cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A revision ofPoposaurus gracilis (Archosauria: Suchia) based on two new specimens from the Late Triassic of the southwestern U.S.A.

Two associated partial skeletons, one from the McCarty ranch (MOTTU site 0690) near Kalgary, Texas, Tecovas Formation, and the other from the Petrified Forest Member of the Chinle Formation, outside the Petrified Forest, Arizona, represent the most complete specimens ofPoposaurus gracilis found to date, and increase our understanding of the osteology of this rare pseudosuchian archosaur. The cervical centrum of TTUP-10419 possesses an accessory dorsal parapophyseal rib facet, as in “Lythrosuchus”. The ilia of these new fossils are the first ofPoposaurus to preserve the complete preacetabular blade, which is long and “blade-like” rather than “paddle-shaped” as previously thought. These specimens also confirm that isolated elements previously referred toPoposaurus (fused sacral vertebrae, the pubes and the ischia), but not present in the holotype indeed belong to that taxon. The morphology of the cervical centrum and the preacetabular blade of the ilium are identical to the much larger type of“Lythrosuchus” langstoni, suggesting that “Lythrosuchus” is a junior synonym ofPoposaurus. However, we retain the speciesPoposaurus langstoni nov. comb. on the basis of larger size, absence of a distinct ridge on the lateral surface of the ilium, and the lack of a pit on the proximal end of the ischium. A phylogenetic analysis suggests a monophyletic Poposauroidea and a paraphyletic “Rauisuchia”.
Modeling the mechanical and thermal expansion behavior of TPO-based nanocomposites

Abstract The modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of polypropylene-based nanocomposites and blends were predicted using various composite theories and compared to experimental results. The Mori–Tanaka and Chow model predictions best match the previously reported experimental trends, though the Chow model underestimates the CTE in the normal direction (ND). Of the various ternary-phase approaches used to predict the modulus and CTE of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) nanocomposites, a multiplicative approach wherein the contribution of the clay is calculated first and the nanocomposite is then considered to be the matrix for the elastomer blend best matches the experimental trends. The models better capture the effects of the MMT than those of the ethylene–octene elastomer, EOR. A different model predicting the effect of the MMT tactoids on the experimental TPO gives rather good quantitative agreement between the predicted and experimental values of modulus and CTE for TPO nanocomposites.
Prenatal cocaine delays astroglial maturation: immunodensitometry shows increased markers of immaturity (vimentin and GAP-43) and decreased proliferation and production of the growth factor S-100

Exposure to cocaine during fetal development has been demonstrated to produce a variety of brain and behavioral changes. Cocaine is a potent releaser of a variety of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which act as developmental signals. Since serotonin plays an important role in astroglial maturation, migration, and growth factor production (e.g. S-100 beta), we proposed that these properties of astroglial cells will be altered in a brain prenatally exposed to cocaine. To observe cocaine's effects on astroglial development, we performed immunocytochemical analyses of a variety of developmental protein makers including BrdU, Gap-43, vimentin, and S100 beta. Our results demonstrate that prenatal cocaine administration produces decreased cell proliferation as measured by BrdU staining, retarded neurite outgrowth as ascertained by increased Gap-43 immunoreactivity, increased density of vimentin-positive radial glial cells, and diminished tissue S100 beta immunoreactivity. Overall, these results suggest that cocaine delays astroglial development. This delay would have profound effects on neuronal development and outgrowth and, thus, development of the entire brain.
Carbon Dioxide Reduction by Terminal Tantalum Hydrides: Formation and Isolation of Bridging Methylene Diolate Complexes

The preparation of tantalaziridine−hydride complex (Ar[tBuCH2]N)2(η2-tBu(H)CNAr)TaH (1) is reported (Ar = 3,5-Me2C6H3). While stable for months in the solid state at −35 °C, in solution this complex undergoes partial conversion to isomeric hydride (Ar[tBuCH2]N)2(κ2-CH2C(Me)2CH2NAr)TaH (2). Although 1 and 2 exist in equilibrium in benzene solution, complex 2 can be isolated cleanly from 1 by selective precipitation using cold n-pentane; solid-state structures for both 1 and 2 are presented. Exposure of 1 to ca. 1 atm of CO2 results in the production of methylene diolate complex {(Ar[tBuCH2]N)2(η2-tBu(H)CNAr)Ta}2(μ-OCH2O) as a mixture of rac and meso diastereomers (3r,m). Similar reactivity for the Nb congener of 1 is reported herein. Further-more, methylene diolate complex {(Ar[tBuCH2]N)2(κ2-CH2C(Me)2CH2NAr)Ta}2(μ-OCH2O) (4) is produced from 2 upon treatment with CO2 and was characterized crystallographically. Complexes 3r,m (and the Nb analogues) as well as 4 establish the feasibility of the formation of ...
Impulsive stimulated scattering of molecular solids and metal surfaces under extreme conditions in a diamond anvil cell

