cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Palliative Care Involvement in Patients with Operative Mortality After Cardiac Surgery

Background The aim of this study was to examine palliative care involvement in patients with operative mortality after cardiac surgery, to gain a better understanding of this high-risk population and factors influencing referral. Methods This is a retrospective review using data submitted to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database. Results The total study population included 93 patients with operative mortality, only 30% of whom had palliative care involvement. The median time from first palliative care involvement to death was 6 days. Nearly 40% of patients had a status labeled as elective at the time of surgery. Conclusion Our findings suggest that patient mortality risk for elective surgery is being underestimated, or the indications for palliative care consultation in high-risk patients is going unrecognized. Such knowledge may facilitate earlier palliative care involvement, with the goal of improved quality of life for cardiac patients.
Effects of rapid wound sealing on survival and blood loss in a swine model of lethal junctional arterial hemorrhage.

BACKGROUNDHemostatic gauzes, which must be packed into wounds and compressed for several minutes, may be of limited use for noncompressible wounds in junctional anatomic locations. Rapid mechanical wound sealing is an alternative approach that seals the wound at the skin, allowing internal clot form
Estimating Effective Subsidy Rates of Student Aid Programs

Every year millions of high school students and their parents in the US are asked to fill out complicated financial aid application forms. However, few studies have estimated the responsiveness of government financial aid schemes to changes in financial needs of the students. This paper identifies the effective subsidy rate (ESR) of student aid, as defined by the coefficient of financial needs in the regression of financial aid. The ESR measures the proportion of subsidy of student aid under the assumption that all students who enroll in college apply for financial aid. Problems of self-selected applications are considerable because more than one-third of financial aid applicants are ineligible for any form of financial aid; and because about 10 percent of financially needy students do not apply. I cope with endogenous applications by estimating a Tobit-with-Selection model using maximum likelihood estimation methods. The results show that conventional OLS estimates considerably understate the ESR because a large portion of applicants are from high-income families with no financial needs and are ineligible for any form of aid. My finding suggests that it is important to include endogenous applications for financial aid in evaluations of student aid programs.
Data mining with neural networks: solving business problems from application development to decision support

readers will find concrete implementation strategies, reinforced with real-world business examples and a minimum of formulas, and case studies drawn from a broad range of industries. The book illustrates the popular data mining functions of classification, clustering, modeling, and time-series forecasting--through examples developed using the IBM Neural Network Utility.
Ovarian Cancer Prevention

Ovarian cancer is the second leading cause of gynecologic cancer death with 225,500 new diagnoses and 140,200 deaths each year worldwide (Jemal et al., CA Cancer J Clin 61(2):69–90, 2011). In the developed world, ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer death. In the USA, there are 22,280 new ovarian cancer diagnoses and 15,500 deaths from the disease each year (Siegel et al., CA Cancer J Clin 62(1):10–29, 2012). Epithelial ovarian cancers comprise the most common type of ovarian cancers and account for the vast majority of deaths from this disease. The incidence rate of ovarian cancer varies internationally (Fig. 18.1), with higher rates in Europe and North America and lower rates in Africa and the Middle East. The potential contributing factors related to ovarian cancer risk, early detection and screening, as well as the etiology of the disease are described in more detail in this chapter.
The Importance of Ethics and Morality in Today's Legal World

This essay describes efforts that have been made to increase the level of lawyer professionalism, including attempts at legislating ethical conduct and teaching ethical values underlying professionalism. Recognizing that most efforts have been ineffective, this essay suggests an approach to enhancing ethical awareness that necessarily recognizes the value of morality in daily practice. This essay explains the importance of ethics and morality in today’s legal world, and concludes with a recommendation to the beginning law student.
Visualizing multivariate hierarchic data using enhanced radial space-filling layout

Currently, visualization tools for large ontologies (e.g., pathway and gene ontologies) result in a very flat wide tree that is difficult to fit on a single display. This paper develops the concept of using an enhanced radial spacefilling (ERSF) layout to show biological ontologies efficiently. The ERSF technique represents ontology terms as circular regions in 3D. Orbital connections in a third dimension correspond to non-tree edges in the ontology that exist when an ontology term belongs to multiple categories. Biologists can use the ERSF layout to identify highly activated pathway or gene ontology categories by mapping experimental statistics such as coefficient of variation and overrepresentation values onto the visualization. This paper illustrates the use of the ERSF layout to explore pathway and gene ontologies using a gene expression dataset from E. coli.
Nonlinear upper hybrid waves and the induced density irregularities

