cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photonic Crystal Lasers

We compare photonic crystal lasers with other microcavities for future switching and spectroscopy systems. High speed and efficiency along with massive lithographic integration makes these lasers particularly interesting for optical switching and signal processing.
Reconfiguration phase in rearrangeable multihop lightwave networks

A lightwave network consisting of geographically distributed access stations that communicate over a fiber infrastructure is considered. The access station electro-optic transceivers tap directly into the optical medium and transmit/receive on different wavelengths, thereby creating wavelength multiplexed channels that form a logical connection diagram among the stations. Such lightwave networks have the ability to superimpose a variety of logical connection diagrams, or virtual topologies, on top of the underlying optical infrastructure by proper assignment of transmit and receive wavelengths to the network stations. Furthermore, the use of transmitters and receivers that are tunable over a large portion of the optical band allows the network to be dynamically reconfigured. The connection diagram could thus be updated in response to changing traffic patterns and failure/recovery of access station equipment. Potential applications of rearrangeable lightwave networks range from a distributed ATM switch with traffic changing continuously as calls are established and terminated, to metropolitan or wide area networks with slowly changing traffic patterns. In the distributed switch, reconfiguration may occur frequently, and a new connection diagram would be sought each time a new call cannot be accommodated by the switch and would otherwise be rejected. In the wide area network setting, reconfiguration would take place less frequently as the expected traffic pattern slowly and predictably changes over time. This paper describes practical approaches for the reconfiguration phase, during which the network connection diagram is changed from an initial to a final configuration.
High efficiency lipid-based siRNA transfection of adipocytes in suspension.

Background Fully differentiated adipocytes are considered to be refractory to introduction of siRNA via lipid-based transfection. However, large scale siRNA-based loss-of-function screening of adipocytes using either electroporation or virally-mediated transfection approaches can be prohibitively complex and expensive. Methodology/Principal Findings We present a method for introducing small interfering RNA (siRNA) into differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes and primary human adipocytes using an approach based on forming the siRNA/cell complex with the adipocytes in suspension rather than as an adherent monolayer, a variation of “reverse transfection”. Conclusions/Significance Transfection of adipocytes with siRNA by this method is economical, highly efficient, has a simple workflow, and allows standardization of the ratio of siRNA/cell number, making this approach well-suited for high-throughput screening of fully differentiated adipocytes.
Structural reproduction of social networks in computer-mediated communication forums

This study explores the relationship between the structure of an existing social network and the structure of an emergent discussion-board network in an undergraduate university class. Thirty-one students were issued with laptop computers that remained in their possession for the duration of the semester. While using these machines, participants' email log files were collected directly from the University's email servers. The analysis compared structural attributes of actors evident in their social network with the emergent structural properties measured from interactions in a shared discussion board environment. A significant relationship was found between the existing social network structure and the emergent communication patterns, suggesting that existing relationships have a strong influence on subsequent computer-mediated communication. Additional matrices were used to control for gender, major and perceived computer efficacy, none of which had a significant effect.
Intergenerational co-residence and schooling

Abstract This paper investigates how parents’ expectations of co-residence with their children affects schooling outcomes. Using an overlapping generations model, the effect is shown to be ambiguous; it depends on how schooling affects life cycle income profiles. The empirical analysis utilizes household data that reports young parents’ expectations regarding residence in old age and also provides measures of schooling achievement for their children. Identification comes from interactions of demographic shocks that differentially affect the probability of co-residence with specific children with measures that affect the profitability of the inter-generational contract with children relative to an autarchic option whereby parents live alone but can still enter into consumption smoothing contracts with members of their extended family network. Through regressions that also condition on the total number of children, the ratio of sons to total children and household savings. I find that the expectation of co-residence with a child reduces the child’s attendance in school and schooling achievement.
Hide and Seek

A 70-year-old male with myelodysplastic syndrome presents for an outpatient transfusion. His hemoglobin (Hgb) level is 6.7 g/dL. The patient received two units of RBCs 2 months ago, and the antibody screen was negative at that time. A type and crossmatch sample (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA anticoagulant) is submitted to the blood bank; two units of RBCs are requested for the patient.
The efficacy of 0.5% proparacaine stored at room temperature.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy of 0.5% proparacaine stored at room temperature for 6 weeks. Animals studied Six normal dogs, evaluated on a weekly basis for 6 weeks. Procedure Proparacaine stored at 4 °C or at room temperature, was evaluated in the right and left eye of each dog, respectively. Corneal sensitivity was assessed with a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer before and after instillation of proparacaine at each time point. Results A statistically significant difference was seen in corneal sensitivity beginning at week 3 for the eyes receiving room-temperature proparacaine compared to refrigerated proparacaine. Differences were not seen between right and left eyes before instillation of proparacaine for any time point, nor for eyes receiving refrigerated proparacaine over the 6 week study period. Conclusion Short-term storage of proparacaine at room temperature did not affect efficacy, but storage at room temperature for more than 2 weeks resulted in a decrease in drug effect.
The role of the nucleus accumbens in sensitization to drugs of abuse.

