cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial Differences in Mechanical Thrombectomy Utilization for Ischemic Stroke in the United States.

Background: Compared with non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), racial-ethnic minorities bear a disproportionate burden of stroke and receive fewer evidence-based stroke care processes and treatments. Since 2015, me­chanical thrombectomy (MT) has become standard of care for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with proximal anterior circula­tion large vessel occlusion (LVO). Objectives: Our objectives were to: assess recent trends in nationwide MT utilization among patients with AIS; determine if there were racial differences; and identify what factors were associated with such differ­ences. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using nationally representative data of a non-institutionalized population sample from 2006 to 2014 obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). We identified a total of 889,309 observations of AIS, of which there were 5,256 MT observa­tions. Results: In the fully adjusted model, rate of thrombectomy utilization was significantly lower in African Americans (AA) (OR .67, CI .58-.76, P<.001) compared with NHW and Hispanics (OR .94, CI .78-1.13, P=.5). Conclusion: We found a significant dispar­ity in MT utilization for AA compared with NHW and Hispanics. More work is needed to understand the drivers of this racial disparity in stroke treatment. Ethn Dis. 2020;30(1):91-96; doi:10.18865/ed.30.1.91
IN-HOSPITAL OUTCOMES OF ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: A NATIONWIDE ANALYSIS

Studies evaluating the risk of ischemic heart disease in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are limited and have shown conflicting data. We aimed to evaluate the impact of MS in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We utilized the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data from 2010-2014 to
Teacher qualification matters: The association between cumulative teacher qualification and students’ educational attainment

Abstract Despite the significant role that teachers play in students’ education, there is little consensus on whether teacher qualification indicators actually correspond to improved academic success by students. To better understand the role that teacher qualification plays, this study examines the relationship between teachers’ qualifications and students’ educational attainment. Since students are exposed to different teachers with various qualifications every year, we use a cumulative perspective to examine the role of teacher qualification indices. The results show that students who have been taught by multiple highly qualified teachers were more likely to earn higher level educational degrees. Considering teacher qualification will continue to play an integral role, the findings from this study have significant implications for education policy across nations.
Overview of current and emerging therapies for amytrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, fatal neuromuscular disease. Most patients die within 2 to 5 years of diagnosis. The disease stems from death of upper and lower motor neurons leading to degeneration of motor pathways and the paralytic effects of the disease. The economic cost of the disease is not clear, with estimates ranging from about $64,000 per year to $200,000. Two drugs, riluzole and edaravone, are currently FDA approved for the treatment of ALS, and each provides modest benefits in mortality and/or function. Recent developments in the understanding of the underlying pathophysiologic processes that contribute to ALS have led to the development of numerous investigational therapies, with several now in phase 3 trials. This article highlights the oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor masitinib; the antisense drug tofersen; the humanized monoclonal antibody C5 complement inhibitor ravulizumab-cwvz; and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-neurotrophic factor (NTF) cells, a proprietary platform that induces autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs to secrete high levels of NTFs.
Does Gender Influence the Relationship Between High Blood Pressure and Dementia? Highlighting Areas for Further Investigation.

Background Gender differences have been noted in studies linking blood pressure to all-cause dementia, and the two most common forms of dementia: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). However, how gender modifies the relationship between blood pressure and dementia remains unclear. Objective To review evidence for a gender modifying effect on the link between blood pressure and all-cause dementia. Methods A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Sixteen out of 256 reviewed articles met inclusion criteria. Results For women, higher midlife systolic blood pressure (SBP) and hypertension were both associated with greater risk of all-cause dementia, AD, and VaD, in six out of seven studies. Two of these studies reported higher midlife SBP/hypertension were associated with greater risk for all-cause dementia in women, but not men. One study reported higher midlife SBP associated with greater AD risk in women, but not men. However, another study reported that midlife hypertension associated with AD risk in men, but not women. No clear gender differences were reported in the relationship between late-life high blood pressure/hypertension with all-cause dementia or AD. Conclusion Studies rarely, and inconsistently, analyzed or reported gender effects. Therefore, interpretation of available evidence regarding the role of gender in blood pressure associated dementia was difficult. Several studies indicated higher midlife SBP was associated with greater risk of all-cause dementia for women, compared to men. Future studies should evaluate women-specific aging processes that occur in midlife when considering the association between blood pressure and dementia risk.
PEG-Modified Hemoglobin as an Oxygen Carrier

A need is strongly recognized for a safe red cell substitute that can carry oxygen to the hypoxic tissues of an anemic body. Banked blood is in short supply because of mounting fears of donors and limited storage life. A safe, stable, oxygen carrier would eliminate many problems such as cross-matching of blood types, danger of virus infections, short shelf life, and availability. Not only could this be used as an oxygen-carrying plasma expander for trauma victims and patients in surgery, such as cardiac bypass and angioplasty, this product could also be used as a perfusate for the preservation of isolated organs for transplantation. Cold storage is the popular choice for preservation at present, but there is an increasing demand for a safe organ perfusate that would promote the use of perfusion preservation to obtain a longer period of preservation.
The Causal Effects of Cultural Relevance: Evidence from an Ethnic Studies Curriculum