Upper hybrid waves are excited parametrically by the O-mode high-frequency heater waves in the ionospheric heating experiments. These waves grow to large amplitudes and self-induced density perturbations provide nonlinear feedback. The lower hybrid resonance modifies the nonlinear feedback driven by the ponderomotive force; the nonlinear equation governing the envelope of the upper hybrid waves is derived. Solutions in symmetric alternating functions, in non-alternating periodic functions, as well as in solitary functions are shown. The impact of lower hybrid resonance on the envelope of the upper hybrid waves is explored; the results show that both the spatial period and amplitude are enlarged. The average fluctuation level of induced density irregularities is also enhanced. In the soliton form, the induced density cavity is widened considerably.
A general approach to environment design with one agent

The problem of environment design considers a setting in which an interested party aims to influence an agent's decisions by making limited changes to the agent's environment. Zhang and Parkes [2008] first introduced the environment design concept for a specific problem in the Markov Decision Process setting. In this paper, we present a general framework for the formulation and solution of environment design problems with one agent. We consider both the case in which the agent's local decision model is known and partially unknown to the interested party, and illustrate the framework and results on a linear programming setting. For the latter problem, we formulate an active, indirect elicitation method and provide conditions for convergence and logarithmic convergence. We relate to the problem of inverse optimization and also offer a game-theoretic interpretation of our methods.
Inhibitors of the stromal protease fibroblast activation protein attenuate tumor growth in vivo

4382 Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a serine protease that is selectively expressed on tumor stromal fibroblasts in a vast majority of epithelial cancers. We have previously shown that FAP overexpression enhances tumor growth and suggested a possible therapeutic role for functional inhibition of FAP activity (Cancer Res 62:4767–4772, 2002). PT-100 and PT-630 are boronic dipeptides, which competitively inhibit dipeptidyl peptidases including FAP and DPP-IV/CD26 with Ki in the nanomolar range. PT-100 treatment has been shown to decrease tumor size and cause tumor regression and rejection in a variety of animal tumor models (Cancer Res 64: 5471–5480, 2004). Its mechanism of action is complex, as it not only inhibits FAP enzymatic activity but also has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects including upregulation of cytokine and chemokine expression. PT-630 inhibits FAP enzymatic activity to a similar degree as PT-100, but without invoking a cytokine response. Therefore, we investigated the effects of PT-630 and PT-100 in animal models that have strong FAP expression. HT-29 xenografts induce stromal FAP expression in the tumor fibroblasts without any detectable expression on the colorectal cancer cells themselves. In addition HEK293 cells transfected with FAP were also tested as an epithelial FAP overexpression animal model. PT-100 and PT-630 when administered orally to mice inoculated subcutaneously with either HT-29 or HEK-FAP cells, significantly inhibited tumor growth when compared to saline treated controls. Both PT-100 and PT-630 decreased tumor volume in the HT-29 and HEK-FAP xenografts by approximately 50%. Immunocapture of FAP and DPP-IV from the tumors showed significantly decreased enzymatic activity in PT 100 and PT 630 treated xenografts indicating that FAP activity is suppressed in vivo. A dose related response for PT-630 was also suggested. We therefore demonstrate that PT-100 and PT-630 inhibit tumor growth of HT-29 and HEK-FAP xenografts. In addition, PT-100 and PT-630 attenuate enzymatic activity in vivo in a dose dependent manner. Given that PT-630 has minimal immunomodulatory effects, this suggests that the antitumor activity seen in these animal models may be mediated by the inhibition of FAP at the tumor microenvironment.
An Analysis of Leadership Within the Social Work Profession

This article presents the results of a study investigating how individuals currently in leadership positions within the Council on Social Work Education and the National Association of Social Worke...
Early and Middle Adolescents' Reasoning About Moral and Personal Concerns in Opposite-sex Interactions

This study examined how adolescents coordinate personal and moral concerns in reasoning about opposite-sex interactions. Sixty-four early and middle adolescents (Ms = 12.74, 16.05 years) were individually interviewed about two hypothetical situations involving opposite-sex interactions (commenting on appearance, initiating a date), presented in four conditions that varied the salience of personal vs. moral concerns. Overall, participants viewed opposite-sex interactions as harmless and acceptable in personal conditions, but as moral concerns became more salient, they were viewed more negatively, as less contingent on the target’s response, and as entailing humiliation, coercion, and victimization. Age differences occurred primarily in reasoning about conditions entailing mixed-personal and moral concerns. Implications for adolescents’ understanding of harassment and victimization are discussed.
Mammographic Breast Density: Effect on Imaging and Breast Cancer Risk

Mammographic breast density has been studied for more than 30 years. Greater breast density not only is related to decreased sensitivity of mammograms because of a masking effect but also is a major independent risk factor for breast cancer. This article defines breast density and reviews literature on quantification of mammographic density that is key to future clinical and research protocols. Important influences on breast density are addressed, including age, menopausal status, exogenous hormones, and genetics of density. Young women with dense breasts benefit from digital mammographic technique. The potential use of supplemental MRI and ultrasound screening techniques in high-risk women and women with dense breasts is explored, as are potential risk reduction strategies.
Radiocarbon and 210Pb distribution in submersible-taken deep-sea cores from Project FAMOUS