Impulsive stimulated scattering is utilized to study the acoustic and mechanical properties of both transparent molecular solids and opaque crystalline metal surfaces. Scattering measurements have been performed on oriented molecular crystals under high pressure conditions in a diamond anvil cells. The ISS technique offers an accurate and robust method of obtaining bulk and surface acoustic velocities of molecular and metallic crystals under extreme conditions without the need for physical contact with the sample. Specifically, directionally resolved impulsive thermal Brillouin scattering has been used to obtain acoustic velocities for oriented crystals of ice VI and ice VII in a high pressure diamond anvil cell. The elastic constants determined from these measurements compared favorably with classical Brillouin scattering results. Impulsive stimulated scattering (ISS) has also been used to obtain the directional dependence of the surface acoustic wave (SAW) velocity on oriented crystal surfaces of metals such as aluminum (111) and nickel (100). The orientationally dependent ISS results for Ni (100) are compared with classical Brillouin scattering measurements, as well as surface acoustic wave calculations utilizing bulk elastic constants.
Regulation of gastric H(+)-K(+)-ATPase by cAMP-dependent protein kinase.

Abstract A functional approach was utilized to isolate protein effectors from cAMP-stimulated rabbit gastric microsomes capable of stimulating H + -K + -ATPase activity. These studies have resulted in isolation of a cAMP-dependent protein kinase product from rabbit gastric microsomes which is capable of stimulating the proton pump of the parietal cell, H + -K + -ATPase, in inhibited gastric microsomes. This protein is membrane-bound and may be extracted from gastric microsomes only in the phosphorylated state. This phosphoprotein has at least 20 phosphorylation sites and produces enhancement of H + -K + -ATPase activity which equals that induced by the K + ionophore, valinomycin. It would appear, therefore, that cAMP-mediated acid secretion involves phosphorylation of a membrane-bound cAMP-dependent protein kinase substrate in close proximity to the proton pump which produces K + conductance and thereby controls the rate of acid secretion. The degree of phosphorylation of this protein is probably controlled by the activities of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and phosphoprotein phosphatase.
An Old Algorithm for the Sums of Integer Powers

(1993). An Old Algorithm for the Sums of Integer Powers. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 66, No. 5, pp. 304-305.
Indoor pollution and its impact on respiratory health.

Learning Objectives This overview discusses the respiratory complications of indoor air pollution, emphasizing the most common pollutants that individuals are likely to encounter outside the workplace. Data Sources Data were obtained from a review of the recent literature. Study Selection The expert opinion of the author was used to select and synthesize relevant data on this multifaceted subject. Results There have been a number of studies documenting an association between exposure to indoor allergens and development of both sensitization and asthma in children. In addition to classic allergens, chemical indoor air pollution may also exert an adverse effect on both the upper and lower respiratory tract by a variety of nonimmunologic, irritative mechanisms. Conclusions Our understanding of the adverse effects of indoor air pollution on health and comfort has broadened in recent years. It has supplied a credible framework for developing and implementing a variety of control strategies.
Monetary Policy Credibility and the Unemployment-Inflation Trade-Off: Some Evidence from 17 Industrial Countries

Using data on long-term interest rates for 17 industrial countries, this paper develops some simple measures of monetary policy credibility and then tests if such measures improve the out-of-sample forecasts of conventional models of the inflation-unemployment process. The results provide some evidence in favor of the Lucas critique by showing that the short-run unemployment-inflation trade-off tends to improve in countries that are successful in providing low and stable inflation.
Maintenance of slow type I myosin protein and mRNA expression in overwintering prairie dogs (Cynomys leucurus and ludovicianus) and black bears (Ursus americanus)

Hibernating mammals have the remarkable ability to withstand long periods of fasting and reduced activity with dramatic maintenance of skeletal muscle function and protein composition. We investigated several hindlimb muscles of white-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys leucurus) and black bears (Ursus americanus), two very different hibernators who are dormant and fasting during winter. The black-tailed prairie dog (C. ludovicianus) remains active during winter, but suffers minor skeletal muscle atrophy; nevertheless, they also demonstrate apparent skeletal muscle adaptations. Using SDS-PAGE, we measured myosin protein isoform profiles before and after the hibernation season. All species maintained or increased levels of slow myosin, despite the collective physiological challenges of hypophagia and reduced activity. This contrasts markedly with standard mammalian models of skeletal muscle inactivity and atrophy predicting significant loss of slow myosin. A mechanism for changes in myosin isoforms was investigated using reverse-transcription PCR, following partial sequencing of the adult MHC isoforms in C. leucurus and U. americanus. However, mRNA expression was not well correlated with changes in MHC protein isoforms, and other synthesis and degradation pathways may be involved besides transcriptional control. The muscles of hibernating mammals demonstrate surprising and varied physiological responses to inactivity and atrophy with respect to slow MHC expression.
Hard Meringues Prepared with Foam-Spray-, Freeze- and Spray-Dried Albumen

