cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epicardial but not endocardial premature stimulation initiates ventricular tachyarrhythmia in canine in vitro model of long QT syndrome.

Objectives To explore the mechanism, we tested the hypothesis that premature epicardial stimulation transiently increased the dispersion of repolarization leading to VT. Background Premature stimulation initiated ventricular tachycardia (VT) when applied to the epicardium but not to the endocardium in a canine model of long QT syndrome (LOTS). Methods We optically mapped action potentials (APs) on the cut-exposed transmural surfaces of isolated wedges of canine ventricular walls perfused with anemone toxin II (ATX-II), which produced type 3 LQTS with an asymmetrical transmural profile of repolarization that was earliest in the epicardium and latest in deep subendocardium. Results Earliest excitable epicardial stimulation triggered VT in 5 of 18 wedges receiving ≥5 nmol/L ATX-II by direct activation of epicardium, which delayed repolarization in the still refractory midmyocardium and further enhanced the dispersion of repolarization. These VTs were initiated 197 ± 72 ms (n = 10) after the premature stimulation, from focal regions of earliest repolarization downstream to the steepest local spatial gradients of repolarization, and maintained by new focal activation and reentry. Transmural differences in the cycle lengths of activations altered conduction pathways and resulted in torsades de pointes-like polymorphic VT. In contrast, VTs were not initiated by endocardial stimulation at the same premature intervals or when ATX-II was ≤2.5 nmol/L. Failed VT initiation was associated with significantly lower maximum local gradient of repolarization. Conclusions Heterogeneic repolarization in LQTS provides a transmural asymmetrical substrate for the earliest excitable epicardial, but not endocardial, stimulation to further delay midmyocardial repolarization and produce a steep spatial gradient of repolarization potential initiating torsades de pointes-like polymorphic VT.
Automatic finite-element grid generation for motor design analysis

General Electric Corporate Research and Development, in concert with the DC Motor and Generator Department, has developed an automatic finite-element grid generator for motor design analysis. This generator was developed to eliminate the drudgery of creating node points and elements for a user in a production design environment. The software package is a modular set of generalized finite-element model-manipulating algorithms, coupled with an application-specific routine, to automatically build and merge model sections. Most dc motor designs of 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-pole configurations can be accommodated. When a design that cannot be adequately modeled with this program is encountered, modification and editing features within the software allow alterations to the model data base. This finite-element preprocessing package is integrated with the DC Motor and Generator Department design analysis procedures.
The role of the random dot Stereo Butterfly test as an adjunct test for the detection of constant strabismus in vision screening.

Background A goal of vision screening is the detection of amblyopia risk factors, including strabismus. The random dot Stereo Butterfly test requires no instruction, has a simple pass/fail response with no monocular clues, and is easily administered. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this test could be used as a cost-effective and reliable component of preschool vision screening. Methods The Stereo Butterfly was presented to children with no previous history of ocular problems or treatment. The test was presented with the use of polarized glasses at a 16-inch testing distance. A "pass" was recorded if the patient reported seeing a butterfly; a "refer" was denoted otherwise. Vision and motility measurements were recorded, and the patient underwent a complete eye examination with cycloplegic refraction. Results A total of 281 children 3 to 6 years of age were tested: 221 children passed the test. Of those who passed, 7 (3.2%) had intermittent strabismus, 1 had a small-angle constant strabismus, 60 failed screening for constant strabismus (of whom 24 [40%] had constant strabismus), and 6 were false-negative results. The sensitivity of the Stereo Butterfly for detecting constant strabismus was 96%; the specificity, 86%. Conclusions The Stereo Butterfly test may be a valuable adjunctive tool in vision screening programs for the detection of manifest strabismus because it is easy to administer and effectively detects constant strabismus. It has a high specificity for detection of constant strabismus but, if used alone, the low positive predictive value would allow for many false-positive results.
Monaural right-ear advantage in a target-identification task.

Abstract Subjects were monaurally presented with consonant—vowel syllables to the right or left ear, with or without simultaneous noise to the other ear. The subject's task on each trial was to indicate whether or not the item presented was the target item /ba/. A right-ear advantage in reaction time was obtained: 14 msec for target items, 6 msec for nontarget items. The size of this effect was comparable in the presence vs. absence of competing noise. No consistent individual differences were found in the size of the right-ear advantage for this task, although such differences were obtained in a dichotic-perception pretest. It is argued that data of this type do not permit inferences about the use of particular ear/hemisphere neural pathways.
Automorphic Forms and Sums of Squares over Function Fields

Abstract We develop some of the theory of automorphic forms in the function field setting. As an application, we find formulas for the number of ways a polynomial over a finite field can be written as a sum of k squares, k ⩾2. As a consequence, we show every polynomial can be written as a sum of 4 squares. We also show, as in the classical case, that these representation numbers are asymptotic to the Fourier coefficients of the basic Eisenstein series.
Persistence of DDT and metabolites in wildlife from Washington State orchards.