An extensive theoretical and qualitative literature stresses the promise of instructional practices and content aligned with the cultural experiences of minority students. Ethnic studies courses provide a growing but controversial example of such “culturally relevant pedagogy.” However, the empirical evidence on the effectiveness of these courses is limited. In this study, we estimate the causal effects of an ethnic studies curriculum piloted in several San Francisco high schools. We rely on a “fuzzy” regression discontinuity design based on the fact that several schools assigned students with eighth-grade GPAs below a threshold to take the course in ninth grade. Our results indicate that assignment to this course increased ninth-grade student attendance by 21 percentage points, GPA by 1.4 grade points, and credits earned by 23. These surprisingly large effects are consistent with the hypothesis that the course reduced dropout rates and suggest that culturally relevant teaching, when implemented in a supportive, high-fidelity context, can provide effective support to at-risk students.
Patterns of Implicit and Explicit Stereotypes III: Long-Term Change in Gender Stereotypes:

Gender stereotypes are widely shared “collective representations” that link gender groups (e.g., male/female) with roles or attributes (e.g., career/family, science/arts). Such collective stereotyp...
Enhancing isotope mixing in U-10Mo downblend castings with electromagnetic stirring

Abstract Uranium alloyed with 10 wt percent molybdenum (U-10Mo) is the proposed fuel for use in the United States’ high-performance research reactors. The U-10Mo fuel is fabricated by a two-step casting process that downblends highly enriched uranium with depleted uranium (DU) and/or natural uranium (NU) and subsequently alloys the resulting high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) with Mo. Currently, a two-step casting process is needed to meet the ingots’ U-235 enrichment homogeneity specifications. This work demonstrates the ability to provide more homogeneous U-235 distributions during downblend casting by using zirconia for crucibles rather than graphite. When graphite is used as a crucible, the electromagnetic field produced by the induction heater couples directly with the graphite. Zirconia is nonconducting in this study, and therefore does not couple with the field. The induction field couples directly with the metal, and causes electromagnetic stirring (EMS) in the molten metal pool. Eight downblend casting experiments were carried out in this work. Four were performed with zirconia crucibles and four with graphite crucibles. The U-235 enrichment was measured at nine discrete points in each casting using laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS). The enrichment homogeneity was approximately eight times better in zirconia crucible castings than in graphite crucible castings as measured by the plate enrichment range and enrichment coefficient of variation. The results show a single casting step could be used to meet USHPRR enrichment specifications if electromagnetic stirring is present during casting. A related investigation was carried out to determine whether it is appropriate to measure enrichment on as-cast ingots or whether heat treated specimens should be used to accurately characterize enrichment. The results show that the as-cast microstructure plays a significant role in enrichment homogeneity. It is recommended that all enrichment measurements be done after the homogenization heat treatment typical of U-10Mo processing.
Noncurative microsurgery for cerebral aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of wrapping, residual, and recurrence rates.

Objective Microsurgery for cerebral aneurysms is called definitive, yet some patients undergo a craniotomy that results in noncurative treatment. Furthermore, the overall rate of noncurative microsurgery for cerebral aneurysms is unclear. The objective of this study was to complete a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify three scenarios of noncurative treatment: aneurysm wrapping, postclipping remnants, and late regrowth of completely obliterated aneurysms. Methods A PRISMA-guided systematic literature review of the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases and meta-analysis was completed. Studies were included that detailed rates of aneurysm wrapping, residua confirmed with imaging, and regrowth after confirmed total occlusion. Pooled rates were subsequently calculated using a random-effects model. An assessment of statistical heterogeneity and publication bias among the included studies was also completed for each analysis, with resultant I2 values and p values determined with Egger's test. Results Sixty-four studies met the inclusion criteria for final analysis. In 41 studies, 573/15,715 aneurysms were wrapped, for a rate of 3.5% (95% CI 2.7%-4.2%, I2 = 88%). In 43 studies, 906/13,902 aneurysms had residual neck or dome filling, for a rate of 6.4% (95% CI 5.2%-7.6%, I2 = 93%). In 15 studies, 71/2568 originally fully occluded aneurysms showed regrowth, for a rate of 2.1% (95% CI 1.2%-3.1%, I2 = 58%). Together, there was a total rate of noncurative surgery of 12.0% (95% CI 11.5%-12.5%). Egger's test suggested no significant publication bias among the studies. Meta-regression analysis revealed that the reported rate of aneurysm wrapping has significantly declined over time, whereas the rates of aneurysm residua and recurrence have not significantly changed. Conclusions Open microsurgery for cerebral aneurysm results in noncurative treatment approximately 12% of the time. This metric may be used to counsel patients and as a benchmark for other treatment modalities. This investigation is limited by the high degree of heterogeneity among the included studies.
The Multiple Personality of the Dead: Executors, Administrators, and the Conflict of Laws