Abstract NEW or improved methods of processing albumen offer to homemakers and volume feeding operations the potential for convenience, reduced costs and food products of consistent quality. Although spray-dried albumen has been available for many years, improved processing techniques along with recently developed processing by foam-spray-drying and freeze-drying warrant evaluation of the functional properties of albumen. For this purpose, hard meringues were prepared from albumen processed by foam-spray-, freeze- and spray-drying. Although the effects of spray-drying and freeze-drying on albumen have been investigated (Hill et al., 1965; Rolfes et al., 1955; Joslin et al., 1954; Carlin et al., 1953), limited comparative studies have been conducted on the effects of foam-spray-, freeze- and spray-drying on the functional properties of albumen. Zabik et al. (1969) reported foam stability of foam-spray-dried albumen was less than that of albumen processed by freezing, freeze- and spray-drying. In contrast, Franks et al. (1969) found angel cakes prepared…
One-step acrylation of soybean oil (SO) for the preparation of SO-based macromonomers

In this work, a novel efficient one-step method for preparation of acrylated soybean oil (ASO) was introduced. ASO was obtained by reacting soybean oil (SO) and acrylic acid (AA) directly under the catalysis of BF3·Et2O. Effects of reaction stoichiometry and reaction time on the conversion of the double bonds of SO were studied. 1H NMR analysis indicated that the number of acrylate groups could reach 3.09 per triglyceride molecule or the conversion of the double bonds was up to ∼75.7%. Copolymerization of the ASO and styrene was demonstrated, and the flexural and dynamic mechanical properties of the resulting polymers were evaluated.
Effect of pressure on the superconducting transition of lead

Abstract The effect of hydrostatic pressures up to 300 atmospheres on the critical magnetic field of superconducting lead has been measured at a temperature slightly below the critical temperature. The pressures were applied using helium gas as the pressure transmitting fluid. The critical fields of the pressurized specimen and a zero-pressure comparison specimen were measured alternately using a sensitive d.c. ballistic method. The pressure-induced critical field difference ΛHc was found to vary linearly with pressure with a slope (δHc/δp)T = −9.60 ± 0.11 × 10−9 gauss/ dyne cm−2 at about 7.09° K. The factors influencing the magnitude of the pressure shift are discussed on the basis of the Bardeen theory. The pressure shift for lead, unlike that for other super-conductors which have been measured, is about the same as that which is estimated from a consideration of zero-point vibration-amplitude changes only.
Incorporating Agroforestry Approaches into Commodity Value Chains

The productivity of tropical agricultural commodities is affected by the health of the ecosystem. Shade tolerant crops such as coffee and cocoa benefit from environmental services provided by forested landscapes, enabling landscape design that meets biodiversity conservation and economic needs. What can motivate farmers to apply and maintain such landscape approaches? Rather than rely on a proliferation of externally funded projects new opportunities are emerging through the international market that buys these commodities. As part of their growing commitment to sustainable supply chains, major companies are supporting agroforestry approaches and requiring producers and traders to demonstrate that the source of their commodities complies with a set of principles that conserves forested landscapes and improves local livelihoods. The paper presents examples of international companies that are moving in this direction, analyzes why and how they are doing it and discusses the impact that has been measured in coffee and cocoa communities in Latin America and Africa. It particularly considers the role of standards and certification systems as a driver of this commitment to promote profitable operations, environmental conservation and social responsibility throughout the coffee and cocoa value chains. Such approaches are already being taken to scale and are no longer operating only in small niches of the market but the paper also considers the limitations to growth in this market-based approach.
Extending the limit of atomic level grain boundary structure imaging using high-resolution electron microscopy

It has been possible to image sigma = 21/[111]21.8 degrees tilt boundaries in thin Au films and to deduce their atomic arrangements. These results represent an electron microscopic resolution level of 1.43 A, attainable with a small amount of image processing, which produces interpretable structure images. This substantial improvement over other recent grain boundary studies, which required about 1.9-2.0 A resolution, clearly demonstrates that many more tilt grain boundary orientations are now accessible instead of a limited subset.
Flies, Mice, and the Byzantine Crossbow

AbstractThe twelfth book of the military manual, Strategikon, attributed to Emperor Maurice, written about A.D. 600, contains a mini-treatise on the infantry. Although added to the work later, it seems to reflect earlier practices and equipment, some from the time of Justinian. Among the weapons to be carried by the light armed infantry it lists: ‘hollowed out wooden stocks with short arrows in small quivers, which can be fired a great distance with the bows and seriously injure the enemy’. What are these hollowed out pieces of wood, J. F. Haldon hesitantly, but correctly, identified them as crossbows. They were light enough to be carried by individual soldiers, and were clearly different from the revolving ballistae mounted on wagons spoken of in the next chapter (6) of this little treatise.
Is 40% to 70% diameter narrowing at the site of previous stenting or directional coronary atherectomy clinically significant?

