cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seasonal climate change across the Roman Warm Period/Vandal Minimum transition using isotope sclerochronology in archaeological shells and otoliths, southwest Florida, USA

Abstract Archaeological evidence suggests that southwest Florida experienced variably warmer and wetter climate during the Roman Warm Period (RWP; 300 BC–550 AD) relative to the Vandal Minimum (VM; 550–800 AD). This hypothesis was tested by reconstructing seasonal-scale climate conditions for the latter part of the RWP (1–550 AD) by using high-resolution oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) of archaeological shells (Mercenaria campechiensis) and otoliths (Ariopsis felis). Eight shells radiocarbon-dated to 150–550 AD recorded that the RWP summers at 150–250 AD were insignificantly different from today and the RWP summers at 250–350 AD and 450–550 AD were drier relative to today. Eight otoliths indicate that the winters were variable during the RWP, colder than today at 150–200 AD and 250–300 AD, similar to today at 200–250 AD, 300–350 AD and 450–500 AD, and warmer than today at 500–550 AD. The climate reconstructions agree with archaeological observations and are partially coherent with the history of sea-level change, with a drying and cooling trend at the 95% confidence level across the RWP/VM transition. The climate transition is not only consistent with falling sea level, but also coherent with reduced solar radiation. Reduced solar radiation may have triggered a change in atmospheric circulation patterns that precipitated the observed climate transition.
Nondestructive characterization of morphological development in sintered powder compacts

Abstract Values of parameter x are evaluated by means of the morphological kinetic equation, using sintering data from a variety of differently prepared alumina compacts obtained by precision digital dilatometry. For specimens with high green densities, which lead to uniform microstructures with few small pores remaining, the values of parameter x are initially larger than 1, but decrease to less than 1 near D = 0·84; i.e. the pores grow at the beginning but become sinterable later. For specimens with low green densities, which lead to uniform microstructures with few large pores remaining, x values never fall below 1;i.e. pore growth accompanies the sintering process throughout. These predictions agree qualitatively with observed final microstructures. It is shown that the morphological parameters of microstructures (relative average pore radius, relative total length (or number) of pores per unit volume, relative average grain size and relative width of pore size distribution) can be evaluated in situ with data from a single dilatometric run. Moreover, the onset points of the late stages of sintering calculated from the dilatometric data are in reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions and with other experimental observations. The ‘breakup’ mechanism of cylindrical pores is shown to be an important and rate-sensitive step in the evolution of sintered microstructures.
Diurnal differences in basal and acute stress levels of type I and type II adrenal steroid receptor activation in neural and immune tissues

To examine diurnal differences in the proportions of receptors that were occupied and activated by basal and stress levels of corticosterone, we measured available type I (mineralocorticoid) and type II (glucocorticoid) adrenal steroid receptor levels in brain, pituitary, and immune tissues of unstressed and acutely stressed rats at the times of day when basal corticosterone secretion was at its trough [morning (AM)] and peak [evening (PM)]. In general, the estimated adrenal steroid receptor activation was greater in brain than in pituitary or immune tissue, and within a particular tissue, there was a greater degree of estimated activation of the adrenal steroid high affinity type I receptor than of the type II receptor. There was a greater activation of brain type II receptors by basal corticosterone in the PM (30-35%) than the AM (5-15%). As acute stress produced similar levels of receptor activation at both times of day (45-50%), the net change in type II receptor activation in the brain after acute st...
Colony growth and the ontogeny of worker polymorphism in the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta

Colony size and worker polymorphism (headwidth) were determined for fire ant colonies ranging from incipient to 12 years of age. Colonies grew approximately logistically, reaching half size between 21/2 and 31/2 yr and reaching their maximum size of about 220000 workers after 4 to 6 yr. Colony size showed strong seasonal variation. There was some evidence that growth rate may vary with food density. Incipient colonies are monomorphic and consist of small workers only, but as colonies grow, production of larger workers causes the size-frequency distributions to become strongly skewed. These skewed distributions were shown to consist of two slightly overlapping normal distributions, a narrow one defined as the minor workers, and a much broader one defined as the major workers. Major workers differ from minor workers in having been subjected to a discrete, additional stimulation of body growth, resulting in a second normal subpopulation. The category of “media” is seen to be developmentally undefined. The mean headwidth of the workers in both of these subpopulations increased during the first 6 mo. of colony life, until colonies averaged about 4000 workers. Headwidth of minors declined somewhat in colonies older than about 5 yr, but that of majors remained stable. When the first majors appear, their weight averages about twice that of minors. This increases to about 4 times at 6 mo. and remains stable thereafter. The range of weights of majors is up to 20 times that of minors. Growth of the subpopulation of major workers is also logistic, but more rapid than the colony as a whole, causing the proportion of major workers to increase with colony size. In full sized colonies, about 35% of the workers are majors. Total biomass investment in majors increases as long as colonies grow, beginning at about 10% at 2 months and reaching about 70% in mature colonies. This suggests that major workers play an important role in colony success. The total dry biomass of workers peaked at about 106 g, that of majors at about 72 g. These values then fluctuate seasonally in parallel to number of workers. When colony growth ceases, the proportion of majors remains approximately stable. Colony size explained 98% of the variation in the number of major workers.
Progress toward imaging biological samples with NSOM

