cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Fall Risk–Increasing Drugs Around a Fall-Related Injury in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES To examine: (1) prevalence of fall risk-increasing drug (FRID) use among older adults with a fall-related injury, (2) which FRIDs were most frequently prescribed, (3) whether FRID use was reduced following the fall-related healthcare episode, and (4) which interventions have reduced falls or FRID use in older adults with a history of falls. DESIGN Systematic review. PARTICIPANTS Observational and intervention studies that assessed (or intervened on) FRID use in participants aged 60 years or older who had experienced a fall. MEASUREMENTS PubMed and EMBASE were searched through June 30, 2019. Two reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated studies for bias. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. RESULTS Fourteen of 638 articles met selection criteria: 10 observational studies and 4 intervention studies. FRID use prevalence at time of fall-related injury ranged from 65% to 93%. Antidepressants and sedatives-hypnotics were the most commonly prescribed FRIDs. Of the 10 observational studies, only 2 used a design adequate to capture changes in FRID use after a fall-related injury, neither finding a reduction in FRID use. Three randomized controlled studies conducted in various settings (hospital, emergency department, and community pharmacy) with 12-month follow-up did not find a reduction in falls with interventions to reduce FRID use, although the study conducted in the community pharmacy setting was effective in reducing FRID use. In a nonrandomized (pre-post) intervention study conducted in an outpatient geriatrics clinic, falls were reduced in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS Limited evidence indicates high prevalence of FRID use among older adults who have experienced a fall-related injury and no reduction in overall FRID use following the fall-related healthcare encounter. There is a need for well-designed interventions to reduce FRID use and falls in older adults with a history of falls. Reducing FRID use as a stand-alone intervention may not be effective in reducing recurrent falls. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1334-1343, 2020.
Biologic subtypes as a predictor of local control in patients with brain metastases from breast cancer after stereotactic radiosurgery

Biological subtypes have been strongly correlated with loco-regional recurrence after definitive treatment for localized breast cancer. Brain metastases (BM) occur in 15% of patient diagnosed with breast cancer (BC). Therefore, we sought to determine whether biologic subtype is predictive of local control (LC) in BC patients with BM treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). This is a single-center retrospective study conducted with Institutional Review Board approval for the period January 1, 2004–December 31, 2018. Eligibility criteria included (1) histopathologic proven BC with documented biologic subtype, (2) presence of BM treated with SRS (single fraction), (3) follow-up MRIs, and (4) clinical follow-up. Patients were subdivided into three biologic subtypes: ER+/HER2- (“luminal”), HER2+, and ER-/PR-/HER2 (TN). All patients were treated with LINAC-based SRS with dose according to published guidelines. Cox proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier were used for statistical analysis of LC and overall survival (OS). With a median follow-up of 11.1 months, 17 BC BM in 50 consecutive patients were included in this study. The median disease-specific GPA was 2.0, and all patients received systemic chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy. The 12-month LC rates for the entire cohort were 85%, 87%, and 49% for luminal, HER2+, and TN, respectively, with a significantly shorter time to local failure for the TN subtype (p = 0.014). The 12-month OS rates were 83%, 88%, and 80% for luminal, HER2+, and TN, respectively, with a trend toward shorter OS in the TN group. This study shows that in BC patients with BM treated with SRS, biologic subtype affects LC. Consideration of radiation treatment intensification or altered fractionation to improve LC may be indicated for the TN subtype. Further multicenter studies are necessary to corroborate our results.
Constructing smaller genome graphs via string compression

Abstract The size of a genome graph — the space required to store the nodes, their labels and edges — affects the efficiency of operations performed on it. For example, the time complexity to align a sequence to a graph without a graph index depends on the total number of characters in the node labels and the number of edges in the graph. The size of the graph also affects the size of the graph index that is used to speed up the alignment. This raises the need for approaches to construct space-efficient genome graphs. We point out similarities in the string encoding approaches of genome graphs and the external pointer macro (EPM) compression model. Supported by these similarities, we present a pair of linear-time algorithms that transform between genome graphs and EPM-compressed forms. We show that the algorithms result in an upper bound on the size of the genome graph constructed based on an optimal EPM compression. In addition to the transformation, we show that equivalent choices made by EPM compression algorithms may result in different sizes of genome graphs. To further optimize the size of the genome graph, we purpose the source assignment problem that optimizes over the equivalent choices during compression and introduce an ILP formulation that solves that problem optimally. As a proof-of-concept, we introduce RLZ-Graph, a genome graph constructed based on the relative Lempel-Ziv EPM compression algorithm. We show that using RLZ-Graph, across all human chromosomes, we are able to reduce the disk space to store a genome graph on average by 40.7% compared to colored de Bruijn graphs constructed by Bifrost under the default settings. The RLZ-Graph software is available at https://github.com/Kingsford-Group/rlzgraph
Security of Analog, Mixed-Signal, and RF Devices

