cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF PROGRAMS FOR COMPUTER ECG INTERPRETATION

ABSTRACT An evaluation of the many available computer programs is one of the ongoing problems in the use of computers for the interpretation of electrocardiograms (ECG). The problem is: who or what can the computer interpretation be measured against? It is clear that an ECG reference library 1 for testing ECG interpretation programs would be most useful. The library should maintain sample ECG tracings in “computer-readable” form having “known” interpretations. In the absence of an ECG reference library, the ad hoc committee for computer-aided ECG interpretation at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics decided to pursue the practical alternative of comparing the performance of the available programs to the interpretations of the cardiologists now reading the tracings. The programs examined were Bonner, Hewlett Packard, Telemed, and Pipberger. Each one was studied for up to one month of utilization on one active ECG cart. This yielded an average of 170 tracings per program (except the Pipberger program which was in use for only one week, yielding 50 tracings). Each tracing was reviewed by our normal procedures: an initial reading by resident in consultation with a cardiology fellow. For the purpose of this study, a cardiology fellow was assigned to obtain “relevant clinical information”. A single staff cardiologist then wrote the “definitive” interpretation. A second staff cardiologist then compared the definitive interpretation with the computer interpretation and graded the comparison. The results were examined primarily with respect to the clinical impact of the computer interpretation. Clinically significant disagreement ranged from 13 to 21 percent. An analysis was made to identify which specific diagnostic errors were found to exist in either the false positive or false negative interpretations. Difficulties ranged from overall of bundle branch block in one program, to misinterpretation of P waves and general pattern recognition problems in another program. Areas in which the programs were in acceptable agreement with routine clinical analysis are also discussed.
Testing trophic indicators of fishery health in California’s marine protected areas for a generalist carnivore

Abstract Fisheries have historically focused on single-species management, but there is a global movement to incorporate ecosystem-based processes. Marine protected areas (MPAs) offer an important management tool for enhancing ecosystem structure and function. This study investigated whether a non-lethal indicator of trophic position (TP) could be used to evaluate fishery health in southern California MPAs. We hypothesized that a common predator, kelp bass (Paralabrax clathratus), would occupy a higher TP and smaller niche space inside MPAs than at fished reference sites, and that these patterns would be supported by trends in abundance and gut contents. Stable isotope analysis of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) were used to estimate the TP and niche space of kelp bass (N = 125) collected inside and outside of four MPAs during summer 2016–2017. Although all MPA sites supported a significantly higher biomass of kelp bass than reference sites, there was no consistent pattern in TP and niche space inside versus outside of MPAs. Gut contents showed that exploitation of ephemeral pelagic foods may reduce localized effects of MPAs on prey availability for this species. Our findings suggest that MPAs will not have consistent impacts on food web dynamics for higher level generalist predators and that ecosystem-level responses to protection may vary across locations within a bioregion. These results emphasize the importance of accounting for site-specific differences in food web structure before applying ecosystem-based metrics to fishery management.
Hypertension in Older People: Part 2

There is overwhelming evidence that pharmacologic treatment of isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg) reduces cardiovascular events and extends longevity in the elderly; in the very old (80 years or older), the evidence supports decreased incident stroke and heart failure, but is less convincing in terms of longevity. Thus, the inherent increased risk for ISH vascular events highlights the importance of its control. Importantly, ISH in the elderly, primarily related to large artery stiffness, remains more difficult to control than diastolic hypertension in the young, which is primarily related to increased peripheral vascular resistance. Appropriate lifestyle and pharmacologic intervention is indicated in individuals with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg in general and ≥130 mm Hg in persons with diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Lifestyle intervention may reduce the need for extensive antihypertensive therapy and minimize associated cardiovascular risk factors. To date, only a small percentage of older ISH patients are being treated to goal. Reaching target systolic blood pressure levels most often requires the use of polypharmacy that includes a diuretic and perhaps specific agents that target arterial stiffness and early wave reflection.
Empagliflozin Ameliorates Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling in Nondiabetic Heart Failure by Enhancing Myocardial Energetics.