Advancements in near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) tip design as well as an interferometric feedback mechanism are presented for the common goal of imaging living biological samples under physiological conditions. The ability of a cantilevered tip to track the subtle topography changes of a fragile lipid film in an aqueous environment is demonstrated. In order to further the imaging capabilities, the probes have been chemically etched to reduce the spring constants of the tips, thereby lowering the forces imparted on the sample. An optical feedback mechanism used as an alternative to the conventional force feedback is also described. Utilizing this optical feedback mechanism, images have been obtained of fixed cells underwater. Finally, progress towards modifying the NSOM tip for chemical sensor applications is discussed in the context of eventually measuring ion fluxes through single protein channels. Together these advancements demonstrate the potential of NSOM for studying live cells.
Evidence for formation of OH radicals from the reaction of O3 with alkenes in the gas phase

A series of experiments investigating the formation of OH radicals from O3-alkene reactions are described. Pairs of OH tracer compounds—aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons—were added to O3-alkene mixtures in small quantities. Under these conditions, a large fraction of the tracer is consumed, resulting in a much larger signal than in experiments using excess tracer. The average decay ratios of tracer pairs in 30 experiments were within 7% of those predicted by literature rate constants for tracer-OH reactions, strongly supporting the hypothesis that OH is formed directly from O3 reaction with alkenes.
Ghosts of the Past: Confronting Myths and Misconceptions about the Spanish Civil War

Antony Beevor, The Battle for Spain: The Spanish Civil War, 1936–1939. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2006, pp. 526, ISBN 9-780-0-2978-4832-1 Paul Preston, We Saw Spain Die: Foreign Correspondents ...
Studies on amylose and its derivatives. Part II. Light‐scattering and viscosity studies on amylose acetate in dilute solution

Amylose acetate has been fractionated and the solution properties of the fractions studied in two solvents. Weight-average molecular weights have been determined in nitromethane by the light-scattering method, and measurements of viscosity as a function of shear stress have been made in chloroform and nitromethane. The Ree-Eyring flow theory has been used to describe non-Newtonian behavior which was detected in samples with [η] > 2.0. The parameters in the Mark-Houwink equation are [η] = 1.10 × 10−5M0.87 in CH3NO2 and [η] = 1.06 × 10−5M0.92 in CHCl3. The Kratky-Porod chain model has been found to be most useful in describing the hydrodynamic behavior and indicated that the molecule is much stiffer than the vinyl polymers but more flexible than the cellulose derivatives. The existence of a helical form has been discussed, and it is thought probable that this is the basic form in solution.
A Shadow State? Voluntarism in Metropolitan Los Angeles:

The character of voluntary action and its relationship to the political economy are changing in response to recent policy shifts favoring service reductions, privatization, and a transferral of responsibility for services, under ‘new federalism’ policies. In an examination of new data for voluntary organizations in the Los Angeles metropolitan region, an extensively differentiated sector of significant size is found that is often highly reliant on public funding, but which is becoming increasingly entrepreneurial and has begun to shift more of the service cost burden onto clients as a consequence of reductions in funding support. These characteristics have important implications for the region and possibly for other urban areas in the USA, one of which is that this new reliance on voluntary services could lead to the existence of a shadow state: a new institutional form that fulfills many of the functions of government but also makes many public policy decisions in the absence of governmental preemption.
An optimal fitting approach to improve the GISS ModelE aerosol optical property parameterization using AERONET data