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview to the field of hardware security, specifically focusing on the side-channel analysis (SCA) and physically unclonable functions (PUFs). We investigate the different mechanisms of analog phenomena causing vulnerabilities like side-channels, counterfeit ICs, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. Parallelly, this chapter also dives into the security features that analog circuits can provide, which can be utilized to protect against power and electromagnetic (EM) SCA attacks, or realizing physically unclonable functions (PUFs) for device authentication.
Insiders' Tax Preferences and Firms' Choices between Dividends and Share Repurchases

This paper investigates whether corporate payout policy is associated with insiders' share holdings and their tax preferences. We find that insider ownership and the implied tax liabilities are positively related to a firm's propensity to employ share repurchases. Firms with higher levels of or greater increases in insider ownership prefer stock repurchases to cash dividends. This relation is more significant in years when dividends were more tax disadvantaged relative to capital gains. Our findings are robust to the endogeneity of insider ownership and the inclusion of various control variables such as firm size, permanence of cash flows, growth opportunities, institutional ownership, and executive stock options. Overall, our results suggest that personal tax considerations from insiders affect corporate payout decisions.
Situation economy

Researchers often assume that possible worlds and times are represented in the syntax of natural languages. However, it has been noted that such a system can overgenerate. This paper proposes a constraint on systems where worlds and times are represented as situation pronouns. The Intersective Predicate Generalization, based on and extending work by R. Musan, states that two items composed via Predicate Modification, such as a noun and an intersective modifier, must be evaluated in the same world and time. To explain this generalization, a rule of Situation Economy is advanced, which holds that structures must have the fewest number of situation pronouns possible. Since strong DPs require a situation pronoun to receive a de re reading, a restriction on the type of strong determiners is proposed, which supersedes Situation Economy in this case. Finally, the paper shows how the Situation Economy approach explains an unrelated phenomenon involving bare plurals and examines the connection between this new rule and the grammar of natural language in general.
PCSK9 Inhibition: Discovery, Current Evidence, and Potential Effects on LDL-C and Lp(a)

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease that binds to low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDL-Rs), leading to their accelerated degradation and increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Therefore, PCSK9 levels play a critical role in cholesterol metabolism by reducing LDL-R levels and thus increasing levels of plasma LDL-C. Recently, investigational agents inhibiting PCSK9 have been shown to lower LDL-C and also, potentially, an important secondary target, lipoprotein(a). Therefore, several pharmaceutical companies have initiated drug-development programs that target PCSK9 and are built on a solid foundation of basic science, genetic studies, and epidemiological observations. PCSK9 inhibition with monoclonal antibodies demonstrated LDL-C lowering of up to 57 % when the PCSK9 antibodies are used as monotherapy and up to 73 % when added to background lipid-lowering therapy. In addition, long-term cardiovascular outcome studies are currently under way to confirm the longer term safety and efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors and to determine whether PCSK9 inhibition lowers the incidence of major cardiovascular events. PCSK9 inhibitors may provide safe and effective lipid-lowering therapy, especially for patients with inadequate LDL-C lowering on lipid-lowering treatments, those who are statin intolerant or have contraindications to statin therapy, and those with hereditary hypercholesterolemia/familial hypercholesterolemia and severely elevated LDL-C.
Secret Cities of Russia and Kazakhstan in 1998

A geographer specializing in the urban and population geography of the states of the former Soviet Union (FSU) assesses new developments regarding the number, populations, and other characteristics of the secret cities of Russia and other FSU countries, especially Kazakhstan. Particular emphasis is placed on examining new closed administrative territorial formations (CATFs) designated in Russia after 1996 and analyzing new cartographic and population data extending through 1998. Precise locations and more accurate descriptions of economic activities are provided for many of the CATFs described in a previous study (Rowland, 1996b). Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: I31, J60, O18. 1 table, 109 references.
Optical antenna enhanced nanoLEDs for on-chip optical interconnects

Since the invention of the laser, stimulated emission has been the de facto king of optical communication. Lasers can be directly modulated at rates as high as 50GHz, much faster than a typical solid state LED that is limited by spontaneous emission to 50% efficiency. The use of circuit models for antenna design and recent experimental work coupling semiconductor emitters to optical antennas will be discussed.
A Trajectory Algorithm to Support En Route and Terminal Area Self-Spacing Concepts

This document describes an algorithm for the generation of a four dimensional trajectory. Input data for this algorithm are similar to an augmented Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) with the augmentation in the form of altitude or speed crossing restrictions at waypoints on the route. This version of the algorithm accommodates descent Mach values that are different from the cruise Mach values. Wind data at each waypoint are also inputs into this algorithm. The algorithm calculates the altitude, speed, along path distance, and along path time for each waypoint.
A disruption in iron-sulfur center biogenesis via inhibition of mitochondrial dithiol glutaredoxin 2 may contribute to mitochondrial and cellular iron dysregulation in mammalian glutathione-depleted dopaminergic cells: implications for Parkinson's disease.

Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by early glutathione depletion in the substantia nigra (SN). Among its various functions in the cell, glutathione acts as a substrate for the mitochondrial enzyme glutaredoxin 2 (Grx2). Grx2 is involved in glutathionylation of protein cysteine sulfhydryl residues in the mitochondria. Although monothiol glutathione–dependent oxidoreductases (Grxs) have previously been demonstrated to be involved in iron-sulfur (Fe-S) center biogenesis, including that in yeast, here we report data suggesting the involvement of mitochondrial Grx2, a dithiol Grx, in iron-sulfur biogenesis in a mammalian dopaminergic cell line. Given that mitochondrial dysfunction and increased cellular iron levels are two important hallmarks of PD, this suggests a novel potential mechanism by which glutathione depletion may affect these processes in dopaminergic neurons. We report that depletion of glutathione as substrate results in a dose-dependent Grx2 inhibition and decreased iron incorpo...
What's in a Name? Negotiating and Wielding Dangerous Knowledge in Anthropology

: [field notes, circulation, anonymity, ethnographic representation, education, research methods]
The characteristics of a discrete mood episode, neuro-cognitive impairment and re-hospitalization in bipolar disorder

This longitudinal study examined characteristics of a discrete mood episode that predict re-hospitalization for bipolar disorder, highlighting associated cognitive dysfunction as a potential mechanism linking episode severity and relapse. Eighty-two inpatients meeting DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for bipolar I disorder completed the study. Twenty-two of the patients were readmitted to the hospital within 3 months of discharge. The study compared these patients to the remaining 60 patients who were not readmitted to the hospital during this period. Patients were compared on several factors related to the severity of the mood episode and the course of illness more generally. Analysis also compared the groups on measures of mood and neuro-cognitive functioning, assessed 24–48 hours before initial hospitalization discharge. Re-hospitalized patients had longer initial hospital stays (t = −3.10, p<0.01), higher rates of psychosis while in the hospital (Chi square=5.1, p<0.02), and lower GAF scores on discharge (t = 2.37, p<0.05). The groups did not differ in age of illness onset or number of previous psychiatric hospitalizations. With respect to neuro-cognitive functioning, analysis indicated poorer performance for re-hospitalized patients on measures of executive functioning (Wilks’ Lambda, F (7, 71) = 9.0, p<0.001), IQ (Wilks’ Lambda, F (2, 76) = 5.06, p<0.01), and memory (Wilks’ Lambda, F (6,72) = 4.19, p<0.001). Trends in the expected direction emerged for attention/working memory tests (Wilks’ Lambda, F (7, 71) = 1.79, p<0.10). Results highlight features of a discrete mood episode associated with increased rates of re-hospitalization. This study observed connections among episode severity, cognitive dysfunction at hospital discharge and re-hospitalization.
Medicalization, public policy and the elderly: Social services in jeopardy?

This paper examines the medicalization of community-based services for the elderly; a process of restructuring to provide more highly medical services to a frail older population at the expense of providing a broader range of social and supportive services to older persons with varying levels of need. Medicalization is tied to changes in government policy (particularly Medicare reimbursement) which have led to increased competition within the health and social service sector. The paper utilizes data on services, policy impact and staffing from the DRG Impact Study conducted at the Institute for Health and Aging (UCSF), a 3-year study of the impacts of federal policy on 7 types of community providers of services to the elderly. Data are presented from telephone interviews conducted at two points in time (1986 and 1987) with directors of a representative sample of home health agencies (HHAs). Findings include: HHAs were more likely to report adding highly medical services and cited social/supportive services (as opposed to highly medical and/or highly technical services) as the most commonly requested services they cannot provide. Policy effects and societal implications of the medicalization of home care are considered.
A Path Analysis of Factors Influencing Racial Differences on the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument–Version 2

Thousands of juveniles with mental health disorders enter the juvenile justice system every year. The Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument−Version 2 (MAYSI-2) is often used to assess them. The disproportionate numbers of African American youth in the juvenile justice system and the large numbers of youth with mental health needs necessitate accurate screening across racial groups, but recent evidence indicates that groups may be interpreting MAYSI-2 items differently. A total of 90 male juvenile detainees participated in a structured interview exploring what factors might mediate race and impact MAYSI-2 scores. Results confirmed which factors influence MAYSI-2 scores for African American participants.
Influence of two guidance techniques on verbal learning

Subjects in two experiments learned lists of paired associates with or without prompting or first letter cues. Recall scores on interspersed test trials, and seven days later, indicated an expected superiority for prompting but no significant cue effects.
Palladacyclic Imidazoline–Naphthalene Complexes: Synthesis and Catalytic Performance in Pd(II)-Catalyzed Enantioselective Reactions of Allylic Trichloroacetimidates

