cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Consecutively Missed Samples in Fetal Heart Rate Recordings

During labor, fetal heart rate (FHR) is monitored externally using Doppler ultrasound. This is done continuously, but for various reasons (e.g., fetal or maternal movements) the system does not record any samples for varying periods of time. In many settings, it would be quite beneficial to estimate the missing samples. In this paper, we propose a (deep) Gaussian process-based approach for estimation of consecutively missing samples in FHR recordings. The method relies on similarities in the state space and on exploiting the concept of attractor manifolds. The proposed approach was tested on a short segment of real FHR recordings. The experimental results indicate that the proposed approach is able to provide more reliable results in comparison to several interpolation methods that are commonly applied for processing of FHR signals.
Single-Antibody Evaluation of T-Cell Receptor β Constant Chain Monotypia by Flow Cytometry Facilitates the Diagnosis of T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Objectives The diagnosis of T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL) is challenging because of overlapping immunophenotypic features with reactive T cells and limitations of T-cell clonality assays. We studied whether adding an antibody against T-cell receptor β constant region 1 (TRBC1) to a comprehensive flow cytometry panel could facilitate the diagnosis of T-LGLL. Methods We added TRBC1 antibody to the standard T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell panel to assess T-cell clonality in 56 T-LGLLs and 34 reactive lymphocytoses. In addition, 20 chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of NK cells (CLPD-NKs) and 10 reactive NK-cell lymphocytoses were analyzed. Results Clonal T cells were detected in all available T-LGLLs by monotypic TRBC1 expression and clonal/equivocal T-cell receptor gene rearrangement (TCGR) studies, compared with only 27% of T-LGLLs by killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) restriction. Overall, 85% of T-LGLLs had a blood tumor burden greater than 500 cells/µL. Thirty-four reactive cases showed polytypic TRBC1 expression, except for 5 that revealed small T-cell clones of uncertain significance. All CLPD-NKs showed expected clonal KIR expression and negative TRBC1 expression. Conclusions Addition of TRBC1 antibody to the routine flow cytometry assay could replace the TCGR molecular study and KIR flow cytometric analysis to assess clonality, simplifying the diagnosis of T-LGLL.
Theoretical and Experimental Characterization of a Near-Field Scanning Microwave Microscope (Nsmm)

An important aspect to understanding near-field optics and imaging involves the electromagnetic scattering characteristics of objects illuminated by the near field of a subwavelength-sized aperture. This paper addresses one particular application of near-field optics: a transmission mode near-field scanning microscope (NSM). To this end, we first describe the physical attributes of an NSM and then present two computational models we use to characterize this instrument. Both a moment method model as well as a finite-difference time-domain model are discussed. These two models are applied to the analysis of the NSM for various configurations and compared to other theoretical and experimental results. Finally, the construction of an X-band NSM is described – which we label as a near field scanning microwave microscope – and the experimental near-field imaging measurements are compared with our numerical predictions.
Pulmonary hypertension in eosinophilic versus noneosinophilic COPD.

Background The eosinophilic COPD phenotype is associated with greater airway remodelling, exacerbation risk and steroid responsiveness. However, little is known about the prevalence and characteristics of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in this patient population. Methods We retrospectively evaluated a cohort of COPD patients with right heart catheterisation (RHC) data at a university hospital between January 2011 and May 2019 and compared the pulmonary vascular profile and prevalence of PH between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic patients using a definition of eosinophilic COPD as at least three blood eosinophil values ≥300 cells·µL−1. We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine the association between eosinophilic COPD and various PH categories adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%), smoking status and use of supplemental oxygen. Results Among 106 COPD patients with RHC data and at least three blood eosinophil values, 25% met the definition of eosinophilic COPD. Fewer patients among the eosinophilic group required long-term oxygen therapy (69% versus 93%, p=0.001) and total lung capacity was significantly lower in the eosinophilic group (p=0.006). This group had higher mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) (median (interquartile range) 30 (27–41) mmHg versus 25 (22–30) mmHg, p=0.001) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (4 (2.8–5.1) Wood units versus 2.9 (2.1–4.1) Wood units, p=0.018). On multivariable logistic regression analyses, eosinophilic phenotype was associated with PH (adjusted (a)OR 6.5, 95% CI 1.4–30.7; p=0.018) and pre-capillary PH (aOR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1–9; p=0.027), but not severe PH (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 0.6–7.2; p=0.219). Conclusion Eosinophilic COPD was associated with higher mPAP and PVR and increased likelihood of PH. More studies are needed to further explore this finding.
Culvert Renewal with Cementitious-Geopolymer Spray–Applied Pipe Lining: Field Data Collection and Assessment

AbstractA structurally spray-applied pipe lining (SAPL) is a trenchless method to inhibit further deterioration and structurally renew deteriorated pipes, culverts, and drainage structures. The pri...
Safe-haven assets for U.S. equities during the 2020 COVID-19 bear market