Abstract Traditional binary definitions of coronary restenosls based on 6-month continuous angiographic measurements (e.g., >50% diameter stenosis) may give confusing results for lesions whose late percent stenosis falls near the arbitrary threshold. To determine the long-term clinical consequences of such lesions, the overall correlation between follow-up percent stenosis and the performance of subsequent ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization (triggered by significant angina or a positive exercise study result, or both) was examined in 443 consecutive lesions treated with directional coronary atherectomy or Palmaz-Schatz coronary stenting. Follow-up angiograms (available in 355 lesions, 82%) were stratified into 3 groups: severe late stenosis (>70% stenosis, n = 59), moderate late stenosis (40% to 70% stenosis, n = 72), and minimal late stenosis ( 50%) showed a similarly favorable long-term clinical outcome to patiente with a minimal late stenosis. These results support a strategy of conservative management for the 20% of patiente who have a moderate (40% to 70%) late stenosis after stenting or atherectomy, but do not have evidence of ischemia.
Laser ignition for artillery cannon

The challenges of developing laser ignition for an artillery cannon in which the black powder (BP) of the charges must be ignited are described. Laser ignition threshold behavior for BP is quantified for hot and cold temperatures and compared to ambient behavior. The threshold behavior for single grains of BP is compared to that of multiple grains more similar to that encountered in the gun. In addition to characterization of the BP ignition parameters, the influence of other materials is discussed briefly.
Assembly and Maintenance of Nodes of Ranvier Rely on Distinct Sources of Proteins and Targeting Mechanisms

Summary We have investigated the source(s) and targeting of components to PNS nodes of Ranvier. We show adhesion molecules are freely diffusible within the axon membrane and accumulate at forming nodes from local sources, whereas ion channels and cytoskeletal components are largely immobile and require transport to the node. We further characterize targeting of NF186, an adhesion molecule that pioneers node formation. NF186 redistributes to nascent nodes from a mobile, surface pool. Its initial accumulation and clearance from the internode require extracellular interactions, whereas targeting to mature nodes, i.e., those flanked by paranodal junctions, requires intracellular interactions. After incorporation into the node, NF186 is immobile, stable, and promotes node integrity. Thus, nodes assemble from two sources: adhesion molecules, which initiate assembly, accumulate by diffusion trapping via interactions with Schwann cells, whereas ion channels and cytoskeletal components accumulate via subsequent transport. In mature nodes, components turnover slowly and are replenished via transport. Video Abstract
Probing the boundaries of miscibility in model carbohydrates consisting of chemically derivatized dextrans using DSC and FTIR spectroscopy

Abstract Miscibility of carbohydrate polymers consisting of mixtures of chemically derivatized dextrans with charged side chains were studied as model systems. The effect of total polymer concentration and added NaCl on miscibility was investigated using DSC and FTIR Spectroscopy. DSC results showed a single T g for samples prepared at low, medium and high polymer concentrations in the absence of NaCl; and at high concentrations in the presence of NaCl, indicating miscible systems. Two separate T g s were obtained for samples prepared at low and medium polymer concentrations in the presence of NaCl, indicating immiscible systems. FTIR spectroscopy showed significantly different behavior for 1 T g and 2 T g s systems. The systematic changes in the FTIR spectra of miscible blends were assigned to the change in hydrogen bond distribution of the pure components in the mixture resulting from inter-molecular interactions. No such significant systematic change was observed in the FTIR spectra of immiscible systems.
Magneto-optical studies of photoexcitations in conducting polymers with degenerate and nondegenerate ground state

Abstract The nature of photoexcitations in conducting polymers has been elucidated by the absorption detected magnetic resonance (ADMR) technique. We have studied spin states in the degenerate ground state trans (CH) x and in poly(paraphenylene-vinylene) (PPV) with non-degenerate ground state. We have verified that the charged excitations are solitons in t-(CH) x and bipolarons in PPV. The long-lived neutral excitations, however, are self-trapped triplet excitons in PPV, which in t-(CH) x they dissociate into neutral soliton pairs due to its degenerate ground state structure.
Herpes and acoustic neuromas: Is there a cause and effect to observe?

Acoustic neuromas are a result of damage to the affected nerve function and can potentially press surrounding tissues. Although some sources suggest that observation is the treatment of choice for only those over 65 years of age and those unable to tolerate undergoing surgery or radiosurgery, most affected individuals should strongly consider not doing any aggressive therapies. Herpes has already been shown to mimic acoustic neuroma clinically, but growing evidence suggests that it is likely the cause of most cases of this entity.
Erosion-induced whisker growth on aluminum

An internal combustion phenomenon leading to the growth of amorphous, macroscopic whiskers with a unique growth morphology is induced on pure Al by solid-particle erosion. It can be concluded that the whisker growth reaction occurs because vented, subsurface cavities form during the erosion process and these cavities act as localized internal combustion sites for the reaction. The whiskers are hollow tubes that appear to grow from the cavity vents as reaction product chimneys. The subsurface cavities are a result of extensive material displacement and folding during erosion in bulk Al samples, and the cavities are associated with a characteristic erosion-surface ripple structure. Since both oxygen and water vapor are needed for whisker growth, it can also be concluded that the whiskers are composed of an amorphous aluminum hydrous oxide. Finally, it appears likely that the local temperature increases which can occur during erosion are necessary for the initiation of the whisker growth reaction.
Ventricular Fibrosis from Prolonged Bisphenol A Exposure