1. Male rats received cannula implants above the nucleus accumbens for monitoring extracellular concentrations of dopamine via in vivo microdialysis. 2. Daily injections with cocaine led to an augmentation in both the behavioral response and the neurochemical response (i.e. cocaine-induced increase in extracellular dopamine within the nucleus accumbens) to this drug. 3. Pertussis toxin injections into the A10 region led to sensitized behavioral and neurochemical responses to an acute injection of cocaine. 4. Prior exposure to footshock stress augmented the cocaine-induced increase of motor activity and of extracellular dopamine within the nucleus accumbens. 5. These data suggest that treatments which lead to behavioral sensitization also lead to sensitization within the mesolimbic dopamine system as measured by an augmented dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens.
Effects of adenosine on [3H]norepinephrine release from perfused mesenteric arteries of SHR and renal hypertensive rats.

Abstract Adenosine (10–30 μM) inhibited the 3 H-efflux evoked by sympathetic nerve stimulation in the perfused rat mesenteric arteries preincubated with [ 3 H]norepinephrine. The inhibition was smaller in the prehypertensive (5 weeks old) as well as hypertensive (15–18 weeks) SHR (spontaneously hypertensive rats), compared with age-matched normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats. However, it was not diminished in Wistar rats rendered hypertensive by left renal artery occlusion. Thus, a diminished adenosine-mediated presynaptic inhibition of adrenergic transmission appears to be genetically inherent in SHR.
Urban models of race discrimination

Abstract This paper presents two models of discriminatory behavior by whites in an urban context. In the first, both the black and white populations of the city are assumed fixed and the model yields the counterintuitive prediction that white prejudice makes blacks better off. In the second model, blacks and whites both migrate freely between cities when by doing so they can raise their welfare levels. In this case the model predicts that increases in whites' taste for discrimination cause racially mixed cities to become less mixed; whites move out and blacks move in. The remaining whites retreat to an isolated suburban outer ring where they are compensated for remaining in the mixed city by consuming more land than whites in non- mixed cities. From a welfare standpoint, racially mixed cities are shown to be inefficient since they are more spread out and travel costs are higher.
Botulinum toxin a for vulvodynia: a case report.

Abstract Vulvodynia is a poorly understood chronic pain condition, and patients who are refractory to standard therapies often pose a therapeutic dilemma. Current treatment modalities include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, biofeedback, pelvic floor physical therapy, and surgery; however, the options are limited for patients who fail to respond to these treatments. We present a case of refractory vulvodynia with severe dyspareunia successfully managed with a novel therapeutic approach combining botulinum toxin A and surgery. Perspective The authors present a case of refractory vulvodynia that was successfully managed with a novel approach that combined botulinum toxin A and surgery.
Metabolism and excretion of 2,4-[14C]Dinitrotoluene in conventional and axenic Fischer-344 rats.

Abstract Comparisons of in vitro reduction of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) by cecal microflora and liver have indicated that microflora may play a large role in the in vivo metabolism of 2,4-DNT to reduced metabolites. Furthermore, reduction of 2,4-DNT by cecal microflora produces nitroso and, presumably, hydroxylamino intermediates which may account for the toxic actions of 2,4-DNT, including hepatocarcinogenesis. This study examines the metabolism, excretion, and hepatic covalent binding of 2,4-DNT in conventional, DNT-fed, and axenic Fischer-344 rats in order to define more precisely the role of DNT pretreatment and intestinal microflora in the disposition and toxicity of 2,4-DNT. No differences in 2,4-DNT disposition were produced by 30 days of feeding DNT (35 mg/kg/day) in the diet of male or female rats. Axenic males and females excreted less of a dose of 2,4-DNT in the urine than did conventional animals, and half-times for excretion of 4-(N-acetyl)amino-2-nitrobenzoic acid (4NAC2NBA), 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid, 2-amino-4-nitrobenzoic acid (2A4NBA), and 2,4-dinitrobenzyl alcohol glucuronide were longer in axenic males than in conventional males. In axenic females half-times for excretion of only 4NAC2NBA and 2A4NBA were longer than in conventional females. Amounts of 4NAC2NBA and 2A4NBA excreted by axenic animals were 1/10th to 1/5th those excreted by conventional animals. Hepatic covalent binding was decreased by half in axenic animals. These data suggest that intestinal microflora play a major role in the appearance of reduced urinary metabolites and of covalently bound material after 2,4-DNT administration.
Eight-Year Field Performance of Secondary Road Incorporating Geosynthetics at Subgrade-Base Interface:

In June 1994 an instrumented 150-m-long secondary road pavement section was built in Bedford County, Virginia. This pavement section was composed of nine individual segments each 15 m long. The nine sections include three groups with aggregate base layer thicknesses of 100, 150, and 200 mm. Three sections from each group were stabilized with geotextiles and three were stabilized with geogrids at the base-subgrade interface. The remaining three sections were kept as control sections. As part of the structural analysis, deflection data parameters such as the base damage index and surface curvature index calculated from falling weight deflectometer (FWD) data were analyzed after being corrected for temperature variations from the time of construction until October 2001. Performance criteria such as rutting measurements were also collected over the whole period. A nonlinear exponential model was used to describe the development of rutting versus cumulative equivalent single-axle loads for the 100-mm base course. A linear elastic program incorporating constitutive material properties was used to calculate vertical compressive stresses, which were used with FWD deflections to predict rutting rates with a mechanistic equation. The rutting rate results confirmed the separation function of geosynthetics that prevented the migration of fines from the subgrade to the base course layer and the penetration of the aggregate base layer into the subgrade. Rutting results, deflection data, and service life analysis showed that geosynthetically stabilized sections significantly improved the performance of the 100-mm base course sections.
Effect of l-fucose and d-glucose concentration on l-fucoprotein metabolism in human Hep G2 cells and changes in fucosyltransferase and α-l-fucosidase activity in liver of diabetic rats

L-Fucose is a monosaccharide that is present at low concentrations in serum and is a normal constituent of glycoproteins. In some pathological conditions, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes, there is an abnormal fucosylation of acute phase serum proteins. Because most serum proteins are produced in the liver, we have examined L-fucose accumulation, metabolism, and secretion of L-fucose-containing proteins in human Hep G2 liver cells. Accumulation of L-fucose by Hep G2 cells approached 3.5 nmol/mg protein after a 48 h incubation. This accumulation appears similar to accumulation in other cells, which we have shown occurs via a specific transport protein. Exogenous L-fucose was incorporated into protein in both O- and N-linked glycosidic linkages. After a 48 h incubation, 61% of the accumulated L-fucose was incorporated into protein and secreted into the medium, whereas 39% of the L-fucose remaining in the cells was incorporated into integral membrane proteins. Utilizing reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of L-[5,6-(3)H]fucose-containing proteins and detection by scintillation counting, we determined that two major fucoproteins and numerous minor fucoproteins were produced and secreted by normal Hep G2 cells. This elution profile was unchanged when glucose-conditioned cells were examined. By size-separating secreted proteins by nondenaturing HPLC we determined that the size of the two major fucoproteins were approximately 60 and approximately 100 kDa. In these studies we also examined the effect of diabetes on hepatic fucosyltransferase and serum alpha-L-fucosidase activity and found that the activity of these enzymes is increased by 40 and 100%, respectively in diabetic rats.
Path Generation for Quasi-Monte Carlo Simulation of Mortgage-Backed Securities

Monte Carlo simulation is playing an increasingly important role in the pricing and hedging of complex, path dependent financial instruments. Low discrepancy simulation methods offer the potential to provide faster rates of convergence than those of standard Monte Carlo methods; however, in high dimensional problems special methods are required to ensure that the faster convergence rates hold. Indeed, Ninomiya and Tezuka (1996) have shown highdimensional examples, in which low discrepancy methods perform worse than Monte Carlo methods. The principal component construction introduced by Acworth et al. (1998) provides one solution to this problem. However, the computational effort required to generate each path grows quadratically with the dimension of the problem. This article presents two new methods that offer accuracy equivalent, in terms of explained variability, to the principal components construction with computational requirements that are linearly related to the problem dimension. One method is to take into account knowledge about the payoff function, which makes it more flexible than the Brownian Bridge construction. Numerical results are presented that show the benefits of such adjustments. The different methods are compared for the case of pricing mortgage backed securities using the Hull-White term structure model.
Dystroglycan organizes axon guidance cue localization and axonal pathfinding.

Precise patterning of axon guidance cue distribution is critical for nervous system development. Using a murine forward genetic screen for novel determinants of axon guidance, we identified B3gnt1 and ISPD as required for the glycosylation of dystroglycan in vivo. Analysis of B3gnt1, ISPD, and dystroglycan mutant mice revealed a critical role for glycosylated dystroglycan in the development of several longitudinal axon tracts. Remarkably, the axonal guidance defects observed in B3gnt1, ISPD, and dystroglycan mutants resemble several of the axon guidance defects found in mice lacking the axon guidance cue Slit and its receptor Robo. This similarity is explained by our observations that dystroglycan binds directly to Slit and is required for proper Slit localization within the basement membrane and floor plate in vivo. These findings establish a novel role for glycosylated dystroglycan as a key determinant of axon guidance cue distribution and function in the mammalian nervous system.
Genetic transformation with the sulI gene; a highly efficient selectable marker for Solanum tuberosum L. cv. ‘Russet Burbank’