During the FAMOUS survey of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in August and September, 1974 by the research submersible “Alvin” two cores were taken for radiochemical analysis. One core (527-3) was 24 cm long and the other (530-4) was 17 cm long. Both were from water depths of about 2500 m. Slices of the cores were analyzed for radiocarbon and 210 Pb. In the top 8 cm layer of 527-3 dates are constant with depth at about 2400 yr B.P. Below 8 cm radiocarbon dates increase linearly yielding an accumulation rate of 2.9 cm/10 3 yr. The constant age from the surface to a depth of 8 cm can be attributed to biogenic mixing to that depth with no significant mixing below 8 cm. The excess 210 Pb pattern yields a mixing coefficient of 0.6 × 10 −8 cm 2 /sec. The top 2 cm of core 530-4 has a 14 C date of 13,000 yr B.P. Below 4 cm dates increase from 16,400 to 18,000 yr B.P., but this increase probably is not statistically significant. The data indicate physical disruption of the section. The date of this disruption is not defined by the data but the restriction of excess 210 Pb to the top centimeter of the core implies either that sediment accumulation at this site has only recently resumed or that both the rate of accumulation and rate and depth of bioturbation have been very small since the disrupting event.
Determination of Preferred pH for Root-knot Nematode Aggregation Using Pluronic F-127 Gel

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are obligate endoparasites of a wide range of plant species. The infective stage is attracted strongly to and enters host roots at the zone of elongation, but the compounds responsible for this attraction have not been identified. We developed a simple assay to investigate nematode response to chemical gradients that uses Pluronic F-127, a synthetic block copolymer that, as a 23% aqueous solution, forms a liquid at low temperature and a gel at room temperature. Test chemicals are put into a modified pipette tip, or ‘chemical dispenser,’ and dispensers are inserted into the gel in which nematodes have been dispersed. Meloidogyne hapla is attracted to pH gradients formed by acetic acid and several other Bronsted acids and aggregates between pH 4.5 and 5.4. While this pH range was attractive to all tested root-knot nematode strains and species, the level of aggregation depended on the species/strain assessed. For actively growing roots, the pH at the root surface is most acidic at the zone of elongation. This observation is consistent with the idea that low pH is an attractant for nematodes. Root-knot nematodes have been reported to be attracted to carbon dioxide, but our experiments suggest that the observed attraction may be due to acidification of solutions by dissolved CO2 rather than to CO2 itself. These results suggest that Pluronic F-127 gel will be broadly applicable for examining responses of a range of organisms to chemical gradients or to each other.
Performance of the IEEE 802.3 EPON registration scheme under high load

The proposed standard for the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Passive Optical Network includes a random delayed transmission scheme for registration of new nodes. Although the scheme performs well on low loads, our simulation demonstrates the degraded and undesirable performance of the scheme at higher loads. We propose a simple modification to the current scheme that increases its range of operation and is compatible with the IEEE draft standard. We demonstrate the improvement in performance gained without any significant increase in registration delay.
Surface ocean pH response to variations in pCO2 through two full glacial cycles

Abstract Knowledge of past atmospheric pCO 2 is important for evaluating the role of greenhouse gases in climate forcing. Ice core records show the tight correlation between climate change and pCO 2 , but records are limited to the past ∼900 kyr. We present surface ocean pH and PCO 2 data, reconstructed from boron isotopes in planktonic foraminifera over two full glacial cycles (0–140 and 300–420 kyr). The data co-vary strongly with the Vostok pCO 2 -record and demonstrate that the coupling between surface ocean chemistry and the atmosphere is recorded in marine archives, allowing for quantitative estimation of atmospheric pCO 2 beyond the reach of ice cores.
Self‐diffusion coefficients of sol‐gel intermediates

Abstract : Over the past few decades, the sol-gel technique has shown great potential for producing ceramic materials of designed composition and properties. A typical sol-gel process involves the hydrolysis and polymerization of one or more metal alkoxides in an alcohol solution in a batch reactor to form a homogeneous gel, which is then further treated to provide the type of ceramic desired (aerogel, glass, crystal, coating, etc.). Several authors have suggested that diffusion effects may influence the development of the gel microstructure. To investigate if diffusion effects are important, we begin by determining what governs the diffusivity of the precursors using the pulsed-gradient-spin-echo NMR technique. This report focuses on the early stages of the batch reaction. The system chosen is the acid catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in ethanol. Our results from 1H PGSE NMR and 29Si NMR show that the diffusivities of the silicate precursors are not just a function of the molecular weight. Hydrogen bonding between the polar functional groups and the solvent also decreases the mobility of the reactants. Moreover, since hydrolysis increases and polymerization reduces the concentration of these polar groups, the mobility of the reactive oligomers changes in a complex manner. Combining our results from PGSE NMR and gas chromatography, we estimate the extent of hydrogen bonding effect on the mobility of various oligomers, providing a model to predict diffusivity trends throughout the batch reaction.
Delay discounting and smoking: association with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence but not cigarettes smoked per day.