[1] We improve the updated 2000 Goddard Institute for Space Studies, New York, ModelE aerosol optical property parameterization using an optimal fitting approach with AERONET ground measurements. The model aerosol optical properties, such as optical depth, are calculated using the aerosol mass density field from a chemical transport model, Mie scattering parameters, a prescribed dry size for each aerosol species assuming external mixing, and a hygroscopicity parameterization. A comparison between the model- and AERONET-measured optical depth (AOD) and Angstrom exponent (AE) indicates that the general circulation model (GCM) aerosol parameterization has a flatter AOD spectral dependence, thus a very low biased AE, which suggests that the aerosol sizes used in the model are too large. The seasonal variation of GCM AE also disagrees with that of AERONET data. On the basis of these results, we identify GCM aerosol size as the most poorly constrained parameter and develop an optimal fitting technique to adjust the GCM aerosol dry size by minimizing the total mean square error between the GCM and AERONET AOD at the six AERONET wavelengths. After adjusting the aerosol's dry size, the agreement between the GCM AE with AERONET data is improved. The fitted AOD at the six wavelengths closely matches AERONET data over most biomass burning, dust, and rural regions. The results are also greatly improved for the other aerosol types. The global distribution of the optimally fitted sizes displays regionally uniform characteristics, which allows the generation of a geographically varying size data set. Model uncertainty caused by other factors is also represented by an uncertainty parameter, which is mainly attributed to errors from aerosol mass concentration, Mie scattering parameters, relative humidity, and AERONET measurements. The relative contribution of each of these errors sources depends on the relevant aerosol type. Further comparison between the absorption optical depth and AE spectral dependence provides additional information on absorbing aerosols and GCM fine-to-coarse mode ratio, which will be addressed in future research.
Method for in vivo observation of the microcirculation of the avian crop

Abstract 1. 1. An in vivo microscopy technique is described for observing the microcirculation in the crop of the anesthetized Japanese quail. 2. 2. The preparation allows visualization and quantitation of changes in luminal diameters of arterioles and venules in the crop using light or fluorescent microscopy techniques. 3. 3. Responses of the microcirculation to topically or systemically administered drugs can be observed from both the mucosal and serosal sides of the crop. 4. 4. This preparation allows observation of the circulation of secretory glands in the wall of the avian crop.
Performance of NIKE3D with PVSOLVE on vector and parallel computers

Abstract The cost of large implicit finite element calculations is dominated by the linear equation solver. In this work, several versions of the direct linear equation solver PVSOLVE were implemented in the general purpose, nonlinear finite element code NIKE3D. Timing studies were performed on Sun and IBM workstations, CRAY Y/MP and C90 supercomputers, and the distributed memory MEIKO CS-2 parallel computer. Cost breakdowns and efficiency curves are presented for a benchmark problem with several mesh densities. The distributed memory implementation is shown to be most efficient for large problems, where MEIKO performance is comparable to that of a single CRAY processor.
Relationship between the geometry and quantitative morphology of the left anterior descending coronary artery

The well established 'systemic' risk factors for atherosclerosis can explain only half of the variability in its occurrence. To account for some of the remaining variability, it was suggested that certain geometric features of atherosclerosis-prone segments ('geometric risk factors') can increase the likelihood of disease locally through their influence on the hemodynamic environment of the vessel wall. Since this mediation might elicit early morphological changes in the artery, relationships were sought between the histomorphometry and axial geometry of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary arteries of 15 angiographically lesion-free human hearts obtained at autopsy. Geometric variables were quantified by image processing of multiplane angiograms of the hearts, and morphometry was obtained from transverse histologic sections at 91 sites. The results show that: (1) total intimal and medial area are negatively correlated with the distance from the site to the origin of the LAD; (2) the angle of the branch immediately proximal to the site is positively correlated with most of the intimal and medial variables, and appears to have a major influence on the intima; (3) the area ratio of the immediately proximal branch is correlated primarily with medial variables; and (4) local curvature is correlated only with the maximum thickness of the intima and media. These observations suggest that there are significant relationships between arterial geometry and vascular morphology prior to the development of frank disease.
The creativity support index

We present a draft survey tool called the Creativity Support Index (CSI). The CSI is similar to the NASA Task Load Index Survey but is designed specifically for evaluating creativity support tools, based on concepts and theories from creativity research.
Diagnosis and treatment of antibody mediated rejection in lung transplantation: a retrospective case series.

Abstract Introduction Antibody mediated rejection (AMR) has been identified as an entity that may lead to graft dysfunction. Optimal means for diagnosis and treatment of AMR have not been established. Material and methods We reviewed the medical records of all patients receiving lung transplantation at Henry Ford Hospital from March 2006 to December 2011. For each patient, we identified potential markers of AMR (immunopathology, histopathology, and serology). Immunopathology was defined as linear c4d immunostaining, histopathology was defined as capillaritis, and serology was defined as identification of donor specific antibody (DSA). We identified all treatment regimens, and we identified clinical and serological outcomes. Results Of 62 patients, 14 were identified with at least one marker of AMR. Only two patients had all three potential markers; immunopathology, histopathology, and serology. Both patients received plasmapheresis (PP) and intravenous immunoglobulin followed by clinical improvement and ultimate elimination of DSA. 4 patients had positive DSA without clinical symptoms, and did not receive treatment with PP, IVIG, or rituximab. DSA has not persisted in these patients, and they remain clinically asymptomatic at up to 803 days after identification. Discussion Diagnosis of AMR is difficult due to poorly defined diagnostic markers and confounding factors such as infection. Outcomes are highly variable following treatment that may include therapeutic plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin, and/or rituximab. It is not clear when any or all of these therapies are beneficial. In some cases, symptomatic patients with isolated positive DSA (latent humoral response) can remain asymptomatic and convert to negative DSA without antibody targeted therapy. Conclusions Firm conclusions are difficult due to the small number of patients and the retrospective nature of the study. Further study is warranted.
The effects of art therapy on male and female inmates: Advancing the research base