Abstract Background Empagliflozin cardiac benefits in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME (Empagliflozin Cardiovascular Outcome Event Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients) trial cannot be explained exclusively by its antihyperglycemic activity. Objectives The hypothesis was that empagliflozin’s cardiac benefits are mediated by switching myocardial fuel metabolism away from glucose toward ketone bodies (KB), which improves myocardial energy production. Methods Heart failure was induced in nondiabetic pigs (n = 14) by 2-h balloon occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending artery. Animals were randomized to empagliflozin or placebo for 2 months. Animals were evaluated with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and 3-dimensional echocardiography. Myocardial metabolite consumption was analyzed by simultaneous blood sampling from coronary artery and coronary sinus. Myocardial samples were obtained for molecular evaluation. Nonmyocardial infarction animals served as comparison. Results Despite similar initial ischemic myocardial injury in both groups, the empagliflozin group showed amelioration of adverse remodeling at 2 months (lower left ventricular [LV] mass, reduced LV dilatation, less LV sphericity) versus the control group. LV systolic function (LV ejection fraction and echocardiography-derived strains) was improved, as was neurohormonal activation. Compared with nonmyocardial infarction, control animals increased myocardial glucose consumption mainly through anaerobic glycolysis while reducing utilization of free fatty acid (FFA) and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA). Empagliflozin-treated pigs did not consume glucose (reduction in myocardial glucose uptake, and glucose-related enzymes) but instead switched toward utilization of KB, FFA, and BCAA (increased myocardial uptake of these 3 metabolites, and enhanced expression/activity of the enzymes implicated in the metabolism of KB/FFA/BCAA). Empagliflozin increased myocardial ATP content and enhanced myocardial work efficiency. Conclusions Empagliflozin ameliorates adverse cardiac remodeling and heart failure in a nondiabetic porcine model. Empagliflozin switches myocardial fuel utilization away from glucose toward KB, FFA, and BCAA, thereby improving myocardial energetics, enhancing LV systolic function, and ameliorating adverse LV remodeling.
IMPACT OF VEHICLE CONGESTION ON DISTRIBUTION OF PRODUCTS IN NAIROBI: A CASE OF FARMERS CHOICE LIMITED (FCL)

The problem of congestion plagues all the major cities in the world. In Nairobi the problem is even more pronounced. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of vehicle congestion on the distribution of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) in Nairobi. This study was guided by the following specific objectives; to investigate the causes of vehicle congestion and the effects of vehicle congestion on distribution of products. The research design adopted in the study was descriptive focusing on Farmers Choice limited (FCL). Stratified sampling technique was used to select 94 from 240 FCL employees. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed through univariate analysis. The study found that poor infrastructure planning were two major causes of congestion in Nairobi. The study found that the vehicle congestion affected distribution of products due to the time lost in hold ups, wasted time while looking for parking to offload the cargo. To deal with these the company had implemented distribution strategies such as market segmentation, use of motorbikes and trolleys, direct marketing and linkage with supermarkets. The study recommended that the company needs to join hands with other stakeholders to ensure upgrade of the road network and be involved in campaigns aimed at changing road use attitudes among drivers and residents in Nairobi. Key Words: Congestion, Distribution, fast moving consumer goods CITATION: Gaitho, P. R., & Katuse , P. (2019). Impact of vehicle congestion on distribution of products in Nairobi: A case of Farmers Choice Limited (FCL). The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 6 (2), 770 –780.
Searchable Answer Generating Environment (SAGE): A Knowledge Management System for Searching for Experts in Florida

The need to acquire intellectual capital created the Knowledge Management (KM) movement, which aims to develop new practices and tools to capture knowledge. Indepth examination of current KM projects revealed the largest percent of KM projects attempting to create some kind of a knowledge repository. Current studies identify three types of knowledge repositories. One type of knowledge repository attempts to manage organizational knowledge by storing pointers to those who have specific knowledge within the organization. In this light, this paper discusses the development of the Searchable Answer Generating Environment (SAGE) application. The development of this application was funded through the NASA/Florida Minority Institution Entrepreneurial Partnership (FMIEP) grant. The purpose of this application is to create a repository of experts in the State of Florida (FL) State University System (SUS). This application creates one single web-enabled repository, which can be searched in a number of ways including research topic, investigator name, funding agency, or university. SAGE is a repository of Intellectual Capital within the state of FL SUS; helping locate FL SUS researchers for collaboration with industry and federal agencies, thus increasing the potential for research funding to the SUS. SAGE also enhances communication and allows more visibility for FL SUS experts, making universities more marketable while combing and unifying existing data from multiple sources into one user web-accessible interface. The SAGE system addresses an important KM problem: giving a user access to distributed knowledge, through a web-based Graphical User Interface.
You can observe a lot by watching

> “ I have trained myself to see what others overlook .” > > —Sherlock Holmes[1][1] The article by Grandjean and Huber in this issue[2][2] is a timely reminder of the importance of skilled observation in medical care. Osler[3][3] considered observation to represent “the whole art of
Relationship between polypharmacy and inpatient hospitalization among older adults with cancer treated with intravenous chemotherapy

Abstract Objectives Polypharmacy (≥5 concurrent medications) is common among older patients with cancer (48%–80%) and associated with increased frailty, morbidity, and mortality. This study examined the relationship between polypharmacy and inpatient hospitalization among older adults with cancer treated with intravenous (IV) chemotherapy. Materials and Methods The main data source was the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked files. Patients (≥65 years) were included if they were diagnosed with prostate (n = 1430), breast (n = 5490), or lung cancer (n = 7309) in 1991–2013 and received IV chemotherapy in 2011–2014. The number of medications during the six-month window pre-IV chemotherapy initiation determined polypharmacy status. Negative binomial models were used to assess the association between polypharmacy and post-chemotherapy inpatient hospitalization. The results were presented as incidence rate ratios. Results We identified 13,959 patients with prostate, breast, or lung cancer treated with IV chemotherapy. The median number of prescription medications during the six-month window pre-IV chemotherapy initiation was high: ten among patients with prostate cancer, nine among patients with breast cancer, and eleven among patients with lung cancer. Compared to patients taking Conclusion This large population-based study found that polypharmacy during the six-month window pre-IV chemotherapy is highly predictive of post-chemotherapy inpatient hospitalization. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether medication management interventions can reduce post-chemotherapy inpatient hospitalization among older patients with cancer.
Determination of Sensitivity and Specificity of Electrocardiography for Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in a Large, Diverse Patient Population.