Residues of the DDT group, particularlyp,p′-DDT (DDT) were detected in high or unusual amounts in some wildlife samples collected in fruit orchards near Wenatchee, Washington from 1979 to 1983. Samples of birds containedp,p′-DDE (DDE) and DDT in ratios (DDE:DDT) as low as 2.6:1 in eggs and 1.9:1 in brains. An unexpectedly high number (about 50%) of some samples, such as fat of adult waterfowl, contained unusually low DDE:DDT ratios (≤10:l). At the lower sensitivity level (0.01 μg/g), 96% of the samples contained DDE and 46% contained DDT. From about 1946 to 1970, technical DDT was applied at very high rates to orchards in Washington (56 to 73 kg/ha/yr); some areas probably received 5≥1000 kg/ha over this period. Considerable wildlife mortality from DDT was documented during the period of intensive use, but only one DDT-related mortality was recorded during this study. The possible origin of the residues is discussed. Occurrence of DDT and its metabolites in resident wildlife and its food indicates continuing contamination that probably originates largely from past legal applications in the orchard system.
Mean zonal flow generated by azimuthal harmonic forcing in a rotating cylinder

In this paper, we study analytically the flow in a rotating container subjected to an azimuthal forcing. We show that this mechanical forcing generates a correction to the solid body rotation called mean zonal flow, similar to the time oscillation of the rotation rate of an axisymmetric container. This axisymmetric correction induced by nonlinear effects in the Ekman layers modifies the solid-body rotation of the fluid in the container. At the leading order, the contribution in the bulk is shown to be an azimuthal flow which scales as the square of the amplitude of the multipolar deformation and is independent of the Ekman number. We also show that the mean zonal flow depends on the symmetry of the angular forcing n and the ratio of the angular rate of the deformation to the angular rate of the cylinder . We found that for an elliptical forcing, n = 2, the rotation rate of the zonal flow does not depend on the radial position. In addition, the angular rate is found to be asymmetric with respect to . These scalings are similar to the time harmonic forcing in a cylinder. The particular case of a tidal forcing is also considered.
Electromagnetic plane wave scattering by a radially uniaxial dielectric sphere: Debye series solution

In this paper, we examine the electromagnetic plane wave scattering by a uniaxial dielectric sphere using the generalized Debye series theory. With the aim of Debye series formulation, the generalized Mie series coefficients are replaced by infinite series of partial wave contributions that are diffracted, reflected and refracted following by p-1 internal reflections in the sphere. In addition to exploring the bistatic Radar Cross Section (RCS) of the positive/negative uniaxial dielectric spheres using Lorenz-Mie theory, the first three terms of generalized Debye series are investigated and the results are applied to improve our understanding of scattering mechanism from a uniaxial dielectric sphere.
Determinants of Outcome for Patients in the Medical Intensive Care Unit Requiring Abdominal Surgery: A Prospective, Single-Center Study

Objective To identify objective factors, available at the time of surgical evaluation, associated with outcome for patients in the medical ICU undergoing abdominal surgery. Design Single-center, prospective observational study. Setting An academic tertiary care center. Patients The study included 1,617 consecutive patients in the medical ICU. Intervention Prospective patient surveillance and data collection. Measurements Patient demographics, severity of illness, organ system derangements, abdominal processes requiring surgery, and hospital mortality. Results Sixty-seven patients in the medical ICU (4.1 percent) developed an acute abdominal process potentially amenable to surgical intervention. Eleven of these patients (16.4 percent) elected not to undergo surgery (mortality=100 percent). Forty-two of the 56 patients who underwent surgery survived (75.0 percent). Stepwise logistic regression analysis identified two independent objective predictors of mortality for this patient cohort (p 2 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=19.5; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 7.4 to 51.5; p 18 (AOR=9.4; CI=3.1 to 28.3; p=0.03). The observed mortality following surgery was stratified according to the presence or absence of these two factors: neither present, 5.1 percent; APACHE II>18 present alone, 33 percent; OSFI >2 present alone, 60 percent; and both present, 88.9 percent (p Conclusions The number of organ system derangements and the severity of illness, as assessed by APACHE II, appear to be useful discriminators of outcome for patients in the medical ICU undergoing abdominal surgery. These data suggest potential outcome predictors for this selected group of patients in the ICU.
Conservative behavior of arsenic and other oxyanion-forming trace elements in an oxic groundwater flow system