The recent stock market downturn is differentiated from previous ones as it is due to an economic(the COVID-19 Pandemic), rather than a financial occurrence. Our paper examines gold, bitcoin, and U.S. Treasury bonds as a safe haven during the COVID-19 bear market. While previous studies support gold as a traditional safe haven for stocks, our study finds that bitcoin and Treasury bonds perform better as a safe haven thangold during the recent COVID-19 bear market.
Anterior segment optical coherence tomography angiography in the assessment of ocular surface lesions

Abstract Purpose Describe the utility of anterior segment optical coherence tomography angiography (AS-OCTA) to assess ocular surface lesions. Methods Retrospective, case-control study of 10 eyes of 9 patients with malignant lesions and 23 eyes of 22 patients with benign lesions. Lesions included 13 epithelial, 10 pigmented and 10 lymphoid lesions. Graders performed an average of 3 depth and diameter measurements of peri-lesional vessels entering each lesion on AS-OCTA. Statistical models to assess differences between groups accounted for bilateral eye inclusion and lesion thickness (on AS-OCT). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were performed for each parameter. Results In the benign and malignant groups, age was 49.5 ± 22.4 and 64.3 ± 10.6 years (p = 0.145) with 45% males and 55% males (p = 0.458), in their respective groups. AS-OCTA showed greater peri-lesional vessel depth and diameter in malignant lesions (315.2 ± 73.0 μm, p Conclusion AS-OCTA shows greater peri-lesional vessel depth and diameter of malignant lesions compared to benign lesions. This imaging modality provides novel and non-invasive functional vascular parameters that can potentially aid the assessment of ocular surface lesions.
First documented clinical account of brachial plexus palsy from the 12th century.

Objective Although literary depiction of brachial plexus injury can be traced to Homer's Iliad, there is a scientific consensus that the first clinical description of brachial plexus palsy was not documented until the British physician Smellie reported it in the 18th century. However, the authors' recent review of the Syriac Book of Medicines (12th century) has uncovered a much earlier clinical documentation. Methods For this historical vignette, the authors reviewed the historical and anatomical literature regarding earlier descriptions of brachial plexus anatomy and pathology, including a thorough analysis of the Syriac Book of Medicines (attributed to an unknown Syriac physician in the Middle Ages) and Galen's On Anatomical Procedures and On the Usefulness of the Parts of the Body. Results Building on the galenic tradition with reference to independent dissections, the Syriac physician discussed nervous system anatomy and the clinical localization of neurological injuries. He described a patient who, after initial pulmonary symptoms, developed upper-extremity weakness more pronounced in the proximal muscles. His anatomical correlation placed the injury "where the nerves issue from the first and second muscles between the ribs" (scalene muscles), are "mixed," and "spread through many parts." The patient's presentation and recovery raise the possibility of Parsonage-Turner syndrome. The anatomical description of the brachial plexus is in line with Galen's earlier account and step-by-step surgical exposure, which the authors reviewed. They also examined Ibn Ilyas' drawing of the brachial plexus, which is believed to be a copy of the earliest artistic representation of the plexus. Conclusions Whereas the Middle Ages were seen as a period of scientific stagnation from a Western perspective, Galen's teachings continued to thrive and develop in the East. Syriac physicians were professional translators, clinicians, and anatomists. There is evidence that brachial plexus palsy was documented in the Syriac Book of Medicines 6 centuries before Smellie.
Biologic Augmentation during Meniscal Repair

We reviewed the literature regarding utility of biologic augmentation in meniscal repair. We hypothesized that the addition of biologic augmentation during meniscal repair improves postoperative knee function and reduces risk of repair failure. PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched. Included studies were clinical studies in humans, published in English, and reported use of biologic augmentation techniques in addition to meniscal repair (including platelet-rich plasma [PRP], fibrin clot, bone marrow stimulation, meniscal wrapping, and bioscaffolds) for treatment of knee meniscal tears. Outcome measures included repair failure, repeat knee arthroscopic surgery, and magnetic resonance imaging), visual analog scale for pain, the International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaire, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Lysholm's Knee Scoring Scale, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Study quality was assessed using the modified Coleman methodology score. Nineteen studies reported repair of 1,092 menisci including six studies that investigated fibrin clot augmentation, five studies that investigated PRP augmentation, three studies that investigated bone marrow stimulation augmentation, two studies that used meniscal wrapping augmentation, and three studies that used other techniques. The level of evidence ranged from I to IV and mean modified Coleman methodology score was 43 (range: 17-69), with higher scores noted in studies completed in recent years. PRP and bone marrow stimulation augmentation appear to decrease risk of failure in patients undergoing isolated meniscal repair but do not improve knee symptom scores. Fibrin clot and trephination augmentation techniques do not have sufficient evidence to support decreased failure risk at this time. Meniscal wrapping augmentation and scaffold implantation augmentation appear to be an attractive option to meniscectomy in complicated tears that are not candidates for repair alone, but further confirmatory studies are needed to support initial data. Evidence supporting augmentation of meniscal repair is limited at this time but suggests that the highest likelihood for effectiveness of augmentation is in the settings of isolated meniscal repair or meniscal repairs that would normally not be amenable to repair.
Tracking disease using small world network theory and matrix and node-link graphics