Delay discounting (DD) has been shown to be related to smoking status and-less consistently-frequency of cigarette use, but its independent relationship with dependence has not been examined. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between smoking and DD as a function of both smoking quantity and level of dependence controlling for use. A sample of 710 adults completed a DD task using hypothetical monetary rewards, and participants were classified according to smoking status. Current smokers were further characterized as light, moderate, or heavy smokers on the basis of number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD). Dependence was assessed using the Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND), with the CPD item removed. Current smokers discounted delayed rewards more than never, occasional, or ex-smokers; the latter three groups did not differ. DD was not related to CPD, analyzed continuously or categorically. FTND scores independently predicted DD, controlling for CPD. Analysis of individual FTND items revealed a relationship between DD and morning smoking. When analyzed categorically based on a median split, individuals high in dependence discounted delayed rewards more steeply than low dependence, never, tried-it, and ex-smokers, while these groups did not differ from each other. These results suggest that DD among smokers is not simply the result of nicotine exposure, but may be an important marker for dependence, especially urgency to smoke in the morning.
A SEARCH FOR BINARY ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI: DOUBLE-PEAKED [O III] AGNs IN THE SLOAN DIGITAL SKY SURVEY

We present active galactic nuclei (AGNs) from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) having double-peaked profiles of [O III]λλ5007, 4959 and other narrow emission lines, motivated by the prospect of finding candidate binary AGNs. These objects were identified by means of a visual examination of 21,592 quasars at z < 0.7 in SDSS Data Release 7 (DR7). Of the spectra with adequate signal-to-noise, 148 spectra exhibit a double-peaked [O III] profile. Of these, 86 are Type 1 AGNs and 62 are Type 2 AGNs. Only two give the appearance of possibly being optically resolved double AGNs in the SDSS images, but many show close companions or signs of recent interaction. Radio-detected quasars are three times more likely to exhibit a double-peaked [O III] profile than quasars with no detected radio flux, suggesting a role for jet interactions in producing the double-peaked profiles. Of the 66 broad-line (Type 1) AGNs that are undetected in the FIRST survey, 0.9% show double-peaked [O III] profiles. We discuss statistical tests of the nature of the double-peaked objects. Further study is needed to determine which of them are binary AGNs rather than disturbed narrow line regions, and how many additional binaries may remain undetected because of insufficient line-of-sight velocity splitting. Previous studies indicate that 0.1% of SDSS quasars are spatially resolved binaries, with typical spacings of ~10-100 kpc. If a substantial fraction of the double-peaked objects are indeed binaries, then our results imply that binaries occur more frequently at smaller separations (<10 kpc). This suggests that simultaneous fueling of both black holes is more common as the binary orbit decays through these spacings.
Online Political Mobilization from the Advocacy Group's Perspective: Looking Beyond Clicktivism

Academic observers and public intellectuals frequently criticize mass email action alerts as “slacktivism” or “clicktivism,” arguing that the lowered transaction costs of the medium produce a novel form of activism that carries with it hidden costs and dangers for the public sphere. This article challenges those claims, relying on a combination of personal observation within the advocacy community and on a new quantitative dataset of advocacy group email activity to articulate three points. First, that mass emails are functionally equivalent to the photocopied and faxed petitions and postcards of “offline” activism, and represent a difference-of-degree rather than a difference-in-kind. Second, that such low-quality, high-volume actions are a single tactic in the strategic repertoire of advocacy groups, thus reducing cause for concern about their limited effect in isolation. Third, that the empirical reality of email activation practices has little in common with the dire predictions offered by common critiques. The article responds to a previous Policy & Internet article: “The Case Against Mass E-mails.” 1 (1).
A Substituent Effects Study Reveals the Kinetic Pathway for an Interfacial Reaction

This paper describes the use of a substituent effects study to understand the mechanistic basis for an interfacial Diels−Alder reaction that does not proceed with standard second-order kinetics. Cyclopentadiene (Cp) undergoes a Diels−Alder reaction with a chemisorbed mercaptobenzoquinone to yield an immobilized Diels−Alder adduct. The pseudo-first-order rate constants are not linearly related to the concentration of diene, but they reach a limiting value with increasing concentrations of diene. The results of a substituent effects study support a mechanism wherein the electrochemical oxidation of hydroquinone produces two states of quinone. The first form, Q*, either reacts with Cp or isomerizes to Q, a form that is significantly less reactive with the diene. The interfacial reaction reaches a maximum rate when the concentration of diene is sufficiently high so that Q* undergoes complete Diels−Alder reaction and does not isomerize to Q. This work provides an example of the use of physical organic chemistr...
Synthetic Applications of Mercury Photosensitization