Selection of transformed plants is a fundamental requirement for plant molecular breeding. We have developed the use of thesulI gene, whose application has already been described in tobacco [17] for selection in the important potato cultivar Russet Burbank. We found that theSulI marker is highly effective, with efficiency comparable to that ofnptII. Analysis of the effect of thesulI gene on folate metabolism in Russet Burbank under sulfa drug selection demonstrates thatsulI may be an important tool for analysis of folate metabolism in plants.
Finite elastic-plastic deformation of polycrystalline metals

Applying Hill's self-consistent method to finite elastic-plastic deformations, the overall moduli of polycrystalline solids are estimated. The model predicts a Bauschinger effect, hardening, and formation of vertex or corner on the yield surface for both microscopically non-hardening and hardening crystals. The changes in the instantaneous moduli with deformation are examined, and their asymptotic behavior, especially in relation to possible localization of deformations, is discussed. An interesting conclusion is that small second-order quantities, such as shape changes of grains and residual stresses (measured relative to the crystal elastic moduli), have a first-order effect on the overall response, as they lead to a loss of the overall stability by localized deformation. The predicted incipience of localization for a uniaxial deformation in two dimensions depends on the initial yield strain, but the orientation of localization is slightly less than 45 deg with respect to the tensile direction, although the numerical instability makes it very difficult to estimate this direction accurately.
Correlation of surrogate markers of Gaucher disease. Implications for long-term follow up of enzyme replacement therapy

Background: The excessive storage of cellular debris in the lysosomal storage disorders triggers a variety of cellular responses. Some of these responses are maladaptative and result in the pathology of these diseases. To some extent, cellular responses are specific to the stored material, which influences the pathophysiology of the disease and results in some of its characteristic features. Methods: A large body of data has been collected for three biochemical (surrogate) markers of Gaucher Disease: angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and chitotriosidase (CHITO) using currently available enzyme analysis. Follow up data was gathered in a group of 18 patients. Results: The three markers are correlated between each other and are useful indicators of the disease progress and its response to enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Retrospective analysis of clinical records and comparison of chitotriosidase values with the baseline Severity Score Index (SSI) allowed prediction of the response patterns for this marker when long-term ERT (>24 months) was evaluated. Conclusions: The less severely affected patients are more likely to normalize their chitotriosidase activities after long term ERT.
Loss of pharmacologic activity in x-irradiated epinephrine solutions.

SummaryEpinephrine in dilute solution is destroyed by x-irradiation to yield what appear to be pharmacologically inert decomposition products. The presence of 0.9% sodium chloride offered a moderate protective action against this effect. The extent of loss of pharmacologic activity of epinephrine is exponentially related to the dose of x-irradiation.
Taking two-factor to the next level: protecting online poker, banking, healthcare and other applications

As an avid poker player, I enjoyed playing low stakes cash games and low buy-in tournaments on Full Tilt Poker before Black Friday.i However, as a Computer Scientist specializing in network and software security, I would never play poker online for any significant stakes, due to security concerns around malware and malicious remote access tools. Similarly, malware and remote access tools threaten online banking, online access to healthcare records and many other applications. In this article, I describe a new solution to the problem of remote access via malware that is easy to adopt, requires no new hardware or user training, and which I believe greatly reduces the threats to online applications.
Diagnosing and treating COPD: understanding the challenges and finding solutions

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible; symptoms include chronic cough, sputum production, and dyspnea with exertion. An estimated 50% of the 24 million adults in the USA who have COPD are thought to be misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Factors contributing to this include a low awareness of COPD and the initial symptoms of the disease among the general population, acceptance of these symptoms as a consequence of aging or smoking, some symptomatic similarity to asthma, and failure of health care personnel to use spirometry for diagnosis. Increased familiarization with COPD diagnosis and treatment guidelines, and proactive identification of patients with increased risk of developing COPD through occupational, environmental, or lifestyle exposures, will assist in a timely, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, which will consequently improve patient outcomes. This review addresses the issues surrounding the diagnosis and misdiagnosis of COPD, their consequences, and how COPD can be better managed within primary care, including consideration of COPD care in patient-centered medical home and chronic care models.
Isolated subacromial bursal fluid on MRI of the shoulder in symptomatic patients: correlation with arthroscopic findings

