cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulatory Aspects of Veterinary Nutraceuticals in the USA and Canada

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US provides clarification, guidance, and regulatory oversight to protect human and animal health. The Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), a branch of FDA, ensures safety of veterinary medical products and animal feed including pet food. Nutraceuticals are neither food nor drugs and present a regulatory challenge. Although most nutraceuticals are generally regarded as safe, there is a growing concern about their safety, quality, and efficacy. To safeguard human health, the FDA has not provided any special provision to natural supplements intended to be included in animal feed. The FDA believes that there is insufficient information on the safe use of natural products in food animals to ensure human health from potential toxic residues. However, the use of oral natural supplements is not prohibited in pets if a product is harmless and not labeled to treat or cure an ailment. In Canada, veterinary nutraceuticals are defined as “natural supplements” and are regulated by Health Canada. Guidance includes information on permitted and excluded products, manufacturing, labeling, and adverse event reporting system. All products are required to obtain a notification number (NN) prior to sale in Canada. The objective of Canadian regulations is to facilitate the approval of safe products while keeping harmful supplements off the market to protect human and animal health.
A National Examination Of Long-Term Care Setting, Outcomes, And Disparities Among Elderly Dual Eligibles

The benefits of expanding funding for Medicaid long-term care home and community-based services (HCBS) relative to institutional care are often taken as self-evident. However, little is known about the outcomes of these services, especially for racial and ethnic minority groups, whose members tend to use the services more than whites do, and for people with dementia who may need high-intensity care. Using national Medicaid claims data on older adults enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, we found that overall hospitalization rates were similar for HCBS and nursing facility users, although nursing facility users were generally sicker as reflected in their claims history. Among HCBS users, blacks were more likely to be hospitalized than non-Hispanic whites were, and the gap widened among blacks and whites with dementia. Also, conditional on receiving HCBS, Medicaid HCBS spending was higher for whites than for nonwhites, and higher Medicare and Medicaid hospital spending for blacks and Hispanics did not offset this difference. Our findings suggest that home and community-based services need to be carefully targeted to avoid adverse outcomes and that the racial/ethnic disparities in access to high-quality institutional long-term care are also present in HCBS. Policy makers should consider the full costs and benefits of shifting care from nursing facilities to home and community settings and the potential implications for equity.
Substance abuse and HIV/STD prevention at a Hispanic-serving institution in South Texas: A study of racial/ethnic and gender heterogeneity and intersectionality.

The purpose of this study is to examine racial/ethnic and gender variations and intersectionality in the knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors pertaining to substance abuse (SA) and human...
Counterfactual prediction in complete information games: Point prediction under partial identification

Abstract We study the problem of counterfactual prediction in discrete decision games with complete information, pure strategies, and Nash equilibria: the presence of multiple equilibria poses unique challenges. We introduce multiple types of counterfactuals to establish sharp identified bounds for their prediction probabilities. We propose and compare various point prediction methods, namely midpoint prediction, an approach using a Dirichlet-based prior, a maximum entropy method, and minmax with an entropy constraint. On balance, we conclude that the maximum-entropy approach is the least of several evils. Our results have implications for counterfactual prediction in other models with partial identification.
Factors influencing uptake of evidence-based antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines for electrophysiology procedures.

Background Clinical guidelines support early discontinuation of antimicrobials after cardiac device procedures; however, prolonged courses of antimicrobials are common. Methods We conducted semistructured interviews with 13 electrophysiologists representing diverse geographic and clinical settings of care to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to discontinuing postprocedure antimicrobial prophylaxis as part of a formative evaluation prior to implementing a program to improve uptake of guideline recommendations. A directed content analysis approach was used to map responses to the Implementation Outcomes Framework. Results Data indicated that electrophysiologists were not willing to stop postprocedural antimicrobials, indicating a lack of acceptability of clinical guidelines. Feasibility, fidelity, cost, and appropriateness were also frequently cited. Factors associated with prolonged antimicrobial prescribing included beliefs about lack of harm and possible benefit. There was a strong “cultural inertia” to conform to institutional normative practices. Reasons for conforming ranged from streamlining processes for clinical staff and concerns about being perceived as an “outlier.” Conclusions Institutional culture and beliefs about consequences of cardiac device infections versus antimicrobial use appeared to be major drivers of current practice. The desire to promote institutional standardization suggests that strategies to enhance implementation of prophylaxis guidelines must include facility-level changes, rather than interventions directed only at individual-providers.
Heartbeat: can machine learning improve outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction?