A method for the dehydrodimerization of organic compounds is described which relies on Hg photosensitized reactions either under reflux or in the presence of H2. Radicals formed in the gas phase recombine and disproportionate, but the disproportionation product is returned to the radical pool by H atom addition. The dehydrodimer is protected from further conversion by condensation. Other reactive gases, such as O2, CO, and SO2 lead to functionalized products.
Uncertainty assessment of the SeaWiFS on-orbit calibration

Ocean color climate data records require water-leaving radiances with 5% absolute and 1% relative accuracies as input. Because of the amplification of any sensor calibration errors by the atmospheric correction, the 1% relative accuracy requirement translates into a 0.1% long-term radiometric stability requirement for top-of-the atmosphere radiances. The rigorous on-orbit calibration program developed and implemented for SeaWiFS by the NASA Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG) Calibration and Validation Team (CVT) has allowed the CVT to maintain the stability of the radiometric calibration of SeaWiFS at 0.13% or better over the mission. The uncertainties in the resulting calibrated top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) radiances can be addressed in terms of accuracy (biases in the measurements), precision (scatter in the measurements), and stability (repeatability of the measurements). The calibration biases of lunar observations relative to the USGS RObotic Lunar Observatory (ROLO) photometric model of the Moon are 2-3%. The biases from the vicarious calibration against the Marine Optical Buoy (MOBY) are 1-2%. The precision of the calibration derived from the solar calibration signal-tonoise ratios are 0.16%, from the lunar residuals are 0.13%, and from the vicarious gains are 0.10%. The long-term stability of the TOA radiances, derived from the lunar time series, is 0.13%. The stability of the vicariouslycalibrated TOA radiances, incorporating the uncertainties in the MOBY measurements and the atmospheric correction, is 0.30%. These results allow the OBPG to produce climate data records from the SeaWiFS ocean color data.
Primer: demystifying risk—understanding and communicating medical risks

Medical risk information is important as it contributes to the understanding, prevention and treatment of disease. In this article, the authors explain the risk measures that are commonly used in medical literature and discuss the issues surrounding risk communication. Assessments of risk are a critical part of the practice of evidence-based medicine. Comprehension of various risk measures, such as absolute risk, relative risk, attributable risk, odds ratio, and hazard ratio, is essential to understand the medical literature, and to communicate health risks effectively. Complex risk measures, including number needed to treat and survival estimates that are adjusted for competing risks, are often misunderstood. Communication of these concepts to patients can be a challenge. The patient's perception of risk stems not only from the way risks are stated, but also from family history, personal experiences, cultural norms, and beliefs. A multifaceted approach to risk communication that uses both qualitative and quantitative assessments of risk, and addresses the timing and permanence of risks, is necessary to ensure the patient understands the potential risks. Successful communication involves interaction with the patient to understand the patient's perspective and to aid in personalized decision-making. In the face of uncertainty, making a provisional decision with a plan to review it later can be a good strategy. Verifying the patient's comprehension can help ensure that the decisions reached are informed and acceptable.
Current distribution and internal impedance of interconnect

A novel volume integral equation for the current distribution over interconnects with arbitrary cross-sectional geometry is presented based on the free space Green's function without approximation. For very low frequency, it can be reduced to the widely-used quasi-static approximation. The quasi-static volume integral equation is not accurate enough for the calculation of current distribution. A comparison is made with the different methods known in literature to calculate the per unit length internal impedance. Detailed discussion is given for the different current distributions and the definitions with their effects to the internal impedance, either for a high frequency range or a low frequency range.
Inconsistencies with the single-impurity Anderson model in photoelectron spectra of cerium heavy fermion compounds

Abstract A series of cerium heavy fermion compounds have been studied in order to check for the systematics with T K and the temperature dependence of the Kondo resonance predicted by the Kondo model. Neither the systematics nor the temperature dependence is found, the latter primarily determined from a detailed study in CeSi 2 . The qualitative shapes of the features at E F remain nearly constant irrespective of T K , while all the temperature dependence can be explained as resulting from phonon broadening of core-like states as well as Fermi function broadening. In addition, if the d electron contribution to the spectra is subtracted, one obtains a symmetric, lorentzian line shape for the “main” 4f peak.
On Secondary Baroclinic Instability and the Meridional Scaleof Motion in the Ocean

Abstract The stability of the marginally stable baroclinic wave in a uniform zonal shear flow is studied. Although thesingle, marginally stable wave on a horizontally uniform baroclinic current has little or no cross-streamvariation, the present paper shows that such a baroclinic wave is itself unstable to waves whose meridionalscale is of the order of the Rossby deformation radius. The implications of this result for oceanic mesoscale dynamics is discussed since the instability, whichoccurs in the form of a triad resonance, may provide an amplitude limiting mechanism ignored in single-wave stability analyses.
Molecular mechanisms of NF-κB activation induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide through Toll-like receptors:

Septic shock, caused by exaggerated host responses to various microbial products typified by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), remains the leading cause of death in trauma patients. Gaining insight into the nature of host interactions with LPS will certainly facilitate attempts to develop effective anti-sepsis drugs. Tremendous progress has been made during the past few years in understanding the mechanisms of pathogen-induced host responses. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and 2 have been implicated as major receptors for signaling initiated by LPS and many other microbial products following their binding to CD14. In addition, many signaling intermediates involved in LPS-induced cell activation, particularly activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB, have been identified and characterized. Further investigations with these molecules will certainly reward us with more effective therapeutic drugs to treat septic shock as well as many other inflammatory and infectious disorders.
Diamond, diamond-like and titanium nitride biocompatible coatings for human body parts

Abstract A new approach is proposed for fabricating human body parts that last longer and are more biocompatible than those presently available. In this approach, bulk material is chosen that has desirable mechanical properties (low modulus, high strength, high ductility and high fatigue strength) and then this material is coated with highly corrosion- and erosion-resistant and totally biocompatible layers. As an example, we have investigated diamond, TiN, diamond/diamond-like, and diamond/TiN coatings on Ti−6wt.%Al−4wt.%V alloy used for hip prosthesis. This alloy has desirable mechanical properties but the toxicity of vanadium and the neurological disorders associated with aluminum have raised some concerns. To overcome this problem, we have developed a laser physical vapor deposition method to form TiN and diamond-like coatings, and a hot-filament-assisted chemical vapor desposition method to form diamond layers. Cementless diamond-coated hip prostheses of titanium alloys are expected to last approximately ten times longer or more compared with the polymethylmethacrylate-cement-coated CoCr prostheses used at present. The microstructure of diamond films can be controlled by substrate and deposition variables. The microstructures of these films have been investigated using optical and scanning electron microscopy, chemical composition by Auger electron spectroscopy, structure by X-ray diffraction, and atomic arrangements (lattice vibration) characteristics by Raman spectroscopy. The average grain size of diamond films varied from 0.5 to 2.0 μm, and the diamond-like films were amorphous. The average grain size of TiN films was found to vary from 10 to 20 nm. The diamond films showed characteristics Raman peak at 1332 cm−1 (sp3 bonding), and diamond-like films contained 1350 and 1580 cm−1 Raman peaks (a mixture of sp2 and sp3 bonding). The mechanical properties and adhesion characteristics of these films together with biocompatibility issues are discussed for titanium alloy hip prosthesis.
Reattaching turbulent shear layers with perturbed structure

The reattachment of a fully turbulent, two-dimensional shear layer downstream of a backward-facing step has been studied experimentally. The work examines the effect of modifications in shear layer structure upstream of reattachment. A series of experiments were conducted in a low-speed wind tunnel using specialized instrumentation suited to the highly turbulent, reversing flow near reattachment. Accurate characterization of the time-mean features of the reattaching flows was possible. Assuming linear scaling normalized on distance from reattachment, distributions of the normalized pressure coefficients, the time-averaged skin friction coefficient, and the forward flow fraction appear universal for two-dimensional reattachment, independent of initial conditions and steep height, for given duct geometry (area ratio) and for high step height Reynolds numbers. The results suggest universal flow structure in the reattachment zone.
Management communications with securities analysts

Abstract This paper examines the benefits from communications made at corporate presentations to securities analysts. We examine whether firms benefit by increasing analyst following or by correcting mispricing, and whether analysts gain by acquiring information that improves the frequency or quality of their forecasts. The results show significant increases in analyst following, and significantly positive abnormal returns on the presentation date, with larger reactions observed for underpriced securities. Finally, although we find an increase in forecasting activity following the presentations, we find no evidence that analysts' post-presentation forecasts are less disperse, more accurate or less biased than their pre-presentation forecasts.
Joint kinetics during Tai Chi gait and normal walking gait in young and elderly Tai Chi Chuan practitioners.

Abstract Background Tai Chi Chuan is becoming a popular exercise among elders. This study measured the inter-segmental forces and moments at the lower extremity joints during a Tai Chi gait as compared to those during normal walking gait, in both apparently healthy young and elderly Tai Chi Chuan practitioners. Methods Three-dimensional inter-segmental joint reaction force and moment were computed using the Inverse Dynamic Approach based on the kinematics and ground reaction force measurements in a laboratory setting in six young (two females, mean age 28; SD 6 years) and six elderly (five females, mean age 72; SD 8 years) subjects who had previous training of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. Findings The results showed significant gait differences in both age groups, with significantly smaller peak compressive forces, larger peak shear forces in the ankle, knee and hip joints, and larger peak moments in the knee and hip joints during Tai Chi gait as compared to normal gait. Moreover, the peak shear force was oriented more in the medial–lateral direction at the ankle and knee joints, and the peak moment was in the frontal plane at the knee and hip joints. The results also showed significant age differences, with significantly smaller peak shear forces in all three joints in the elderly group than in the young group during Tai Chi gait. Interpretation Tai Chi gait has an increased shear force and frontal plane torque at lower extremity joints than normal gait. The shear force at all three lower extremity joints during Tai Chi gait is lower in the elderly subjects than young subjects. This data suggest that, in Tai Chi Chuan training, elderly people with degenerative joint diseases in the lower extremity should use caution when practicing Tai Chi Chuan.
Seneca the Elder on Plagiarizing Cicero's Verrines

