cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence of nonphysiologic short VV intervals detected by the sensing integrity counter with integrated bipolar compared with true bipolar leads: clinically inconsequential or cause for concern?

The need to detect impending implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) lead failure has grown. Automated sensing diagnostics have been developed for this reason. The sensing integrity counter (SIC) is one such oversensing diagnostic, which forms an integral part of the Medtronic™ lead integrity alert (LIA) feature on implantable defibrillators. It records nonphysiologic short VV intervals (NPSVVIs). It is unclear whether SIC data derived from integrated bipolar (IBP) leads need to be interpreted differently when compared to true bipolar (TBP) leads. We hypothesized that IBP ICD leads by virtue of a larger “antennae” may generate more NPSVVIs on than TBP leads, leading to more false-positive SIC counts. Equal durations of remote monitoring records of 44 patients (mean age of 65.9 ± 2.2 years, 52 % female) with IBP ICD leads and Medtronic (MDT) generators (IBP group) were compared with those of 44 randomly selected patients (64.0 ± 2.2 years, 24 % female) who had TBP ICD leads and MDT generators (TBP group). Mean surveillance time, defined as the time over which the cumulative SIC count was acquired, was 614 ± 44 days (TBP group) vs. 620 ± 49 days (IBP group, p = ns). The mean time of follow-up following the first documented short VV interval was 115.2 months in the integrated bipolar group and 66.9 months in the true bipolar group. Leads on advisory were excluded from the study. A total of 26/44 patients in the IBP group displayed NPSVVI compared to 11/44 patients in the TBP group (59 vs. 25 %; p = 0.002, Fisher exact test). When adjusted for gender and lead age, the difference was still significant (p = 0.008). When evaluating the clinical consequence of NPSVVI in this cohort, 3/11 TBP leads with NPSVVI of >0 were eventually extracted due to additional abnormalities vs. 0/26 IBP leads with NPSVVI (p = 0.02, Fisher exact test). None of the IBP group patients with NPSVVI have developed inappropriate therapy from lead noise or a need for abandonment or extraction. Integrated bipolar ICD leads are more likely to have elevated SIC counts than true bipolar leads despite revealing no other evidence of lead failure. There does not appear to be a need for heightened surveillance in IBP leads with observed elevated SIC counts that have no other findings to suggest lead malfunction.
JORDANS potential tourism development

Abstract Following the peace accords with Israel, Jordans potential as a destination increased significantly. Jordan consequently sought advice from various international parties for developing tourism. However, almost identical development plans designed years before by some of the same parties remain unimplemented. This is because major responsibility lies with the government and its personnel policies, taxation rates, micromanagement, and unreliable record keeping. However, beyond these problems are issues having to do with guest\host relations, cultural values, and the legacy of over a half-century of wars and enmity toward those who now compose a large portion of its market—the Israeli tourists. This paper discusses whether tourism in Jordan will be an economic boon or a destabilizing factor.
ADEPT Learning Cycles Enhance Intermediate Accounting Student Learning Success

This paper describes an approach to teaching intermediate financial accounting employing testing as a teaching and learning tool, not just an assessment tool. Using exams in an analysis‐of‐diagnostic‐exam‐driven teaching and learning cycle (ADEPT Learning Cycle), students received feedback on their proficiency on selected topics. The instructor used the results to direct students on corrective steps to resolve deficiencies and to direct targeted, immediate one‐on‐one tutoring as needed. Students had to complete each diagnostic exam successfully (80 percent grade) before interim exams. The study reports better student performance in Intermediate I for ADEPT students. Student satisfaction indicated on course evaluations also was extremely high. Further, the study reports superior performance in Intermediate II by Intermediate I ADEPT students compared to other Intermediate I students. Finally, 100 percent of “pre‐Intermediate I” accounting majors in the ADEPT approach class completed accounting degrees comp...
Modeling Consumption: Fashion modeling work in contemporary society

Fashion and branding have become powerful forces in the contemporary world. Fashion models, central players in these developments, are both lightning rods for controversy and objects of desire.To avoid the kinds of polarizing or sensationalist views of modeling that are common in academic and popular circles, this article focuses on modeling as work, to explore what models do when they fascinate or repel us via their engagement in commodification and branding processes that promote consumption. Using data from interviews with fashion models and those who work with them, the article argues that models promote consumption in far more complex ways than merely smiling for the camera.The article considers models as cultural intermediaries, discussing how they frame consumer experiences and encounters with commodities in the selection, styling and dissemination of images populated by models.Viewing models' self-commodification as forms of aesthetic, entrepreneurial, and immaterial labor, the article illustrates...
Spoiled Brats: Is Extreme Juvenile Agonism in Ring-Tailed Coatis (Nasua nasua) Dominance or Tolerated Aggression?