Abstract Background Electrocardiography (ECG) is poorly sensitive, but highly specific for the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy. However, previous studies documenting this were small and lacked patient diversity. Furthermore, little is known about the impact of patient characteristics on the sensitivity and specificity of ECG for left ventricular hypertrophy. To address this issue, the present study was conducted to ascertain the sensitivity and specificity of ECG for left ventricular hypertrophy in a large, diverse patient population. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study using ECG and echocardiography (ECHO) data from a large metropolitan health system. All patients had one ECG and ECHO on file, obtained within 1 week of each other. Sensitivity and specificity of ECG for left ventricular hypertrophy were determined by comparing results from the MUSE® 12-SL (GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL) computer-generated algorithm for ECG to ECHO left ventricular mass index. Subgroup analyses of individual patient characteristics were performed with corresponding chi-squared analyses to determine significance. Results A total of 13,960 subjects were included in the study. The typical subject was 60 years of age or older, female, overweight, and hypertensive, and demonstrated low socioeconomic status. The sensitivity and specificity of ECG for left ventricular hypertrophy in the overall cohort were 30.7% and 84.4%, respectively, with multiple patient characteristics influencing these results. Conclusions This is the first study to confirm the sensitivity and specificity of ECG for left ventricular hypertrophy in a large, diverse patient population with significant minority representation. Furthermore, although these statistical measures are influenced by patient characteristics, such differences are likely not clinically significant.
Laminopedicular Osteotomy for En-bloc Resection of Posterolateral Thoracic Osteoblastoma: Technical Note

Background Osteoblastomas are a type of primary osseous neoplasm that exhibit a proclivity for the spine, primarily the posterior elements. While generally considered benign, some variants of osteoblastoma exhibit aggressive growth with lytic osseous destruction and soft tissue invasion, with some recurring after initial treatment. Given their proximity to vital structures and potential for rapid growth, these tumors are often managed with aggressive surgery, with en-bloc resection preferred. Methods Here we describe our osteotomy technique for resecting en bloc a posterolateral thoracic osteoblastoma causing rapidly progressive myelopathy in a 17-year-old male. Results Successful treatment of osteoblastoma in a 17-year-old male demonstrates the efficacy of our laminopedicular osteotomy technique in treating 1 instance of a rapidly presenting spinal tumor. Conclusions This case bolsters the growing body of literature that favors the outcomes of a more conservative approach to en-bloc resection of spinal tumors.
FinFET Devices for VLSI Circuits and Systems

To surmount the continuous scaling challenges of MOSFET devices, FinFETs have emerged as the real alternative for use as the next generation device for IC fabrication technology. The objective of this book is to provide the basic theory and operating principles of FinFET devices and technology, an overview of FinFET device architecture and manufacturing processes, and detailed formulation of FinFET electrostatic and dynamic device characteristics for IC design and manufacturing. Thus, this book caters to practicing engineers transitioning to FinFET technology and prepares the next generation of device engineers and academic experts on mainstream device technology at the nanometer-nodes.
Antioxidant Metabolism in Cotton Seedlings Exposed to Temperature Stress in the Field

malondialdehyde (MDA), a compound correlated with oxidative damage in plants, did not increase in response Early season temperature stress adversely affects the growth and to water deficits and it was proposed that oxidative development of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings. Oxidative damage was substantially mitigated in the plants under damage resulting from temperature extremes is thought to be a cause of diminished seedling performance. Cotton (cv Fibermax 958) was water stress without largechanges in antioxidant metabplanted at Lubbock, TX, in 2003 and 2004 to investigate the effect of olism.Theabsenceofawaterdeficitresponsewasattriblowandhightemperaturesonoxidativestressandantioxidantmetabo- uted to the sufficiency of antioxidant protection in cotlism in seedlings exposed to normal thermal variation. Early and late ton under water stress in the field, particularly in light plantings in 2003 provided seedlings of different ages for comparisons. ofthegradualnatureofthedevelopmentandalleviation Malondialdehyde was slightly increased in response to low tempera- of water deficits under field conditions. Simply stated, tures indicating some oxidative damage in the seedlings. The activities the plant had adequate time and resources to respond of ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase were not altered in to changing water deficits. response to low or high temperatures. The glutathione pool was preUnlikewater deficits,temperature stressesin thefield dominately reduced in all plantings in both years indicating sufficient can develop and be alleviated within hours, providing reduced glutathione. It is concluded that the indicators of antioxidant the plant less time to respond adaptively. Perhaps this metabolism varied in the seedlings but not in response to temperature variation. It is proposed that antioxidant metabolism in the seedlings is why effects of temperature stress on seedlings are was sufficient to mitigate oxidative damage with only minor alterations. generallyrecognized tohavesubstantial negativeeffects on many crops. Agronomic considerations often require that crops be planted when temperatures are not optimal, and thus, in practical terms, exposure of seedlings E
Nighttime Calls, Pages, and Interruptions to the On-Call Surgery Resident