Abstract In a comment on the age in which he was writing, Seneca the Elder states in Suas . 2.19 that anyone can plagiarize Cicero9s Verrines with impunity. Critics have taken Seneca9s assertion as a sign of diminished familiarity with the In Verrem and of Cicero9s diminished popularity. This article offers a different interpretation. Seneca assails the inattentiveness of contemporary audiences as they listen to declamations in the rhetorical schools, not their ignorance of the Verrines or aversion to Cicero. Seneca incorporates the In Verrem into that critique due to its emblematic length in order to satirize the audiences9 carelessness. The use of the Verrines as a symbol relies for its effect on the easy identification of the text and its size, and consequently points to the fame of that title and its length, as well as of its author Cicero, in the 30s CE.
Droplet/flame interactions including surface tension influences

Numerical simulations of the vaporization and burning processes around a moving methanol droplet have been studied. The results have shown that the influences of the flame/droplet interaction and surface tension effects cause both the internal and external flow to dramatically change. The droplet was studied under practical spray thermodynamic conditions, and a small droplet of 20 μm in diameter was chosen to be typical of modern spray injectors. Under the conditions studied, the approach of the flame caused a partial reversal of the external flow, and a large increase in the heat transfer to the droplet. The increase of the temperature in the rear of the droplet caused a very large “thermal Marangoni” effect, which reverses the surface velocity. The thermal Marangoni effect interacted strongly with the liquid water that had accumulated inside the droplet during the vaporization of methanol. Before the arrival of the diffusion flame, the “water or concentration Marangoni” effect dominated the surface velocity of the droplet. The surface velocity is characterized by high-frequency oscillations caused by water circulating in the droplet. The results clearly show that both surface tension and diffusion flame interactions exert strong forces on liquid droplets.
Evolution of the void structure in plasma-sprayed YSZ deposits during heating

Abstract The evolution of the anisotropic void microstructure of plasma-sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) deposits has been observed as a function of temperature by small-angle neutron scattering. Scattering experiments were carried out in-situ, in a furnace between 600 and 1400°C. The terminal slope (Porod scattering) of the scattering spectra was used to derive the specific surface area of the voids. For samples with sufficient scattering anisotropy, the two major void systems — intersplat (inter-lamellar) pores and intrasplat cracks — could be characterized separately. The pore and crack specific surface areas were found to depend on temperature differently. The specific surface area of the intrasplat cracks decreased markedly at temperatures below 1000°C, whereas the specific surface area of the intersplat pores began to decrease above 1000°C. This indicates important differences in the sintering of these two void systems probably related to their size and shape. Changes in the void surface were observed at temperatures as low as 800°C, a temperature comparable to, or less than, the usual operational temperature for this material.
The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: Safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is a safe, effective and acceptable form of contraception used by over 150 million women worldwide. It also has a variety of noncontraceptive benefits including treatment for menorrhagia, endometriosis, and endometrial hyperplasia. The LNG-IUS has also been used in combination with estrogen for hormone replacement therapy and as an alternative to hysterectomy. Overall, the system is very well tolerated and patient satisfaction is quite high when proper education regarding possible side effects is provided. However, despite all of the obvious benefits of the LNG-IUS, utilization rates remain quite low in the developed countries, especially in the United States. This is thought to be largely secondary to the persistent negative impressions from the Dalkon Shield intrauterine experience in the 1970s. This history continues to negatively influence the opinions of both patients and health care providers with regards to intrauterine devices. Providers should resolve to educate themselves and their patients on the current indications and uses for this device, as it, and intrauterine contraception in general, remains a largely underutilized approach to a variety of women's health issues.
Mechanical behavior of superplastic ultrahigh carbon steels at elevated temperature

Ultrahigh carbon (UHC) steels have been investigated for their strength and ductility characteristics from 600 to 850°C. It has been shown that such UHC steels, in the carbon range 1.3 to 1.9 pct C, are superplastic when the microstructure consisted of fine equiaxed ferrite or austenite grains (∼1 μm) stabilized by fine spheroidized cementite particles. The flow stress-strain-rate relations obtained at various temperatures can be quantitatively described by the additive contributions of grain boundary (superplastic) creep and slip (lattice diffusion controlled) creep. It is predicted that superplastic characteristics should be observed at normal forming rates for the UHC steels if the grain size can be stabilized at 0.4 μm. The UHC steels were found to be readily rolled or forged at high strain-rates in the warm and hot range of temperatures even in the as-cast, coarse grained, condition.
Reply to Comment on ¿On the long-range detection of radioactivity using electromagnetic radiation¿