Ring-tailed coatis exhibit an extreme form of juvenile agonism not found in other social mammals. Two groups of habituated, individually recognized, coatis were studied over a 2.5-yr period in Iguazu National Park, Argentina. Dominance matrices were divided by year and group, resulting in four dominance hierarchies which were analyzed using the Matman computer program. Strong general patterns were seen in both groups during both years. Adult males (one per group) were the highest ranking individuals, followed by male juveniles, female juveniles, adult females, and male and female subadults. The pattern in which young, physically inferior individuals were able to outrank larger adults is different from other social mammal species in that the juvenile coatis aggressively defended food resources and directed aggression towards older individuals. These agonistic interactions may not reflect ‘dominance’ in the traditional sense, and appear to be a form of ‘tolerated aggression.’ This tolerated aggression leads to increased access to food, and should help juveniles during a period in which they need to rapidly gain weight and grow. Because this tolerance of juvenile aggression is reinforced through coalitionary support of juveniles by adult females, agonistic patterns are also consistent with the hypothesis that juvenile rank is being influenced by high degrees of relatedness within coati groups. Although some interesting parallels exist, there is little evidence indicating that these dominance patterns are the same as those found in other social mammals such as hyenas, lions, meerkats, or Cercopithicine primates.
Host-based Prophylaxis Successfully Targets Liver Stage Malaria Parasites

Eliminating malaria parasites during the asymptomatic but obligate liver stages (LSs) of infection would stop disease and subsequent transmission. Unfortunately, only a single licensed drug that targets all LSs, Primaquine, is available. Targeting host proteins might significantly expand the repertoire of prophylactic drugs against malaria. Here, we demonstrate that both Bcl-2 inhibitors and P53 agonists dramatically reduce LS burden in a mouse malaria model in vitro and in vivo by altering the activity of key hepatocyte factors on which the parasite relies. Bcl-2 inhibitors act primarily by inducing apoptosis in infected hepatocytes, whereas P53 agonists eliminate parasites in an apoptosis-independent fashion. In combination, Bcl-2 inhibitors and P53 agonists act synergistically to delay, and in some cases completely prevent, the onset of blood stage disease. Both families of drugs are highly effective at doses that do not cause substantial hepatocyte cell death in vitro or liver damage in vivo. P53 agonists and Bcl-2 inhibitors were also effective when administered to humanized mice infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Our data demonstrate that host-based prophylaxis could be developed into an effective intervention strategy that eliminates LS parasites before the onset of clinical disease and thus opens a new avenue to prevent malaria.
Comparison of ocular biomechanical response parameters in myopic and hyperopic eyes using dynamic bidirectional applanation analysis

Purpose To compare differences in the ocular biomechanical response in myopic and hyperopic eyes. Setting London Vision Clinic, London, United Kingdom, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States. Design Retrospective study. Methods The study population included myopic and hyperopic patients evaluated preoperatively for refractive surgery at the London Vision Clinic between June 2006 and May 2008. Biomechanical response parameters from the dynamic bidirectional applanation device (Ocular Response Analyzer) were analyzed using custom software for signal analysis, including corneal hysteresis (CH) and 10 other output parameters. Hyperopic eyes were compared with myopic eyes first matched for age and pachymetry and then matched for age, pachymetry, and corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc). Nonpaired t tests were performed (P Results Consecutive patients included 2608 eyes with 1623 myopic eyes and 787 hyperopic eyes that met enrollment criteria. A significant correlation (P Conclusions Hyperopic eyes demonstrated stiffer response parameters than myopic eyes. Intraocular pressure was demonstrated to be a confounding factor when evaluating ocular biomechanical parameters. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosures are listed after the references.
Physics aspects of the Compact Ignition Tokamak

The Compact Ignition Tokamak (CIT) is a proposed modest-size ignition experiment designed to study the physics of alpha particle heating. The basic concept is to achieve ignition in a modest-size minimum cost experiment by using a high plasma density to achieve nT{sub E} {approx} 2 x 10{sup 20}s/m{sup 3} required for ignition. The high density requires a high toroidal field (10 T). The high toroidal field allows a large plasma current (10 MA) which provides a high level of ohmic heating, improves the energy confinement, and allows a relatively high beta ({approx} 6%). The present CIT design also has a high degree of elongation (k {approx} 1.8) to aid in producing the large plasma current. A double null poloidal divertor and pellet injection are part of the design to provide impurity and particle control, improve the confinement, and provide flexibility for improving the plasma profiles. Auxiliary heating is expected to be necessary to achieve ignition, and 10-20 MW of ICRF is to be provided.
Evolution of urban housing stocks: A model applied to Baltimore and Houston