When illustrated in textual or graphical form, the intricacies of the connections between weak and strong ties between such entities as endangered species in an ecosystem or people who might be carrying an infectious disease have proven difficult to convey. Technical communicators, both students and practitioners, can more ably explain technical concepts by 1) understanding the dynamics of small world network theory, and 2) visually revealing the insights they afford by combining both simple matrix and node-link representations that are readable and accurate. Accordingly, this presentation will include a brief primer on strong and weak ties and visuals and several case studies to demonstrate how they can be concretely realized.
Effects of patchy ocean fertilization on atmospheric carbon dioxide and biological production

[1] Increasing oceanic productivity by fertilizing nutrient-rich regions with iron has been proposed as a mechanism to offset anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide. Earlier studies examined the impact of large-scale fertilization of vast reaches of the ocean for long periods of time. We use an ocean general circulation model to consider more realistic scenarios involving fertilizing small regions (a few hundred kilometers on a side) for limited periods of time (of order 1 month). A century after such a fertilization event, the reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide is between 2% and 44% of the initial pulse of organic carbon export to the abyssal ocean. The fraction depends on how rapidly the surface nutrient and carbon fields recover from the fertilization event. The modeled recovery is very sensitive to the representation of biological productivity and remineralization. Direct verification of the uptake would be nearly impossible since changes in the air-sea flux due to fertilization would be much smaller than those resulting from natural spatial variability. Because of the sensitivity of the uptake to the long-term fate of the iron and organic matter, indirect verification by measurement of the organic matter flux would require high vertical resolution and long-term monitoring. Finally, the downward displacement of the nutrient profile resulting from an iron-induced productivity spurt may paradoxically lead to a long-term reduction in biological productivity. In the worst-case scenario, removing 1 ton of carbon from the atmosphere for a century is associated with a 30-ton reduction in biological export of carbon.
Ergosteroids II: Biologically Active Metabolites and Synthetic Derivatives of Dehydroepiandrosterone

Abstract An improved procedure for the synthesis of 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione, a natural metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is described. The synthesis and magnetic resonance spectra of several other related steroids are presented. Feeding dehydroepiandrosterone to rats induces enhanced formation of several liver enzymes among which are mitochondrial sn -glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) and cytosolic malic enzyme. The induction of these two enzymes, that complete a thermogenic system in rat liver, was used as an assay to search for derivatives of DHEA that might be more active than the parent steroid. Activity is retained in steroids that are reduced to the corresponding 17β-hydroxy derivative, or hydroxylated at 7α or 7β, and is considerably enhanced when the 17-hydroxy or 17-carbonyl steroid is converted to the 7-oxo derivative. Several derivatives of DHEA did not induce the thermogenic enzymes whereas the corresponding 7-oxo compounds did. Both short and long chain acyl esters of DHEA and of 7-oxo-DHEA are active inducers of the liver enzymes when fed to rats. 7-Oxo-DHEA-3-sulfate is as active as 7-oxo-DHEA or its 3-acetyl ester, whereas DHEA-3-sulfate is much less active than DHEA. Among many steroids tested, those possessing a carbonyl group at position 3, a methyl group at 7, a hydroxyl group at positions 1, 2, 4, 11, or 19, or a saturated B ring, with or without a 4-5 double bond, were inactive.
Adaptations of glutathione antioxidant system to endurance training are tissue and muscle fiber specific

The effect of endurance training on glutathione (GSH) status and antioxidant enzyme system was investigated in skeletal muscle, heart, and liver of female Sprague-Dawley rats pair fed an isocaloric diet. Ten weeks of treadmill training (25 m/min, 10% grade for 2 h/day, 5 days/wk) increased citrate synthase activity in the deep vastus lateralis (DVL) and soleus muscles by 79 and 39%, respectively (P < 0.01), but not in the heart or liver. In DVL, GSH content was increased 33% (P < 0.05) with training, accompanied by a 64% (P < 0.05) increase in glutamate content but no change in cysteine. Trained rats showed a 62 and 27% higher GSH peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, respectively (P < 0.05), in DVL compared with control rats. In contrast, GSH content and glutathione reductase (GR) activity in soleus declined with training (P < 0.05), whereas activities of GPX and SOD remained unchanged. Training did not alter GSH status in the liver or plasma but significantly decreased the GSH-to glutathione disulfide ratio in the heart. In addition, GR activity in the liver and GSH sulfur-transferase activity in the heart and DVL were significantly lower in the trained vs control rats DVL muscle had threefold higher gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity compared with other tissues; however no significant alteration was observed in the activity of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase or gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase in the liver, heart, or skeletal muscle. These data indicate that endurance training can cause tissue- and muscle fiber-specific adaptation of antioxidant systems and that GSH homeostasis in extrahepatic tissues may be determined by utilization and uptake of GSH via the gamma-glutamyl cycle.
Stochastic search and optimization in discrete event systems: an overview of parametric and nonparametric methods

