than a pure emotion. Here we show that the subliminal exposure of a beloved's name (romantic prime) during a lexical decision task dramatically improves performance in women in love (Experiment 1), as the subliminal presentation of a passion's descriptive noun does (Experiment 2). The parallel between love and passion allows us to interpret these facilitation effects as corresponding to cognitive top-down processes within a motivation-enhanced neural network.
Endogenous vascular remodeling in ischemic skeletal muscle: a role for nitric oxide

To test the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) production is essential for endogenous vascular remodeling in ischemic skeletal muscle, 22 New Zealand White rabbits were chronically instrumented with transit-time flow probes on the common iliac arteries and underwent femoral ligation to produce unilateral hindlimb ischemia. Iliac blood flow and arterial pressure were recorded at rest and during a graded exercise test. An osmotic pump connected to a femoral arterial catheter continuously delivered N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (a NO synthase inhibitor) or a control solution (N-nitro-d-arginine methyl ester or phenylephrine) to the ischemic limb over a 2-wk period. At 1, 3, and 6 wk after femoral ligation, maximal treadmill exercise blood flow in the ischemic limb was reduced compared with baseline in each group. However, maximal exercise blood flow was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the l-NAME-treated group than in controls for the duration of the study: 48 +/- 4 vs. 60 +/- 5 ml/min at 6 wk. Consistent with the reduction in maximal blood flow response, the duration of voluntary exercise was also substantially (P < 0.05) shorter in the l-NAME-treated group: 539 +/- 67 vs. 889 +/- 87 s. Resting blood flow was unaffected by femoral ligation in either group. The results of this study show that endogenous vascular remodeling, which partially alleviated the initial deficit in blood flow, was interrupted by NO synthase inhibition. Therefore, we conclude that NO is essential for endogenous collateral development and angiogenesis in ischemic skeletal muscle in the rabbit.
lag-1, a gene required for lin-12 and glp-1 signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans, is homologous to human CBF1 and Drosophila Su(H)

The homologous receptors LIN-12 and GLP-1 mediate diverse cell-signaling events during development of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. These two receptors appear to be functionally interchangeable and have sequence similarity to Drosophila Notch. Here we focus on a molecular analysis of the lag-1 gene (lin-12 and glp-1), which plays a central role in LIN-12- and GLP-1-mediated signal transduction. We find that the predicted LAG-1 protein is homologous to two DNA-binding proteins: human C Promoter Binding Factor (CBF1) and Drosophila Suppressor of Hairless (Su(H)). Furthermore, we show that LAG-1 binds specifically to the DNA sequence RTGGGAA, previously identified as a CBF-1/Su(H)-binding site. Finally, we report that the 5′ flanking regions and first introns of the lin-12, glp-1 and lag-1 genes are enriched for potential LAG-1-binding sites. We propose that LAG-1 is a transcriptional regulator that serves as a primary link between the LIN-12 and GLP-1 receptors and downstream target genes in C. elegans. In addition, we propose that LAG-1 may be a key component of a positive feedback loop that amplifies activity of the LIN-12/GLP-1 pathway.
Abacus: a 1024 processor 8 ns SIMD array

Describes the Abacus machine at a number of levels. Presents the microarchitecture of the PE comprising the reconfigurable bit-parallel array, a set of arithmetic and communication primitives, details of the VLSI implementation, and system-level design issues of a high-speed SIMD array. The most concrete goal of the Abacus project was to design and build a machine that could be used by members of the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory for real-time early vision processing. Along the way, we explored several architectural ideas.
Infective aortic endocarditis after percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty

Abstract Infective aortic endocarditis developed in an elderly patient after a percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty. The transesophageal echocardiogram demontrated a perivalvular abscess. The patient underwent surgical replacement of the infected valve, but later succumbed to renal failure. The development of infective aortic endocarditis should be recognized as a potentially fatal complication of percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty. The important measures in preventing bacteremia during percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty and the appropriate role of operation are discussed.
Semantic metric for image library exploration

We propose a method for semantic categorization and retrieval of photographic images based on low-level image descriptors derived from perceptual experiments. The method applies multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering analysis to identify candidate semantic categories into which human observers organize images. Through a series of subjective experiments we refine our definition of these categories and select a set of low-level image features that uniquely describe them. We then devise a new image similarity metric and develop a prototype system, which identifies the semantic category of the image and retrieves similar images from the database. We tested the metric on a set of new images and compared the categorization results with that of human observers. Our results provide a good match to human performance, thus validating the use of human judgments to develop semantic descriptors. Our method can be used for the enhancement of current retrieval methods, better organization of image/video databases, and the development of more intuitive navigation schemes, browsing methods and user interfaces.
Normal Variant T-Wave Changes in an Athlete with Structurally Normal Cardiac Anatomy and Function

Athletes who perform regular and intensive physical activity may undergo structural and electrical remodeling of the heart that results in electrocardiographic changes that can cause concern. Marked T-wave inversion may represent one such physiologic change. On the other hand, T-wave inversion could be a sign of inherited heart muscle disease or may be a normal variant. Therefore, it is imperative to determine whether abnormalities on an athlete's electrocardiography (ECG) reflect underlying cardiac disease that could place the athlete at risk for sudden cardiac death. For athletes who present with markedly abnormal ECGs, the echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging should be considered to evaluate the potential for cardiac disease. We report the case of a high-intensity athlete with concerning ECG changes who required additional studies to exclude cardiac disease.
Fetal and neonatal histiocytoses.