Since the summer of 2003, several studies have been conducted to quantify the benefits of art therapy with prison inmates. These studies demonstrated a marked improvement in mood, behavior, and problem-solving [Gussak, D. (2007). The effectiveness of art therapy in reducing depression in prison populations. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 5(4), 444–460; Gussak, D. (2006). The effects of art therapy with prison inmates: A follow-up study. Arts in Psychotherapy, 33, 188–198; Gussak, D. (2004). A pilot research study on the efficacy of art therapy with prison inmates. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 31(4), 245–259]. The results of this study encouraged an ongoing quantitative study to ascertain improvement in depression, locus of control, and behavior in both a men and women's prison population. The Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS), the Beck Depression Inventory-Short Form (BDI-II), and the Adult Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale (ANS) were administered as pre- and post-test assessments. A control group pre-test/post-test design was implemented for this study. Although the results from the FEATS did not yield supportive data, the results of the BDI-II and ANS supported the assumption that art therapy was effective in reducing depression and improving locus of control in the adult male and female inmates. Despite the results of the FEATS, it was concluded that art therapy was effective. This article concludes with a brief discussion of how the research has been instrumental in developing a statewide Florida Arts in Corrections program.
Imaging of primary fallopian tube carcinoma

To increase awareness of primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) and its relationship to serous epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) and breast cancer. To review the characteristic imaging findings of PFTC thereby enabling radiologists to not only diagnose, but aid clinicians in staging, treatment planning and surveillance for recurrence. There is increasing evidence of a relationship between PFTC and breast cancer and the breast cancer susceptibility gene mutation. Furthermore, studies in breast cancer gene mutation carriers suggest serous EOC arises from the epithelial lining of the fallopian tube. These theories indicate that the incidence of fallopian tube carcinoma is underestimated. Increased awareness is particularly important for radiologists reviewing surveillance studies in breast cancer patients. PFTC has characteristic imaging features that can aid in its detection and differentiation from other pelvic masses. Imaging is also helpful in tumor staging, identifying patients who may benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy and detection of recurrence following treatment. This article discusses the history, pathology, and patterns of spread of fallopian tube carcinoma, as well as reviewing and illustrating the cross-sectional imaging findings.
Micro-Raman study of NaxPt3O4 crystals

Abstract Raman spectra are obtained from two types of Na x Pt 3 O 4 crystals ( x ≈ 1 and x ≈ 0.4) grown by reacting Pt with O under high temperature and high O 2 pressure conditions. The crystals show a growth habit having rectangular facets aligned with the cubic unit cell. Polarized spectra from such facets obtained with a Raman microscope yield assignments for all four Raman-allowed modes: two O modes of species F 2 g and E g near 700 cm −1 and two Pt modes of the same species near 200 cm −1 . The O modes shift substantially with changes in the Na concentration, whereas the Pt modes do not.
Hyaluronan and morphogenesis

In the past decade, there has been an explosion of interest in hyaluronan, an often misunderstood, biochemically simple, yet functionally complex carbohydrate polymer that is a resident of many extracellular matrices. Previously thought of as a passive, space-filling component of the extracellular matrix, the so-called “goo” concept, hyaluronan has risen to a much higher regard in recent years, even being called “magic glue” in a recent perspective. Hyaluronan is likely to be the common thread in many morphogenetic processes, including condensation events and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation. Hyaluronan is comparatively unique as a component of the extracellular matrix as it is solely composed of carbohydrate. In order to truly understand this biopolymer, one must first understand its biosynthesis, then understand its uptake and turnover, then identify its binding proteins and receptors. Major advances have been made in all of these arenas within the past decade. Hyaluronan synthases, hyaluronidases, and the hyaladherins have been molecularly identified and cloned. Furthermore, many have now been inactivated, employing gene targeting strategies, to create mice deficient in the respective gene product function. Collectively, huge strides have been made in our understanding of the diverse biological functions for this fascinating molecule. Hyaluronan appeared in metazoans immediately prior to the arrival of the vertebrates, and may be required for the differentiation, development, and/or function of most cell lineages, structures, and tissues that we associate with vertebrates, such as the neural crest, the skeleton, including the teeth, skin, and hair, and the chambered heart. In this review, we will update the reader on the advances of the past decade and provide insight into those morphogenetic processes through which hyaluronan regulates vertebrate development. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 72:89–108, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Common sexual health issues in men.