Fluid in the subacromial bursa (SAB) is a common finding on magnetic resonance (MR) images of the shoulder, and the implications of this finding have not been clarified. We retrospectively reviewed and correlated the MR features with arthroscopic findings in 21 symptomatic patients who had fluid in the SAB on MR imaging without demonstrable rotator cuff tear. Rotator cuff impingement was the most frequent surgical finding (42.9%). Other frequent surgical observations were glenoid labrum abnormality (28.6%), bursitis (19%), and supraspinatus tendinitis (14.3%). Distribution of acromial types was similar to that reported by Bigliani et al., and impingement was evenly distributed among acromial types in our study population. We conclude that in our patient population group the MR finding of isolated SAB fluid in symptomatic patients is highly likely to be associated with the finding of other abnormalities in the shoulder joint at surgery.
Mechanisms of sperm-egg interactions: between sugars and broken bonds

A model of the early events of mammalian fertilization has emerged during the past 30 years. However, studies during the past decade have used newly available mouse models to readdress these processes. Here, we will consider these new data in light of the existing model and point to areas of reconciliation and of controversy.
Screening for distress in cancer patients: The NCCN rapid-screening measure

The present investigation evaluated the NCCN distress management screening measure (DMSM) in a sample of 68 mixed site cancer patients. The DMSM was administered with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18). Convergent validity was established by the moderate positive correlation between the DMSM and the BSI and BSI-18 global severity indices (r=0.59, p<0.001 and r=0.61, p<0.001, respectively). Divergent validity was demonstrated by the lower correlations between the DMSM and the BSI subscales suggestive of psychopathology (e.g. paranoid ideation, obsessive-compulsive). Receiver operative characteristic (ROC) analyses demonstrated that the DMSM has moderate ability to detect distress identified by the BSI and the BSI-18 (area under curve=0.74, p<0.001 and 0.80, respectively, p<0.01, respectively). While the ROC curves suggested that the DMSM lacks a single cutoff that maximizes sensitivity and specificity, the use of multiple cutoffs renders the DMSM an effective and very rapid screen for distress among cancer patients.
Effects of precipitation events on colloids in a karst aquifer

The effects of precipitation events on colloid mobilization were evaluated during several storms from six wells in a karstic aquifer at the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant in eastern Tennessee (USA). Turbidity increases and rapidly recedes following rain events. Although the magnitude of the turbidity increases are relatively small (≤4.78 NTU), the increased turbidity suggests transient increases in colloid abundance during storm versus non-storm periods. During the larger storms (>19 mm), the increased turbidity is associated with increases in pH, total organic carbon (TOC) and temperature, and with decreases in dissolved oxygen (DO). These larger storms result in flushing of a greater proportion of higher pH, TOC (and lower DO) soil or matrix waters into the fractures and conduits than occurs during smaller storms. Smaller storms also result in increases in turbidity, but show increases in DO and decreases in pH reflecting less influence on the water chemistry from the longer residence time epikarst or and matrix waters, and greater impact from the more dilute, newly recharged waters. Due to the complexity of karst flow and temporal variations in flow and chemistry, controls on turbidity are not consistent through time and space at the wells. During smaller storms, recharge by lower ionic strength waters may promote colloid release and thus contribute to observed increases in turbidity. During larger storms, elevated turbidity may be more related to pH increases resulting from greater influx of matrix and soil waters into fractures and conduits. Chemical factors alone cannot account for the changes in turbidity observed during the various storms. Because of the complicated nature of flow and particle transport in karst aquifers, the presence of colloids during precipitation events is dictated by a complex interplay of chemical reactions and the effects of physical perturbations due to increased flow through the conduits and fractures. Simple trends in water quality parameters could not be identified, and broad generalizations cannot easily be made in karst settings, and some of the expected correlations between chemical parameters during the storms were not observed in this work.
Cholesterol, racial variation and targeted medicines

Only a year or so ago we thought we understood the primary determinants of low-density lipoprotein, 'bad' cholesterol in the bloodstream--apolipoprotein B and the LDL receptor. But since 2003, a flurry of human genetic studies have emphasized a new player, the gene encoding proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, PCSK9. Abifadel and colleagues identified two missense mutations in PCSK9 to account for a form of autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia in French families1. Soon thereafter, a third missense mutation was found in unrelated pedigrees in Utah and Norway2,3. Beyond monogenic disorders associated with the LDL receptor and apolipoprotein B, gain-of-function mutations in PCSK9 quickly emerged as the third cause of familial hypercholesterolemia. Cohen et al. have now taken the genetics of PCSK9 further4. Using the Dallas Heart Study cohort of 3,553 multiethnic patients, they genoomically screened 128 individuals who had markedly reduced choleesterol levels. Although almost all previous studies have focused on high levels of LDL cholesterol tied to coronary artery disease, this was a clever way to further probe PCSK9 protein's potential impact on blood LDL cholesterol levels. Two nonsense, loss-of-function PCSK9 mutations were identified, occurring in 2% of African Americans and less than 0.1% of European Americans and Hispanics. Both mutations introduce a stop codon and are predicted to result in a truncated protein.
Medical decisional capacity among children with HIV.