In this country it is not just the evil that men do that lives after them; their goods are neither interred with their bones, nor gobbled up by the state,' nor left to the mercies of those into whose hands they fall. Assets must be collected; obligations of the departed must be satisfied; the residue must be distributed to his near and dear and to the local cat hospital. These tasks do not perform themselves, and it is too late for the late lamented to perform them. Thus, prestol Enter the executor, the administrator, the personal representative of the estate of the deceased. The sensible thing to do would be to appoint one live person to do the whole job for one dead one. But unfortunately Mr. Bumble was right, as far as this branch of the law is concerned, for the demise of an individual with assets in more than one state gives rise to more than
Is Balancing Family and Work a Sustainable Metaphor

Abstract Using personal, clinical, and research experiences, the author explores various challenges families and therapists face in the information society and how new dominant metaphors about personhood and family have the potential of entrapping families and individuals. The author reflects on how to frame therapeutic work with couples and families as they attempt to navigate through a new economic order and its predominant discourses in post-industrialized societies such as the United States. As a political activist in South America and, later, a clinically minded systems clinician, the author's awareness of social ecologies as framing our experiences and agency informs these reflections. This article developed out of an earlier presentation at a meeting of the Council on Contemporary Families Annual Meeting in 19991 and was formulated as a response to the question: What Works for Families?
A Review of “Shivers Down Your Spine: Cinema, Museums, and the Immersive View”

The challenge of Alison Griffiths’ Shivers Down Your Spine is two-fold: to animate the ossified models of spectatorship in film and media studies, while also questioning the “newness” of the so-cal...
Interdisciplinary Team Teaching in a Barrio Primary Care Mental Health Setting

Abstract The dramatic increase in the number of social workers entering the health care field, coupled with the movement within health care systems toward comprehensive primary care, represent a significant challenge to social work educators to prepare students to work effectively in this highly complex field. This paper describes an innovative, interdisciplinary mental health training program developed in Houston that is geared to primary care community settings that serve underprivileged populations. Attention is given to the role of social work in this interdisciplinary program, as well as to the broader implications that this training and service model holds for social work education.
Fixed nitrogen loss from the eastern tropical North Pacific and Arabian Sea oxygen deficient zones determined from measurements of N2:Ar

[1] Previous work estimating the N2excess above background due to denitrification has suggested that nitrate deficit-type methods may be an underestimate of fixed nitrogen (N) loss in the major oxygen deficient zones of the ocean. The N2excess approach has the advantage over nitrate deficit-type methods in that it does not depend on stoichiometric assumptions of fixed N to phosphate or oxygen utilization and avoids any uncertainly regarding the pathway of N loss. Measurements of N2:Ar from two stations within the eastern tropical North Pacific and from one station within the Arabian Sea oxygen deficient zones were used to determine the N2 excess due to denitrification. In both of the regions, the N2 excess was comparable in shape and magnitude to the concurrent fixed nitrogen deficit. In the eastern tropical North Pacific oxygen deficient zone, the N2 excess was near zero at the surface and rose to maxima of 13.7 ± 1.8 and 10.8 ± 1.9 μM N, compared to maximum fixed N deficits of 13.5 ± 1.5 and 12.3 ± 1.5 μM N, respectively. In the Arabian Sea oxygen deficient zone, the maximum N2 excess was 11.1 ± 1.5 μM N, compared to a maximum deficit of 12.5 ± 1.0 μM N. These results suggests that previous estimates of fixed N loss based on fixed N deficit calculations in these regions are likely reasonable, given the same considerations of volume and residence time of the water of the oxygen deficient zone.
Symposium: The Seat Belt Defense in Practice The Seat Belt Defense: State of the Law

The question of whether a plaintiff in an automobile personal injury action should be barred from recovery or have his damages reduced because he failed to make use of available automotive seat belts has been under consideration for less than a decade. Despite the recent origin of the "seat belt defense," a good deal of attention has been given to the topic in law reviews and other legal periodicals. The nature and elements of the defense were fully explained in a Defense Research Institute monograph on the subject.3 However, some misconceptions as to the status of the case law construing it appear to have developed since the original monograph was published. The purpose of this article is to analyze the case law and re-examine the nature and elements of the seat belt defense as they relate to the cases. It should be noted that the general term "seat belt" refers to many restraint devices other than the familiar lap belt. The term as used herein includes the shoulder strap-lap belt combination, which is standard on newer vehicles, as well as such less frequently used devices as the harness type of restraint. The seat belt defense is equally applicable to all automobile restraint devices currently available, as well as those which may be developed in the future. Thirty-six reported decisions have been found in which the defense was considered, but these were concerned with the law of only twenty- three jurisdictions. Therefore, at least as far as "appellate" courts are concerned, the seat belt defense has not been considered in over one- half of the jurisdictions. The highest appellate courts of only five states and one Canadian province have been called upon to consider the defense with three of these approving it, two rejecting it, and one failing to consider its merits due to other factors involved in the case... Language: en
Measurements of productivity: key to survival