Abstract Historical simulations of urban residential growth in Baltimore and Houston based on a model of the growth process which has two distinct components are presented. The vintage component utilizes the growth of income and population, and an assumption that housing is putty-clay, to predict the age distribution of the housing stock in each period. The spatial component of the model determines where this housing construction will take place according to (1) housing is built on vacant land and (2) the pattern of construction obeys the rules of the standard monocentric models. Housing is demolished when economically obsolete. The putty-clay (vintage) aspect of the model produces fairly accurate city-wide vintage distributions, but there is much more mixing of vintages and income (in Baltimore) by location than predicted, even under monocentric assumptions most favorable to mixing.
Articulate statistics and educational equity

Policy research on educational equity from 1965 to 1975 challenged the ‘conventional wisdom’ about schools. Apparently families, not schools, produce education, and the black-white achievement gap is not explained by school differences. But these counter-intuitive conclusions are drawn from studies of individual differences in achievement, and the radical political perspective articulated by that mode of analysis belittles and distorts relationships that moderates find significant. A moderate-style statistical articulation, that focuses primarily on between-race and between-status differences, is available. It produces findings that are largely consistent with the “conventional wisdom” when applied to data from Coleman's (1966) study of schools. Despite measurement problems, schools and other environmental variables statistically explain the bulk of the black-white achievement gap.
The model in use (Nonverbal communication)

(1968). The model in use (Nonverbal communication) Theory Into Practice: Vol. 7, The Analysis of Teaching, pp. 176-180.
Lessons from experimental disruptions of the menstrual cycle in humans and monkeys

Prospective studies in humans and monkeys have informed our understanding of the mechanism of exercise-associated menstrual disorders (EAMD). These studies have provided convincing evidence that a key causal factor in the development of EAMD is an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. This imbalance is created by the increased energy cost of exercise in the face of inadequate supplementation of caloric intake. Although one prospective study in humans documents the impact of weight loss, studies in nonhuman primates (Macaca fasicularis) reveal that EAMD can occur with unobtrusive compensatory mechanisms indicative of energy conservation. The onset of EAMD is variable between individuals, but is abrupt, and with little forewarning with respect to recognizable symptoms. Future studies aimed at mechanisms should build upon the finding that key metabolic signals such as T3 are correlated with both the onset and reversal of EAMD, perhaps by focusing on concomitant metabolic changes that directly influence GnRH neurons. Translational studies examining the energetics of the reversal of EAMD by manipulating food intake and or exercise should build on the findings in the monkey model. Lastly, because EAMD is often associated with disordered eating, future prospective studies in humans should incorporate the potential interaction of disordered eating and psychosocial stress on EAMD.
Sterilizing radiation effects on selected polymers

The mechanism of radiation effects and their industrial applications are discussed for the following classes of polymers: thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, films and fibers, and adhesives/coatings/potting compounds. 35 references, 3 tables. (DLC)
Enzymes of galactose metabolism in erythrocytes and liver of inbred strains of mice

Abstract This study compares the activity of galactokinase, galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase, and UDPgalactose-4-epimerase, the important enzymes in the pathway of conversion of galactose to glucose in red cells and liver of five inbred strains of mice. In the red cells, galactokinase varied over a four-fold range of activity while the other enzymes varied about two-fold. The activity of each of the enzymes varied independently of the other so that red cells of each strain had a unique pattern for the three enzymes. The red cell activity pattern was not reflected in liver tissue which showed little interstrain variation for each of the three enzymes. The ratio of liver galactokinase to uridyltransferase and epimerase was very similar in all five strains. Oxidation in vivo of 14C galactose to 14CO2 was examined in the two strains of mice with the widest divergence of red cell galactokinase activity and no difference was found in this parameter measuring the physiological disposition of the sugar. The wide variation of the red cell enzyme activity appears to have little metabolic consequence for the animal, the oxidation of the sugar reflecting the relative constancy of the liver enzyme activity.
Feasibility of endoscopic sentinel node biopsy in the porcine neck

Objective To assess the feasibility of endoscopic sentinel node biopsy (SNB) using a tracer dye in a pig model. Study Design and Setting This was a prospective, nonrandomized experimental study in Yorkshire pigs. The posterolateral tongues of three animals were injected with a one-to-one solution of carbon dye to methylene blue dye. Endoscopic SNB was performed and stained lymph nodes identified and retrieved, followed by an open dissection to recover any remaining nodes. Specimens were analyzed by a pathologist for staining, size, and structural integrity. Results Six unilateral endoscopic SNBs were performed without complications. During endoscopic dissection, gross blue-staining of a sentinel node was noted in four of six dissections (66%). One of six sentinel nodes demonstrated histologic evidence of carbon staining. Structural integrity of all nodes was intact upon histological evaluation. Conclusion/significance Endoscopic cervical SNB in pigs is feasible but has limitations based on lymph node size and reliability of tracer dyes. Further study is warranted to perfect tracer dyes and retrieval methods to improve this technique.
Relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and postconcussive symptom improvement after completion of a posttraumatic stress disorder/traumatic brain injury residential treatment program.