Abstract Medical decisional capacity (DC) refers to the ability to understand, appreciate, and make meaningful decisions about one's health. This is an important construct for children living with HIV whose involvement in their medical care has important implications for disease management. In this study, we assessed the relationship among DC, developmental stage, intellectual ability, and social–emotional functioning of children with and without HIV infection (n=50). We hypothesized a positive correlation between variables, but did not expect to find a difference in DC between groups. Results provided partial support for our hypotheses. There was a positive relationship between developmental stage and understanding, which is but one dimension of DC. Children with HIV infection obtained significantly lower scores on measures of intellectual and adaptive functioning, but there was no significant difference in DC between groups. Findings suggest that children living with HIV have the capacity to meaningfull...
Nearly discontinuous chaotic mixing

Abstract A new scientific approach to subgrid scale modeling is presented for chaotic problems involving a high degree of mixing over rapid time scales. Richtmyer–Meshkov unstable flows are typical of such problems. Chemical reaction rates for turbulent mixtures are shown to converge with feasible grid resolution. The essential dependence of fluid mixing observables on transport phenomena is observed.
Catheter Ablation as an Adjunct to ICD Therapy

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have become a mainstay of therapy for patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.1 2 3 These devices provide the best “safety net” available to prevent sudden death from sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation. ICDs do not prevent attacks of VT. Rather, when tachycardia occurs, sinus rhythm is restored either by antitachycardia pacing or a high-voltage shock. Antitachycardia pacing is painless and well tolerated; often the patient is unaware that it has occurred. It is usually used for slower, hemodynamically tolerated tachycardias. For hemodynamically unstable tachycardias and when antitachycardia pacing is ineffective, high-voltage cardioversion or defibrillation shocks are required. Tolerance of ICD shocks varies. Although some tachycardias can be terminated by low-energy shocks, even these usually cause severe, although brief, discomfort. Some patients are not troubled by an occasional ICD shock; for others who experience severe discomfort from the shock, the anticipation of future shocks, even when episodes of tachycardia are rare, can cause considerable emotional distress. Frequent shocks are poorly tolerated by virtually all patients. Appropriate programming of ICDs and the use of adjunct therapies to reduce ICD shocks to a tolerable level are important aspects of caring for patients who have an ICD.1 4 5 6 Whenever an ICD delivers antitachycardia pacing or shocks, it should be interrogated to determine whether delivery of therapy might have been inappropriate, usually the result of a supraventricular tachycardia, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.1 2 4 Of 65 consecutive patients who received an ICD and were followed for a median of 19 months by Fahy and coworkers,5 5% required hospitalization for control of atrial fibrillation that had caused inappropriate shocks and 22% required hospitalization for therapy to control ventricular arrhythmias that caused appropriate shocks. When recurrent VT causes frequent ICD shocks, adjustments in …
Increased Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Induced by Ethanol: Potential Immunopathogenic Mechanisms

Previous studies have shown that alcohol ingestion significantly increases human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated and infected with HIV-1 in vitro. Whether the increased replication of HIV-1 observed after alcohol ingestion was due to unknown factors released from the gastrointestinal tract during alcohol ingestion or to certain metabolites produced by intestinal flora that degraded alcohol was investigated. In addition, cellular mechanisms involved in the increased replication of HIV-1 after alcohol exposure were evaluated. Twelve healthy HIV-1-seronegative subjects abstained from alcoholic beverages for ≥10 days. Nine were infused with 500 mg/kg ethanol (7.5% at 20 mL/kg/h) in saline, whereas 3 were infused with saline alone. Compared with saline-infused subjects, ethanol-infused subjects' PBMC exhibited significantly increased replication of HIV-1 when infected in vitro, which was associated with increased inhibition of CD8 + T lymphocytes' function by alcohol.
Categorical perception of a natural stimulus continuum: birdsong

A fundamental issue in perception and communication is how continuously varying stimuli are partitioned into discrete categories. In swamp sparrow songs, note duration is a critical feature distinguishing two note categories with different roles in song construction. Pairs of songs with initial notes from different categories contrast more in their effects on territorial males than song pairs with initial notes differing by the same amount but taken from within one note category. The results indicate categorical perception by wild swamp sparrows.
Application of ATR-IR to the Analysis of Surface Structure and Orientation in Uniaxially Drawn Poly(ethyleneterephthalate)

A critical examination of the use of ATR-IR for the examination of surface composition and orientation in uniaxially drawn poly(ethyleneterephthalate) (PET) films has been performed. This work has identified the band at 1410 cm−1 as a satisfactory reference band in ATR-IR analyses for surface composition and orientation analyses in oriented PET films. Other commonly used reference bands at 790 and 1510 cm−1 have been shown to be influenced by both incident infrared polarization and orientation within the polymer films. Control of sample clamping pressure in a conventional ATR-IR clamp has been shown to afford optimized sample contact, needed in conjunction with the use of valid reference bands to obtain reproducible in-plane surface dichroism measurements of films with varying degrees of orientation.
Sustainability: a Dissent