A new family of air- and moisture-stable enantiopure C,N-palladacycles (PIN-acac complexes) were prepared in good overall yield in three steps from 2-iodo-1-naphthoic acid and enantiopure β-amino alcohols. Three of these PIN complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis. As anticipated, the naphthalene and imidazoline rings of PIN-acac complexes 18a and 18b were canted significantly from planarity and projected the imidazoline substituents R(1) and R(2) on opposite faces of the palladium square plane. Fifteen PIN complexes were evaluated as catalysts for the rearrangement of prochiral (E)-allylic trichloroacetimidate 19 (eq 2) and the S(N)2' allylic substitution of acetic acid with prochiral (Z)-allylic trichloroacetimidate 23. Although these complexes were kinetically poor catalysts for the Overman rearrangement, they were good catalysts for the allylic substitution reaction, providing branched allylic esters in high yield. However, enantioselectivities were low to moderate and significantly less than that realized with palladacyclic complexes of the COP family. Computational studies support an anti-acetoxypalladation/syn-deoxypalladation mechanism analogous to that observed with COP catalysts. The computational study further suggests that optimizing steric influence in the vicinity of the carbon ligand of a chiral C,N-palladacycle, rather than near the nitrogen heterocycle, is the direction to pursue in future development of improved enantioselective catalysts of this motif.
Drag on a particle being pushed by a solidification front and its dependence on thermal conductivities

A particle approached by an advancing solidification front may be set in motion under the influence of forces that act across the narrow gap between it and the advancing solidification front. This particle motion induces a drag that promotes engulfment of the particle in the advancing solidifying medium. This drag force experienced by a particle being steadily pushed by a solidification front is studied numerically. A sharp-interface method is used to track both the phase boundary and the particle. The method employed in this paper allows for inclusion of the effects of thermal property differences between the particle and the melt. The dependency of the drag on the thermal conductivity ratio of the particle to the melt, as well as on the thickness of the thin gap between the solidifying interface and the particle, is examined. The results of the present calculations are compared with those of previous analyses. It is shown that previously used expressions for the drag on a particle may not correctly account for the effects of thermal conductivity of the particle.
The Structure of Subjective Well-Being in Nine Western Societies

The structure of subjective well-being is analyzed by multidimensional mapping of evaluations of life concerns. For example, one finds that evaluations of Income are close to (i.e., relatively strongly related to) evaluations of Standard of living, but remote from (weakly related to) evaluations of Health. These structures show how evaluations of life components fit together and hence illuminate the psychological meaning of life quality. They can be useful for determining the breadth of coverage and degree of redundancy of social indicators of perceived well-being. Analyzed here are data from representative sample surveys in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, and the United States (each N ≈ 1000). Eleven life concerns are considered, including Income, Housing, Job, Health, Leisure, Neighborhood, Transportation, and Relations with other people. It is found that structures in all of these countries have a basic similarity and that the European countries tend to be more similar to one another than they are to USA. These results suggest that comparative research on subjective well-being is feasible within this group of nations.
Patterns and significance of distribution of left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A wide angle, two dimensional echocardiographic study of 125 patients.

Abstract Four patterns of distribution of left ventricular hypertrophy were identified by a wide angle, two dimensional echocardiographic study of 125 patients with hypertrophie Cardiomyopathy. Most commonly (52 percent of patients) hypertrophy involved substantial portions of both the ventricular septum and anterolateral left ventricular free wall (type III). In other patients, hypertrophy was confined to the anterior portion of the ventricular septum (type I), involved the entire ventricular septum but not the left ventricular free wall (type II) or was identified in regions of the left ventricle other than the basal anterior ventricular septum (type IV). In patients with the latter type, conventional M mode echocardiography failed to identify the presence of hypertrophy and therefore the diagnosis of hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy could be established only with two dimensional echocardiography. Patients with the most widespread hypertrophy involving most of the ventricular septum as well as portions of the free wall (type III) differed from patients having the other patterns of hypertrophy. (1) They more commonly experienced moderate to severe functional limitation (38 of 65 [58 percent]versus 16 of 60 [27 percent]; probability [p]
Photoinduced antimicrobial polymer blends with benzophenone as a functional additive

Benzophenone (BP)-incorporated polymer films including polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films were prepared, and the structural and photoactivated properties were investigated by SEM, XRD, DSC, antimicrobial, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production tests. When the amount of incorporated BP concentration was 0.5 wt %, the polymer films were successfully prepared without significant changes in physical properties. Also, all the BP-incorporated polymer films showed antimicrobial abilities under UVA (365 nm) irradiation, and the effectiveness increased as the amounts of BP in the polymers are increased. On the other hand, it was observed that photoirradiated PVA/BP composite films created H2O2 under the atmospheric dark condition. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Evaluation of fracture resistance of ferritic stainless steels for first wall and blanket applications