The intent of the original referenced paper (1) was to stimulate future developments in the field of long range detection of radioactivity using electromagnetic methods. Research and technology development typically make fastest progress when experimental measurements and theoretical models are mature and complimentary. In order to move toward this goal, the original paper examined several proposed and novel mechanisms upon which a theoretical model for the reported observables could be based. It was found that none of the considered mechanisms led to a viable model able to explain experimental observations. This paper did not imply and should not be taken to imply that no such model exists. Neither, incidentally, should the original paper be taken to imply anything about the reported experimental observations.
LMNA‐associated cardiocutaneous progeria: An inherited autosomal dominant premature aging syndrome with late onset

Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a premature aging disorder caused by mutations in LMNA, which encodes the nuclear scaffold proteins lamin A and C. In HGPS and related progerias, processing of prelamin A is blocked at a critical step mediated by the zinc metalloprotease ZMPSTE24. LMNA-linked progerias can be grouped into two classes: (1) the processing-deficient, early onset “typical” progerias (e.g., HGPS), and (2) the processing-proficient “atypical” progeria syndromes (APS) that are later in onset. Here we describe a previously unrecognized progeria syndrome with prominent cutaneous and cardiovascular manifestations belonging to the second class. We suggest the name LMNA-associated cardiocutaneous progeria syndrome (LCPS) for this disorder. Affected patients are normal at birth but undergo progressive cutaneous changes in childhood and die in middle age of cardiovascular complications, including accelerated atherosclerosis, calcific valve disease, and cardiomyopathy. In addition, the proband demonstrated cancer susceptibility, a phenotype rarely described for LMNA-based progeria disorders. The LMNA mutation that caused LCPS in this family is a heterozygous c.899A>G (p.D300G) mutation predicted to alter the coiled–coil domain of lamin A/C. In skin fibroblasts isolated from the proband, the processing and levels of lamin A and C are normal. However, nuclear morphology is aberrant and rescued by treatment with farnesyltransferase inhibitors, as is also the case for HGPS and other laminopathies. Our findings advance knowledge of human LMNA progeria syndromes, and raise the possibility that typical and atypical progerias may converge upon a common mechanism to cause premature aging disease. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial and temporal images in the biodiversity dispute

Scientific argument is spatially and temporally patterned. This structure can intensify or confuse moral, pragmatic and emotional issue. No where is the clash of spatial and temporal issues more important than in the biodiversity debate. The author would like to thank Andrew King, William Keith, and Janice H. Rushing for their helpful comments.
Areas of convergence and discordance between the MMPI-168 and the Reiss Screen for maladaptive behavior in mentally retarded clients

The Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior and a modified version of the MMPI-168 were administered to 65 residents of a state mental institution diagnosed with mild or moderate mental retardation. Possible associations between the two screening instruments were then examined. Significant correlations were obtained between four scales of the Reiss Screen and Scales F, K, 1, 6, and 7 of the MMPI-168. These results support the clinical efficacy of both instruments in screening for behavioral pathology in mentally retarded persons. However, some scales purported to assess similar psychological constructs failed to show expected positive associations. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 54: 529–535, 1998.
POPULATION DYNAMICS OF MICROALGAE IN THE UPPER LAND‐FAST SEA ICE AT A SNOW‐FREE LOCATION

The population dynamics of interior ice microalgae were investigated at a snow-free site on annual land-fast sea ice in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, during the austral spring and summer of 1995–96. A dynamic successional sequence was observed with life history transformations playing an important role. During late November and early December (austral spring), cryo- and halotolerant dinoflagellates and chrysophytes bloomed in brine channels within the upper ice. At this time, competition and grazing pressure are low because of the inability of most marine species to grow under the extreme environmental conditions found in the upper ice during the austral spring. In November and December, dinoflagellates, chrysophytes, and prasinophytes contributed an average of 66%, 44%, and <1% of the phytoflagellate biomass, respectively. Both the dinoflagellates and the chrysophytes encysted in December, with cyst formation most intense just prior to surface melt and flushing of the ice. The cysts appear to be an adaptation for survival and dispersal in the plankton during ice decay and/or overwintering in the sea ice. In January (austral summer), when ice temperatures were similar to those in the water column, pennate diatoms replaced flagellates as the photosynthetic dominants in the upper sea ice. The upper land-fast sea ice undergoes dramatic seasonal changes in light availability, temperature, brine salinity, and inorganic nutrient availability. Ephemeral blooms of cyst-forming phytoflagellates exploit this habitat in the austral spring, when both inorganic nutrients and light are available but temperatures <−2° C and brine salinities elevated.