Bisphenol A is an environmental toxin released from plastics and has been shown to directly affect the coronary arteries and smooth muscle resulting in cardiac dysfunction leading to an increase in arrhythmias and coronary artery disease. Positive correlations between chemical dose exposure and increases in blood pressure have also been observed which could potentially lead to sustained hypertension, a primary cause of fibrosis. Whether such fibrosis also occurs in the myocardium remains to be determined. For the first time, the histological effects of chronic BPA exposure were investigated on the ventricular myocardium and on the media of a peripheral artery, in a rat model. Methods: A total of 24 rats were divided into three groups: A) untreated control; B) vehicle control; C) BPA group. The BPA was dissolved in corn oil and group B and C received a daily IP injection of corn oil and 25 mg/kg BPA, respectively. After 3 months the animals were sacrificed, the heart was collected. Eight-mm sections were stained for collagen with Picrosirius red and Masson’s trichrome. The fibrotic changes were assessed by collagen deposition. The collagen content was determined by quantitative image analysis. Values were expressed as mean 6 SEM. Results: Significant diffuse histological changes were found in ventricles of rats in the BPA group (p!0.05). The BPA group had a greater mean collagen (2.2 6 0.6%) compared to corn oil (1.5 6 0.6%) and control group (1.5 6 0.2%) although differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our data from this translational study suggest that chronic exposure to BPA may lead to cardiovascular fibrosis in rats through increased collagen deposition in the myocardium. However, clinical data in patients with prolonged BPA exposure are needed.
Radioprotective Effects of the 21-Aminosteroid U-74389G for Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Objective Future improvements in the results of stereotactic radiosurgery will be related to better patient selection, dose planning, radiosensitization of the target, and, possibly, protection of the brain surrounding the target. 21-Aminosteroids may provide protection against brain radiation injury by inhibition of lipid peroxidation and a selective action on vascular endothelium. We hypothesized that the 21-aminosteroid U-74389G would reduce radiosurgery-related brain injury without attenuating the target volume response. Methods One hundred and forty-five rats were divided into four experimental groups before undergoing radiosurgery: control (n = 47); low-dose U-74389G (5 mg/kg of body weight, n = 30); high-dose U-74389G (15 mg/kg, n = 20); and methylprednisolone (2 mg/kg, n = 48). The drug was administered 1 hour before radiosurgery (4-mm gamma knife collimator) of the normal rat frontal lobe (single-fraction maximum doses of 50, 100, or 150 Gy) was performed. All brains underwent histological examination at 90 or 150 days to evaluate the diameters of necrosis and the findings of radiation-induced vasculopathy, brain edema, and gliosis. Results None of the animals that received 50-Gy radiation developed histological changes, whereas all of the animals that received 150-Gy radiation developed radiation necrosis without drug-induced protection from vascular changes or edema. In animals receiving 100-Gy radiation, high-dose aminosteroid reduced radiation-induced vasculopathy at 90 days (P = 0.06) and at 150 days (P = 0.02) and prevented regional edema at 90 days (P = 0.01) and at 150 days (P = 0.03). Low-dose aminosteroid and corticosteroid provided no protection. Conclusion The 21-aminosteroid U-74389G provided protection after a single intravenously administered dose of 15 mg/kg against radiation-induced vasculopathy and edema. High-dose 21-aminosteroids seem to have optimal properties for radiosurgery, surrounding brain protection without reducing the therapeutic effect desired within the target volume.
An Assessment of Health Policy Reform in Russia

Current fast-track reforms in Russia's health sector involving decentralization and privatization are largely ineffective because they are mistargeted. They do not address the etiology of the major sources of health care problems (i.e., lifestyle, and living, working, and environmental conditions), and they even weaken coordinated efforts to address collective health needs. State government policy measures, democratization, self-organization of society, and economic liberalization, as they are evolving currently, do not ensure sufficient citizen protection and interest articulation in the health sector.
A review of recent work on multilayered structures

Abstract Recent contributions on the static and dynamic elastic behavior of multilayered shells, other than sandwich, under mechanical and thermal loads are surveyed.
Gains and Losses from Mergers: The Evidence