Abstract Notch ductility and fracture toughness properties of two ferritic stainless steels were investigated to explore the potential of this class of materials for fusion reactor applications. Alloy HT-9, a 12Cr composition, was evaluated in as-heat treated, thermally aged, and neutron irradiated conditions; Alloy 9Cr-1Mo (Mod.) was tested in the as-heat treated condition only. Fatigue precracked Charpy-V and compact tension tests in combination with J-integral assessment procedures were used to establish dynamic fracture toughness, crack initiation toughness, and the J-Resistance curve. Results for both alloys indicate high preirradiation fracture resistance. In addition, the Alloy HT-9 exhibited relatively high resistance to 420°C neutron irradiation; property changes appeared related to radiation hardening and radiation-enhanced temper embrittlement. Correlations between notch ductility and fracture toughness trends were material dependent.
Impacts of Child Development Accounts on maternal depressive symptoms: evidence from a randomized statewide policy experiment.

This study examines the impact of Child Development Accounts (CDAs)—asset-building accounts created for children at birth—on the depressive symptoms of mothers in a statewide randomized experiment conducted in the United States. The experiment identified the primary caregivers of children born in Oklahoma during 2007, and 2704 of the caregivers completed a baseline interview before random assignment to the treatment (n = 1358) or the control group (n = 1346). To treatment participants, the experiment offered CDAs built on the existing Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan. The baseline and follow-up surveys measured the participants' depressive symptoms with a shortened version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). In models that control for baseline CES-D scores, the mean follow-up score of treatment mothers is .17 lower than that of control mothers (p < .05). Findings suggest that CDAs have a greater impact among subsamples that reported lower income or lower education. Although designed as an economic intervention for children, CDAs may improve parents' psychological well-being. Findings also suggest that CDAs' impacts on maternal depressive symptoms may be partially mediated through children's social–emotional development.
CIRCADIAN RHYTHM IN RAT PINEAL SEROTONIN AND ITS MODIFICATIONS BY ESTROUS CYCLE AND PHOTOPERIOD.

Abstract Adult rat pineal serotonin was extracted and measured spectrophotofluorometrically. A similar circadian rhythm was found in males and females (daily photoperiod, 4 a.m. –6 a.m. . Pineal serotonin in males increased gradually from a nocturnal minimum of about 10 ng per pineal to a midday maximum of about 90 ng per pineal. Immediately following the start of darkness, pineal serotonin dropped at the rate of 25 ng per hour to the nocturnal low level. The dependence of this nocturnal drop on the occurrence of darkness within a critical period of several hours was demonstrated. A slightly precocious rise in morning serotonin level was induced by earlier onset of light. Modifications in pineal serotonin correlated with the phases of the estrous cycle are described. Physiological significance and implications of the variations in pineal serotonin content are discussed.
A possible mechanism for neurologic ischemic events in patients with atrial septal aneurysm.

Abstract A trial septal aneurysm (ASA) is a congenital malformation of the atrial septum that has been associated, among other conditions, with transient ischemic attacks and strokes. 1–5 The nature of this relation is unclear. Embolic events have been attributed to thrombus formation in or at the base of the aneurysmal sac. 5,6 However, the possibility of an associated functionally patent foramen ovale leading to a paradoxical embolus from a right-to-left shunting also has been suggested. 2–4 To help clarify this issue, we analyzed the morphologic and functional characteristics of the atrial septum in patients with ASA by the use of transesophageal contrast echocardiography.
Exploring Issues About Computational Thinking in Higher Education

The term computational thinking (CT) has been in academic discourse for decades, but gained new currency in 2006, when Jeanette Wing used it to describe a set of thinking skills that students in all fields may require in order to succeed. Wing’s initial article and subsequent writings on CT have been broadly influential; experts in computational thinking have started developing teaching and leadership materials to support integration of CT across the K-12 curriculum. Despite interest at the K-12 level, however, outside of computer science and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields there has been less interest in –and research conducted on– the potential of CT in higher education. The purpose of this paper is to review the current state of the field in higher education and discuss whether CT skills are relevant outside of STEM fields.
TRACE - A System Wide Diagnostic Tool

TRACE is a system-wide diagnostic tool that allows one to gather timing information with a minimal impact on application(s) performance. TRACE supports a variety of architectures under Linux and VxWorks. This utility instruments code easily and is controllable through the /proc file system. It has hooks to be built into a larger monitoring/alarming/debugging framework as well as supporting architecture-dependent features such as performance measurement counters or registers.
Putting the Shoe on the Other Foot

An example of the use of an induction proof in elementary probability theory and its application in proving a theorem in number theory.
Halo-free quantitative phase imaging with partially coherent light

We provide a quantitative model for image formation in common-path QPI systems under partially coherent illumination. Our model is capable of explaining the phase reduction phenomenon and halo effect in phase measurements. We further show how to fix these phenomena with a novel iterative post-processing algorithm. Halo-free and correct phase images of nanopillars and live cells are used to demonstrate the validity of our method.
Gorham-Stout disease and generalized lymphatic anomaly—clinical, radiologic, and histologic differentiation

Purpose Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) is a rare vascular disorder of lymphatic origin characterized by progressive osteolysis. Generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) is a multisystem disorder that also commonly affects bone. We hypothesized that Gorham-Stout disease is different from other osseous lymphatic anomalies. We proposed to discriminate these entities by analyzing findings on skeletal imaging.
Significance of pleural effusion at diagnosis of Wilms tumor.