Sexuality is a topic that generates uneasiness for clinicians and patients. The subject is met with varying degrees of embarrassment, uncertainty, and even guilt. Why is it important for clinicians to discuss sexual health with male patients? Sex is an important part of life for most men. Given the right atmosphere, the clinical setting is one of the few places where sexuality can be discussed openly and honestly. This article helps clinicians better understand the multiple dimensions of their patients’ health, and patients better understand how behaviors affect the body. Sexually transmitted infections and sexual dysfunction are highly prevalent in men in our society, and therefore patients and clinicians must approach a complete sexual history with confidence [1,2]. Two distinct areas regarding sex are important for clinicians to address with male patients. First, normal healthy sexual activity should be discussed openly so patients feel comfortable asking sensitive questions [3]. Safer sex is an important part of this conversation for any man who is sexually active and not in a mutually monogamous relationship or not desiring pregnancy. Secondly, problems with sexual function (sexual dysfunction) and abnormal symptoms caused by unsafe sexual encounters (sexually transmitted infections or disease) should be discussed freely without judgment [4]. Although sex is depicted liberally in the movies, on television, and in printed literature, patients often find the topic difficult to discuss with a clinician if a problem arises. In addition, clinicians rarely address sexual health and disease prevention with men during routine health maintenance visits [5]. However, most men suffer from some form of sexual dysfunction by the age of 50 years, making this a highly relevant conversation [2]. When advertisements for erectile dysfunction (ED) medication began appearing on television, particularly during major sporting events, men began to ask for these medicines without prompting.
ATOMISTIC STRUCTURE OF BAND-TAIL STATES IN AMORPHOUS SILICON

The nature of the band-tail states in amorphous semicon-ductors is of both fundamental and applied interest. Sincethe seminal work of Anderson [1] it has been known thatdisorder induces localization of electron states. The de-tailed understanding of this has been a ﬁeld of tremendousactivity in condensed matter theory. In the parlance ofamorphous semiconductors, the nature of the electron lo-calization is determined by the microscopic structure ofthe band-tail and midgap eigenstates and the dependenceof this structure on the energy of the state. In this Letter,we report the ﬁrst explicit microscopic calculations of theband-tail states using a very large and realistic 4096 atommodel of
What it is like to be an agent

Thomas Nagel challenged all contemporary attempts to understand how physicalism can be true in a well-known paper titled 'What Is It Like to Be a Bat?'1 He assumed that bats do have conscious experiences, including perceptual experiences associated with their sonar method of object location. Whether or not this is correct, we can agree that there could be creatures with such alien kinds of mental events and states. And I think we
Exercise Prescriptions for Active Seniors: A Team Approach for Maximizing Adherence

IN BRIEF: Exercise is perhaps the best ‘medication’ healthcare providers can prescribe fior their geriatric patients. Increasing fitness by participating in a regular exercise program can reduce the effects of aging that lead to functional declines and poor health. By exercising modestly and regularly, elderly patients can substantially lower their risk of death from coronary artery disease, colon cancer, and complications of diabetes. Even for those who start between the ages of 60 and 75, regular exercise can reduce overall mortality rates. Elderly patients can benefit tremendously from a comprehensive exercise prescription.
Where I end and you begin: The role of boundaries in college student relationships

Eric W. Rosenberger shares how he supports students in two major developmental tasks of traditional-age college students: Developing their sense of identity and navigating relationships with others.
Emission reabsorption laser induced fluorescence (ERLIF) film thickness measurement

This paper presents a unique optical technique that utilizes the reabsorption and emission of two fluorescent dyes to accurately measure film thickness while minimizing errors caused by variations in illumination intensity and surface reflectivity. Combinations of dyes are selected that exhibit a high degree of emission reabsorption and each dye concentration is adjusted to create an optically thick system where emission reabsorption is intrinsic to the fluorescence of the film being measured. Film thickness information as well as excitation and dye response characteristics are all imbedded in the emission intensities of the dyes. Errors normally associated with laser induced fluorescence based film thickness measurements, including those due to optical distortion, variations in surface reflectivity and excitation non-uniformities, are minimized by observing the ratio of the dye emissions. The principle and constitutive equations characterizing emission reabsorption laser induced fluorescence (ERLIF) film thickness measurement are presented. In addition, film thickness measurements from 5 to 400 µm with 1% accuracy are demonstrated.
Channel sharing in WDM local optical networks