The preceeding article has examined some of the motivations behind the high premiums offered shareholders of target firms in acquisitions and mergers. In essence, the acquirers appear to be looking for gains largely through enhanced efficiency of operations or by the replacement of inefficient management.
Usefulness of Two-Dimensional Echocardiographic Parameters of the Left Side of the Heart to Predict Right Ventricular Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography is a primary imaging method in the assessment of cardiac function; however, visualization of the right-sided heart is often technically difficult in patients with heart failure. We aimed to create a simple and generally applicable scoring system based on "left-sided echocardiographic parameters" to provide complementary information for predicting RVF after LVAD surgery. We reviewed 111 consecutive patients undergoing LVAD surgery from 2007 through 2010. Echocardiograms within 5 days before surgery were analyzed. RVF was defined as an unexpected RV assist devices requirement, nitric oxide inhalation >48 hours, and/or inotropic support >14 days. Thirty-five patients (32%) developed RVF. LV end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) was smaller, LV ejection fraction was greater, and the left atrial diameter/LVEDD ratio was greater (p 78, 79 to 70, and 33%; and left atrial diameter/LVEDD 0.68; each variable was associated with 0 and 1 point and 2 points, respectively. LV echocardiographic RVF score ≥3 was associated with RVF with a sensitivity of 88.6% and score ≥5 with a specificity of 80.3%. In conclusion, patients with relatively small LV size, preserved LV contraction, and dilated left atrium were at higher risk for RVF after LVAD surgery. In conclusion, LV echocardiographic RVF score provides a novel tool to predict RVF after LVAD surgery, which does not involve invasive or technically complicated procedures.
An Efficient Iterative Method for the Generalized Stokes Problem

The generalized Stokes problem, which arises frequently in the simulation of time-dependent Navier--Stokes equations for incompressible fluid flow, gives rise to symmetric linear systems of equations. These systems are indefinite due to a set of linear constraints on the velocity, causing difficulty for most preconditioners and iterative methods. This paper presents a novel method to obtain a preconditioned linear system from the original one which is then solved by an iterative method. This new method generates a basis for the velocity space and solves a reduced system which is symmetric and positive definite. Numerical experiments indicating superior convergence compared to existing methods are presented. A natural extension of this method to elliptic problems is also proposed, along with theoretical bounds on the rate of convergence, and results of experiments demonstrating robust and effective preconditioning.
CODE TRANSFORMATIONS FOR ENHANCING THE PERFORMANCE OF SPECULATIVELY PARALLEL THREADS

As technology advances, microprocessors that integrate multiple cores on a single chip are becoming increasingly common. How to use these processors to improve the performance of a single program h...
Phase‐resolved fluorescence lifetime measurements for flow cytometry

A flow cytometer capable of measuring fluorescence lifetimes by the phase shift method has been built and evaluated. Under optimal conditions, the resolution of the fluorescence lifetime measurement is shown to be under 200 picoseconds. Pulse intensity variations are normalized using limiting amplifiers and electronic filtering. Normalization of signal intensities provides a lifetime measurement that is independent of fluorescence intensity over at least a 50-fold (17 dB) range in fluorescence intensity. The fluorescence lifetimes of unbound dye, fluorescent beads, cells stained with ethidium bromide, propidium iodide, and phycoerythrin-conjugated monoclonal antibodies have been measured. The fluorescence lifetimes measured for these particles are well correlated with lifetime measurements made using a standard fluorimeter. Cells stained with ethidium bromide and propidium iodide at various nucleotide-to-dye ratios are shown to exhibit similar behavior to static cuvette measurements. The fluorescence lifetime parameter is also shown to resolve phycoerthyrin fluorescence from propidium iodide fluorescence.
Spatiotemporal denoising of MR spectroscopic imaging data by low-rank approximations

This paper addresses the denoising problem associated with magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI), where low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) has been a critical problem. A new scheme is proposed, which exploits two low-rank structures that exist in MRSI data, one due to partial separability and the other is due to linear predictability. Experimental results from practical data demonstrate that the proposed method provides an effective way to denoise MRSI data while preserving spatial-spectral features in a wide range of SNR values.
Influences of mechanized thinning and prescribed fire on natural regeneration in an uneven-aged Jeffrey pine stand.

Thinnings using cut-to-length or whole-tree harvesting systems followed by underburning were evaluated for their effects on seedling and sapling demography in a pure, uneven-aged Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.) stand containing a minor component of California white fir (Abies concolor var. lowiana [Gord.] Lemm.). Depression of seedling counts due to forest floor disturbance associated with thinning was followed by a recovery largely confined to Jeffrey pine in the whole-tree treatment where final seedling counts exceeded those found initially. The postburn substrate was more favorable for establishment of Jeffrey pine than white fir seedlings, and the largest increase in seedling counts between the initial and final inventories occurred in the burned portion of the whole-tree treatment. Live sapling losses from thinning were greatest in the cut-to-length treatment, while underburning induced complete sapling mortality. Absent treatment, several stand and site variables influenced seedling and ...
A novel technique for treating auricular hematomas in mixed martial artists (ultimate fighters).