Industrial survival in a hyper–competitive global market–place increasingly will depend upon development of a sustainable competitive advantage. A competitive advantage, in turn, increasingly will require knowledge–intensive high–value–added content in each operating system. The degree of value–added is measurable in terms of various forms of 'productivity' (performance/cost), but conventional measures of productivity are limited in their usefulness. Output divided by labour, or output divided by labour plus capital, do not adequately assess the degree of knowledge–intensive value–added content of an operation. More sophisticated forms of productivity measurement have been developed which have been demonstrated to have a high correlation with success. Much improved strategic allocation of always limited resources can result.
Computer animated simulation of robotic manipulators and workcell design

A computer simulation of robotic manipulators using 3-D graphics and animation on an IBM PC is presented. The simulation package includes a library of robots and objects which can be placed in a workcell and viewed from any angle. Robots and objects can be custom designed and added to the library. A robot programming instruction set is available to create robot programs with an easy-to-use line editor. Robot programs can then be executed on the simulator using real-time animation. The simulator can also control an actual robot through the computer's serial communication port. This software is intended for engineers who want to simulate and test new workcell designs or robot programs without bringing their robot offline, or for educators looking for an inexpensive way to give students experience in programming robots. >
Nonlinear Zonal Wind Response to ENSO in the CMIP5 Models: Roles of the Zonal and Meridional Shift of the ITCZ/SPCZ and the Simulated Climatological Precipitation*

AbstractThe observed equatorial Pacific zonal wind response during El Nino tends to be stronger than during La Nina. Most global coupled climate models in phase 5 of CMIP (CMIP5) exhibit such nonlinearity, although weaker than observed. The wind response nonlinearity can be reproduced by driving a linear shallow water atmospheric model with a model’s or the observed precipitation anomalies, which can be decomposed into two main components: the zonal and meridional redistribution of the climatological precipitation. Both redistributions contribute comparably to the total rainfall anomalies, whereas the zonal redistribution plays the dominant role in the zonal wind response. The meridional redistribution component plays an indirect role in the nonlinear wind response by limiting the zonal redistribution during La Nina and thus enhancing the nonlinearity in the wind response significantly. During La Nina, the poleward movement of the ITCZ/SPCZ reduces the equatorial zonal-mean precipitation available for the...
Validity Checking for Combinations of Theories with Equality

An essential component in many verification methods is a fast decision procedure for validating logical expressions. This paper presents the algorithm used in the Stanford Validity Checker (SVC) which has been used to aid several realistic hardware verification efforts. The logic for this decision procedure includes Boolean and uninterpreted functions and linear arithmetic. We have also successfully incorporated other interpreted functions, such as array operations and linear inequalities. The primary techniques which allow a complete and efficient implementation are expression sharing, heuristic rewriting, and congruence closure with interpreted functions. We discuss these techniques and present the results of initial experiments in which SVC is used as a decision procedure in PVS, resulting in dramatic speed-ups.
MPnRAGE: A technique to simultaneously acquire hundreds of differently contrasted MPRAGE images with applications to quantitative T1 mapping

Purpose To introduce a new technique called MPnRAGE, which produces hundreds of images with different T1 contrasts and a B1 corrected T1 map. Theory and Methods An interleaved three-dimensional radial k-space trajectory with a sliding window reconstruction is used in conjunction with magnetization preparation pulses. This work modifies the SNAPSHOT-FLASH T1 fitting equations for radial imaging with view-sharing and develops a new rapid B1 correction procedure. MPnRAGE is demonstrated in phantoms and volunteers, including two volunteers with eight scans each and eight volunteers with two scans each. T1 values from MPnRAGE were compared with those from fast spin echo inversion recovery (FSE-IR) in phantoms and a healthy human brain at 3 Tesla (T). Results The T1 fit for human white and gray matter was T1MPnRAGE = 1.00 · T1FSE-IR + 24 ms, r2 = 0.990. Voxel-wise coefficient of variation in T1 measurements across eight time points was between 0.02 and 0.08. Region of interest-based T1 values were reproducible to within 2% and agree well with literature values. Conclusion In the same amount of time as a traditional MPRAGE exam (7.5 min), MPnRAGE was shown to produce hundreds of images with alternate T1 contrasts as well as an accurate and reproducible T1 map that is robust to B1 errors. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using Remote Sensing to Deduce the Aerosol Direct and Indirect Radiative Forcing of Climate

Strategies for using multispectral satellite imagery data to determine the aerosol direct and indirect radiative forcing by the combination of natural and anthropogenic aerosols are described.
Adaptation of plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to coal tailings in Indiana.