OBJECTIVE Research has demonstrated that veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) may experience persistent symptoms following injury. These symptoms are frequently maintained or exacerbated by psychiatric symptoms, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies suggest that decreasing PTSD symptoms may also reduce postconcussive symptoms. This study examined whether (a) PTSD and postconcussive symptoms decreased over the course of residential PTSD/TBI treatment and (b) a reduction in PTSD symptoms was associated with a reduction in postconcussive symptoms. METHOD Twenty-eight veterans who met diagnostic criteria for PTSD and had a history of TBI were included in the study. Veterans received 8 weeks of treatment in a residential PTSD/TBI program and completed self-report measures of PTSD and postconcussive symptoms at pre- and posttreatment. RESULTS Results indicated that PTSD and postconcussive symptoms significantly decreased over the course of treatment. Furthermore, the decreases in PTSD and postconcussive symptoms were significantly positively related. CONCLUSIONS The reduction in PTSD symptoms is positively associated with a reduction in postconcussive symptoms following residential treatment in a PTSD/TBI program. These findings suggest that PTSD and postconcussive symptoms are interdependent and mutually influence one another.
Fitness, Training, and the Growth Hormone→Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Axis in Prepubertal Girls

We recently demonstrated that a brief endurance type training program led to increases in thigh muscle mass and peak oxygen uptake (VO(2)) in prepubertal girls. In this study, we examined the effect of training on the GH-->insulin-like growth factor I (GH-->IGF-I) axis, a system known to be involved both in the process of growth and development and in the response to exercise. Healthy girls (mean age 9.17 +/- 0.10 yr old) volunteered for the study and were randomized to control (n = 20) and training groups (n = 19) for 5 weeks. Peak VO(2), thigh muscle volume, and blood samples [for IGF-I, IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP)-1 to -6, and GHBP] were measured. At baseline, IGF-I was significantly correlated with both peak VO(2) (r = 0.44, P IGF-I axis, but, paradoxically, early in a training program, children first pass through what appears to be a neuroendocrine state more consistent with catabolism.
Determination of the stiffness reduction of (0,90, + or - N 45) graphite/epoxy laminates under cyclic loading

A series of tests has been performed to determine the effect of fatigue loading on the stiffness degradation of graphite/epoxy composite materials. Specimens were tested in tension-tension fatigue at a loading frequency of 10 Hz and a stress ratio of 0.1, for a wide range of stress levels. During this investigation, both static and dynamic stiffnesses were continually monitored for the range of stress levels tested, and the results are presented in tabular and graphical form.
Family Day Care: Discrepancies between Intended and Observed Caregiving Practices.

The purpose of this two-phase study, guided by the theory and method of interpretive interactionism, is to describe how family day care providers perceive and implement their caregiving practices. In phase I, 31 providers were interviewed and asked to describe their daily activities and caregiving responsibilities. In phase II, 6 providers were observed in their homes over a 10-month period. This study revealed that what family day care providers intended to provide for children—a loving, attentive, play-filled environment—did not consistently happen in practice. We suggest that this discrepancy may be due to the differences in interpretations that providers and researchers have for various works, phrases, and behaviors. It may also be due to aspects of group composition (i.e., group size, consistency of group, and relationship of children to provider). Recommendations for training and research are presented, and implications for children's development and family day care licensing are discussed.
The Structure and Phenomenon of Sexual Harassment: Impact of Category of Sexually Harassing Behavior, Gender, and Hierarchical Level

Several researchers (Fitzgerald & Hesson-Mclnnes, 1989; Padgitt & Padgitt, 1986; Till, 1980) have suggested that the construct of sexual harassment is multidimensional and consists of five categories of behavior: gender harassment, seductive behavior, sexual bribery, sexual coercion, and sexual assault. Unfortunately, these categories have not been considered in studies investigating the nature and correlates of perceptions of sexual harassment. This paper presents a study that examined the impact of three factors–categories of sexually harassing behavior, gender of subjects, and hierarchical level of the initiator relative to the recipient–on subjects’ perceptions of sexual harassment. The results indicated that gender and hierarchical level influenced the perceptions of two categories of sexual harassment–gender harassment and seductive behavior–but did not influence perceptions of sexual bribery, sexual coercion, and sexual assault. Implications for future research and organizational policies are discussed.
Sound diffraction at wall impedance discontinuities in a circular cylinder - Investigated using Wiener-Hopf technique