BackgroundCommunication is a keystone to good medical practice. At night, as physician numbers decrease, frequent, nonurgent interruptions have shown to disrupt patient care and impact resident/phy...
Soft gravity by squaring soft QED on the celestial sphere

We recast the soft $S$ matrices on the celestial sphere as correlation functions of certain two-dimensional models of topological defects. In pointing out the double-copy structure between the soft photon and soft graviton cases, we arrive at a putative classical double copy between the corresponding topological models and a rederivation of gauge invariance and the equivalence principle as Ward identities of the two-dimensional theories.
The Laplacian on a Riemannian Manifold: An Introduction to Analysis on Manifolds

This text on analysis of Riemannian manifolds is a thorough introduction to topics covered in advanced research monographs on Atiyah-Singer index theory. The main theme is the study of heat flow associated to the Laplacians on differential forms. This provides a unified treatment of Hodge theory and the supersymmetric proof of the Chern-Gauss-Bonnet theorem. In particular, there is a careful treatment of the heat kernel for the Laplacian on functions. The Atiyah-Singer index theorem and its applications are developed (without complete proofs) via the heat equation method. Zeta functions for Laplacians and analytic torsion are also treated, and the recently uncovered relation between index theory and analytic torsion is laid out. The text is aimed at students who have had a first course in differentiable manifolds, and the Riemannian geometry used is developed from the beginning. There are over 100 exercises with hints.
Vacuum-free laminated top electrode with conductive tapes for scalable manufacturing of efficient perovskite solar cells

Abstract The efficiency of organometal trihalide perovskites (OTP) solar cells have reached that parity of single crystal silicon, and its nature abundant raw material and solution-process capability promise a bright future for commercialization. However, the vacuum based techniques for metal electrode deposition and additional encapsulation layer increase the cost of the perovskite solar cells dramatically and impede their commercialization process. Here, we report a vacuum-free low temperature lamination technique to fabricate the top electrode by commercial conductive tapes (C-tape). The simple fabrication method yields good quality contact and high efficiency device of 12.7%. The C-tapes also encapsulated the devices effectively, resulting in greatly improved device stability. The combination of lamination of electrodes and encapsulation layers into a single step significantly reduce the cost of device fabrication.
Multimetabolite control of a biosynthetic pathway by sequential metabolites.

Abstract Synergistic control by two sequential metabolites of a biosynthetic pathway has been found to occur at an early stage of the biogenesis of methionine and S-adenosylmethionine in Escherichia coli. The enzyme is synergistically inhibited in a manner which indicates interaction at dual sites with the same enzyme, O-succinylhomoserine synthetase. Methionine and S-adenosylmethionine exert appreciable inhibitory effects alone only at high concentrations relative to the low concentrations required for inhibition by a combination of these metabolites.
A single amino acid substitution in rhodopsin (lysine 248----leucine) prevents activation of transducin.

Abstract In structure-function studies on bovine rhodopsin by in vitro site-specific mutagenesis, we have prepared three mutants in the cytoplasmic loop between the putative transmembrane helices E and F. In each mutant, charged amino acid residues were replaced by neutral residues: mutant 1, Glu239----Gln; mutant 2, Lys248----Leu; and mutant 3, Glu247----Gln, Lys248----Leu, and Glu249----Gln. The mutant rhodopsin genes were expressed in monkey kidney (COS-1) cells. After the addition of 11-cis-retinal to the cells, the rhodopsin mutants were purified by immunoaffinity adsorption. Each mutant gave a wild-type rhodopsin visible absorption spectrum. The mutants were assayed for their ability to stimulate the GTPase activity of transducin in a light-dependent manner. While mutants 1 and 3 showed wild-type activity, mutant 2 (Lys248----Leu) was inactive.
Incumbency preservation through electoral legislation: The case of the secret ballot

The secret ballot was designed to eliminate the incentive for candidates to purchase votes through direct vote buying. When voters have private information on their candidate preferences, incumbent candidates will generally be less efficient in purchasing votes than their challengers. Incumbent candidates may therefore benefit from the elimination of direct vote purchasing. Viewed in this vein, passage of secret ballot laws by state legislatures can be seen as an institutional mechanism to protect their incumbency advantage, rather than as an act of necessary electoral reform to create fair elections and protect democracy.
Chapter 10 – Production control