We tested the potential for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to mediate plant adaptation to mine soil conditions utilizing a full factorial experiment involving two fungal communities, two ecotypes of plants and two soil types. We found that plants grew larger with fungal communities derived from mine soil regardless of the soil type in which they were grown. There was no evidence that the plants suffered from aluminum toxicity; however, plants grown in coal tailings produced far less biomass than those grown in low-nutrient clay soil. Andropogon virginicus L. grown from seeds collected from a coal mine had increased allocation to roots in sterile soil. Plantago lanceolata L. grown from seeds collected from a coal mine also showed an increased allocation to roots. We concluded that harsh edaphic conditions may help reinforce the symbiotic relationship between plants and AM fungi, resulting in more beneficial symbionts.
Synthesis and Morphological Behavior of Silicon-Containing Triblock Copolymers for Nanostructure Applications

We report the synthesis of high molecular weight triblock copolymers of the type ABA and BAB, where A is polyisoprene (PI) and B is poly(pentamethyldisilylstyrene) (P(PMDSS)), respectively. The volume fraction of the minority component (PI) for the ABA copolymer was 0.33, while that for the BAB copolymer was 0.23. The synthesis procedure of the P(PMDSS) blocks corresponded to that of polystyrene (PS), and low polydispersity with targeted compositions were achieved. The morphology of the triblock copolymers was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and digital Fourier transform patterns. From TEM and diffraction analysis, the ABA polymer exhibited the double gyroid cubic morphology, while the BAB polymer showed a P(PMDSS) spherical domain morphology. The double gyroid morphology is the first to be reported in a silicon-containing block copolymer and consists of two three-dimensionally continuous, interpenetrating but nonintersecting networks of PI in a matrix of P(PMDSS)). Preliminary oxi...
Dynamical Properties of a Hydrated Lipid Bilayer from a Multinanosecond Molecular Dynamics Simulation

A fully hydrated dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayer has been studied by a molecular dynamics simulation. The system, which consisted of 64 DMPC molecules and 1792 water molecules, was run in the NVE ensemble at a temperature of 333 K for a total of 10 ns. The resulting trajectory was used to analyze structural and dynamical quantities. The electron density, bilayer spacing, and order parameters (S(CD)), based on the AMBER forcefield and SPCE water model are in good agreement with previous calculations and experimental data. The simulation reveals evidence for two types of lateral diffusive behavior: cage hopping and that of a two-dimensional liquid. The lateral diffusion coefficient is 8 x 10(-8) cm(2)/s. We characterize the rotational motion, and find that the lipid tail rotation (D(rot_tail) = -0.04 rad(2)/ns) is slower then the head group rotation (D(rot_hg) = 2.2 rad(2)/ns), which is slower than the overall in plane (D(rot) = 3.2 rad(2)/ns) for the lipid molecule.
The effect of dentine fragments on the healing of the exposed pulp

Abstract The effect of dentine chips and fragments on the healing of the exposed pulp was studied in forty-six primary and permanent teeth. Findings of inflammation of various degrees, resorption of dentine chips and fragments and their encapsulation in “callus” showed a foreign body reaction by the pulp. In both inflamed and non-inflamed pulps the presence of dentine chips and fragments disturbed the healing and therefore the formation of dentine bridges was defective or absent.
Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the infratemporal fossa: A rare case and review†‡

Although it represents the second most common neoplasm of the head and neck, lymphoma is generally not surgically managed and thus may be less familiar to otolaryngologists than other malignancies. However, otolaryngologists are often involved in the initial diagnosis, and should be aware of unusual presentations and the main lymphoma subtypes. We present a case of an extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, an indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma subtype. This type of lymphoma most commonly occurs in the stomach, but was found in the infratemporal fossa. This is the first report of an extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma occurring in this location.
Neonatal caffeine exposure alters developmental sensitivity to adenosine receptor ligands.

Studies were done to determine whether the apparent changes in behavioral sensitivity to adenosine receptor ligands that occur with age and with neonatal caffeine exposure were due to a change in sensitivity of the receptor for the ligand or to a more fundamental change in the receptor. Using an animal model that mimics the brain developmental period and level of caffeine exposure in human premature neonates treated with caffeine for apnea of prematurity, behavioral and neurochemical investigations were undertaken. The locomotor responses to acute challenge with caffeine (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg) and with D-phenylisopropyladenosine (D-PIA) (0.038 and 0.38 mg/kg), an adenosine receptor agonist, were measured in control and neonatally caffeine-exposed rats at 12, 15, 18, and 28 days of age. The dissociation constants (Kd) and maximal binding densities (Bmax) for agonist binding at the adenosine A1 receptor site were determined over a similar time period. Caffeine displacement of an adenosine A1 agonist was also measured to examine in vitro sensitivity to caffeine as a function of age and neonatal caffeine exposure. Our studies demonstrated that the differential responses to adenosine receptor ligands seen as a function of both age and neonatal caffeine exposure could not be overcome by merely increasing the doses of ligand administered. In addition, the results of the binding studies indicated that changes in the adenosine receptor are occuring as a function of age in different regions of the brain of control animals and that this development is influenced by neonatal caffeine exposure.
Tuner: A tool for designing and optimizing ion optical systems