We provide an introductory overview of stochastic search algorithms applied to optimization problems in discrete event systems. We classify such optimization problems into two categories: parametric and nonparametric. The optimization of discrete event systems typically relies on estimates of performance related quantities via simulation or online observation. Therefore, the use of stochastic search algorithms must account for estimation errors and the potential complexity of implementing such estimators.
Growing Old in Spanish Harlem.

Growing Old in Spanish Harlem. Museum of the City of New York (September 12, 1992 January 3, 1993).
Differential expression of Shaw-related K+ channels in the rat central nervous system

The family of mammalian genes related to the Drosophila Shaker gene, consisting of four subfamilies, is thought to encode subunits of tetrameric voltage-gated K+ channels. There is compelling evidence that subunits of the same subfamily, but not of different subfamilies, form heteromultimeric channels in vitro, and thus, each gene subfamily is postulated to encode components of an independent channel system. In order to identify cells with native channels containing subunits of one of these subfamilies (Shaw-related or ShIII), the cellular distribution of ShIII transcripts was examined by Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization. Three of four ShIII genes (KV3.1, KV3.2, and KV3.3) are expressed mainly in the CNS. KV3.4 transcripts are also present in the CNS but are more abundant in skeletal muscle. In situ hybridization studies in the CNS reveal discrete and specific neuronal populations that prominently express ShIII mRNAs, both in projecting and in local circuit neurons. In the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and caudate- putamen, subsets of neurons can be distinguished by the expression of specific ShIII mRNAs. Each ShIII gene exhibits a unique pattern of expression; however, many neuronal populations expressing KV3.1 transcripts also express KV3.3 mRNAs. Furthermore, KV3.4 transcripts are present, albeit at lower levels, in several of the neuronal populations that also express KV3.1 and/or KV3.3 mRNAs, revealing a high potential for heteromultimer formation between the products of three of the four genes. Expression of ShIII cRNAs in Xenopus oocytes was used to explore the functional consequences of heteromultimer formation between ShIII subunits. Small amounts of KV3.4 cRNA, which expresses small, fast-inactivating currents when injected alone, produced fast-inactivating currents that are severalfold larger when coinjected with an excess of KV3.1 or KV3.3 cRNA. This amplification is due to both an increase in single-channel conductance in the heteromultimeric channels and the observation that less than four, perhaps even a single KV3.4 subunit is sufficient to impart fast- inactivating properties to the channel. The oocyte experiments indicate that the apparently limited, low-level expression of KV3.4 in the CNS is potentially significant. The anatomical studies suggest that heteromultimer formation between ShIII proteins might be a common feature in the CNS. Moreover, the possibility that the subunit composition of heteromultimers varies in different neurons should be considered, since the ratios of overlapping signals change from one neuronal population to another. In order to proceed with functional analysis of native ShIII channels, it is important to known which subunit compositions might occur in vivo. The studies presented here provide important clues for the identification of native homo- and heteromultimeric ShIII channels in neurons.
Ambient-temperature supercritical drying of transparent silica aerogels☆

Abstract A novel technique to supercritically dry alcogels to transparent silica aerogels at near ambient temperature is described. This supercritical drying occurs at ⩽ 40°C instead of at ⩾ 270°C, by substituting liquid CO2 for the alcohol in the alcogel. The time required for drying is reduced from 2–3 days to 8–10 h. Light scattering, optical and micro-structural properties of aerogels produced by this process and by high-temperature supercritical drying are compared and shown to be similar.
Adapting a database of text messages to a mobile-based weight loss program: the case of the Middle East

Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic. Qatar, a rapidly developing country in the Middle East, has seen a sharp increase in the prevalence of obesity. The increase can be attributed to several reasons, including sedentary lifestyles imposed by a harsh climate and the introduction of Western fast food. Mobile technologies have been used and studied as a technology to support individuals' weight loss. The authors have developed a mobile application that implements three strategies drawn from proven theories of behavioral change. The application is localized to the cultural context of its proposed users. The objective of this paper is to present a method through which we adapted the messaging content of a weight loss application to the context of its users while retaining an effective degree of automation. The adaptation addressed body image, eating and physical exercise habits, and regional/cultural needs. The paper discusses how surveying potential users can be used to build a profile of a target population, find common patterns, and then develop a database of text messages. The text messages are automated and sent to the users at specific times of day, as suggested by the survey results.
Effect of inhomogeneous fields on quenched tunnel splittings in the Fe 8 molecular magnet