Machine learning offers the opportunity to gain new insights into clinical cardiovascular disease as shown in the paper in this issue of Heart on novel patient phenogroups in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).1 Model-based clustering was performed based on echocardiographic, clinical and laboratory variables (including proteomics) in 320 outpatients (mean age 78 years, 56% female) with HFpEF to identify six phenogroups with significant differences between groups in the composite outcome of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalisation at up to 2½ years follow-up. The highest event rates occurred in phenogroup 2, characterised by older age, reduced right ventricular function, atrial fibrillation in 85%, hypertension in 83% and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 30%. Poor outcomes were also seen in phenogroup 1 which was defined by the presence of hypertension, coronary disease, renal disease, diabetes and anaemia (figure 1). Figure 1 Kaplan-Meier curves of composite end points during 1000 days of follow-up from stable condition for phenogroups. The log rank p values for the composite end point at an early time point (100 days) …
Scoring system predicting overall survival (OS) in patients (Pts) with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

7545 Background: Interpretation of lung cancer clinical trials is complicated by the heterogeneity of the patient population due to disease burden and comorbidities making pre-trial assessment of O...
Analysis of a neonate with bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma with next generation sequencing

Objective To explore the genetic cause and clinical features of a neonate with bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma. Methods The patient was examined thoroughly. Following the extraction of genomic DNA, next generation sequencing was performed to analyze the genetic cause. Results The patient manifested generalized erythema, blistering, and extensive exfoliation of the skin. A heterozygous missence 482T>G mutation was found in the first exon of KRT10 gene, which led to a p. L161W alteration in its protein product. Conclusion The de novo mutation of the KRT10 gene probably underlies the disease in the child. Key words: Bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma; KRT10 gene; Next generation sequencing
Texture analyses and microstructural evolution in monolithic U-Mo nuclear fuel

Abstract This work describes the microstructural evolution of prototypical monolithic U-Mo fuel plates analyzed via scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The understanding of the microstructural and textural evolution of nuclear fuel from as-fabricated to post-irradiation is important in assessing changes in material properties during irradiation. In our work it was observed that the typical fabrication techniques applied in U-10Mo monolithic fuel plates develop features associated with a cold-rolled body-centered cubic (bcc) texture and development of α and γ fiber (parallel to the rolling and normal direction). After irradiation, a loss of the fabrication-induced preferred orientation was observed with an increased spread of grain-boundary misorientation as burnup increases. Grain subdivision was observed in the irradiated samples with the formation of submicron grains (200–500 nm). Evidence for polygonization as the mechanism leading to grain subdivision was detected. This has been observed for the first time for U-Mo monolithic fuel via EBSD and has been associated to formation of low-angle grain boundaries (
Playful learning landscapes: convergence of education and city planning

Playful Learning Landscapes (PLL) has become a viable, evidence-based approach for addressing inequity in learning by merging architectural design and placemaking with the science of learning. PLL embeds learning opportunities in places where families regularly go (e.g., bus stops, supermarkets, and laundromats) and transforms them into engaging and enriched learning hubs. Learning outside the classroom in museums, libraries, and with digital media has been growing in importance and was further accentuated due to the coronavirus disease. As a result, the role of families and the community has been elevated as a critical component of education. To address gaps in school readiness and achievement, policy makers have largely focused on formal learning environments. But these efforts neither address nor harness the 80% of time young children spend outside of the classroom with their families. PLL fills this gap and offers one way of harnessing innovation to help reduce education inequality and promote individual and community development—all key factors for an effective learning society.
Treatment of early postpartum metritis in a dairy herd