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to describe a “bolsterless” technique for managing auricular hematomas in professional fighters. Methods Eight auricular hematomas were drained under local anesthesia by incising along an anatomical auricular crease. After evacuation of the hematoma and copious irrigation, the resultant skin flap was replaced in anatomical position, and through-and-through absorbable mattress sutures were used to secure the flap in place. Incision sites were left open and dressed with antimicrobial ointment. No bolsters were placed. The patients were given 1 week of oral antibiotic therapy. Results All 8 hematomas resolved without further intervention. All 8 ears returned to their preinjury cosmetic state. Fighters were able to return to training within a week of the initial injury. No postoperative infections or other complications were noted. Conclusions In contrast to wrestlers, mixed martial artists (also called “ultimate fighters”) do not routinely wear protective head gear. As a result, they are at increased risk of recurrent auricular hematomas, often resulting in severe auricular deformities (cauliflower ear). These patients are anxious to return to training and fighting, and are reluctant to wear a bolster after repair. At their urging, we agreed to attempt this bolsterless technique. Although 2 patients in this series already had a significant cauliflower ear before being treated for the current hematoma, in all cases the auricle returned to its preinjury condition. Bolsterless treatment using mattress sutures and cosmetically placed incisions represents a successful technique for management of auricular hematomas in this population.
A novel dispersion monitoring technique based on four-wave mixing in optical fiber

We propose a novel dispersion monitoring method based on four-wave mixing (FWM) or parametric amplification effect in optical fiber. The signal pulse stream, which is used as a parametric pump, is mixed with a weak continuous wave light at a different wavelength in a fiber. Due to the FWM effect, a so-called idler light is created at a wavelength symmetric in respect to the pump. The output idler power can be measured and is dependent on the pulsewidth and, therefore, accumulated residual dispersion of the input signal. The concept was successfully demonstrated with 40-Gb/s return-to-zero signal. This approach potentially works for data rates up to terabits per second and can be applied to provide a feedback for automatic dispersion compensation.
The binaural display of clouds of point sources

We propose a binaural display that auralizes clouds of nearby point sources by filtering a monaural source with multiple HRTF pairs. To overcome the computational burden that this paradigm introduces, we propose a two-stage filter implementation in which the first filter is common to all spatial locations in the cloud, and the second filter provides the spectral cues unique to each location within the cloud. We find that much of the computational burden can be shifted to the first filter, in which case the net computational complexity of the display reduces to that of a conventional binaural display
Efficient and scalable multiprocessor fair scheduling using distributed weighted round-robin

Fairness is an essential requirement of any operating system scheduler. Unfortunately, existing fair scheduling algorithms are either inaccurate or inefficient and non-scalable for multiprocessors. This problem is becoming increasingly severe as the hardware industry continues to produce larger scale multi-core processors. This paper presents Distributed Weighted Round-Robin (DWRR), a new scheduling algorithm that solves this problem. With distributed thread queues and small additional overhead to the underlying scheduler, DWRR achieves high efficiency and scalability. Besides conventional priorities, DWRR enables users to specify weights to threads and achieve accurate proportional CPU sharing with constant error bounds. DWRR operates in concert with existing scheduler policies targeting other system attributes, such as latency and throughput. As a result, it provides a practical solution for various production OSes. To demonstrate the versatility of DWRR,we have implemented it in Linux kernels 2.6.22.15 and 2.6.24, which represent two vastly different scheduler designs. Our evaluation shows that DWRR achieves accurate proportional fairness and high performance for a diverse set of workloads.
Black Walnut Extract: An Inflammatory Model

The black walnut extract (BWE) model was developed after the discovery that horses bedded on shavings from black walnut trees commonly developed laminitis. The first investigators that consistently induced laminitis with black walnut shavings established that it was only the heartwood of the tree that induced laminitis. The BWE model of laminitis has allowed investigators to determine many of the early pathologic signaling events likely to occur in the developmental and acute clinical stages of the disease process, and has brought inflammatory injury to the forefront of laminitis research. These events must also be assessed in the carbohydrate overload models, the models that more closely reflect the clinical case of laminitis.
Opinion formation under costly expression

Opinions play an important role in trust building and the creation of consensus about issues and products and a number of studies have focused on the design, evaluation, and utilization of online opinion systems. However, little effort has been spent on the dynamic aspects of online opinion formation. In this article, we study the dynamics of online opinion expression by analyzing the temporal evolution of vey large sets of user views and determine that in the course of time, later opinions tend to show a big difference with earlier opinions, which moderates the average opinion to the less extreme. Online posters also tend to disagree with previous opinions when the cost of expression is high.
Unified vs. split TLBs and caches in shared-memory MP systems

Data references in shared-memory multiprocessors (SMMPs) are targeted to private and shared data. Thus, conflicts between private and shared data occur in unified translation-lookaside buffer (TLBs) and caches. Separate private and shared data TLBs and caches eliminate such conflicts and might decrease miss ratios. But these split TLBs and caches would be smaller than their unified counterparts and might increase miss ratios. We use trace-driven simulations to compare the performance of unified vs. split data TLBs and caches. Our results show (1) a small number of unified TLB/cache conflicts for two workloads and a substantial number for another; and (2) split TLB/cache miss ratio reductions due to conflict removal smaller than miss ratio increases due to reduced size. Although split data TLBs and caches do not offer performance gains in SMMPs for such workloads, it is not clear whether or not they would for different workloads. >
Can an Algorithm Know the "Real You"?: Understanding People's Reactions to Hyper-personal Analytics Systems