Summary Groundwater samples were collected along a flow path in a shallow, fractured tuffaceous aquifer from the Oasis Valley–Beatty Wash region of southern Nevada, USA, and analyzed for a number of oxyanion-forming trace elements including arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W). In addition, ancillary geochemical parameters, including pH, major solute compositions, dissolved silica, dissolved oxygen, and iron and manganese concentrations were quantified in the groundwaters. Arsenic concentrations range from ∼70 nmol/kg up to 316 nmol/kg in groundwaters of the Oasis Valley–Beatty Wash flow system, and generally exhibit increasing concentrations with flow down-gradient along the flow path. Antimony, W, and to a lesser extent, Mo, exhibit similar increasing concentration trends with flow down-gradient in the aquifer, albeit, at lower concentrations levels (e.g., mean ± SD for Sb, W, and Mo are 2.3 ± 0.9 nmol/kg, 7.4 ± 3.7 nmol/kg, and 101 ± 19 nmol/kg, respectively). Selenium concentration, which range between ∼4 and 11 nmol/kg, generally decrease in groundwaters with flow down-gradients in the Oasis Valley–Beatty Wash groundwater flow systems. Inverse modeling of groundwater chemistry evolution from the lower reaches of the Oasis Valley flow path using PHREEQC indicate that the groundwater composition is consistent with mixing of nearly equal proportions of groundwater from upper reaches of Oasis Valley and Beatty Wash groundwater, along with dissolution of volcanic glass, potassium feldspar, and gypsum, followed by calcite precipitation, and formation of secondary zeolites (analcime), clay minerals (Ca-montmorillonite), and cristobalite. The geochemical modeling indicates that the concentrations of As and the other oxyanion-forming trace elements are controlled by dissolution of volcanic glass, water–rock interaction with mineralized zones within the aquifer (i.e., sulfide oxidation), desorption from aquifer surface sites, and mixing of Oasis Valley and Beatty Wash groundwaters.
Using rare event modeling & networking to build scenarios and forecast the future

Recent history has reminded society that prediction in the forms of scenario generation, red-teaming, war-gaming, and future planning must incorporate innovative perspectives such as rare, but impactful, events and multiple phased events. Rare event modeling is based on the premise that important events can be dominated by outliers. Current forecasting focuses on probable events. Likewise, multiple-phased actions can create paradigm shifts that move events in a new direction or push them to higher levels of impact. Therefore, impact potential must be understood, calculated, and utilized. Our network-based scenario development system provides for state-change and high-impact scenario events that enable impact measures to be calculated and used by decision makers.
Electrical performance of high density probe array for testing Josephson circuit chips

An assembly has been constructed and successfully evaluated for contacting 228-pad Josephson test chips. Miniature spring contacts mate with the 228, 100 μm diameter pads arranged on 200 μm centers in a double row about the edge of a 6.35 mm chip. Measurements have been made at 4.2K of contact reliability, resistance, self and mutual inductances, and current capacity. Experimental values of electrical characteristics compare well with computer simulations. This probe array is being incorporated into a non-magnetic cryoinsert for Josephson chip testing. The design uses materials such as pyrex, molybdenum, silicon, machineable ceramic, and aluminum to be consistent with a microgauss ambient magnetic field.
Microscopic description of strain‐reducing chemical bonding self‐organizations in non‐crystalline alloys

Alloy compositions for a first transition (1) into, and a second transition (2) out of intermediate phases (IPs) have been identified (i) by Boolchand and co-workers in bulk glasses, primarily by low values for the change in enthalpy, ΔH nr , for non-reversible heat flow at the glass transition temperature, and (ii) by Lucovsky and coworkers in deposited thin film by combining spectrographic and electrical studies. This paper emphasizes chemical bonding self-organizations that minimize macroscopic strain within IP windows, identifying necessary and sufficient conditions for IP windows to open, and to close. Percolation theory, competitive and synergistic double percolation, provide a framework for determining alloy compositions for the first and second transitions of IP windows in bulk glasses and thin films as well.
Oilseed medicinals: In natural drugs, dietary supplements and in new functional foods

Abstract Ten lipophilic, naturally-occurring compounds in edible oils have been developed into prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for more than 15 medical conditions in some jurisdictions. Eight of these compounds are or have been prescribed and reimbursed through drug insurance plans. In large measure, the use of these compounds is a reflection of the practice of medicine in those jurisdictions (Europe and Japan particularly) where regulated natural medicines are an integral part of the healthcare system. This review describes these compounds and their genesis, therapeutic uses, doses, Dietary Required Intakes where applicable, and their societal relevance. Several of these oilseed medicinals are isolated from refining by-products. Oilseed medicinals that are prescribed in some jurisdictions are sometimes considered as OTC drugs or dietary supplements in another. Since these compounds already have approved, marketable health benefits, at least in some jurisdictions, some could provide the basis for new functional foods, especially if the cost of these compounds is reduced through molecular farming.
Comparison of children's self-drawings with their drawings of other persons.

To test the hypothesis that children's awareness of their own bodily attributes is more articulated and accurate than their conception of those of the opposite sex, a modified D-A-P Test was given ...
Angiotensin II attenuates NMDA receptor-mediated neuronal cell death and prevents the associated reduction in Bcl-2 expression.

While angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a major role in the regulation of blood pressure, fluid homeostasis and neuroendocrine function, recent studies have also implicated the peptide hormone in cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. In support of this, we have previously demonstrated that Ang II attenuates N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor signaling [Molec. Brain Res. 48 (1997) 197]. To further examine the modulatory role of Ang II on NMDA receptor function, we investigated the effect of angiotensin receptor (AT) activation on NMDA-mediated cell death and the accompanying decrease in Bcl-2 expression. The viability of differentiated N1E-115 and NG108-15 neuronal cell lines was reduced following exposure to NMDA in a dose-dependent manner. MTT analysis (mitochondrial integrity) revealed a decrease in cell survival of 49.4±12.3% in NG108 cells and 79.9±6.8% in N1E cells following treatment with 10 mM NMDA for 20 h. Cytotoxicity in N1E cells was inhibited by the noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801. Further, NMDA receptor-mediated cell death in NG108 cells was attenuated by treatment with Ang II. The Ang II effect was inhibited by both AT1 and AT2 receptor antagonists, losartan and PD123319, respectively, suggesting that both receptor subtypes may play a role in the survival effect of Ang II. Since it has been shown that activation of NMDA receptors alters the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins, Western blot analysis was performed in N1E cells to determine whether Ang II alters the NMDA-induced changes in Bcl-2 expression. A concentration-dependent decrease of intracellular Bcl-2 protein levels was observed following treatment with NMDA, and this reduction was inhibited by MK801. Addition of Ang II suppressed the NMDA receptor-mediated reduction in Bcl-2. The Ang II effect on NMDA-mediated changes in Bcl-2 levels was blocked by PD123319, but was not significantly changed by losartan, suggesting AT2 receptor specificity. Taken together, these results suggest that Ang II attenuates NMDA receptor-mediated neurotoxicity and that this effect may be due, in part, to an alteration in Bcl-2 expression.
Sulfur-bridged dimers obtained from μ-dithiobis(tricarbonyliron)

The reaction of SO2Cl2 with (μ-MS)(μ-ArS)Fe2(CO)6 (M = Li; Ar = Ph and M = MgBr; Ar = p-tolyl) results in oxidation of the latter and formation of SS bonded “dimers”. The “dimer” where Ar = Ph crystallizes in the space group P1 with a 10.584(4), b 11.247(1), c 14.275(3) A, α 104.20(2), β 90.80(4), γ 98.12(2)°, V 1629 A3 and Z = 2. Full matrix least-squares refinement yields a final R value of 4.4% based on 3986 independent reflections. The central SS bond is longer than that in elemental sulfur or in (μ-S2)Fe2(CO)6.
Study of the CH3 ··· H2O radical complex stabilized in helium nanodroplets

The weakly bound CH(3)H(2)O radical complex has been investigated by infrared laser spectroscopy. The complex is stabilized in helium nanodroplets and prepared by sequential pick up of a methyl radical and water molecule. Partially rotationally resolved spectra corresponding to the v = 1 <-- 0 excitation of the symmetric H(2)O stretching vibration within the complex show a significant red shift (25.06 cm(-1)) when compared with the symmetric stretch of H(2)O monomer, in agreement with the hydrogen bonded like structure derived by theory. Additional broad features were observed in the region predicted by theory for the antisymmetric stretch supporting our assignment. The B rotational constant is found to be 3.03 times smaller than predicted by ab initio calculations, with the reduction being attributed to the effects of helium solvation. The permanent electric dipole moment of the complex is experimentally determined to be 2.1 +/- 0.3 D using Stark spectroscopy. Ab initio calculations are also reported that provide support to the experimental results, as well as investigate the nature of large amplitude vibrational motion within the complex.
The effect of adaptive anti-predator behavior on exploitative competition and mutualism between predators

We investigate the effect of changing the population size of one predator species on the fitness of another predator when both share a common prey species. The prey is assumed to have different anti-predator behaviors for each predator. Anti-predator behavior can result in one or both predators having positive effects on the fitness of the other. Positive short-term effects (on a behavioral time scale) can be produced by three mechanisms: (1) A behavior that defends against one predator may make the prey more vulnerable to the other; (2) Increased defensive behavior against one predator may increase the cost of defense against the other, resulting in a reduction in the latter defense; (3) If the prey constantly employs some anti-predator behavior, an increase in one behavior can only come at the expense of a reduction in another
Unified Flexural Resistance Equations for Stability Design of Steel I-Section Members: Overview

The 2004 AASHTO and 2005 AISC provisions for flexural design of steel I-section members have been revised in their entirety relative to previous specifications to simplify their logic, organization, and application, simultaneously improving their accuracy and generality. This paper provides an overview of these comprehensive developments with respect to the stability limit states. The updated AISC and AASHTO flexural resistances are, with minor exceptions, fundamentally the same. However, the organization in AASHTO facilitates the streamlined design of typical welded I girders. These members are often singly symmetric, have relatively thin webs, may utilize material with smaller yield strengths for the top flange and/or web, and are typically composite in their final constructed condition. Conversely, AISC emphasizes the streamlined stability design of noncomposite nonhybrid compact doubly-symmetric I-section members. This paper highlights the overall continuity of and the fundamental background to the new AISC and AASHTO provisions. The combined AISC-AASHTO rules are presented as a single set of flowcharts applicable for all types of steel I-section members. This comprehensive approach to the design equation developments leads to numerous improvements in the consistency and accuracy of the various specific provisions.
Clocked adversaries for hashing