Infection of the uterus or the metritis complex is a commonly diagnosed disorder of the postpartum period in dairy cows. Rates of 32-80% have been reported in dairy herds. The effect of metritis on milk production is not well documented, however, in one study cows classified as having severe metritis had a significant decline in production compared to cows identified as normal or having a mild infection. Most investigations have been directed towards the effect metritis has on reproductive efficiency. When metritis was classified as mild or severe, the mild cases had no detrimental effect while those classed as severe had reduced fertility. In reports where there was no attempt to grade the infections, cows with metritis had lower reproductive efficiency. In some cases the accuracy of making a diagnosis of metritis can be questioned, likewise, the need to treat all cases can be disputed, and the treatment strategy to follow is not clear. Over time thee has been a wide array of treatments used with generally a high degree of clinical recovery. There is no doubt that a high percentage of early postpartum metritis cases make a spontaneous recovery, and this must be considered when evaluating treatments. Unfortunately, there are few controlled trials to judge treatment efficacy. In the past few years a better understanding of the postpartum period has been gained. The postpartum period has been characterized and classified into 3 periods. The bacteriology and endocrinology have been investigated, and the pathogenesis of pyometra outlined. The role that prostaglandins may have on the postpartum uterus and the involutionary process has been studied, and the various treatment options for uterine infections have been detailed. The purpose of this study was to make a retrospective analysis from reproductive health records of postpartum metritis in a dairy herd.
Eliminating digital rights management from the E-book market

Abstract We examine the impact of removing Digital Rights Management (DRM) from electronic book devices. We derive a Bayesian hierarchical logit model based on the consumer’s utility maximization problem and estimate the model using data from a choice-based survey. We then simulate the counterfactual market outcomes when DRM is removed; on average, the consumer surplus increases nontrivially holding everything else constant. However, the gain in consumer surplus is diminished when we re-calibrate e-book device prices. Further, if there is a negative shock to content supply, then the consumer surplus could in fact decrease after DRM removal.
Algunes consideracions sobre la investigació en Psicologia

Although apparently unanimity exists in the definition of Psychology, in fact, various concepts co-exist which have their basis in very dfferent postulates, this produces a wide diversion in the methodology and the subjects investigated.This dispersion justifies the usefulness of revising the definition of psychology, as well as availing of an integrated theoretical mark, which helps to orientate psychological research.The main differential characteristics of the theoretical conception proposed by E. Ribes, based on the work of Kantor, showing some of the changes that should be introduced in investigation, are summarized.
Towards a Probabilistic Model Checking-based approach for Medical Device Risk Assessment

Medical Devices (MDs) are subject to a Risk Management process to guarantee their safety with respect to risks patients and healthcare operators may experience. Well known classical Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) techniques widely used in the MD sector, such as Failure Model and Effective Critical Analysis (FMEA) and Fault-Tree/Event-Tree do not allow to model the dynamics of hazardous situations which involves interactions among system components, human actions, process operations and the environment. This lack is overcome by using a dynamic PRA (DPRA) approach which aids in specifying risk scenarios. DPRA is extensively used in the nuclear, avionics, and space industries to identify possible accident scenarios, but to the best of our knowledge it is not so in the MD field. In this paper we propose a DPRA approach for MD Risk Assessment which relies on the use of a Probabilistic Model Checking (PMC) technique to perform quantitative analysis of risk scenarios. Particularly, our approach combines the ease of Event Sequence Diagram (ESD) to capture the dynamics of risk scenarios and the Markov Decision Processes formalism used as a stochastic model by which to encode ESD. By using a PMC technique to evaluate the MDP-based risk scenarios, we achieve two main benefits. Firstly, hundreds of different scenario realisations can be analysed in seconds due to the computational effectiveness of current PMC algorithms. Secondly, since such technique is based on a state-transition representation, we take advantage of the reachability analysis of states within the risk scenario state space to also quantify the effectiveness of control mechanisms or mitigation actions used to prevent and/or reduce the MD exposition to risk factors. Our ultimate objective is to derive an intuitive, easy, and computationally efficient formal method to perform quantitative risk scenario analysis oriented towards increasing the MD safety. We have applied our approach to an actual MD taken as a case study to demonstrate the features of our DPRA solution.
Quark loop effects with an improved staggered fermion action