Background Pleural effusion is uncommon at diagnosis of Wilms tumor. Because the clinical significance of this finding has not been reported, a retrospective review of this entity was conducted. Procedure The radiology reports and medical records of 233 patients with Wilms tumor who were treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital between 1985 and 2001 were reviewed. Results Ten of the 233 patients (4.3%) had pleural effusions detected on pre-nephrectomy imaging studies. Computed tomography (CT) scans were more sensitive than chest X-rays in identifying pleural effusions. All of the patients with pleural effusions had tumors of favorable histology. Two patients had stage II disease, five had stage III disease, two had stage IV disease, and one had stage V (bilateral) disease. All of the effusions occurred on the same side as the primary kidney tumors and six effusions were associated with ascites. The two effusions that were tapped were negative for tumor cells. All 10 patients in our series were alive without recurrence with a median follow-up duration of 68 months, yet only two patients were treated with lung irradiation. Conclusion Pleural effusion at presentation of Wilms tumor is uncommon and not associated with adverse prognosis. We recommend that pleural effusions be tapped whenever feasible if the results will change therapy. Patients with pleural effusions that are small and difficult to tap may be treated according to their local stage without pulmonary irradiation. Further analysis of pleural effusions in a larger group of patients is necessary to confirm our preliminary observations. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The mystical theology of Tijānī Sufism and its social significance in West Africa

L'ordre soufi Tijāniyyah fut fonde au XVIIIe siecle en Afrique du nord par Ahmad al-Tijānī. Pendant le XIXe siecle, il s'etendit dans toute l'Afrique occidentale. L'A. examine ici les effets sociaux de la pensee Tijāniyyah dans les communautes musulmanes d'Afrique occidentale et les met en relation avec la theologie mystique fondamentale de Tijāniyya qu'il expose, ainsi que le role d'Ahmad al-Tijānī, ces deux elements ayant suscite un elitisme typiquement Tijānī.
Restoration of spin and isospin symmetry in the skyrme model

Abstract I discuss an approximate application of the collective coordinate quantization method of Christ and Lee to the Skyrme model. The requirement that spin and isospin symmetry be maintained at the collective coordinate level necessitates the introduction of three vibrational degrees of freedom. Qualitatively, the vibrational degrees of freedom enable the magnitude of the pion field to vibrate uniformly between zero and the static classical solution of the Euler-Lagrange equations obtained by Adkins, Nappi and Witten. This effect is characterized by a vibrational frequency that sets the scale of vibrational excitations of the nucleon which are distinct from the spin and isospin excitations of the model. The lowest vibrational excitation of the nucleon is at 616 MeV for the choice of model parameters made by Adkins, Nappi and Witten. This is to be identified with the N ∗ (Roper) resonance. Since this approach requires three vibrational degrees of freedom at a collective level it is not surprising that this estimate for the N ∗ mass is larger than other approaches which introduce just one vibrational degree of freedom. I discuss some qualitative differences and similarities between this approach to the Skyrme model and the non-relativistic quark model and I also discuss some future applications.
Encoding of both analog- and digital-like behavioral outputs by one C. elegans interneuron

SUMMARY Model organisms usually possess a small nervous system but nevertheless execute a large array of complex behaviors, suggesting that some neurons are likely multifunctional and may encode multiple behavioral outputs. Here, we show that the C. elegans interneuron AIY regulates two distinct behavioral outputs:locomotion speed anddirection-switch by recruiting two different circuits. The ‘‘speed’’ circuit is excitatory with a wide dynamic range, which is well suited to encode speed, an analog-like output. The ‘‘direction-switch’’ circuit is inhibitory with a narrow dynamic range, which is ideal for encoding direction-switch, a digital-like output. Both circuits employ the neurotransmitter ACh but utilize distinct postsynaptic ACh receptors, whose distinct biophysical properties contribute to the distinct dynamic ranges of the two circuits. This mechanism enables graded C. elegans synapses to encode both analog- and digital-like outputs. Our studies illustrate how an interneuron in a simple organism encodes multiple behavioral outputs at the circuit, synaptic, and molecular levels.
Resveratrol is Not a Direct Activator of SIRT1 Enzyme Activity

Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol capable of exerting beneficial metabolic effects which are thought to be mediated in large by the activation of the NAD(+)-dependent protein deacetylase SIRT1. Although resveratrol has been claimed to be a bona fide SIRT1 activator using a peptide substrate (Fluor de Lys-SIRT1 peptide substrate), recent reports indicate that this finding might be an experimental artifact and need to be clarified. Here, we show that: (i) the Fluor de Lys-SIRT1 peptide is an artificial SIRT1 substrate because in the absence of the covalently linked fluorophore the peptide itself is not a substrate of the enzyme, (ii) resveratrol does not activate SIRT1 in vitro in the presence of either a p53-derived peptide substrate or acetylated PGC-1alpha isolated from cells, and (iii) although SIRT1 deacetylates PGC-1alpha in both in vitro and cell-based assays, resveratrol did not activate SIRT1 under these conditions. Based on these observations, we conclude that the pharmacological effects of resveratrol in various models are unlikely to be mediated by a direct enhancement of the catalytic activity of the SIRT1 enzyme. In consequence, our data challenge the overall utility of resveratrol as a pharmacological tool to directly activate SIRT1.
Student research highlight: Good polyphase code sets with large population size

Multiple input/multiple output (MIMO) radars [1] and orthogonal netted radar systems (ONRS) [2], [3] use spatial diversity to fundamentally improve radar performance. To realize their full potential in performance, they require a “good” code set. Each radar station in a MIMO radar or an ONRS transmits its own good code, belonging to the set of good codes. On reception, the radar stations process their signal returns as well as signal returns from other radar stations and the resulting data is then fed into a fusion processor. The fusion processor uses the data from each of the radar stations in the MIMO radar/ONRS to form an elaborate 3D image of the area of interest.
Molecular Diffusion and Photooxidation Chemistry on TiO2 Surfaces under Perfluoroalkane Layers

The photooxidation of an organic compound, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES), over a TiO2−SiO2 mixed oxide photocatalyst has been studied using transmission infrared spectroscopy. The purpose of this work was to determine the influence of an inert perfluoroalkane buffer layer on the photooxidation properties of the photocatalyst. Both oxygen gas and 2-CEES were adsorbed on top of a thick C9F20 layer, and it was found that the diffusion of both of the reactants through the solid perfluoroalkane layer occurs readily at 253 K. Adsorption of 2-CEES and O2 therefore occurs at the photocatalyst surface, and photooxidation of the 2-CEES is little impeded by the inert C9F20 layer. Both C9F20 and 2-CEES cause characteristic frequency shifts due to hydrogen bonding with Si−OH groups on the photocatalyst, and this effect may be used spectroscopically to monitor the displacement of hydrogen-bonded C9F20 molecules from the Si−OH groups by the 2-CEES molecule. In addition, IR spectroscopy has been used to monitor th...
Performance of first-calf dairy heifers under a limited-season early-freshening management system.

Abstract Productive and reproductive performances of 371 dairy heifers of five breeds were evaluated. All females were served at first heat after attaining 13 months of age, but only if such service would result in due dates during mid-July to mid-January. Average first service age was 455 days; average age at freshening was 781 days. Significant positive relationships between age and weight at freshening, milk yield, fat yield, gestation length, and birth weight of calf were detected and were consistent with previous research. A slight positive relationship existed between age of freshening and days open during the first lactation. Although Holsteins had a consistently higher frequency of calving problems, it was not possible to detect differences in frequency due to age at parturition. Overall frequencies were: retained placenta, 2.4%; uterine prolapse, 1.1%; dystocia, 4.9%; metritis, 10.5%; dead calves, 10.2%; and one or more problems, 21.6%. Dairymen should expect no increase in problems at freshening if animals are managed according to standard recommendations and are bred at 13 months of age.
Multiple clustered dermatofibroma: case report and review of the literature

The presence of multiple dermatofibromas is rare and is defined as more than 15 lesions. Multiple clustered dermatofibroma (MCDF) is a distinct entity with only 12 reported cases in the literature. MCDF occurs in healthy individuals of both sexes in the first to third decades on the lower half of the body and portends an excellent prognosis. On histology, MCDF is consistent with benign dermatofibromas. We report a 31-year-old healthy Hispanic woman with a 14-year history of slowly progressive MCDF located on her right hip initially misdiagnosed as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. We believe this case represents the 13th report of MCDF in the literature and the second from North America.
Edward Sherwood Mead (1874‐1956): a pioneer in finance education

Purpose – Mead was one of the first university professors of Finance in North America. The purpose of this article ia to document his career at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania from 1900 to 1944.Design/methodology/approach – This research used traditional historical interpretation of rare archival documents, drew from the autobiography of Mead's more famous daughter, Margaret Mead, and includes an analysis of Mead's published work in Finance.Findings – The findings are reported as an intellectual biography. The paper reports on Mead's life and career as a pioneer Finance scholar.Originality/value – There has been almost nothing published about the history of the Finance discipline and nothing published about the contributions of Edward Sherwood Mead.
The relationship of the jugular “C” wave to changing diastolic intervals