Publisher Summary An important component of manufacturing is production control that involves the manner in which the production facility is operated to meet desired performance requirements, such as satisfying customer demand in a timely manner. The simplest type of production control scheme is either to operate the line at full capacity or not to operate the line. The large variation of the production rate that can occur in full-on operation is a major problem because it is difficult to predict the production output when there is a substantial amount of variability. Regardless of the production control scheme that is used, variability is always present to some extent. Ideally, production should be based on customer demand. One approach to achieve this is to use material requirements planning (MRP). In MRP, the due dates of finished products are used to schedule production. In a push system the production rate is controlled by setting the input rate. However, since the release times are independent of the system status, the performance of push systems can be very sensitive to variations in the system, such as changing processing times.
Resonant-transition, zero-voltage-switching, 2-quadrant converters for sinusoidal, 1-phase, line current rectification

The application of standard hybrid packaging techniques to the implementation of power conditioning circuits leaves much to be desired with respect to performance. Then use of high efficiency metallization techniques, such as direct bond copper (DBQ, in conjunction with state-of-the-art ceramic packages, offers the power designer significant performance advantages. Locating the drive circuitry in close proximity to the high current switches, without sacrificing efficiency, is a key layout requirement which requires considerable expertise. Rectification schemes are evaluated for optimum efficiency. Low resistance MOSFET's show clear advantages with synchronous rectification in comparison to silicon Schottky rectifiers for DC/DC converters operating at less than 6V DC output and with efficiencies greater than 88%.
Malattached septum primum and deficient septal rim predict unsuccessful transcatheter closure of atrial communications.

Objectives Assess impact of malattached septum primum (MASP) on transcatheter closure of interatrial communications. Background Large defect size and deficient rims have been described as predictors for complications and unsuccessful device placement in closure of interatrial communications. MASP is an underappreciated morphologic atrial septal variation whose prevalence in isolated atrial communications and its influence on percutaneous device closure has not been systematically assessed. Methods We retrospectively evaluated echocardiographic data of 328 patients scheduled for percutaneous secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure between January 2006 and January 2013. In ASD patients, defect size was measured by balloon stretch diameter while the length of the surrounding rims was measured in standard transthoracic and transesophageal views. Furthermore, the distance between septum primum and septum secundum as it attaches to the left atrial roof was evaluated in both, ASD and PFO patients. Septal anatomy of patients with procedural failure was compared to the anatomy of patients in whom the procedure was successful. Results Transcatheter defect closure was successful in 131 (92.3%) of 142 ASD patients (32.3 years ± 24.7 years) and in all 186 PFO patients (49.6 years ± 16.2 years). Thirteen (4%) patients were found to have MASP (1.6 mm–13 mm). Smaller retroaortic rim, inferior rim, and the presence of a MASP were independently associated with procedural failure in ASD patients (P = 0.02, P = 0.03, and P = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion Smaller retroaortic and inferior rims, as well as MASP are independent risk factors for unsuccessful transcatheter ASD closure. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
α2-Adrenergic receptor-mediated increase in NO production buffers renal medullary vasoconstriction

The present study was designed to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in modulating the adrenergic vasoconstrictor response of the renal medullary circulation. In anesthetized rats, intraveno...
Grid code provisions for wind generators in Ireland

This paper outlines how ESB National Grid (ESBNG), the transmission system operator (TSO) for the Republic of Ireland, developed the grid code for wind farm power stations (WFPS). It discusses the topics considered, how the code requirements apply to the distribution network and finally outlines some future work.
The 24 hour intensity variations of the primary cosmic rays

The data from nucleonio component detectors (neutron intensity monitors) are analysed for the amplitude and phase of maximum intensity of the 24 h variation at the geomagnetic equator and at 48‡ N. The same analysis is performed on selected charged particle detectors. The analysis covers 1953–55, which includes the time of solar cycle (sunspot) minimum in 1954. During 1954 it is known that the 24 h variation possesses an anomalous behaviour. It is shown that during 1954 there is an interval of 9 months or more when the solar daily variation appears to undergo a progressive phase shift whose time of maximum lies in the range of 0800–1000 h on a sidereal time scale. This anisotropy certainly exists in the radiation falling upon the atmosphere, and it is likely, although not proven, that the anisotropy prevails even outside the terrestrial field. The question of whether this sidereal effect is spurious or real is discussed in relationship to the recent results on the modulation of cosmic ray intensity within the solar system.
Acute hemodynamic and hormonal effects of CI-930, a new phosphodiesterase inhibitor, in severe congestive heart failure