A local lightwave network can be constructed by employing two-way fibers to connect nodes in a passive-star physical topology, and the available optical bandwidth may be effectively accessed by the nodal transmitters and receivers at electronic rates using wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). The number of channels in a WDM network is technology-limited and is usually less than the number of nodes in the network. Under this limitation, we consider a general method of channel sharing in multi-hop networks. Sharing is achieved through time division multiplexing. We provide new numerical results on the performance of shared-channel multi-hop networks. These results give us new insights into channel sharing. The analysis enables the study of the effects of two important parameters governing the performance of such networks, namely, propagation delay and number of channels. Our analysis leads us to a counter-intuitive result: it is sometimes better to have fewer channels than a larger number of channels.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy in New York Heart Association class IV heart failure: it is all about selection.

In recent years, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has emerged as an important therapeutic strategy in patients with advanced heart failure. It has become common practice to use CRT in combination with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (so-called CRT-D) in patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III symptoms.1 Evidence is also mounting regarding the potential benefit of CRT in delaying disease progression in patients with symptomatic heart failure.2,3 However, the role of CRT and CRT-D is less clear in patients with very advanced heart failure, especially in those with NYHA class IV symptoms (those with symptoms at rest and worsening with exertion). In fact, <5% of all heart failure subjects enrolled in large multicenter mortality device trials fulfilled this category.4 Although there has been increasing debate over this issue,5–7 patients in the intensive care unit requiring inotropic and mechanical support are still not considered suitable candidates for CRT or CRT-D “salvage” therapy.8 Some patients with very advanced, refractory heart failure are ambulatory, however; in these patients, neither cardiac transplantation nor permanent mechanical support devices are appropriate or imminent. Many of these patients are still considered as approaching “stage D heart failure,” in which they can be best characterized by experiencing end-stage disease refractory to optimal medical therapy. Even now, we have few data in such patients because they have been systematically excluded or avoided in most CRT trials, perhaps because of a …
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Improves Detection of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Over Computed Tomography After Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis

Background and Purpose— Unenhanced CT is routinely performed after intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis. The presence of residual contrast causing staining of injured brain may mimic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We evaluated MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for detection of ICH after IA thrombolysis, specifically in equivocal areas of hyperdensity seen on postprocedure CT, to help guide the decision to use anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy after the IA thrombolysis. Methods— We performed a retrospective analysis of 15 consecutive patients who underwent IA thrombolysis for acute stroke between September 2000 and March 2003. Inclusion criteria required an immediate postprocedure CT with a questionable hyperdensity and, within the next 48 hours, an MRI with DWI and/or SWI. Results— All patients had CT regions of hyperdensity that were equivocal for the presence of ICH. All patients subsequently underwent DWI, and 11 also underwent SWI. Eleven of 15 pati...
A new design method for robust H/sub 2/ controllers using Popov multipliers

This paper presents a new method for designing full order, dynamic LTI controllers that provide guaranteed levels of H/sub 2/ performance for systems with static, real, parametric uncertainties. The controllers are designed using a D-K iteration, i.e., by iterating between solutions of controller synthesis problem and a performance analysis problem. The controllers are synthesized by solving a set of coupled Riccati equations using a recently proposed iterative technique. Performance analysis is studied using a gradient optimization technique. In order to increase the utility of the method, the analysis and synthesis routines intentionally avoid the use of convex optimization routines, such as LMI solution codes. The design methodology is demonstrated on a realistic structural control problem, a model of the Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE).
Synthesis and evaluation of guanidinyl pyrrolidines as bifunctional catalysts for enantioselective conjugate additions to cyclic enones

Guanidinyl pyrrolidines derived from ‘S’-proline are effective catalysts for the enantioselective conjugate addition of malonate, nitroalkane and other carbon and heteroatom nucleophiles to cyclohexenone and cyclopentenone in the absence of basic additives. The stereoselectivity is strongly dependant on catalyst loading as well as reaction concentration.
On the effectiveness of detecting small delay defects in the slack interval

A new delay testing scheme that identifies abnormal delays in the slack interval by comparing switching delays in neighboring dies on a wafer has been recently proposed and validated on small experimental circuits. In this paper we evaluate the effectiveness of this new approach through the simulation of injected delay faults in the ISCAS benchmark circuits. The results indicate that the new delay testing approach is orders of magnitude more effective in detecting and diagnosing smaller delay defects that increase circuit path delays by 10-50%. Thus the new methodology can address increasing concerns that failure to detect such small delay faults during test may be the cause of significant unreliability in emerging nanometer technologies.
D-SPTF: decentralized request distribution in brick-based storage systems