Abstract We have been studying effects of dynamical quarks on various hadronic observables, using our recently formulated improvement for staggered fermions. To illustrate improvement, we show that the light hadron spectrum in the quenched approximation gives remarkably good scaling. We highlight three new results: (1) We find no apparent quark loop effects in the Edinburgh plot with 2+1 flavors of dynamical quarks at a = 0.14 fm. (2) We show that dynamical quarks modify the shape of the heavy quark potential. (3) We present results hinting at meson decay effects in light hadron spectroscopy.
Agents Preferences in Decentralized Task Allocation

The ability to express preferences for specific tasks in multi-agent auctions is an important element for potential users who are considering to use such auctioning systems. This paper presents an approach to make such preferences explicit and to use these preferences in bids for reverse combinatorial auctions. Three different types of preference are considered: (1) preferences for particular durations of tasks, (2) preferences for certain time points, and (3) preferences for specific types of tasks. We study empirically the tradeoffs between the quality of the solutions obtained and the use of preferences in the bidding process, focusing on effects such as increased execution time. We use both synthetic data as well as real data from a logistics company.
Skin Cancer Prevention

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy in the world, and the incidence continues to increase worldwide. It has been estimated that over three million new skin cancer cases occur annually in the USA (Rogers et al., Arch Dermatol 146:283–287, 2010; Donaldson and Coldiron, Semin Cutan Med Surg 30(1):3–5, 2011). While the incidence of the majority of cancers is currently declining, the epidemic of skin cancer continues (Lazovich et al., Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 21(11):1893–1901, 2012). It is estimated that 5 % of the Medicare budget is used in the care of these patients (Stern, Arch Dermatol 146: 279–282, 2010). The annual costs of $29 to $39 million in morbidity and $1 billion to $3.3 billion in mortality depend on the type of skin cancer (Guy and Ekwueme, Pharmacoeconomics 29:863–874, 2011)
Caveolin and caveolae in age associated cardiovascular disease

It is estimated that the elderly (> 65 years of age) will increase from 13%−14% to 25% by 2035. If this trend continues, > 50% of the United States population and more than two billion people worldwide will be “aged” in the next 50 years. Aged individuals face formidable challenges to their health, as aging is associated with a myriad of diseases. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States with > 50% of mortality attributed to coronary artery disease and > 80% of these deaths occurring in those age 65 and older. Therefore, age is an important predictor of cardiovascular disease. The efficiency of youth is built upon cellular signaling scaffolds that provide tight and coordinated signaling. Lipid rafts are one such scaffold of which caveolae are a subset. In this review, we consider the importance of caveolae in common cardiovascular diseases of the aged and as potential therapeutic targets. We specifically address the role of caveolin in heart failure, myocardial ischemia, and pulmonary hypertension. J Geriatr Cardiol 2013; 10: 66−74. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-5411.2013.01.011
Shear along grain boundaries in aluminum bicrystals

Abstract : Aluminum bicrystals 99.99% pure having a pure tilt boundary about the less than 110 greater than axis were subjected to different stresses at various temperatures. The relative boundary displacements were observed for constant stresses. The initial rate of grain boundary gliding was found to be almost linear and a plot of the logarithm of the initial rate versus the reciprocal of the absolute temperature resulted in a series of parallel straight lines. The usual rate equation r = A sub e -Q/RT was used to calculate the activation energy for grain boundary shear. It was found to increase continuously as the boundary angle increased, and approached a maximum value for the maximum angle of mis-orientation. The mechanism for grain boundary shear was considered to be a combination process involving grain boundary self-diffusion associated with grain boundary slip (stress relaxation).
Application of 13C-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to the Observation of Metabolic Interactions in Anaerobic Digestors

The utilization and conversion of glucose to volatile acids were monitored in anaerobic digestors by 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance. Glucose was converted to lactate and acetate. Lactate was subsequently converted to propionate. The distribution of the labeled carbons in propionate suggested that minor amounts were produced via the randomizing pathway and that the major portion of propionate was derived from lactate.
Management of general anaesthesia in infants and children with a history of idiopathic pulmonary haemorrhage