A “clocked adversary” is a program that can time its operations and base its behavior on the results of those timings. While it is well known that hashing performs poorly in the worst case, recent results have proven that, for reference-string programs, the probability of falling into a bad case can be driven arbitrarily low. We show that this is not true for clocked adversaries. This emphasizes the limits on the appiicability of theorems on the behavior of hashing schemes on reference string programs, and raises a novel set of problems dealing with optimality of and vulnerability to clocked adversaries.
The use of Piaget's theory in Alzheimer's disease

Child-like behaviors of adults with Alzheimer's disease are often puzzling and stressful to caregivers. The possibility of using Piaget's child developmental model to understand these behaviors is explored in this paper. Based on data from recent studies revealing that adults with Alzheimer's disease appear to lose cognitive functions in the reverse order of acquisition in Piaget's theory, the purpose of this paper is to describe how the use of this theory to understand cognitive changes characteristic of AD might enhance caregiving techniques.
An investigation of the oil from the seed of sebastiana lingustrina

The seed ofSebastiana lingustriana have been collected and investigated. They contain about 37% oil, the physical and chemical characteristics of which were determined.
A Preliminary Study on the Effects of Self-Reported Dietary Caffeine on Pain Experience and Postoperative Analgesia

Background: Caffeine reduces the amount of analgesic medications necessary to provide postoperative pain (POP) relief and augments treatments for headaches and dental pain. Despite considerable evidence of its beneficial effects, little is understood about the role of dietary caffeine consumption on baseline pain sensitivity or POP following oral surgery. Method: Baseline experimental pain testing (quantitative sensory testing [QST]) using four stimulus modalities was conducted on 30 healthy adults (53% females) before surgical extraction of four third molars. Self-reported caffeine ingestion was reported before QST, and on the day of surgery, preoperative and postoperative caffeine plasma concentrations (CPC) were measured by mass spectrometry. POP ratings were obtained at timed intervals. Results: In QST, compared to subjects who self-reported no caffeine intake, those who self-reported caffeine ingestion demonstrated a higher pain sensitivity, particularly, on ramp and hold sustained heat at 44°C and 4...
Aspergillus leporis sclerotia form on rabbit dung

Aspergillus leporis NRRL 3216 (A. jlavus group), first isolated from white-tailed jaclcrabbit dung, survived passage through the digestive system ofa caged laboratory rabbit and produced both conidial apparati and sclerotia on dung surfaces during subsequent moist chamber incubation. Sclerotium-producing strains of Aspergillusjlavus NRRL 3357 and Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 13,005 produced conidial apparati on dung but not sclerotia. Aspergillus leporis States & Christensen NRRL 3216 was isolated initially from white-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii Bachman) dung collected in Wy­ oming (States and Christensen, 1966). Christensen (1981) proposed that A. leporis is a segregate from the Aspergillus jlavus group adapted to sagebrush-grass1and communities of North America where it has also been isolated from soil samples. Professor J. S. States (pers. comm.) observed that the jackrabbit dung was collected from the rectum ofa freshly-killed animal and never contacted the soil. According to States the fungus was isolated by transfer of conidia from columnar conidial heads that were produced when the dung collection was incubated in a laboratory moist chamber. No sclerotia were observed until the organism was cultured on Czapek's agar. Is the life cycle of A. leporis in some way linked to a coprophilous habit? Can A. leporis survive gut passage through a rabbit? Do sclerotia of A. leporis form on rabbit dung? This research was organized to address such questions about A. leporis as contrasted with two other sclerotium-producing members of the A. jlavus group (i.e., Aspergillusjlavus Link ex Fr. and Aspergillus parasiticus Speare).
Cell proliferation during early hindbrain development in Alligator.

Cell proliferation, as determined by immunoreactivity to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was investigated during early hindbrain development in Alligator. At the earliest stage examined, stage 3, when five rhombomeres are present, PCNA immunoreactivity is more robust laterally towards the pial margin and interrhombomeric boundaries are clearly seen. Subsequently, PCNA immunoreactivity fills each respective rhombomere and increases in intensity but respects the boundaries between segments until stage 7. At this time, borders between rhombomeres become less distinct. At stage 8, when the full compliment of rhombomeres is present, two longitudinal columns of PCNA immunoreactivity are seen rostrally which coalesce into a single column caudally. Interrhombomeric borders are indistinct. Later, at stage 9/10, two longitudinal columns span the entire length of the hindbrain and interrhombomeric boundaries remain less clear. The more lateral column fades whereas the medial stripe persists through stage 12. Thereafter, immunoreactivity fades. These observations confirm the findings in other species that rhombomeres are centers of cell proliferation. This feature is most likely common to hindbrain development in all gnathostomes. It is hypothesized that these two longitudinal columns of cell proliferation might be important for future patterning of the hindbrain.
Defect-interface interactions

Nanostructured materials contain an extremely high density of interfaces. The properties of these materials when exposed to extreme conditions of radiation dose, stress, deformation, or temperature are largely determined by defect-interface interactions. In this article, we review the present understanding of defect-interface interactions in single-phase and two-phase metal and oxide nanocomposites, emphasizing how interface structure affects interactions with point, line, and planar defects. We also review the crystallographic, chemical, and morphological stability of interfaces in different extreme environments: irradiation and mechanical deformation. Our current understanding of these topics prompts new questions that will maintain interfaces in crystalline solids at the frontier of materials research for years to come.
A Web-based database for pathology faculty effort reporting.