It is shown that the experimental data on the magnetic field dependent tunnel splitting in the magnetic molecular solid ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{8}$ can be accurately described by assuming an inhomogeneous distribution of dipolar magnetic fields and small misalignments of the molecules. The procedure for averaging over these inhomogeneities is developed in light of the fact that the measured quantity is the Landau-Zener-St\"uckelberg relaxation rate. The parameters that best fit the data are discussed in relation to other experiments, and the description is compared to that by previous authors.
Understanding poverty and unemployment on the Olympic Peninsula after the Spotted Owl

Abstract Conserving the natural ecology of an area through environmental restrictions has become increasingly common. The harvest limitations on national forests in the habitat of the Northern Spotted Owl in the 1990s are a well-known example. The controversy that ensued with this listing quickly became framed as one of jobs versus the environment, a contention that often characterizes conservation efforts. This contention is closely tied to export-based economic theory which assumes that a rural area's natural resource commodity base is the most important factor in economic development and community well-being. However, other factors could impact well-being including a prior period of industrial restructuring, the presence of minorities, and mitigating factors such as increasing educational attainment, retirement migration and commuting patterns. Focusing on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, I use panel regression to examine the power of indicators of these different factors to explain poverty and unemployment rates on the peninsula in 2000. Industrial restructuring and the presence of minorities are the only significant explanatory variables for poverty. The presence of minorities is the only significant variable for unemployment rates.
The effect of measuring geometry on computer color matching

The debate over the best optical geometry for color measurement dates back to the development of the first recording reflectance spectrophotometer. It is hypothesized that a bidirectional geometry conforms best to the procedure used to inspect colored surface samples visually. This hypothesis was tested using two spectrophotometers of nearly identical design, one utilizing d/8 geometry and the other utilizing 0/45 geometry. The results indicate that bidirectional geometry may be superior to integrating-sphere geometry when matching standards with varying gloss. The bidirectional measurements are quite sensitive to the size of the source and the detector-aperture half angle.
Behavior near zero of the distribution of GCV smoothing parameter estimates

It has been noticed by several authors that there is a small but non-zero probability that the GCV estimate λ of the smoothing parameter in spline and related smoothing problems will be extremely small, leading to gross undersmoothing. We obtain an upper bound to the probability that the GCV function, whose minimizer provides λ, has a (possibly local) minimum at 0. This upper bound goes to 0 exponentially fast as the sample size gets large. For the medium- to small-sample case we study this probability both by Monte Carlo evaluation of a formula for the exact probability that the GCV function has a minimum at 0 as well as by replicated calculations of λ.
Structural identification, damage identification, and structural health monitoring

There are numerous Structural identification (StrId) methods and techniques. The purpose of StrId in the civil infrastructure arena include: a) design validation of new structures, b) condition assessment of existing structures, c) analytical model updating of existing and new structures, and d) damage identification (DmId) of existing structures. Many StrId researchers utilized StrId methods for DmId. However, not all StrId methods are suited for DmId and not all damages are possible to be identified by popular StrId methods. This paper investigates the relationship between StrId methods and DmId. We investigate which StrId method is suited for DmId for the type of damages that may affect civil infrastructure. It will be shown that some damages can be identified by StrId methods, while some other damages need specific methods that are not within the conventional realm of StrId methods. Some guidelines for choosing StrId methods that are appropriate for DmId are given.
Entropy and irreversibility for a single isolated two level system: New individual quantum states and new nonlinear equation of motion

We propose a new nonlinear equation of motion for a single isolated two-level quantum system. The resulting generalized two-level quantum dynamical theory entails a new alternative resolution of the long-standing dilemma on the nature of entropy and irreversibility. Even for a single isolated degree of freedom, in addition to the individual mechanical states for which all the results of conventional quantum mechanics remain valid, our theory implies the existence of new nonmechanical individual quantum states. These states have nonzero individual entropy and, by virtue of a constant-energy, internal redistribution mechanism, relax irreversibly toward stable equilibrium. We discuss the possibility of an experimental verification of these conclusions by means of a high-resolution, essentially single-particle, magnetic-resonance experiment.
A dual algorithm for the one-machine scheduling problem

A branch and bound algorithm is presented for the problem of schedulingn jobs on a single machine to minimize tardiness. The algorithm uses a dual problem to obtain a good feasible solution and an extremely sharp lower bound on the optimal objective value. To derive the dual problem we regard the single machine as imposing a constraint for each time period. A dual variable is associated with each of these constraints and used to form a Lagrangian problem in which the dualized constraints appear in the objective function. A lower bound is obtained by solving the Lagrangian problem with fixed multiplier values. The major theoretical result of the paper is an algorithm which solves the Lagrangian problem in a number of steps proportional to the product ofn 2 and the average job processing time. The search for multiplier values which maximize the lower bound leads to the formulation and optimization of the dual problem. The bounds obtained are so sharp that very little enumeration or computer time is required to solve even large problems. Computational experience with 20-, 30-, and 50-job problems is presented.
Theoretical studies of organometallic complexes of uranium involving nitrogen ligands using density functional approaches.