Rigorous solutions are presented for sound diffraction in a circular cylinder with axial discontinuities of the wall admittance (or impedance). Analytical expressions are derived for the reflection and the transmission coefficients for duct modes. The results are discussed quantitatively in the limits of small admittance shifts (delta) and of low frequencies (ka). One of the results is the low frequency behavior of the reflection coefficient R(o) sub 00 of the fundamental mode. For the mode of a hardwall duct reflected from the junction with a softwall duct, (R(o) sub oo yields - (1-square root of (ka) square root of (2/i delta)); this result is in contrast to the frequency dependence of the reflection from the open end of a hardwall duct, for which R(o) sub oo yields - 1-(ka) squared/2 .
Role of Platelets and Antiplatelet Therapy in Cardiovascular Disease

Platelets have a key role in normal hemostasis and in the pathogenesis of atherothrombotic events, such as acute coronary syndrome. Following plaque rupture, platelets adhere to the subendothelial matrix, become activated and then aggregate to form a prothrombotic surface that promotes clot formation and subsequently vascular occlusion. Multiple pathways are involved in platelet activation, including those activated by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), thromboxane A2, epinephrine, serotonin, collagen, and thrombin. Currently, two groups of inhibitors of platelet activation are approved for clinical use in patients with acute coronary syndromes: cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors, namely aspirin, and oral ADP receptor antagonists such as clopidogrel. These agents have shown improved short- and long-term clinical outcomes but are associated with increased bleeding risk, and the rates of recurrent ischemic events remain high. These considerations underscore the need for novel antiplatelet agents that can provide greater reduction in recurrent atherothrombotic events without increasing the risk of bleeding. Several novel antiplatelet agents are currently under clinical development, such as more potent ADP receptor antagonists and protease-activated receptor-1 antagonists. This article provides an overview of the basic principles of platelet biology and the current status of knowledge on available oral antiplatelet therapy, as well as those under clinical development.
40years of searching for the best computer system response time

For over 40years, system response time has been a topic of interest and controversy in computer science. Since the late 1960s, the field has seen numerous studies conducted and articles written addressing the issue. Many factors were measured in these studies including: users' accuracy and error rates with different levels of system response time, user performance speed and the efficiency of the commands used, how user interactions with the computer changed as a result of changes in system response time, how their bodies reacted physiologically to those same changes and even how happy, satisfied, anxious or annoyed they were as system response times changed. In this paper, we summarize the major issues in system response time research and look at what can be concluded from them. Generally, researchers have suggested specific response-time guidelines based on the complexity of the task or the type of interaction with the computer. We suggest that rather than system response time being task- or expectation-focused, instead interactions with a computer fall into two categories: control tasks and conversational tasks. For control tasks, immediate response times are necessary for optimal user performance whereas for conversational tasks, some delays may be necessary to maintain the optimal pacing of the on-going conversation. The location and duration of these delays will depend on both task complexity and user expectations. Future system response time research is needed to further quantify limits of delay detection, and the location and duration of inter-task delays to optimize user performance and satisfaction with computers.
Platelet activating factor alters receptor-coupled function in the isolated perfused rat heart.

Abstract Sepsis induces primary myocardial dysfunction. Yet, both hyper- and hypodynamic cardiac states characterize the sepsis syndrome, suggesting a modulatory role of septic mediators. Platelet activating factor (PAF), implicated in the pathogenesis of sepsis, is an endogenous phospholipid with diverse intracellular and extracellular effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of PAF (1) upon basal mechanical function of the heart, (2) upon receptor-coupled function of the heart, and (3) on basal and stimulated myocardial function at differing concentrations. In order to focus on the relationship between PAF and cardiac mechanical function, rat hearts were isolated and crystalloid perfused using a modified Langendorf preparation. Separate hearts received intracoronary vehicle (5% ethanol, 2.5% BSA) or PAF (20 or 40 μM) as a bolus, followed 10 min later by 0.25 μM isoproterenol (β-receptor agonist) infusion over 3 min. Both 20 and 40 μM PAF produced a rapid decrease in rate pressure product (RPP = HR × LVDPmax) relative to control (P 0.05) among the groups. Isoproterenol infusion increased (P 0.05). We conclude that PAF (1) induces rapid but reversible basal myocardial mechanical depression, (2) enhances receptor-coupled myocardial function when given in a low concentration (20 μM), and (3) appears to alter myocardial responsiveness to a β-adrenergic stimulus in a dose-specific manner. These findings demonstrate that PAF can both depress basal myocardial function as well as enhance the functional response to β-adrenergic stimulation in an isolated heart preparation.
Efferent phrenic nerve and respiratory neuron activities in the developing kitten: spontaneous discharges and hypoxic responses