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary haemorrhage in infants is a rare disorder that is endemic to metropolitan Cleveland, Ohio. Since 1993, 32 infants with this disorder were diagnosed and treated at our institution, one of them after developing pulmonary haemorrhage during induction of anaesthesia. Of this population, five patients have undergone a total of 10 general anaesthetics at some time after the initial diagnosis of pulmonary haemorrhage. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of these cases to identify whether any risk factors for anaesthesia-related morbidity were present, to review the anaesthetic technique and to identify morbidity related to residual underlying pulmonary disease. Results: No patients experienced any anaesthesia related complication nor any perioperative respiratory problem. Conclusions: These data may be useful to anaesthesiologists in other geographical locations since this disorder has been reported in other parts of the USA, and presumably may exist in other areas of the world.
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off: Some Thoughts on the Protein Structure Initiative

In 2000, NIH began funding a program called the Protein Structure Initiative, or PSI. PSI has been controversial since its creation was first discussed, and as I contemplate PSI today I find myself humming the fine old Gershwin tune, “Lets Call the Whole Thing Off.” PSI remains the bad idea it always was, and I am not alone in regarding it so (Petsko, 2007). However, given the number of people both inside and outside NIH who have a stake in its continuation, PSI is unlikely to go away anytime soon, and those foolish enough to argue for its abolition are liable to find themselves losing friends while failing to influence people.
Heterozygosity, growth, and survival of the hard clam,Mercenaria mercenaria, in seagrass vs sandflat habitats

Populations of the hard clam,Mercenaria mercenaria L., sampled from dissimilar, adjacent habitats (October and November 1987), were used to assess environmental effects on associations among multi-locus heterozygosity, growth, and survival. Individuals were collected from three widely separated localities along the east coast of North America with each consisting of a seagrass bed and an adjacent, unvegetated sandflat. Demographic differences between adjacent populations were attributed to habitat type. Samples from intertidal sandflats at two of the localities were dominated by younger individuals than those from seagrass beds. Differential growth between adjacent populations was detected at only one locality wherein seagrass individuals grew faster than those from the sandflat. Allelic frequencies revealed adjacent populations that were genetically homogeneous. Nearly all of the genetic variance (98%) was within populations, yet a small (1.7%), but significant, portion occurred between localities. Observed and expected heterozygosities revealed a deficiency of heterozygotes in all six samples. Inbreeding and small-scale population subdivision were discounted as causative factors because deficiencies were heterogeneous across loci. Multi-locus heterozygosity was not correlated with growth rate in samples from any locality. Using a consensus test, multilocus heterozygosity was positively associated with ageclass in sandflat, but not seagrass, samples. We suggest that heterozygosity-fitness trait associations in marine bivalves are more likely to occur in populations inhabiting more stressful, fluctuating environments
Cyclopropanation Of β-Keto Sulfones

Abstract Cyclopropyl β-keto sulfones have been prepared from simple β-keto sulfones in moderate yields using mild reaction conditions which employ potassium carbonate and dimethylformamide (DMF).
Sensitivity analysis for biometric systems: A methodology based on orthogonal experiment designs

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an effective and structured methodology for carrying out a biometric system sensitivity analysis. The goal of sensitivity analysis is to provide the researcher/developer with insight and understanding of the key factors-algorithmic, subject-based, procedural, image quality, environmental, among others-that affect the matching performance of the biometric system under study. This proposed methodology consists of two steps: (1) the design and execution of orthogonal fractional factorial experiment designs which allow the scientist to efficiently investigate the effect of a large number of factors-and interactions-simultaneously, and (2) the use of a select set of statistical data analysis graphical procedures which are fine-tuned to unambiguously highlight important factors, important interactions, and locally-optimal settings. We illustrate this methodology by application to a study of VASIR (Video-based Automated System for Iris Recognition)-NIST iris-based biometric system. In particular, we investigated k=8 algorithmic factors from the VASIR system by constructing a (2^6^-^1x3^1x4^1) orthogonal fractional factorial design, generating the corresponding performance data, and applying an appropriate set of analysis graphics to determine the relative importance of the eight factors, the relative importance of the 28 two-term interactions, and the local best settings of the eight algorithms. The results showed that VASIR's performance was primarily driven by six factors out of the eight, along with four two-term interactions. A virtue of our two-step methodology is that it is systematic and general, and hence may be applied with equal rigor and effectiveness to other biometric systems, such as fingerprints, face, voice, and DNA.
Long-term effects of prenatal stress on HPA axis activity in juvenile rhesus monkeys.