Summary To ensure appropriate mission-based budgeting and equitable distribution of funds for faculty salaries, our compensation committee developed a pathology-specific effort reporting database. Principles included the following: (1) measurement should be done by web-based databases; (2) most entry should be done by departmental administration or be relational to other databases; (3) data entry categories should be aligned with funding streams; and (4) units of effort should be equal across categories of effort (service, teaching, research). MySQL was used for all data transactions (http://dev.mysql.com/downloads), and scripts were constructed using PERL (http://www.perl.org). Data are accessed with forms that correspond to fields in the database. The committee's work resulted in a novel database using pathology value units (PVUs) as a standard quantitative measure of effort for activities in an academic pathology department. The most common calculation was to estimate the number of hours required for a specific task, divide by 2080 hours (a Medicare year) and then multiply by 100. Other methods included assigning a baseline PVU for program, laboratory, or course directorship with an increment for each student or staff in that unit. With these methods, a faculty member should acquire approximately 100 PVUs. Some outcomes include (1) plotting PVUs versus salary to identify outliers for salary correction, (2) quantifying effort in activities outside the department, (3) documenting salary expenditure for unfunded research, (4) evaluating salary equity by plotting PVUs versus salary by sex, and (5) aggregating data by category of effort for mission-based budgeting and long-term planning.
The Color of Debt: Racial Disparities in Anticipated Medical Student Debt in the United States

Context The cost of American medical education has increased substantially over the past decade. Given racial/ethnic inequalities in access to financial resources, it is plausible that increases in student debt burden resulting from these increases in cost may not be borne equally. Objective To evaluate racial/ethnic disparities in medical student debt. Design, Setting, and Participants Authors collected self-reported data from a non-representative sample of 2414 medical students enrolled at 111/159 accredited US medical schools between December 1st 2010 and March 27th 2011. After weighting for representativeness by race and class year and calculating crude anticipated debt by racial/ethnic category, authors fit multivariable regression models of debt by race/ethnicity adjusted for potential confounders. Main Outcome Measures Anticipated educational debt upon graduation greater than $150,000. Results 62.1% of medical students anticipated debt in excess of $150,000 upon graduation. The proportion of Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, and Asians reporting anticipated educational debt in excess of $150,000 was 77.3%, 65.1%, 57.2% and 50.2%, respectively. Both Black and White medical students demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of anticipated debt in excess of $150,000 when compared to Asians [Blacks (OR = 2.7, 1.3–5.6), Whites (OR = 1.7, 1.3–2.2)] in adjusted models. Conclusion Black medical students had significantly higher anticipated debt than Asian students. This finding has implications for understanding differential enrollment among minority groups in US medical schools.
Sweet fruit from a poisonous kiss.

Editorial Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), once a rapidly fatal disease, has become most curable of all leukemias, thanks to the two Chinese wonder drugs, all-trans retinoid acid and arsenic trioxide (AT). PML-RXARα fusion protein is the hallmark and driving force of APL. In the April 9th issue of the journal, Science, Zhang et al. provided new and convincing evidence on how AT, an ancient poisonous medicine, plays the tricks on the oncoprotein, PML-RARα, and sheds lights on how a poisonous kiss leads to the sweet fruit [1].
Income maintenance policies in post-materialist Europe: Implications for pre-capitalist societies

Abstract Ronald Ingelhart's contention that post-materialist values arising from increases in GDP per capita ensue from greater affluence and economic security in industrialized countries is examined here. Using the Euro-Barometer dataset, this paper tests variations across eight European countries to determine if post-materialist values: (a) actually shaped citizens' attitudes toward social welfare policies hence its increases; (b) influenced ideological partisanship preferences and dominance of leftist parties; and (c) led to increases in transfer payments when left-of-centre parties are in control. The results of a pooled cross-sectional time series analysis indicate that economic development is negatively associated with social security expansion, but bears a positive relationship to post-materialist values. It also shows that post-materialist values exert only moderate, rather than ‘strong’ influences on ideological political preferences.
A Data‐Driven Approach to SEM Development at a Two‐Year College

This article explores implementation of strategic enrollment management (SEM) at a two-year college and why SEM is critical to the long-term viability of an institution. This article also outlines the five initial steps needed to implement SEM, including identifying SEM leadership, building a SEM committee, developing a common understanding of SEM, building SEM goals that recognize the institution's strengths and weaknesses, and dedicating resources for SEM. Additionally, the article delves into data collection and data analysis methods to form goals, strategies, measures, and key performance indicators (KPIs) as part of a well-developed SEM plan. Finally, the article concludes with a focus on six project goals other institutions can adopt as they pursue their own SEM initiative.
p38: The Link between the κ-Opioid Receptor and Dysphoria