Density functional calculations are used to investigate the structure and bonding in several unusual cyclopentadienyl complexes of uranium with nitrogen-containing ligands. The U(VI) imido complex Cp2U(NPh)2 and the U(IV) amido complex Cp2(NHPh)2 are examined and the important orbitals involved in the U–N bonds are analyzed. The recently synthesized 22-electron U(IV) hydrazonato complex U(IV) Cp*2U(Me–N–NCR2)2 is explored from the standpoint of an expanded valence shell, and the differences between the structures and thermochemistries of U(IV) and Zr(IV) complexes are probed.
Using regression models to determine the poroelastic properties of cartilage.

The feasibility of determining biphasic material properties using regression models was investigated. A transversely isotropic poroelastic finite element model of stress relaxation was developed and validated against known results. This model was then used to simulate load intensity for a wide range of material properties. Linear regression equations for load intensity as a function of the five independent material properties were then developed for nine time points (131, 205, 304, 390, 500, 619, 700, 800, and 1000 s) during relaxation. These equations illustrate the effect of individual material property on the stress in the time history. The equations at the first four time points, as well as one at a later time (five equations) could be solved for the five unknown material properties given computed values of the load intensity. Results showed that four of the five material properties could be estimated from the regression equations to within 9% of the values used in simulation if time points up to 1000 s are included in the set of equations. However, reasonable estimates of the out of plane Poisson's ratio could not be found. Although all regression equations depended on permeability, suggesting that true equilibrium was not realized at 1000 s of simulation, it was possible to estimate material properties to within 10% of the expected values using equations that included data up to 800 s. This suggests that credible estimates of most material properties can be obtained from tests that are not run to equilibrium, which is typically several thousand seconds.
Meeting report: Candida and Candidiasis.

Candida and Candidiasis Conference was a well organized meeting held in Austin, Texas in March 2004. The meeting began with comprehensive overviews of what we know about Candida in the areas of basic, clinical, and pharmaceutical research presented by Drs. Soll, Rex, and Hitchcock [1]. Throughout the 4 days, all aspects of present Candida research were covered. In order to emphasize current studies, only two speakers in each session were predetermined; the remaining three were selected from submitted abstracts. Three clinical presentations challenged basic researchers to redirect their experimental approaches to address existing problems in the wards. There was an outside the box session led by Drs. Casadevall and Haynes on ‘‘Candida and its hosts’’, which took the virulence session from the Conference in 2002 one step further. They challenged our concepts of how we classify ourselves as scientists (‘gene bashers’ or ‘host defenders’); and on why/when we use animals in experimentation. There were workshops from NICDR on funding, new developments by Merck, and a progress report on the Candida annotation working group. Just in case we weren’t learning enough about Candida there were three poster sessions, which included close to 250 presentations. Finally, there was plenty of opportunity to discuss Candida and all its aspects at lunch and down at the bar. Before I begin an overview of the scientific content of the meeting, I start with a disclaimer. It will be impossible to discuss, let alone mention every significant observation reported in this meeting. However, I will try to touch on the main topics that were discussed in the context of both Candida and candidiasis. Perhaps the greatest boost to our current research is the development of new tools to address old problems. However, we must remember to ask questions before deciding on corresponding experimental procedures. These questions should not only address biological, but also clinical significance. Nomodel will be perfect to answer all the mysteries of candidiasis but specific models will supply important information if the appropriate question(s) is asked. The clinical overviews presented by Drs. Ruhnke, Sobel, and Edwards, confirmed that more work needs to be done, and epidemiological studies also tell us there is still a problem. Those that research with C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis are certainly still in business. However, we are not much better off with treatment strategies and certainly no better off with diagnosis. At first glance of the program, one would think that there is not much work on the level of the host Mycopathologia 158: 141–146, 2004. 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the Netherlands. 141
Landmark essays on rhetoric and the environment