Distributed Shortest-Positioning Time First (D-SPTF) is a request distribution protocol for decentralized systems of storage servers. D-SPTF exploits high-speed interconnects to dynamically select which server, among those with a replica, should service each read request. In doing so, it simultaneously balances load, exploits the aggregate cache capacity, and reduces positioning times for cache misses. For network latencies expected in storage clusters (e.g., 10--200μs), D-SPTF performs as well as would a hypothetical centralized system with the same collection of CPU, cache, and disk resources. Compared to popular decentralized approaches, D-SPTF achieves up to 65% higher throughput and adapts more cleanly to heterogenous server capabilities.
Scapulothoracic Anatomy and Snapping Scapula Syndrome

The scapulothoracic articulation is a sliding junction between the deep aspect of the scapula and thoracic rib cage at the levels of ribs 2 through 7. Motion at this articulation is dynamically stabilized by a variety of muscular attachments, allowing for controlled positioning of the glenoid to assist in glenohumeral joint function. A thorough understanding of the complex anatomic relationships, including the various muscles, and bursa, is critical to the evaluation of patients presenting with scapulothoracic disorders. The snapping scapula syndrome is caused by either osseous lesions or scapulothoracic bursitis and can be difficult to recognize and treat. The purpose of this review is to discuss the anatomy of the scapulothoracic articulation with an emphasis on the pathology associated with snapping scapula syndrome.
The Opinion of Current and Recent Internal Medicine Residents Regarding a Fourth Year of Training and the Future of General Internal Medicine

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the opinion of current residents and recent graduates of internal medicine training programs regarding an additional mandatory year of residency training. METHODS: A survey was made of 2,000 associate members of the American College of Physicians from five geographic regions. RESULTS: Of 917 respondents, 70.3% thought a fourth year of training would impact negatively on their choice of a career in internal medicine, and 82.9% believed a mandatory fourth year should not be required of residents choosing a subspecialty career. Furthermore, 58.1% of physicians surveyed thought a mandatory fourth year would discourage individuals from pursuing subspecialty careers. If a mandatory fourth year of training were required, 50.7% respondents indicated that it should consist of ambulatory training in a number of general fields, while 49.6% physicians believed the training should focus on one or two subspecialty fields. CONCLUSIONS: A mandatory fourth year of training is not supported by residents and recent graduates of the programs surveyed.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonists for the treatment of migraine: a patent review.

Background: Migraine is a debilitating headache disorder which affects ∼ 12% of the general population and is the cause of significant loss of productivity (i.e., lost time from work or school) for those afflicted. The current standard of care, the 5-HT1B/1D agonists known as triptans, is contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular disease due to their inherent vasoconstrictive activity; thus, there is a need to develop an alternative therapy for the treatment of the disorder. Objective: This article reviews patent publications related to the use of small molecule calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists for the treatment of migraine that have appeared in the literature within the past decade. The commentary is supplemented by information presented in journal articles and focuses on the activity of several major pharmaceutical companies in the field. Conclusion: Two small molecule CGRP receptor antagonists, olcegepant and telcagepant, have been shown to be clinically efficacious in ...
Solving the incremental satisfiability problem

Abstract Given a set of clauses in propositional logic that have been found satisfiable, we wish to check whether satisfiability is preserved when the clause set is incremented with a new clause. We describe an efficient implementation of the Davis-Putnam-Loveland algorithm for checking the satisfiability of the original set. We then show how to modify the algorithm for efficient solution of the incremental problem, which is NP-complete. We also report computational results.
Expression of adhesion structures during B cell development in man

We have used three-color flow cytometry to study the expression of adhesion structures during B cell development in man. The results indicate that the cell-surface molecule(s) recognized by 515, a mAb which defines a broadly expressed family of cell-surface glycoproteins that includes lymphocyte homing receptors, exhibit a clear bimodal distribution (515lo and 515hi); 515hi cells were found exclusively on more mature B cells which already expressed high levels of CD20. Earlier, less mature B cells, identified by their expression of CD10, were uniformly 515lo. In contrast, the CD11a/LFA-1 Ag was acquired gradually over the course of B cell development. B cells which expressed high levels of CD20 expressed three to six times as much CD11a/LFA-1 as cells which expressed CD10. Interestingly, expression of the 515hi phenotype was tightly correlated with that of Leu-8, a marker previously shown to define maturational and functions subsets of B cells. These data document the coordinated regulation of multiple cell surface structures during B cell ontogeny, and demonstrate that adhesion structures necessary for proper B cell function are precisely up-regulated during B cell differentiation in man.
Privacy-Preserving Computation of Bayesian Networks on Vertically Partitioned Data