Abstract Designing and optimizing ion optical systems is often a complex and difficult task, which requires the use of computational tools to iterate and converge towards the desired characteristics and performances of the system. Very often these tools are not well adapted for exploring the numerous degrees of freedom, rendering the process long and tedious, as well as somewhat random due to the very large number of local minima typically found when looking for a particular optical solution. This paper presents a novel approach to finding the desired solution of an optical system, by providing the user with an instant feedback of the effects of changing parameters. The process of finding an approximate solution by manually adjusting parameters is greatly facilitated, at which point the final tune can be calculated by minimization according to a number of constraints.
Functional research on deviance: A critical analysis and guide for the future

This paper addresses quantitative and historical studies which purport to demonstrate the utility of a “Durkheimian” functionalist approach to deviance. When that tradition is analyzed the most dramatic general propositions are found to be inconsistent with subsequent extensions of the argument and are not supported by the examples presented. When the subsequent extensions are assessed in terms of the basic logic of a functional explanation the data presented are either inadequate for a test of the model or ignore a crucial aspect of it. Furthermore, interpretations of specific historical witchhunts in terms of a functional‐boundary maintenance model run counter to generalizations in historical research on European, British and colonial witchhunting. Even the link to Durkheim can be challenged in that arguments about mutual causation and ultimate consequences have been misinterpreted as arguments about functions and some of Durkheim's statements imply a quite different model. A careful assessment of bound...
The hyperfine field in metallic copper appropriate to a Fermi-surface electron

Abstract Using the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method and the Chodorow potential, the band structure wave functions have been determined at 22 098 points on copper's Fermi surface. This results in a prediction for metallic copper of 0.43 for the standard Knight's ratio.
Ultra-broadband chip-to-chip interconnects to 220 GHz for Si-based millimeter-wave systems

Ultra-broadband chip-to-chip interconnects at high frequencies are demonstrated. These interconnects, based on the Quilt Packaging (QP) approach, appear to be promising for applications in millimeter-wave circuits due to their extremely wide bandwidth and ease of assembly. The performance of chip-to-chip interconnects in a 50 Ω coplanar waveguide environment on high-resistivity silicon substrates has been measured to 220 GHz using a vector network analyzer, and is compared with projections obtained from 3D electromagnetic modeling. Single-mode, resonance-free operation is demonstrated through 220 GHz, with insertion loss below 1.5 dB over the full frequency range. Although the resistance of the conductive epoxy (used for the prototypes reported here) limits the performance of the QP nodules, simulations indicate that better joining methods such as soldering promise to yield insertion loss of much less than 1 dB at 220 GHz.
Chlamydia trachomatis infections in neonates and young children

In 1911, Lindner and colleagues identified intracytoplasmic inclusions in infants with a nongonococcal form of ophthalmia neonatorum called inclusion conjunctivitis of the newborn (ICN). Mothers of affected infants were found to have inclusions in their cervical epithelial cells, fathers of such infants had inclusions in their urethral cells, and the epidemiology of sexually transmitted chlamydial infections was revealed. Fifty years later, chlamydial isolation procedures were developed, and studies again demonstrated Chlamydia trachomatis as an etiology of ICN and the female birth canal as the reservoir. In the late 1970s, a report by Beem and Saxon described respiratory tract colonization and a distinct pneumonia syndrome in infected infants. Genital chlamydial infection is recognized as the world's most common sexually transmitted disease, with estimates of greater than 4 million new infections occurring annually in the United States. Although most C. trachomatis infections in men and women are asymptomatic, infection can lead to severe reproductive complications in women. The high prevalence in women of child-bearing age results in exposure of an estimated 100,000 neonates in the United States annually. Many of these infants develop conjunctivitis, pneumonia, or both in the first few months of life. Clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and approaches to prevention of conjunctivitis and pneumonia in the newborn and young infant are reviewed here. Appropriate testing for chlamydial infection in a pediatric victim of sexual assault and the implications of identifying C. trachomatis in suspected cases of childhood sexual abuse also are reviewed.
Transmission Spectra of Diatomic and Triatomic Molecules at High Pressures in the Mid-Infrared and THz Regions

We have observed distinct ro-vibrational and rotational transitions in carbon monoxide isotopic variants, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.
A Second-Generation 1024-Channel Portable Gamma-Ray Spectrometer