Broadly conceived and considered in its many usages, sustainability has grave defects as a planning goal, particularly when used by conservationists: it confuses means and ends; it is vague about what is being sustained and who or what is doing the sustaining; it is uninspiring; it is little more than Pinchot- era conservation (and thus ignores the many lessons learned since then); it need not be linked to land, to the land's functioning, or to any ecological science; it need not include a moral component; it is consistent with the view of humans as all-powerful manipulators of the planet; and, in general, it is such a malleable term that its popularity provides only a facade of consensus. When sustainability is defined broadly to include the full range of economic and social aspirations, it poses the particular risk that ecological and biodiversity concerns will be cast aside in favor of more pressing human wants. Given these many defects, the conservation movement should discard the term in favor of a more alluring goal, attentive to nature and its ecological functioning. A sound goal would incorporate and distill the considerable ecological and moral wisdom accumulated since Pinchot's day while giving conservationists the rhetorical tools needed to defend the land against competing pressures. In our view, conservation would be well served by an updated variant of "land health," Aldo Leopold's ecologically grounded goal from the 1940s. Land health as an independent understanding should set the essential terms of how we live and enjoy the earth, providing the framework within which we pursue our many social and economic aims.
Analysis of human fibrinogen by scanning transmission electron microscopy

The scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) offers several advantages in studying a molecule such as fibrinogen. Molecules and their domains observed unstained in dark field can be identified directly by their mass. Thus, it is possible to correlate the STEM image directly with biochemical models. Lack of phase contrast when using the large angle annular detector makes image intensity directly interpretable in terms of mass thickness (no oscillations in the contrast transfer function). Certain specimen preparation artifacts such as denatured protein films are detected easily in the STEM and can be avoided through suitable specimen preparation techniques. 50 references.
HLH forced dimers: Tethering MyoD to E47 generates a dominant positive myogenic factor insulated from negative regulation by Id

Basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) class transcription factors bind DNA as hetero- and homodimers. In murine myogenic cells the HLH network includes multiple members of the E protein, MyoD, and Id families; changes in the network characterize muscle determination and differentiation and have been proposed as causal for these developmental transitions. To test the importance of HLH partner choice in these cellular decisions, we have designed a strategy in which the identity of a bHLH dimer is specified by joining two monomers via a flexible polypeptide linker. A MyoD-E47 polyprotein avidly bound the same DNA targets as its unlinked counterpart, but, unlike intermolecular dimers that are very sensitive to inhibition by Id, MyoD-E47 was resistant to Id challenge. In cells MyoD-E47 acted as a dominant positive myogenic factor, capable of initiating myogenic determination and also substantially bypassing negative regulation of differentiation by serum growth factors.
Dental follow-up compliance in a population of irradiated head and neck cancer patients.

Abstract Objective: This study assessed post–radiation therapy dental follow-up compliance in a population of head and neck cancer patients. Study Design: A total of 334 dental charts were retrospectively reviewed to determine the follow-up status of dentate patients. All patients were informed of the importance of returning, after completing radiotherapy, for regular follow-up dental examinations on an indefinite basis. Data regarding compliance with these follow-up instructions over time were obtained. Results: Approximately 170 (51%) of the 334 dentate patients were identified as being lost to dental follow-up. The mean point in time at which follow-up failure occurred was 7.5 months after the initial preirradiation dental examination. Conclusion: Dental follow-up compliance may be poor in this irradiated patient population, with follow-up failures potentially occurring less than 1 year after the completion of radiotherapy. Preradiation dental care planning must take into account the likelihood of patients being lost to follow-up. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2002;93:35-8)
Diagnosis of a myocardial lipoma by using CT.

Cardiac lipomas are rare benign primary tumors of the heart. We describe a case in which the preoperative diagnosis was made by using CT
The motivation for grocery store loyal behavior with marketing implications

Two different grocery shoppers can be equally loyal to the same supermarket but for entirely different reasons. For example, customer A may be loyal to a store because of convenience reasons while customer B may be loyal to the same store because he or she perceives that the store overall has very low prices. Because of these differences any attempt to segment the market based on store loyalty alone will be only partially effective. A more useful approach is to incorporate a motivation for patronage as well as a loyalty level in a market segmentation classification scheme. On data collected in Bangor, Maine, four types of grocery customers were identified and named price shoppers, convenience shoppers, involved shoppers, and apathetic shoppers. The particular advantage of the four group typology is that customers are defined in terms of response to marketing mix variables. Therefore, the implementation of or changes in marketing strategy is facilitated by the use of the typology.
Influence of PCR Reagents on DNA Polymerase Extension Rates Measured on Real-Time PCR Instruments