Abstract Efferent phrenic nerve and medullary respiratory neuron discharges were examined for age-dependent changes of activities during normocapnic hyperoxia and hypoxia in anesthetized and decebrate kittens (22–150 days old). In animals less than 39 days of age, phrenic power spectra during hyperoxia were dominated by components in the medium-frequency band (20–50 Hz), whereas spectra of animals of at least 39 days of age were dominated by components in the high-frequency band (50–100 Hz). Such high-frequency oscillations were also observed in the power spectra of some inspiratory neurons in animals of at least 43 days old. In hypoxia, the amplitude of phrenic discharge exhibited an initial facilitation folloed by a diminution (i.e. biphasic response) in animals 39 days old or younger. In animals older than 39 days, however, hypoxia elicited a sustained facilitation of phrenic discharge amplitude. In contrast, no such age-dependent change in response pattern to hypoxia was observed for neuronal discharges; rather, responses of most neurons consisted of either decreases of discharge frequency, or complete abolishment of discharges.
Mean relaxation time description of quasi-dissipative behavior in finite-state quantum systems

An approximately single-exponential decay of an initially prepared non-stationary state can occur in quantum systems even if there are only a finite number of states. The time scale τ of the decay is then much shorter than the recurrence time T of the system. We describe here a method for calculating the probability amplitude of the non-stationary state, observed on a time scale γ^(−1), by a mean relaxation time approximation. In many cases the resulting decay constant Γ(γ) is almost independent of γ for τ⪡γ^(−1)⪡T, and the value found for it in this regime constitutes the actually observed decay constant.
Stock markets and development

This paper asks if financial development (especially stock-market development) affects the level and/or the growth rate of economic activity. It finds a substantial effect on both. Current wisdom suggests that the growth effects of financial intermediation could be either permanent or transitory. For instance, the Greenwood-Jovanovic (1990) (henceforth GJ) model has an ‘AK’ stucture, with no diminishing returns to the reproducible factor, and a permanent, exogenous improvement in financial structure would cause a permanent increase in the rate of growth. ’ On the other hand, if the returns to the reproducible factor did diminish, better intermediation could lead only to level effects. Since one should not a priori exclude either growth effects or level effects, we shall look for both. Our search for growth effects will use the GJ model; our search for level effects will rely on an amended version of the Mankiw, Romer and Weil ( 1992) (henceforth MRW) structure.
A microelectromechanically reconfigurable mesh filter for high-performance terahertz modulation

We present and experimentally demonstrate a terahertz intensity modulator, which offers more than 70% modulation depth over a 1.5 THz frequency band, under a modulation voltage of 30 V and modulation speeds exceeding 20 KHz. The achieved modulation depth is the highest reported among previously demonstrated terahertz intensity modulators, in general, and 5 times higher than the demonstrated broadband terahertz modulators with similar modulation voltages and modulation speeds, specifically.
A review of the application of analytical electron microscopy to ion-implanted materials

Abstract Analytical electron microscopy (AEM) of implanted materials, particularly of cross-sectioned specimens, allows direct observation and quantification of the microstructure (crystallinity, dislocations, cavities, and precipitates) and direct measurement of concentration profiles at
Ongoing and planned studies of enhanced external counterpulsation.

There is strong, continued interest in enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) as evidenced by current, ongoing clinical trials. Many of these have been designed to support the current indications of EECP, mainly its application in the treatment of symptomatic coronary artery disease. An exciting area in this regard is how EECP may help control blood glucose in patients with angina and diabetes mellitus. A variety of planned or ongoing exploratory studies are also helping to explain the mechanism of action behind EECP. Two clinical trials are now investigating a new indication for EECP in patients with congestive heart failure, including the important randomized Prospective Evaluation of EECP in Congestive Heart failure (PEECH) trial.
Experimental demonstration of benchtop x-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) of gold nanoparticle-loaded objects using lead- and tin-filtered polychromatic cone-beams

This report presents the first experimental demonstration, to our knowledge, of benchtop polychromatic cone-beam x-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) for a simultaneous determination of the spatial distribution and amount of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) within small-animal-sized objects. The current benchtop experimental setup successfully produced XFCT images accurately showing the regions containing small amount of GNPs (on the order of 0.1 mg) within a 3 cm diameter plastic phantom. In particular, the performance of the current XFCT setup was improved remarkably (e.g., at least a factor of 3 reduction in XFCT scan time) using a tin-filtered polychromatic beam in comparison with a lead-filtered beam. The results of this study strongly suggest that the current benchtop XFCT configuration can be made practical with a few modifications such as the deployment of array detectors, while meeting realistic constraints on x-ray dose, scan time and image resolution for routine pre-clinical in vivo imaging with GNPs.
The difference in unwanted births between blacks and whites