Recent research has developed analytics that threaten online self-presentation and privacy by automatically generating profiles of individuals' most personal traits-their personality, values, motivations, and so on. But we know little about people's reactions to personal traits profiles of themselves, or what influences their decisions to share such profiles. We present an early qualitative study of people's reactions to a working hyper-personal analytics system. The system lets them see their personality and values profile derived from their own social media text. Our results reveal a paradox. Participants found their personal traits profiles creepily accurate and did not like sharing them in many situations. However, they felt pressured by the social risks of not sharing and showed signs of learned helplessness, leading them to share despite their misgivings. Further, they felt unqualified to significantly modify their profile contents due to a surprising trust in the "expert" algorithm. We explore design implications for hyper-personal analytics systems that consider the needs and preferences of the people being profiled, suggesting ways to enhance the control they feel and the benefits they reap.
Low temperature gate dielectric deposition for recessed AlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMTs

Gate dielectrics are of great interest in AlGaN/GaN transistors to increase the I on /I off ratios and to reduce gate leakage. However, integrating gate dielectrics with recessed gates require low temperature dielectric depositions where the gate photoresist is patterned and the gate is recessed before dielectric deposition. This study aims to characterize gate insulators deposited by low temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes. HfO 2 and Al 2 O 3 were deposited at temperatures ranging from 80 °C to 120 °C and annealed under different ambient and temperature conditions. MIS-HEMTs with HfO 2 gates showed excellent I on /I off ratios of over 109 and subthreshold slopes of 71 mV/dec, which is superior to reference transistors with Schottky gates. Therefore, low temperature gate dielectrics promise to be an enabling technology for MIS-HEMTs with both recessed and insulating gates.
Retinal development in Drosophila: specifying the first neuron

In vertebrates, a proneural basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (Ath5, Atonal homolog 5) plays a crucial role in the specification of the first retinal neuron: the retinal ganglion cell (RGC). Math5 homozygous null mutant mice lack RGCs and have no optic nerve. Furthermore, the expression of the Ath5 protein is regulated to give a non-random dispersed pattern of RGCs. In Drosophila, retinal histogenesis is precisely coordinated and is associated with a progressive wave called the morphogenetic furrow. In the furrow, single precisely spaced cells are specified to become the first retinal neural cell type: the R8 photoreceptor cell. This Drosophila founder cell specification is coincident with and dependant upon the expression of the fly Ath5 ortholog: Atonal. Indeed, in both taxa, the process of founder cell specification may be viewed as the regulation of Atonal expression. It is now clear that, in flies, this regulation depends on the action of inductive and inhibitory signals. This review concentrates on the signaling mechanisms that produce this precise pattern of founder cells.
The influence of anxiety on the progression of disability

OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of anxiety on the progression of disability and examine possible mediators of the relationship. DESIGN: Community-based observational study. SETTING: Women’s Health and Aging Study I, a prospective observational study with assessments every 6 months for 3 years. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand two functionally limited women aged 65 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Anxiety symptoms were assessed using four questions from the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (nervous or shaky, avoidance of certain things, tense or keyed up, fearful). Participants who reported experiencing two or more of these symptoms at baseline were considered anxious. Anxiety as a predictor of the onset of four types of disability was examined using Cox proportional hazards models. Three models were tested: an unadjusted model, a model adjusted for confounding variables (age, race, vision, number ofdiseases, physical performance, depressive symptoms), and a mediational model (benzodiazepine and psychotropic medication use, physical activity, emotional support). RESULTS: Nineteen percent of women reported two or more symptoms of anxiety at baseline. Unadjusted models indicate that anxiety was associated with a greater risk of worsening disability: activity of daily living (ADL) disability (relative risk (RR) 51.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 51.10‐1.79), mobility disability (RR 51.41, 95% CI 51.06‐1.86), lifting disability (RR 51.54, 95% CI 51.20‐1.97), and light housework disability (RR 51.77, 95% CI 51.32‐2.37). After adjusting for confounding variables, anxiety continued to predict the development of two types of disability: ADL disability (RR 51.41, 95% CI 51.08‐1.84) and light housework disability (RR 51.56, 95% CI 51.14‐2.14). Finally, benzodiazepine and psychotropic medication use, physical activity, and emotional support were not significantmediators of the effect of anxiety on the development of a disability. CONCLUSION: Anxiety is a significant risk factor for the progressionof disability in older women. Studiesare needed to determine whether treatment of anxiety delays or prevents disability. J Am Geriatr Soc 53:34‐39, 2005.
Influence of using slag cement on the microstructure and durability related properties of cement grouts for micropiles

Abstract Today, the use of micropiles for different applications has become very common. In Spain, the cement grouts for micropiles are prepared using ordinary Portland cement and w:c ratio 0.5, although the micropiles standards do not restrict the cement type to use, provided that it reaches a certain compressive strength. In this study, the influence of using slag cement on the microstructure and durability related properties of cement grouts for micropiles have been studied until 90 hardening days, compared to an ordinary Portland cement. Finally, slag cement grouts showed good service properties, better than ordinary Portland cement ones.