Contents: C. Waddell, Introduction. ESSAYS. R. Cox, The Die Is Cast: Topical and Ontological Dimensions of the Locus of the Irreparable (1982). C. Oravec, Conservationism vs. Preservationism: The "Public Interest" in the Hetch Hetchy Controversy (1984). J. Killingsworth, J.S. Palmer, The Discourse of "Environmentalist Hysteria" (1995). C. Waddell, Perils of a Modern Cassandra: Rhetorical Aspects of Public Indifference to the Population Explosion (1994). T.B. Farrell, G.T. Goodnight, Accidental Rhetoric: The Root Metaphors of Three Mile Island (1981). B. Short, Earth First! and the Rhetoric of Moral Confrontation (1991). J.I. Lange, The Logic of Competing Information Campaigns: Conflict Over Old Growth and the Spotted Owl (1993). M.P. Moore, Constructing Irreconcilable Conflict: The Function of Synecdoche in the Spotted Owl Controversy (1993). T.R. Peterson, C.C. Horton, Rooted in the Soil: How Understanding the Perspectives of Landowners Can Enhance the Management of Environmental Disputes (1995). P. Brick, Determined Opposition: The Wise Use Movement Challenges Environmentalism (1995). M. Bruner, M. Oelschlaeger, Rhetoric, Environmentalism, and Environmental Ethics (1994).
Left atrial thrombus associated with ablation for atrial fibrillation: identification with intracardiac echocardiography.

Abstract Objectives This study reports the incidence of, risk factors for, and management of left atrial (LA) thrombus documented by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) during LA ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Background Thrombus formation is a risk associated with LA ablation procedures. Methods Intracardiac echocardiography imaging was performed in 232 patients (184 men, average age 55 ± 11 years) with AF undergoing pulmonary vein ostial ablation. Results Anticoagulation (activated clotting time >250 s) was maintained after dual transseptal catheterization. Left atrial thrombus (n = 30) was observed in 24 of 232 patients (10.3%). Thrombi measured 12.9 ± 11.1 mm (length) and 2.2 ± 1.3 mm (width) and were attached to a sheath or mapping catheter. Most thrombi (27 of 30, 90%) were eliminated from the LA by withdrawal of the sheath and catheter into the right atrium (RA). Two thrombi became wedged in the interatrial septum and incompletely withdrawn into the RA, and one was recognized only on post-procedure review of ICE images. Patients with LA thrombus had an increased LA diameter (4.8 ± 0.5 vs. 4.5 ± 0.6 cm, p Conclusions Left atrial thrombus identified on ICE may occur during LA catheter ablation procedures despite aggressive anticoagulation. Spontaneous echo contrast may predict risk for LA thrombus formation. Left atrial thrombus may be successfully withdrawn into the RA under ICE imaging with no overt complications.
Income Distribution in Agriculture: A Unified Approach

This paper develops a class of partial equilibrium models capable of analyzing in a unified way a number of market-transmitted distributional consequences of a variety of exogenous shocks in agriculture. The shocks include technical change (neutral or biased), changes in the supply of agricultural inputs or in the demand for agricultural outputs, and government interventions. The models accommodate more than two primary factors of production and more than one region with or without constraints on factor mobility.
Perceiving surprising words in an unattended auditory channel

This study addresses two related issues, the degree to which unattended auditory material is interpreted, and the processes by which the direction of attention is controlled. Subjects shadowed a pr...
The Effects of Industry Governance on Offshore Oil Development in the Gulf of Mexico

This article presents an historical analysis of the way governance arrangements in the petroleum industry have affected development of offshore oil resources in the Gulf of Mexico. Global competition over differential rents and natural value available from petroleum extraction were instrumental in the construction of oil prices high enough to support profitable investment offshore. Attention to the social construction of oil prices illustrates how political discourse on national security and conservation helps translate economic logic into strategic political coalitions and state action. The article shows how the unequal flow of resources in a global extractive industry, as organized by transnational corporations and states, interacts with marginal costs and differential rents to influence economic development. Development of Louisiana offshore oil after the second world war was protected by a private international price cartel, federally enforced import quotas and tax laws. Competition in the industry and the OPEC price increases of the 1970s undermined US domination of world oil, but higher oil prices further stimulated investment offshore. The subsequent breakdown of stable governance in the 1980s drove down oil prices, hastened restructuring of the petroleum industry and caused a rapid decline in Louisiana offshore investment.
Are regulated and potentially unregulated combination gas and electric utilities natural monopolies

Abstract This paper estimates regulated and potentially unregulated costs of combination gas and electric utility companies. The study finds insufficient evidence to conclude that these regulated companies are natural monopolies. Furthermore, evidence is also lacking that these companies would be natural monopolies even if they were deregulated. The estimation indicates that although some cost complementarity and economies of scale may be present in the combination gas and electric utility industry, they do not appear to be statistically significant. Furthermore, there is no evidence of cost convexity.
Osseointegrated Lower Limb Prosthetic Force Limiting Connection

A goal in the design of prosthetic limbs is to mimic the use, feel, and behavior of the missing natural limb. A promising area of research focused on these goals is osseointegration. Osseointegration is the direct attachment of the prosthetic device to the bone. In the case of the above knee amputee, it would involve placing a fixture in the femur with a pin (abutment) that extends through the skin and allows the prosthetic leg to be directly attached to the bone structure, and creates a more natural force path which offers a variety of benefits when compared with the stump and socket approach. First, it eliminates the pressure placed on soft tissues. The skin and muscles of the leg were never designed to be part of the load transfer path. With an osseointegrated fixture, the load is transferred directly into the bone and into the rest of the body using the same force path a natural leg would generate.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Crystal structure of a tetradecameric assembly of the association domain of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II.