Blacks are more likely than whites to have unwanted births. A common explanation for that difference is that blacks use less effective contraceptive methods, use contraception less effectively, and use contraception less often than whites. Analysis of data from 17 cities in our family planning evaluation project suggested that, among women living in low-income neighborhoods, the black-white difference in unwanted births was not due to (1) blacks reaching desired completed parity at younger ages than whites, (2) differences in age or parity in our black and white samples, (3) black-white differences in current use of physician-administered contraception, or (4) blacks being more likely than whites to adopt physician-administered contraception after having an unwanted birth. Black-white differences which might have contributed to relatively more unwanted births among blacks were (1) blacks desired fewer children, (2) blacks were less likely than whites to use nonphysician-administered methods and more likely than whites to use no contraception, and (3) blacks had higher failure rates than whites subsequent to the adoption of physician-administered methods and when not using those methods. Comparisons are made with the 1965 and 1970 National Fertility Studies, and program implications of the findings discussed.
LIII. The crystalline structures of silver iodide

(1923). LIII. The crystalline structures of silver iodide. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 46, No. 273, pp. 487-496.
A Less Flexible BK Channel Opens More Easily

BK potassium channels regulate spike width and firing rate. A BK point mutation in humans enhances channel activity, leading to epilepsy. In this issue of Neuron , Yang and colleagues use this mutation to demonstrate that channel opening is determined by the flexibility of a region that contains a Ca 2+ -binding site.
Interactive Progressive Encoding System For Transmission of Complex Images

In this paper, we describe an interactive progressive JPEG-based encoding technique, which is suitable for an efficient network transmission of complex images. This system is intended for those applications that require a fast transmission of complex, high-quality, high-resolution images over networks with a limited communication bandwidth. These applications include transmission of medical images, space and earth exploration applications, as well as Intemet applications. The proposed technique can be also applied to image archive and browsing systems. The Interactive Progressive Encoding System (IPES) operates as follows. Users submit requests for imagery to the image database via a graphical user interface. Images in the database are stored in compressed form using standard JPEG compression technique using quantization tables which provide extremely high quality and low compression ratios. Upon initial request, a DCT image, which is a version of the image based only on DC coefficients, is transmitted and reconstructed at the user site. The transmission of a DCT image, even for very complex images, will take a relatively short time. The user can then isolate specific regions of interests within the image and request additional levels of details or additional scans. In each scan, additional DCT coefficients are transmitted which will improve the quality of the selected region of the image. If all levels of detail are sent, the transmitted image is visually indistinguishable from the original. We developed a prototype of the IPES, which uses the spectral selection progressive encoding. An image database has been created, consisting of JPEG-compressed images, and the system has been tested and evaluated. The obtained results, presented and analyzed in the paper, show that the proposed interactive progressive encoding system is very efficient for transmission of complex, high-quality images over low-bandwidth communication channels.
Aneurysmal bone cyst involving the long finger metacarpal in a child: a case report.

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) were first described by Jaffe and Lichenstein in 1942.’ They are estimated to account for 5% of all primary bone tumors; however, they commonly develop in association with other bony lesions (e.g., eosinophilic granulomas, chondroblastomas, giant cell tumors of bone). The majority of the primary lesions develop in the spine and the long bones of the lower extremities, and 18% involve the upper extremity. with 3-5% involving the hand and wrist.’ Thirteen cases of ABCs involving the metacarpals have been reported. This report is of an aneurysmal bone cyst in the long finger metacarpal of a lo-year-old boy. Case Report The patient was a right-hand-dominant, IO-yearold boy, who noticed the development of a lump of the dorsum of his left hand (Fig. 1). On examination, a large (3 cm x 1.5 cm), firm swelling of the dorsum of his left hand over the long finger metacarpal was found. X-ray films of his left hand showed a symmetrical expansion of the long finger metacarpal (Fig. 2). Intraoperatively, the diaphysis was found to be soft, and the lesion extended the entire length of
Exact controllability of a multilayer Rao-Nakra plate with clamped boundary conditions

Exact controllability results for a multilayer plate system are obtained from the method of Carleman estimates. The multilayer plate system is a natural multilayer generalization of a classical three-layer "sandwich plate" system due to Rao and Nakra. The multilayer version involves a number of Lame systems for plane elasticity coupled with a scalar Kirchhoff plate equation. The plate is assumed to be either clamped or hinged and controls are assumed to be locally distributed in a neighborhood of a portion of the boundary. The Carleman estimates developed for the coupled system are based on some new Carleman estimates for the Kirchhoff plate as well as some known Carleman estimates due to Imanuvilov and Yamamoto for the Lames ystem.
Smart Internet search engine through 6W

Current Internet search engine technology is limited in its ability to display necessary relevant information to the user. Yahoo, Google and Microsoft use lookup tables or indexes which limits the ability of users to find their desired information. While these companies have improved their results over the years by enhancing their existing technology and algorithms with specialized heuristics such as PageRank, there is a need for a next generation smart search engine that can effectively interpret the relevance of user searches and provide the actual information requested. This paper explores whether a smarter Internet search engine can effectively fulfill a user's needs through the use of 6W representations.
Choroid Plexus Papilloma and Cysts in the Aicardi Syndrome: Case Reports