Recent evidence suggests that the dynorphin–κ-opioid receptor (KOR) system is involved in the expression of a number of stress-induced behavioral changes. For example, in mice, repeated swim stress and social defeat have been shown to cause elevated forced-swim-induced immobility, increased
Collaborative Authoring on the Web: A Genre Analysis of Online Encyclopedias

This paper presents the results of a genre analysis of two web-based collaborative authoring environments, Wikipedia and Everything2, both of which are intended as repositories of encyclopedic knowledge and are open to contributions from the public. Using corpus linguistic methods and factor analysis of word counts for features of formality and informality, we show that the greater the degree of post-production editorial control afforded by the system, the more formal and standardized the language of the collaboratively-authored documents becomes, analogous to that found in traditional print encyclopedias. Paradoxically, users who faithfully appropriate such systems create homogeneous entries, at odds with the goal of open-access authoring environments to create diverse content. The findings shed light on how users, acting through mechanisms provided by the system, can shape (or not) features of content in particular ways. We conclude by identifying sub-genres of web-based collaborative authoring environments based on their technical affordances.
Nitrogen Dynamics During Succession in a Desert Stream

Nitrogen dynamics of Sycamore Creek, Arizona, a lowland Sonoran Desert stream, are described by seven diel input-output budgets at different stages of postflood succession. Hydrologic inputs and outputs of nitrogen and N storage in periphyton, mac- roinvertebrates, and fish were measured over 24-h periods. Total nitrogen storage in this desert stream (3-9 g/m2) was lower than that in forest streams of Oregon (12 g/m2) and Quebec (22 g/m2). While > 99% of nitrogen in the latter systems is in allochthonous detritus, benthic algae and autochthonous detritus comprised 90% of the total nitrogen pool in the desert stream. Up to 14% of nitrogen was in consumer organisms. Inputs of nitrogen to the stream ecosystem were dominated by dissolved nitrogen, of which 19-60% was inorganic, primarily nitrate. Particulate nitrogen in transport (4-15% of total input) was mostly autochthonous. Inputs of nitrogen exceeded outputs on most study dates. Rates of ecosystem nitrogen retention were as high as 400 mg m-2 d-' and outputs exceeded inputs on only one study date. Retention was primarily of inorganic nitrogen and was presumed due to autotrophic assimilation. Nitrogen retention data from the seven budgets were used to evaluate the Vitousek and Reiners (1975) model that patterns of nitrogen retention during succession reflect patterns of net ecosystem production and biomass accumulation. Biomass and stored nitrogen increased asymptotically during a postflood successional se- quence at a single site; nitrogen retention during this period accounted for increases in storage. Nitrogen retention among the seven study dates exhibited the predicted succes- sional patterns of increases from early to middle successional stages, followed by late stage declines.
Finding and learning explanatory connections from scientific texts

A theory for detecting and learning the explanatory connections between sentences in scientific texts is presented. A program called SNOWY that embodies the theory is also described. The knowledge in the program is organized around the notions of analytic and empirical knowledge. Analytic knowledge encompasses very general rules which are valid across any domain, while empirical knowledge includes rules whose validity is domain dependent. Examples of these rules and their representation are given. >
Portfolio investment outflow and the complementary role of direct investment

Purpose – This paper aims to uncover potential contemporaneous relationship between foreign portfolio investment (FPI) and another popular type of cross-border investment outflow, namely, foreign direct investment (FDI). Design/methodology/approach – The relationship between FPI and FDI are modeled using simultaneous equations approach to take potential endogeneity in to account. In a panel of 45 countries over the period of 2001-2009, FPI and FDI are found to be strategically complimentary to each other. Findings – The two-stage least square estimates suggest existence of both statistically and economically significant relationship between these two types of outflows. In particular, the FDI outflow has empirically significant predictive power in explaining the FPI outflow. Similarly, the FPI outflow also has significant explanatory power for the observed level of FDI outflow. Second, the FPI has greater explanatory power for FDI outflow than the FDI for the FPI outflow. Originality/value – The authors be...
A comparison of low complexity turbo-like codes

In the past few years, several approaches to low complexity turbo-like code designs have appeared. All of these code designs are based on very simple graph structures or 2-state trellises that result in low decoder complexity. One such approach is based on multiple turbo codes. The low complexity multiple turbo code designs are compared to 8-state turbo codes used in third generation mobile systems on the basis of error performance and computational complexity.
STANFORD LAPTOP ORCHESTRA (SLORK)

In the paper, we chronicle the instantiation and adventures of the Stanford Laptop Orchestra (SLOrk), an ensemble of laptops, humans, hemispherical speaker arrays, interfaces, and, more recently, mobile smart phones. Motivated to deeply explore computer-mediated live performance, SLOrk provides a platform for research, instrument design, sound design, new paradigms for composition, and performance. It also offers a unique classroom combining music, technology, and live performance. Founded in 2008, SLOrk was built from the ground-up by faculty and students at Stanford University's Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA). This document describes 1) how SLOrk was built, 2) its initial performances, and 3) the Stanford Laptop Orchestra as a classroom. We chronicle its present, and look to its future.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Historical perspective to recent investigations