Following the successful design in 1974 of a 256-channel battery-powered pulse-height analyzer system, we have completed a second-generation analyzer with advanced features, lighter weight, and more rugged construction. The 17-kg analyzer includes a NaI detector and is packaged as a small suitcase; it has high stability and accuracy to allow use over the temperature range from -30 to +70°C. The waterproof unit has many features not found on any commercial unit to allow sophisticated analysis by non-electronics oriented personnel. Its 36-button keyboard will allow manipulation of multiple spectra, integrations, and expanded energy scale with readout in keV. If its self-contained SX70 display camera is not sufficient for record keeping, the unit will telemeter all data onto analog tape or send to a remote computer via phone coupler.
The development of a tip-fan wind turbine mathematical model

Today micro wind turbines are the most widely used type of wind turbine. The use of rotor tip-fan for enhancing both power conversion as well as low wind speed operation of wind turbines is investigated. It is proposed that tip-fans operating in the tangential directions create a tangential force that enhances the rotor thrust. Experiments were carried out in New Mexico State University wind tunnel to investigate the effect of tip-fans on the turbine performance. Furthermore, initial results of wind tunnel testing showed that more net power is extracted from the wind when tip-fans are ON than when tip-fans are OFF. It is concluded that the wind turbine performance is greatly affected by tip-fans which enhance the rotor speed at low wind speed. The present experimental results suggest that the performance of the proposed system is considerably greater than that of a bare wind turbine. This paper presents developing a mathematical model for wind turbines with tip-fan attached to each blade's tip.
Investigation of the local superconducting properties in Ag-sheathed BSCCO tapes by STEM

Abstract Grain boundaries in Ag-sheathed (Bi/Pb) 2 Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 10 tapes are investigated on the atomic scale, using a combination of Z-contrast imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy in the scanning transmission electron microscope. The oxygen K and the copper L 2,3 ionization edges are studied to determine the copper valence at grain boundaries in two tapes exhibiting different critical current densities ( J c ). The lower J c tape contains precipitates at high angle grain boundaries which appear to cause the formation of an extended non-stoichiometric zone, depleted in oxygen, and where the copper valence is less than or equal +1. In the higher J c tape, no reduction in copper valence is found at the high angle grain boundaries, indicating no depletion zone and suggesting improved transport properties. Thus, a correlation is found between the quality of the grain boundaries, the presence of other phases, and the overall J c of the tapes.
Perverse sheaves and finite dimensional algebras

We study finite dimensional algebras which arise from categories of perverse sheaves on complex algebraic varieties.
Two mechanisms of split second heart sound in a patient with atrial septal defect

Abstract A case of atrial septal defect with cleft mitral valve was repaired. Following operative repair, right bundle branch block developed. The dynamic study of the patient revealed two mechanisms for the splitting of the second sound: prolonged ejection of the right ventricle prior to surgery; delayed activation, contraction and relaxation of the right ventricle after surgery.
Estradiol administration and reproductive performance in rats

Estradiol in doses of 2 and 4 micrograms increased uterine triphenyltetrazolium (TTC) metabolism at day of breeding when administered for two days prior to breeding. Estradiol as administered in these experiments resulted in decreased uterine TTC metabolism at day 4 and 8 of gestation when compared to the metabolism of untreated females. Two micrograms of estradiol administered one and two days prior to breeding increased reproductive performance. Two micrograms of estradiol administered one day prior to breeding and at day of breeding drastically reduced reproductive performance.
Direct comparison of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for characterization of posterior left atrial morphology.

Accumulating evidence points to the central importance of the posterior left atrium (PLA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Catheter ablation intended to cure AF is increasingly practiced; performance and assessment of this procedure is enhanced by accurate imaging of PLA anatomy. Prior reports have suggested that both computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques provide accurate PLA images. These techniques have never been compared directly. Twenty patients referred for catheter ablation underwent preoperative imaging using both CT and MR. Each technique was used to create a multidimensional image of the PLA. Within patients, morphologic and dimensional PLA indices, including number of individual pulmonary venoatrial junctions, presence of ostial branches, circumference of each venoatrial junction, venoatrial junction “non-circularity”, and distance between ipsilateral superior and inferior venoatrial junctions, were well correlated. CT and MR-based images of the PLA appear comparable. Technique selection should involve considerations of toxicity, tolerance, and local resources.
The binding energy of VXe

Abstract The resonant photodissociation spectrum of gas-phase VXe + is presented. A single prominent electronic transition with a long upper state vibrational progression is observed in the visible. Analysis of the 51 V 129 Xe + data gives T 00 , ω ′ e , and ω e χ ′ e as 15613, 107.9 and 0.95 cm −1 , respectively. The diabatic dissociation energy of the upper state, D ′ 0 , corresponding to a 3d 3 4s configuration on the metal ion, is found to be 3220 ± 50 cm −1 . This is significantly less than the adiabatic dissociation energy of the ground state, D ″ 0 , corresponding to a 3d 4 configuration of the metal, at 5240 ± 50 cm −1 . These observations are compared with other vanadium-ligand ion complexes.
An EM Algorithm Fitting First-Order Conditional Autoregressive Models to Longitudinal Data