Two female infants with callosal agenesis, infantile spasms, chorioretinal lacunae, optic disc colobomas and cortical heterotopias were diagnosed with Aicardi syndrome. A choroid plexus papilloma was found in one patient, and choroid plexus cysts were found in the other. Choroid plexus lesions are common findings in the Aicardi syndrome and are discussed in this paper.
Fatal herpes simplex virus type 2 hepatitis in a heart transplant recipient: a case report and review of the literature.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis is often unrecognized clinically with most untreated cases diagnosed postmortem. HSV hepatitis has been reported in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, mostly in kidney and liver transplants, and rarely in heart transplant recipients. We describe a fatal case of community-acquired HSV-2 hepatitis in a 24-year-old heart transplant recipient occurring 3 years after transplant. We also review the literature summarizing HSV hepatitis and the potential role of quantitative HSV polymerase chain reaction monitoring in the SOT population.
The checklist of nonverbal pain indicators (CNPI)

This article critiques the literature on existing pain assessment instruments for cognitively impaired elders and reports findings of pilot testing of the Checklist of Nonverbal Pain Indicators. This instrument was designed to measure pain behaviors in cognitively impaired elders. Instrument testing was conducted on a population of elderly patients with hip fractures. Interrater reliability showed 93% agreement on the dichotomous checklist items. Behaviors occurred more frequently during movement in this population. Of the six pain-related behaviors in the instrument, facial grimaces/winces occurred in 44% of the patients tested. Observed pain behaviors were positively correlated with self-report of pain. No differences between observed pain behaviors in cognitively intact versus cognitively impaired older adults with hip fractures were noted. Limitations of the instrument and recommendations for tool use are discussed.
Thermal Diffusivity Coefficient of Glycerin Determined on an Acoustically Levitated Drop

Abstract: We present a technique that can be used to determine the thermal diffusivity coefficient of undercooled liquids that exist at temperatures below their freezing points. The technique involves levitation of a small amount of liquid in the shape of a flattened drop using an acoustic levitator and heating it with a CO2 laser. The heated drop is then allowed to cool naturally by heat loss from the surface. Due to acoustic streaming, heat loss is highly non-uniform and appears to mainly occur at the drop circumference (equatorial region). This fact allows us to relate the heat loss rate with a heat transfer model to determine the thermal diffusion coefficient. We demonstrate the feasibility of the technique using glycerin drops as a model liquid.
Driver behavior recognition and prediction in a SmartCar

This paper presents our SmartCar testbed platform: a real-time data acquisition and playback system and a machine learning -dynamical graphical models- framework for modeling and recognizing driver maneuvers at a tactical level, with particular focus on how contextual information affects the driver's performance. The SmartCar's perceptual input is multi-modal: four video signals capture the surrounding traffic, the driver's head position and the driver's viewpoint; and a real-time data acquisition system records the car's brake, gear, steering wheel angle, speed and acceleration throttle signals. We have carried out driving experiments with the instrumented car over a period of 2 months. Over 70 drivers have driven the SmartCar for 1.25 hours in the greater Boston area. Dynamical Graphical models, HMMs and potentially extensions (CHMMs), have been trained using the experimental driving data to create models of seven different driver maneuvers: passing, changing lanes right and left, turning right and left, starting and stopping. These models are essential to build more realistic automated cars in car simulators, to improve the human-machine interface in driver assistance systems, to prevent potential dangerous situations and to create more realistic automated cars in car simulators.
An Analytical Method for Locating the Burmester Points for Five Infinitesimally Separated Positions of the Coupler Plane of a Four-Bar Mechanism

A method is developed for analytically locating the Burmester points for the motion of the coupler plane of a four-bar mechanism through five infinitesimally separated positions. The results of an example are compared with the results obtained by the graphical method of Muller for locating the Burmester points. The two methods are found to give essentially identical results.
On the Construction of Venn Diagrams

Venn constructed diagrams of up to five simply connected regions that overlapped each other once in each possible way of overlapping. Although Venn did not prove that his diagrams were constructible for more than five simply connected regions — in fact, he preferred to have a doubly connected region in his 5-class diagram — he summarized his method of construction with an intuitive argument: “But for merely theoretical purposes the rule of formulation would be very simple. It would merely be to begin by drawing any closed figure, and then proceed to draw others, subject to the one condition that each is to intersect once and once only all the existing subdivisions produced by those which had gone before.” The method of construction given below leads to a simple topological proof that Venn diagrams can be constructed for any number of simply connected regions.