Purpose The histiocytoses are a group of disorders of the monophagocytic system having a variety of clinical and pathological findings. They occur less often during the perinatal period than later in life. Their biologic behavior, response to therapy, and histologic types are not the same. Methods The study consisted of 221 fetuses and neonates collected from the literature and from personal files. Results Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH), the hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses (HLH), and juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG), in order of rank, were the main histiocytoses occurring in the perinatal period. HLH accounted for the highest mortality (74%) followed by disseminated LCH (52%) and JXG (11%). All neonates with LCH and JXG limited to the skin and/or subcutaneous tissue survived with or without treatment. Conclusions This study suggests that there is an increased incidence of spontaneous regression of certain histiocytic lesions in neonates as compared to older individuals. Cutaneous forms JXG and LCH had the highest incidence of regression followed by infection associated HLH. Pediatr Blood Cancer. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Response of a Steep-Sided, Narrow Canyon to Time-Variable Wind Forcing

Abstract The response of a relatively narrow (∼7 km wide) and deep (∼450 m deep) steep-sided (up to 45° bottom slope) submarine canyon to strong wind forcing is explored using data from an 18-element moored array as well as CTD surveys in the vicinity of Astoria submarine canyon. The data are used to describe spatial patterns and phase relationships between lateral velocity, vertical velocity, temperature, relative and stretching vorticity, alongshelf wind, and the flow incident on the canyon. Upwelling within the canyon is simultaneous and spatially uniform to zero order, and vertical velocity is highly correlated and in phase with alongshelf wind. Vertical velocity within the canyon is not related to flow incident on the canyon except during strong upwelling. Above the canyon, temperature, rather than vertical velocity (time rate of change of temperature), is in phase with wind. Estimated vertical velocities within the canyon were as great as 50 m d−1 (upward) during upwelling and 90 m d−1 (downward) du...
Myosin MgADP release rate decreases at longer sarcomere length to prolong myosin attachment time in skinned rat myocardium

Cardiac force production arises from myosin cross-bridge binding, which is regulated by Ca2+-activation and sarcomere length throughout a heartbeat. We show that myosin MgADP release rate slows wit...
Prevalence and correlates of sipping alcohol in a prospective middle school sample.

Research documents an association between early use of alcohol and adverse outcomes. Most studies on drinking initiation exclude sipping or confound sips with consumption of a full drink. However, even a few sips of alcohol can constitute a meaningful experience for naive drinkers. Prior research with this project indicated that sipping before middle school predicted subsequent adverse outcomes (at high-school entry), even controlling for child externalizing and sensation seeking and parent alcohol use. The present study extends our prior work by examining the correlates of early sipping and sipping onset. The sample was comprised of 1,023 6th, 7th, and 8th graders (52% female; 24% non-White, and 12% Hispanic). Participants completed Web-based surveys on 5 occasions over the course of 2 years. The prevalence of sipping at Wave 1 was 37%, with 29% of never-sippers initiating sipping within 2 years. Sipping was associated with stronger alcohol-related cognitions and low school engagement as well as contextual influences in the peer, sibling, and parent domains. Sipping onset among never-sippers was prospectively predicted by sensation seeking and problem behavior as well as parental and sibling influences. More important, mere availability of alcohol was a strong correlate both concurrently and prospectively. Further analyses demonstrated that youth who sipped alcohol with parental permission had a lower profile of risk and healthier relationships with parents as compared with youth who reported unsanctioned sipping. FINDINGS point to the importance of considering fine-grained early drinking behavior and call for further attention to sipping in research on initiation of alcohol use. (PsycINFO Database Record Language: en
The Political Polarization Index

American politics have become increasingly polarized in recent decades. To the extent that political polarization introduces uncertainty about economic policy, this pattern may have adversely affected the economy. According to existing theories, a rise in the volatility of fiscal shocks faced by individuals should result in a decline in economic activity. Moreover, if polarization is high around election dates, businesses and households may be induced to delay decisions that involve high reversibility costs (such as investment or hiring under search costs). Testing these theories has been challenging given the low frequency at which existing polarization measures have been computed (in most studies, the series is available only biannually). In this paper, I provide a novel high-frequency measure of polarization, the political polarization index (PPI). The measure is constructed monthly for the period 1981-2013 using a search-based approach. I document that while the PPI fluctuates around a constant mean for most of the sample period prior to 2007, it has exhibited a steep increasing trend since the Great Recession. Evaluating the effects of this increase using a simple VAR, I find that an innovation to polarization significantly discourages investment, output, and employment. Moreover, these declines are persistent, which may help explain the slow recovery observed since the 2007 recession ended.