The phosphodiesterase inhibitor CI-930 hydrochloride exerts a positive inotropic and vasodilator effect in experimental animals. The acute hemodynamic and hormonal effects of intravenous CI-930 were studied in 9 patients with severe congestive heart failure. At 60 minutes of drug infusion, there was an increase in cardiac index (2.7 ± 0.9 vs 2.0 ± 0.7 liters/min/m2, p < 0.01) and positive dPdt (1,390 ± 470 vs 1,100 ± 300 mm Hg/s, p < 0.02). Additionally, there were decreases in mean systemic arterial (78 ± 16 vs 86 ± 15 mm Hg, p < 0.01), mean right atrial (5 ± 3 vs 9 ± 4 mm Hg, p < 0.02), mean pulmonary arterial (27 ± 11 vs 37 ± 9 mm Hg, p < 0.01) and LV end-diastolic (19 ± 8 vs 28 ± 6 mm Hg, p < 0.01) pressures. Heart rate did not change (97 ± 17 vs 97 ± 22 beats/ min). The inotropic response correlated significantly (r = 0.70, p < 0.05) with the dose of CI-930. Plasma renin activity did not change significantly (from 16± 9 to 23± 15 ng/ml/hour), nor did plasma norepinephrine or arginine vasopressin levels. The plasma atrial natriuretic peptide level decreased (from 153 ± 97 to 83 ± 35 pg/ml, p < 0.02). These findings suggest that intravenous CI-930 hydrochloride is a useful therapeutic agent in congestive heart failure and that its use does not appear to further activate potentially deleterious hormonal systems.
On the origin of the blocking effect of grain-boundaries on proton transport in yttrium-doped barium zirconates

Despite the superior bulk protonic conductivity combined with chemical stability in the temperature region in which intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) are operated, the use of polycrystalline ceramics of yttrium-doped barium zirconates (BZY) as a solid electrolyte is still largely limited mainly because the grain boundaries in these materials substantially increase the internal resistance. Hence the demand for better understanding of the origin of such high grain-boundary resistance in BZY has grown rapidly. It has long been speculated that the grain-boundary resistance may be attributed to the space charges formed at the grain boundaries. Here we present the results of our investigation on the space-charge effects on the grain-boundary conduction in BZY. We identify the width of the grain boundary as an independent parameter which allows for an unambiguous verification of the space-charge effects in BZY. By quantitatively comparing the values of the widths experimentally determined not only for the 5, 8, and 20 mol% doped BZY samples we prepared but also for various other BZYs previously reported with those calculated based on a space-charge model, we have successfully verified that the grain-boundary conduction in these materials is indeed governed by the space charges.
Vortex State in a Strongly Coupled Dilute Atomic Fermionic Superfluid

We show that in a dilute fermionic superfluid, when the fermions interact with an infinite scattering length, a vortex state is characterized by a strong density depletion along the vortex core. This feature can make a direct visualization of vortices in fermionic superfluids possible.
Perturbation treatment of multiple site reactivity: Molecule–molecule interactions

Abstract A multiple perturbation method for the treatment of molecular reactivity is generalized to describe the simultaneous interaction of a molecule containing several reactive sites with a second molecule and a point charge. The modification of the reactivity properties of the main molecule by electrostatic interaction, polarization, dispersion and correlation corrections due to the presence of the second molecule, is identified from the effect of these corrections on the interaction energy with the point charge. The decomposition of interaction energies inherent to the perturbation expansion facilities this analysis. The method is applied to a simple molecule containing two reactive sites (formyl flouride — HCOF), interacting with HF at hydrogen-bond distances. The results are very good agreement with super-molecule LCAO SCF calculations with gaussian basis functions and indicate that the redistribution of the electron density caused by the interaction of the two molecules is adequately represented by the perturbation method.
Collateral compensation of severe carotid stenosis

In 516 patients who had endarterectomies for unilateral severe carotid stenoses, arteriography demonstrated no contralateral severe stenoses or occlusions. Pre and postoperative ocular pneumoplethysmography (OPG-Gee) measured simultaneous bilateral ophthalmic systolic pressures (OSP). Immediately after each OPG test a brachial systolic pressure (BSP) was measured with a stethoscope, cuff and manometer. Bilateral ophthalmobrachial systolic pressure (OBSP) indices were calculated from the three pressures measured with the combined testing. Analysis of these OBSP data indicates that the severe stenoses were relatively well compensated in 314 of the 516 patients (61%) whereas there was limited collateral compensation in the remaining 202 patients (39%). The data also suggest that the latter group incurs a greater element of compensatory central hypertension, which is reversed by carotid endarterectomy.
Sequential droplet manipulation via vibrating ratcheted microchannels

This work reports on a simple scheme for transport and sequential manipulation of droplets using ratchet-shaped microchannels. Once subjected to lateral vibration through a sinusoidal shaker with a controllable frequency and amplitude, droplets move along the direction of least resistance with velocities depending on vibration parameters (amplitude and frequency), channel geometry and material properties, and the angle between the channel and vibration direction (lateral offset angle). Using channels having different lateral offset angles, we achieved a controllable time delay between the transports of various droplets. Based on the same principal, we also designed a multi-functional droplet manipulation platform with the capability to transport, collect, mix, and discharge several droplets.
Broad-band properties of the CfA Seyfert galaxies. III. Ultraviolet variability