Traditionally, many data mining techniques have been designed in the centralized model in which all data is collected and available in one central site. However, as more and more activities are carried out using computers and computer networks, the amount of potentially sensitive data stored by business, governments, and other parties increases. Different parties often wish to benefit from cooperative use of their data, but privacy regulations and other privacy concerns may prevent the parties from sharing their data. Privacy-preserving data mining provides a solution by creating distributed data mining algorithms in which the underlying data need not be revealed. In this paper, we present privacy-preserving protocols for a particular data mining task: learning a Bayesian network from a database vertically partitioned among two parties. In this setting, two parties owning confidential databases wish to learn the Bayesian network on the combination of their databases without revealing anything else about their data to each other. We present an efficient and privacy-preserving protocol to construct a Bayesian network on the parties' joint data
Measurement of photodiode harmonic distortion using optical comb sources and high-resolution optical filtering

Optical combs and high-resolution optical filtering are utilized for high-fidelity measurements of photodiode harmonic distortion. This new technique uses a single laser and phase modulation – alleviating requirements on laser frequency stabilization and modulator bias control.
Novel multistep BRET-FRET energy transfer using nanoconjugates of firefly proteins, quantum dots, and red fluorescent proteins

Sequential bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from firefly luciferase to red fluorescent proteins using quantum dot or rod acceptor/donor linkers is described. The effect of morphology and tuned optical properties on the efficiency of this unique BRET-FRET system was evaluated.
Brief Report: Visual Processing of Faces in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome: An Eye Tracking Study

Gaze avoidance is a hallmark behavioral feature of fragile X syndrome (FXS), but little is known about whether abnormalities in the visual processing of faces, including disrupted autonomic reactivity, may underlie this behavior. Eye tracking was used to record fixations and pupil diameter while adolescents and young adults with FXS and sex- and age-matched typically developing controls passively viewed photographs of faces containing either a calm, happy, or fearful expression, preceded by a scrambled face matched on luminance. Results provide quantitative evidence for significant differences in gaze patterns and increased pupillary reactivity when individuals with FXS passively view static faces. Such abnormalities have significant implications in terms of understanding causes of gaze avoidance observed in individuals with FXS.
Multicluster interleaving on paths and cycles

Interleaving codewords is an important method not only for combatting burst errors, but also for distributed data retrieval. This paper introduces the concept of multicluster interleaving (MCI), a generalization of traditional interleaving problems. MCI problems for paths and cycles are studied. The following problem is solved: how to interleave integers on a path or cycle such that any m (m/spl ges/2) nonoverlapping clusters of order 2 in the path or cycle have at least three distinct integers. We then present a scheme using a "hierarchical-chain structure" to solve the following more general problem for paths: how to interleave integers on a path such that any m (m/spl ges/2) nonoverlapping clusters of order L (L/spl ges/2) in the path have at least L+1 distinct integers. It is shown that the scheme solves the second interleaving problem for paths that are asymptotically as long as the longest path on which an MCI exists, and clearly, for shorter paths as well.
Latent classes of young adults based on use of multiple types of tobacco and nicotine products.

INTRODUCTION New tobacco and nicotine products such as snus, hookah, and electronic cigarettes have risen in popularity in recent years. Use of these products among young adults is of particular interest given that experimentation with new products is common in young adulthood. METHODS We conducted latent class analysis among a population-based sample of young adults to identify separate classes based on use of 6 types of tobacco or nicotine products: snus, hookah, electronic cigarettes, cigarillos, snuff, and cigarettes. We then examined how identified classes differed on demographic characteristics and marijuana and alcohol use. RESULTS We identified 5 classes: the largest group (60%) was characterized as reporting no or limited use of any of the products, while the smallest group (7%) was characterized by use of many types of products (poly-users). Of the 3 middle classes, 2 were the same size (10%) and were characterized by primarily using 2 of the products: one class used snus and snuff, and the other used cigarillos and hookah; the third class (13%) was characterized by primarily cigarette smoking. Numerous differences were seen across classes, including the poly-users being less likely to be college students/graduates and more likely to be male and use marijuana and alcohol. CONCLUSIONS We found that young adults can be grouped into 5 subgroups based on types of tobacco/nicotine products they do and do not use. A poly-use group that uses all types of tobacco products is concerning, particularly given high levels of marijuana and alcohol use reported in this group.
Proving tight security for Rabin-Williams signatures

This paper proves "tight security in the random-oracle model relative to factorization" for the lowest-cost signature systems available today: every hash-generic signature-forging attack can be converted, with negligible loss of efficiency and effectiveness, into an algorithm to factor the public key. The most surprising system is the "fixed unstructured B-0 Rabin-williams" system, which has a tight security proof despite hashing unrandomized messages.