Abstract An EM algorithm fits a state-space formulation of the longitudinal regression model in which a continuous response depends on the lagged response and both time-dependent and time-independent covariates. The baseline response depends only on covariates. The model handles both missing data and Gaussian measurement error on both response and continuous covariates. The E step uses the Kalman filter and associated filtering algorithms to update the unknown true response and predictor series for the observed data. The M step uses standard closed-form Gaussian results. Standard errors come from the supplemented EM (SEM) algorithm. The model accurately fits 6 years of pulmonary function measurements on 158 children with many missing observations.
Insulin-dependent alterations of phorbol ester binding to adipocyte subcellular constituents. Evidence for the involvement of protein kinase C in insulin action.

The binding of tritiated phorbol-12, 13-dibutyrate (3H-PBu2) was employed to estimate the mass of protein kinase C associated with plasma membranes and cytosol isolated from untreated and insulin-treated adipocytes. Binding of 3H-PBu2 to both plasma membranes and cytosol was rapid, achieving a steady state within minutes. Treatment of cells with physiological concentration of insulin (0.67 mM) caused a 42% increase (from 0.92 ± 0.08 to 1.30 ± 0.12 pmol 3H-PBu2/mg protein, p <0.0001) and a 27% decrease (from 0.41 ± 0.07 to 0.30 ± 0.05 pmol 3H-PBu2/mg protein, p <0.020) in phorbol ester bound to cytosol and plasma membranes, respectively. The half-maximal concentrations of unlabelled PBu2 needed to displace 3H-PBu2 bound to cytosol from control and insulin-treated cells were 54 and 13 pM, respectively. These data indicate that insulin modifies protein kinase C in adipocytes.
Automated Reporting of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Alters Referral Patterns to a Nephrology Clinic

Abstract An estimated 11% to 25% of adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease (CKD). In 2002, the National Kidney Foundation published a 5-stage classification of CKD based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) intending to improve identification and management of prevalent cases (National Kidney Foundation, Am J Kidney Dis. 2002;39:S1–266). Nephrologists anticipated that the reporting of estimated GFR would improve early detection of CKD. The authors hypothesized that automatic eGFR reporting in our institution would subsequently result in increased new nephrology outpatient referrals at an earlier stage of CKD. The authors found that the proportion of referrals identifying earlier stages of CKD (eGFR greater than 45 mL/min) increased significantly for 2 years following the institution of eGFR reporting but was not sustained ( P = 0.018); this trend was most obvious in African American women. No significant trend was seen with respect to age. The authors discuss potential reasons for automated eGFR reporting not leading to a sustained increase in nephrology referrals.
Infrared telescope design - Implications from cryogenic tests of fused-silica mirrors

A brief review of results from recent cryogenic tests of fused-silica mirrors is given with consideration of the implications for the design of cooled infrared telescopes. Implications include optical performance with a discusion of the top-down optical error budgeting for the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF), thermal properties of the mirrors, and mirror mounting.
Xyloside effects on in vitro hematopoiesis: Functional and biochemical studies

Xyloside supplementation of long-term bone marrow cultures (LTBMCs) has been reported to result in greatly enhanced proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells. This was presumed to be the result of xyloside-mediated perturbation of proteoglycan synthesis by marrow-derived stromal cells. To investigate this phenomenon, we first studied the effects of xyloside supplementation on proteoglycan synthesis by D2XRadII bone marrow stromal cells, which support hematopoietic stem cell proliferation in vitro. D2XRadII cells were precursor labelled with 35S-sulfate, and proteoglycans separated by ion exchange chromatography, isopyknic CsCl gradient centrifugation, and gel filtration HPLC. Xyloside-supplemented cultures showed an approximately fourfold increase in total 35S incorporation, mainly as free chondroitin-dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) glycosaminoglycan chains in the culture media. Both xyloside supplemented and nonsupplemented cultures synthesized DS1, DS2, and DS3 CS/DS proteoglycans as previously described. In contrast to previous reports, xyloside was found to inhibit hematopoietic cell growth in LTBMC. Inhibitory effects were observed both in cocultures of IL-3-dependent hematopoietic cell lines with supportive stromal cell lines and in primary murine LTBMCs. Xyloside was found to have a marked inhibitory effect on the growth of murine hematopoietic stem cells and IL-3-dependent hematopoietic cell lines in clonal assay systems and in suspension cultures. In contrast, dialyzed concentrated conditioned media from LTBMCs had no such inhibitory effects. These findings suggest that xyloside-mediated inhibition of hematopoietic cell growth in LTBMC resulted from a direct effect of xyloside on proteoglycan synthesis by hematopoietic cells.