A total of 657 archived IUE spectra are used to study the UV variability properties of six members of the CfA Seyfert I galaxy sample. All show strong evidence for continuum and line variations and a tendency for less luminous objects to be more strongly variable. Most objects show a clear correlation at zero lag between UV spectral index and luminosity, evidence that the variable component is an accretion disk around a black hole which is systematically smaller in less luminous sources. No correlation is seen between the continuum luminosity and equivalent width of the C IV, Mg II, and semiforbidden C III emission lines when the entire sample is examined, but a clear anticorrelation is present when only repeated observations of individual objects are considered. This is due to a combination of light-travel time effects in the broad-line region and the nonlinear responses of lines to continuum fluctuations.
Subhyoid midline ectopic thyroid tissue in the absence of normal thyroid gland

Abstract Subhyoid ectopic thyroid tissue existing in the absence of a normal thyroid gland is a rare finding. The preoperative clinical impression of this lesion is nearly always thyroglossal duct cyst and its excision results in myxedema. Radioactive scan of subhyoid midline spherical masses is the only means of preoperative assessment of ectopic thyroid tissue and the presence of normal thyroid gland as well. In the absence of a scan, suspected thyroglossal duct cysts should be bisected at the time of surgery to prove they are not thyroid tissue. No midline subhyoid ectopic thyroid should be excised unless there is a normal thyroid gland.
Development of a Behavioral Scale via Factor Analysis

The Multi-Alcoholic Personality Inventory Scale (MAPIS) is a 20-item, paper-and-pencil, self-report questionnaire that measures alcohol dependency. Developed by factor analytic techniques, MAPIS is composed of four factors or subscales. These include the Drinking Pattern Factor Scale, the Psychological Factor Scale, the Stress Factor Scale, and the Personality Factor Scale. The alpha coefficient for MAPIS is 0.95, and it was validated by comparing the test responses of institutionalized and non-institutionalized alcoholics and non-alcoholics.
Lagrangian sampling for emerging contaminants through an urban stream corridor in Colorado.

Abstract: Recent national concerns regarding the environmental occurrence of emerging contaminants (ECs) have catalyzed a series of recent studies. Many ECs are released into the environment through discharges from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and other sources. In 2005, the U.S. Geological Survey and the City of Longmont initiated an investigation of selected ECs in a 13.8-km reach of St. Vrain Creek, Colorado. Seven sites were sampled for ECs following a Lagrangian design; sites were located upstream, downstream, and in the outfall of the Longmont WWTP, and at the mouths of two tributaries, Left Hand Creek and Boulder Creek (which is influenced by multiple WWTP outfalls). Samples for 61 ECs in 16 chemical use categories were analyzed and 36 were detected in one or more samples. Of these, 16 have known or suspected endocrine-disrupting potential. At and downstream from the WWTP outfall, detergent metabolites, fire retardants, and steroids were detected at the highest concentrations, which commonly exceeded 1 μg/l in 2005 and 2 μg/l in 2006. Most individual ECs were measured at concentrations less than 2 μg/l. The results indicate that outfalls from WWTPs are the largest but may not be the sole source of ECs in St. Vrain Creek. In 2005, high discharge was associated with fewer EC detections, lower total EC concentrations, and smaller EC loads in St. Vrain Creek and its tributaries as compared with 2006. EC behavior differed by individual compound, and some differences between sites could be attributed to analytical variability or to other factors such as physical or chemical characteristics or distance from contributing sources. Loads of some ECs, such as diethoxynonylphenol, accumulated or attenuated depending on location, discharge, and distance downstream from the WWTP, whereas others, such as bisphenol A, were largely conservative. The extent to which ECs in St. Vrain Creek affect native fish species and macroinvertebrate communities is unknown, but recent studies have shown that fish respond to very low concentrations of ECs, and further study on the fate and transport of these contaminants in the aquatic environment is warranted.
Review of some effects of climate change on indoor environmental quality and health and associated no-regrets mitigation measures

Abstract This paper reviews the potential health consequences of changes in climate that affect indoor environments, with an emphasis on residential environments in the U.S. and Europe. These changes in climate, include increases in the frequency and severity of heat waves, severe storms coupled with sea level rise, and wildfires, plus increases in urban airborne ozone. The potential for adverse health effects is substantial. Examples of projected effects include a doubling of heat-related deaths, increased hospitalizations for asthma, pneumonia, and cardiovascular effects during wildfires, and increased mortality and hospitalizations associated with ozone. The associated adverse exposures occur, to a significant extent, indoors. The adverse health effects will be substantially mediated by features of buildings, particularly of homes where people, particularly those most susceptible, spend the largest amount of time. Changes to buildings, or to building operations, are identified that could reduce the projected adverse health effects of climate change. Examples include improved roof insulation, roof coatings that reflect more solar energy, and more air conditioning to reduce indoor overheating. Improved particle filtration systems could reduce the health effects of particles from wildfires. Some of these measures will also reduce building energy use and the associated emissions of greenhouse gases. Most of these measures would improve health irrespective of climate change. Improvements in building energy efficiency in order to mitigate climate change, has to potential to either improve or worsen indoor environmental quality and health.
Bidentate Phenoxides as Ideal Activating Ligands for Living Ring- Opening Alkyne Metathesis Polymerization