BACKGROUND: Radioactive DNA polymerase activity methods are cumbersome and do not provide initial extension rates. A simple extension rate assay would enable study of basic assumptions about PCR and define the limits of rapid PCR. METHODS: A continuous assay that monitors DNA polymerase extension using noncovalent DNA dyes on common real-time PCR instruments was developed. Extension rates were measured in nucleotides per second per molecule of polymerase. To initiate the reaction, a nucleotide analog was heat activated at 95 °C for 5 min, the temperature decreased to 75 °C, and fluorescence monitored until substrate exhaustion in 30–90 min. RESULTS: The assay was linear with time for over 40% of the reaction and for polymerase concentrations over a 100-fold range (1–100 pmol/L). Extension rates decreased continuously with increasing monovalent cation concentrations (lithium, sodium, potassium, cesium, and ammonium). Melting-temperature depressors had variable effects. DMSO increased rates up to 33%, whereas glycerol had little effect. Betaine, formamide, and 1,2-propanediol decreased rates with increasing concentrations. Four common noncovalent DNA dyes inhibited polymerase extension. Heat-activated nucleotide analogs were 92% activated after 5 min, and hot start DNA polymerases were 73%–90% activated after 20 min. CONCLUSIONS: Simple DNA extension rate assays can be performed on real-time PCR instruments. Activity is decreased by monovalent cations, DNA dyes, and most melting temperature depressors. Rational inclusion of PCR components on the basis of their effects on polymerase extension is likely to be useful in PCR, particularly rapid-cycle or fast PCR.
Heidegger's Metaphysics of Material Beings

Heidegger famously draws a distinction between the present-at-hand and the ready-to-hand, also sometimes known as the distinction between occurents and equipment. Some entities are ready-to-hand: they are tools, objects of use, cultural products, things of value and significance. Examples include hammers, doorknobs, books, can-openers, and pinball machines. Some entities are present-at-hand: among them are the objects of scientific inquiry, which have properties that can be characterized by mathematical physics. I will argue that Heidegger’s distinction between the ready-to-hand and the present-at-hand is a metaphysical distinction: nothing that is ready-to-hand is numerically identical with anything that is present-at-hand. In order to avoid begging any questions at the start, I’ll introduce some neutral technical terminology. Call those entities other than persons that persons can encounter within the world material beings. Some material beings are tables, H 2 O molecules, chairs, electrons, and gumball machines. Say that a material being is a work just in case (i) it comes into existence only in virtue of the activities of some person or persons, (ii) it could not have existed had that specific activity in virtue of which it came into being not been performed, (iii) it essentially bears some value-property or other. 1 Works, in short, are modally dependent on the behavior of persons. Let us say that a material being is an inert just in case it could exist and have the same intrinsic features even if there had never been any persons, and that it could exist even if it failed to exemplify any value-features. Inerts are modally independent of the existence or activities of human persons. The distinction between works and inerts is a metaphysical distinction. It is an open question whether there are any works or inerts. But it is certain that nothing is (or could be) both a work and an inert. 2
Do Sovereign Wealth Funds Best Serve the Interest of Their Citizens

This paper aims to analyze Sovereign Wealth Funds from the perspective of the citizens of the countries that have them.
Protein Changes in Regressing Tail Tissue of Xenopus laevis during Natural Metamorphosis

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gel electrophoresis was used to study the soluble protein fraction of Xenopus laevis tail tissue during in vivo metamorphosis. Prior to morphological signs of tail regression stage 45, a new subunit protein was resolved. At stage 64 three additional subunit proteins were resolved at the end of tail resorption. Results indicate that the altered balance between protein synthesis and degradation has little effect on the protein subunit population prior to morphological signs of tail regression.
Under Construction: How Commensuration and Management Fashion Affect Corporate Reputation Rankings

This paper analyzes the antecedents of corporate reputation as a dynamic commensuration process in which management fashions influence audiences as they attempt to quantify corporate reputation. Using the context of Fortune reputation rankings over multiple decades, we find evidence consistent with our hypotheses that when asked to quantify corporate reputation, audiences rely heavily on traditional as well as emerging nontraditional measures of financial performance as they become more fashionable indicators of superior financial performance. However, audiences have recently begun to assess companies' reputations based on indicators of social performance. We also examine how audience attention to these indicators is itself influenced by business press discourse.
Generalized inverses of circulant and generalized circulant matrices

Abstract An expression for the Moore-Penrose inverse of certain singular circulants by S.R. Searle is generalized to include all circulants. Similar expressions are given for the Moore-Penrose inverse of block circulants with circulant blocks, level- q circulants, k -circulants where | k |=1, and certain other matrices which are the product of a permutation matrix and a circulant. Expressions for other generalized inverses are given.