Abstract To determine the relationship of the jugular C wave to changing cycle length, jugular pulse and right atrial pressure recordings were examined on a group of patients with various types of heart disease and atrial fibrillation. The total height of the jugular C wave was noted to be enhanced by short cycles and diminished with longer cycles. This finding is confirmed with intra-atrial pressure recordings. It is suggested that the jugular C wave is related to tricuspid leaflet excursion and closure; in that with a short diastolic interval the leaflets are widely separated at the onset of systole and have a relatively large closure excursion. These findings are not consistent with the hypothesis of arterial origin of the C wave since the arterial pulse would be expected to increase with longer cycles.
Agent-Based Control Framework for Distributed Energy Resources Microgrids

Distributed energy resources (DERs) provide many benefits for the electricity users and utilities. However, the electricity distribution system traditionally was not designed to accommodate active power generation and storage at the distribution level. The microgrid provides an effective approach to integrating many small-scale distributed energy resources into the bulk electric grid. This paper presents an agent-based control framework for distributed energy resources microgrids. The features of agent technology are first discussed. An agent-based control framework for DER microgrids is then presented. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed agent-based control framework, simulation studies have been performed on a dc distributed energy system that can be used in a microgrid as a modular power generation unit. Simulation results clearly indicate that the agent-based control framework is effective to coordinate the various distributed energy resources and manage the power and voltage profiles.
Pavlov Institute research in speech perception: Finding phonetic messages in modulations

Abstract Nearly four decades of research in speech perception have failed to untangle the relation of sound and phone. Is this because speech sound discrimination is so complex or unique that it resists study? Or is it because the right questions have not been asked? This article reviews some of the more recent speech research at the Pavlov Institute in Leningrad which suggests an affirmative answer to the second question. This interesting possibility derives from an unique modulation-analyzing model of speech perception. Wider consideration of the modulation approach might provide some challenging alternatives to current, spectrum-oriented models for solving the “invariance” problem. Following a general introduction, the model is considered in the context of representative experiments and results.
A Conserved Role for Drosophila Neuroglian and Human L1-CAM in Central-Synapse Formation

Summary Background Drosophila Neuroglian (Nrg) and its vertebrate homolog L1-CAM are cell-adhesion molecules (CAM) that have been well studied in early developmental processes. Mutations in the human gene result in a broad spectrum of phenotypes (the CRASH-syndrome) that include devastating neurological disorders such as spasticity and mental retardation. Although the role of L1-CAMs in neurite extension and axon pathfinding has been extensively studied, much less is known about their role in synapse formation. Results We found that a single extracellular missense mutation in nrg 849 mutants disrupted the physiological function of a central synapse in Drosophila . The identified giant neuron in nrg 849 mutants made a synaptic terminal on the appropriate target, but ultrastructural analysis revealed in the synaptic terminal a dramatic microtubule reduction, which was likely to be the cause for disrupted active zones. Our results reveal that tyrosine phosphorylation of the intracellular ankyrin binding motif was reduced in mutants, and cell-autonomous rescue experiments demonstrated the indispensability of this tyrosine in giant-synapse formation. We also show that this function in giant-synapse formation was conserved in human L1-CAM but neither in human L1-CAM with a pathological missense mutation nor in two isoforms of the paralogs NrCAM and Neurofascin. Conclusions We conclude that Nrg has a function in synapse formation by organizing microtubules in the synaptic terminal. This novel synaptic function is conserved in human L1-CAM but is not common to all L1-type proteins. Finally, our findings suggest that some aspects of L1-CAM-related neurological disorders in humans may result from a disruption in synapse formation rather than in axon pathfinding.
Experience with endovascular grafts in the treatment of infrarenal aortic aneurysms associated with proximal aortic dissection

Abstract BACKGROUND: Chronic abdominal and thoracic aortic dissections often present with concomitant infrarenal aortic dilatation. We conducted a retrospective review of 6 patients treated with endovascular stent grafts for coexisting aortic dissection and infrarenal aneurysm. METHODS: Six patients with suprarenal aortic dissections and infrarenal aortic aneurysms (AAA) had their AAAs treated with endovascular grafts. Grafts were constructed of balloon expandable Palmaz stents and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft. The device was inserted transfemorally and deployed under fluoroscopy. RESULTS: Successfully primary AAA exclusion was achieved in 5 patients. One patient required a supplemental stent placed above the endograft and into the true lumen to seal the endoleak. No aneurysm has enlarged, and all remain thrombosed for 9 to 24 months (mean 20). One type III dissection enlarged 2 weeks after endograft insertion. One patient had uncomplicated cephalad fenestration of a dissection by the endograft. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular grafts may be used to treat coexisting AAA and aortic dissection. Attention to the site or sites of reentry of a dissection is essential to insure full aortic aneurysm exclusion. The fate of a chronic aortic dissection cephalad to an endovascularly treated AAA is unclear and will require longer follow-up.