We describe here a well-behaved initiator for ring-opening alkyne metathesis polymerization (ROAMP) of dibenzocyclooctynes. The reaction produces living polymers with low polydispersities and predictable molecular weights. We activate the well-known alkyne metathesis precatalyst, [(N(tBu)Ar)3Mo≡CCH2CH3], with phenolic ligands that have σ-electron donating substituents. We show that the chelating ability of these ligands as well as the nature of the propagating molybdenum center have dramatic effects on the outcome of the polymerization reaction.
Present and future color display technologies for graphics

Abstract This paper describes and compares the present and emerging technologies for color graphic displays. The current limits of the various technologies are described, along with the author's opinion as to what, if any, improvements might be expected in the future. Consideration is given to how new technologies may extend the current limits in size, resolution, and viewability of color displays. Emphasis is placed on high-performance displays for applications such as computer-aided design (CAD).
US Department of Health and Human Services—US Department of Agriculture survey integration activities

Abstract The National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 provided the impetus for a coordinated effort to collect and report nutrition and health status data, and stimulate research to develop uniform methodologies, technologies, and procedures for national nutrition monitoring. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) developed a joint plan to integrate the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) in 2000. Through the efforts of both agencies, and the feedback of customers and stakeholders, the vision of an integrated national survey became reality in January 2002. The integrated survey is comprised of the NHANES interviewed and examined samples. In addition to household interview data, the NHANES 2002 examined sample data set includes body measures, nutritional biochemistry and hematology data, clinical findings, a dental examination, and two 24-h dietary recalls on all examined persons. The new USDA Multiple-Pass software dietary interview and processing system software was introduced in NHANES 2002. This interview system is used to collect in-person baseline dietary recalls and telephone-mode second day dietary recalls. All NHANES dietary recall data are processed by USDA using SurveyNet software. USDA and DHHS staffs are committed to providing data users with timely data products including selected annual tabular data and biannual public release CD-ROM products to be called What We Eat in America from NHANES .
The Measurement of Small Earth Strains

Fossil evidence indicates that parts of the earth are subject to secular deformation at rates less than 10-17 per second. Evidence is presented to suggest that non-reversing strain steps associated with seismicity are concentrated in the tectonic belts. It is unknown whether mass displacement in the earth’s outer shells is accomplished principally as strain steps or by means of processes of flow and glide so far undetectable. Strain observations are required in the earth’s old stable cratons as well as in the tectonic belts. To progress in the observation of secular strain imposition a stable length standard is required. No information exists that changes in the velocity of light are less than changes in the strain state of earth materials. For this and other reasons it is concluded that a stable etalon is more suitable as reference than a length unit defined by a frequency standard such as an atomic clock. The design is described employing strain-imaging of a stress-free coupling to the crust; and of an etalon having stability in respect to geological rates of deformation.
Nitrogen Fertility Influence on Water Stress and Yield of Winter Wheat

Available soil water and N fertility are the primary factors limiting dryland winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields in the Central Great Plains. The objective of this field study was to determine how the level of N fertilization influences water use, water stress, and yield of dryland winter wheat grown in the area. The study was conducted during the 1988 and 1990 growing seasons on a Platner loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Aridic Paleustoll) near Akron, CO. Nitrogen fertilizer was broadcast as NH 4 NO 3 at 0, 28, 56, 84, and 112 kg N ha −1 . Canopy temperatures were measured with an infrared thermometer and used to compute the crop water stress index (CWSI) (...)
Nitrogen and light noble gases in Shergotty

Two samples of Shergotty and a sample of EETA 79001's lithology A have been analyzed for N, He, Ne, and Ar abundances and isotopic composition. After correcting for spallogenic nitrogen, the nitrogen isotopic ratios were found to be close to that of the terrestrial atmosphere. The spallogenic noble gas data are consistent with cosmic ray irradiation of both Shergotty and EETA 79001 at shallow shielding depths. Cosmic ray exposure ages were estimated to be in the range of 0.5-0.8 Myr for EETA 79001, and of 2.0-5.2 Myr for Shergotty, depending on the choice of object size and shielding. Among the two Shergotty samples, the contents of Ar-40 differed by a factor of 3. This difference can be attributed to either a small-scale mineralogical inhomogeneity or a significant variation in the degree of degassing of minerals during shock, although the presence of trapped argon with a high Ar-40/Ar-36 ratio and its heterogeneous distribution cannot be ruled out.