There are at least 300,000 cardiac arrests annually in the United States. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) effectively restores hemodynamic stability, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), in 40% to 60% of arrests. Prolonged survival is significantly lower because of underlying illness and the postresuscitation syndrome, specifically central nervous system injury and left ventricular stunning after resuscitation. Prognostic variables have been shown to predict survival in multivariate analyses, but no models are sufficiently accurate to predict futility. End-tidal carbon dioxide has prognostic value and can measure the efficacy of CPR. Cardiac arrest outcomes will be most improved with public education and earlier initiation of resuscitative efforts, both Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support, notably defibrillation. Active compression-decompression and interposed abdominal compressions improved ROSC in prospective randomized trials; abdominal compressions have also been shown to increase survival to hospital discharge. Despite 30 years of research, CPR is now performed much as it was initially. Further research into the mechanisms of cardiac arrest, development of predictive models, and improved means to improve cardiac output and survival are needed.
Prospective Relations Between Melancholia and Substance Use Disorders

Examining associations between subtypes of major depressive disorder (MDD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) might elucidate mechanisms of comorbidity between MDD and SUDs. This study evaluated prospective relations between SUDs and melancholic MDD. A cohort of community-dwelling participants with lifetime history of MDD (N = 460) were assessed for DSM-IV mental disorders using structured clinical interviews at ages 24 and 30. Stimulant use disorders and melancholic MDD were prospective risk factors for each other over the 6-year-period following the age-24 assessment. Associations were robust when controlling for clinical severity/chronicity. Alcohol and cannabis use disorders were not robustly associated with melancholia.
THE ADULT OF DRUNELLA ALLEGHENIENSIS (EPHEMEROPTERA: EPHEMERELLIDAE) WITH BIOLOGICAL NOTES

The adult stage of Drunella allegheniensis (Traver) is described for the first time. Characters separating it from the closely related D. tuberculata (Morgan) are summarized, and the existing taxonomic key to the group is modified to include D. allegheniensis. Other species of Ephemeroptera associated with D. allegheniensis are reported along with observations on its biology.
From Iraq to Katrina and Back: Bureaucratic Planning as Strategic Failure, Fiction, and Fantasy

Bureaucratic planning is a complex sociocultural process rife with vested interests, contradictory aims, and internal conflicts. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the US occupation of Iraq, contemporary media discourses on planning have downplayed this complexity and diverted attention away from a more nuanced understanding of planning as a sociological process. In this article, I show how policy and press debates regarding bureaucratic planning in Iraq and New Orleans are rooted in technocratic and rationalist perspectives, constituting a kind of modernist faith. These contemporary discourses are often one-dimensional, failing to consider the conflicts, contradictions, and counter-intuitive outcomes that are inherent in planning in complex situations, including urban reconstruction, military occupation, and disaster response. I show how flawed approaches in the present are deeply linked to the past, connecting Iraq and Katrina to a detailed ethnographic case study on failed urban planning in colonial Zanzibar. Even though the three cases of Iraq, Katrina, and Zanzibar differ across time, context, and conditions, they reveal that bureaucratic planning is best understood as a multidimensional strategic practice that is intrinsically shaped by sociocultural forms. Plans may ostensibly fail in one sense and yet still produce quite enduring effects. They may remain ‘fictions’ at one level but still wield real impact. And even if they are informed by fantasy, bearing little utility from a functional perspective, plans still serve as performative and persuasive acts, informed by political ends.
Homogeneous Catalytic Carbonylation and Hydroformylation for Synthesis of Industrial Chemicals

This brief review reports recent developments in homogeneous catalysis for synthesis of chemicals with a focus on new synthetic routes, clean catalytic alternatives and challenges in their industrial applications. Particularly, examples of hydroformylation, carbonylation, oxidative carbonylation and tandem synthetic approaches have been discussed. Challenges for future work and difficulties in commercialization are highlighted.
Low-frequency symbolic analysis of large analog integrated circuits

A low-frequency symbolic analysis tool (Sifter) which can handle large linearized analog circuits is presented. The tool outputs simplified symbolic expressions for any desired low-frequency transfer function, including input resistances, output resistances, and current and voltage gains. It also provides simplified symbolic expressions for noise analysis, sensitivity analysis, and power supply rejection ratio. The numerical accuracy of a simplified symbolic expression is automatically adjusted so that the size of the expression is sufficiently compact to give the user insight into the behavior of the circuit. The simplified result is expressed as a ratio of two products of sums. The tool can easily handle analog circuits containing 90 device parameters. Very compact symbolic expressions for the low-frequency voltage gains of the 741 and 725 operational amplifiers were obtained in less than 40 CPU (central processing unit) seconds on a SUN SPARCstation 2, and the simplified results were numerically within 12% of the exact values.