Abstract We report the crystal structure of the 143 residue association domain of Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). The association domain forms a hub-like assembly, composed of two rings of seven protomers each, which are stacked head to head and held together by extensive interfaces. The tetradecameric organization of the assembly was confirmed by analytical ultracentrifugation and multiangle light scattering. Individual protomers form wedge-shaped structures from which N-terminal helical segments that connect to the kinase domain extend toward the equatorial plane of the assembly, consistent with the arrangement of the kinase domains in a second outer ring. A deep and highly conserved pocket present within the association domain may serve as a docking site for proteins that interact with CaMKII.
Does measurement of systolic blood pressure with a pulse oximeter correlate with conventional methods

The pulse oximeter is commonly used in the operating room. We evaluated the use of a pulse oximeter to monitor systolic blood pressure in 20 healthy volunteers and 42 anesthetized patients. We compared the pulse oximeter method of measuring systolic blood pressure with the cuff methods using Korotkoff sounds and Doppler ultrasound as well as with direct pressure measurement through an intraarterial cannula. Systolic blood pressure values obtained by pulse oximeter correlated well with values obtained by other conventional methods. The best correlation was found with Doppler ultrasound (r = 0.996) and the worst with arterial cannulation (r = 0.880). We conclude that this method can be used intraoperatively to measure systolic blood pressure.
The content of amino acids in the developing cerebellar cortex and deep cerebellar nuclei of granule cell deficient mutant mice.

Abstract Glutamic acid is the only free amino acid to be clearly reduced in mature granule cell deficient cerebellum. The correlation between concentration of glutamic acid and extent of granule cell loss suggests that it may serve as a neurotransmitter. Curiously, in two neurological mouse mutants, glutamic acid is also decreased in the deep cerebellar nuclei where there are no granule cells. We have now examined the amino acid content of cerebellar cortex and deep cerebellar nuclei of the granule cell deficient mutants, weaver and staggerer, during the postnatal period in which granule cell development takes place. We have found: (1) an early and transient deficit in taurine in weaver cerebellar cortex during the period of granule cell migration, (2) deficits during the second postnatal week in taurine, aspartic and glutamic acids in both weaver and staggerer cerebellar cortex, (3) that aspartic and glutamic acid deficits result from failure to increase concentrations at the normal rate after birth rather than from a fall from normal levels, (4) decreased concentrations of glutamic acid but not of taurine and aspartic acids apparent in the deep nuclei of both weaver and staggerer at about the same time as in cerebellar cortex, (5) amino acid changes in weaver heterozygote cerebellum which result in values intermediate in magnitude between normal and homozygous weaver animals and (6) an early and persistent reduction in staggerer deep nuclei of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the Purkinje cell transmitter, indicating early denervation or lack of full innervation of deep nuclei by Purkinje cells.
A matrix-based approach to the global locality optimization problem

Global locality analysis is a technique for improving the cache performance of a sequence of loop nests through a combination of loop and data layout optimizations. Pure loop transformations are restricted by data dependences and may not be very successful in optimizing imperfectly nested loops; the impact of a data transformation on an array might be program-wide. Therefore, in this paper we argue for a combined approach which employs both loop and data transformations. The method enjoys the advantages of the most of the previous techniques for enhancing locality and is efficient. In our approach, the loop nests are processed one by one and the data layout constraints obtained from one nest are propagated for optimization of the remaining loop nests. We show that this process can be put in a simple matrix framework which can be manipulated by an optimizing compiler. The search space that we consider for possible loop transformations comprises general non-singular linear transformation matrices and the data layouts that we consider are those which can be expressed using hyperplanes. Experiments using several programs on an SGI Origin 2000 distributed-shared-memory machine demonstrate the efficacy of our approach.
Freeing the Presses: The First Amendment in Action, edited by Timothy E. Cook. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 2005. 187 pp. $39.95 hardcover.

Revolutionary is an understatement as a characterization of the contemporary changes in the technology of communication. These are, as the authors of Freeing the Presses note, as important changes ...
Ethics of Poverty Coverage

There is historical precedent for the critique known as poverty porn, in this case the objection that contemporary media are drawn to the slow-motion collapse of Detroit by the unsavory appeal of a...