The effect of stress to the pregnant mother on hormonal responses of the offspring to stressful events was investigated in juvenile rhesus monkeys. Six pregnant monkeys were repeatedly removed from their home cages and exposed to unpredictable noise during mid- to late gestation (Days 90–145 postconception), while six undisturbed pregnant mothers served as controls. Blood samples were collected from the juvenile offspring under anesthesia on four occasions and assayed for ACTH and cortisol. In a second experiment, blood samples were collected from the awake offspring under a baseline and four progressively stressful conditions. Offspring of stressed mothers showed higher ACTH and cortisol levels than control offspring at all four anesthesia samples and at a nonanesthesized home cage baseline. Prenatally stressed offspring also showed higher ACTH values in all four stress conditions. Cortisol values were similar for the two groups under the stress conditions. The disparity between the two groups in the relationship between ACTH and cortisol was greatest in the most stressful condition, suggesting regulatory differences between the two groups. These results indicate that offspring of primate mothers stressed during pregnancy show enhanced HPA axis responsivity to stressors later in life, and concur with rodent findings indicating that prenatal stress may have long-term effects on HPA axis regulation. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Observations relating to the mechanisms of swelling and gas release in uranium dioxide at high temperatures

Abstract Thirty-six specimens of UO 2 and UO 2 -PuO 2 clad in tungsten-rhenium were irradiated at surface temperatures from 1260 to 1900 °C. Six specimens were equipped with gas pressure monitors; two were made of fully dense oxide; one was constructed with a tungsten barrier foil at mid-radius; and one had an outer annular region of depleted uranium oxide. The gas release behavior, the density and dimensional changes, and microstructural characteristics of these specimens were analyzed. It was deduced that the sequence of events occurring in oxide fuels at high temperatures is (a) sintering and grain growth, (b) gas bubble growth, (c) overlap of gas bubbles growing on grain boundaries, (d) gas release through grain boundary networks, (e) migration by vapor transport of large lenticular voids formed on circumferentially oriented grain boundaries to produce radially oriented columnar grains (this constitutes “restructuring”), and (f) continual formation, growth, and migration of bubbles inside grains to produce steady-state swelling, gas release, and fission-product removal in the high-temperature regions of oxide fuels.
Algorithms for computing Best Coverage Path in the presence of obstacles in a sensor field

We compute BCP(s,t), a Best Coverage Path between two points s and t in the presence of m line segment obstacles in a 2D field under surveillance by n sensors. Based on nature of obstacles, we have studied two variants of the problem. For opaque obstacles, which obstruct paths and block sensing capabilities of sensors, we present algorithm ExOpaque for computation of BCP(s,t) that takes O((m^2n^2+n^4)log(mn+n^2)) time and O(m^2n^2+n^4) space. For transparent obstacles, which only obstruct paths but allow sensing, we present an exact as well as an approximation algorithm, where the exact algorithm ExTransparent takes O(n(m+n)^2(logn+log(m+n))) time and O(n(m+n)^2) space. On the other hand, the approximation algorithm ApproxTransparent takes O(n(m+n)(logn+log(m+n))) time and O(n(m+n)) space with an approximation factor of O(k), using k-spanners of visibility graph.
Problems with the slosson intelligence test for preschool children

Abstract The Slosson Intelligence Test (SIT) was administered to 92 preschool children. Because of the considerably above average performance of the group on the SIT , the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale was administered to a sample of the group and the results compared to the results on the SIT . The differences between the two sets of scores was highly significant, and as a result the SIT appears to over estimate the performance of average preschool children.
Right ventricular infarction complicated by acute right-to-left shunting

Abstract Right ventricular (RV) infarction occurs in 19% to 51% of patients with left ventricular inferior wall acute myocardial infarction. 1–4 The importance of RV infarction and its unique hemodynamic consequences were not well understood until the early 1970s. 5 Among these consequences are hemodynamic disturbances that may be mistaken for left ventricular dysfunction, pericardial tamponade, or pulmonary embolism. Another serious consequence associated with RV infarction is sudden right-to-left shunting through a previously unsuspected atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale. 1–7 We describe herein 5 patients in whom RV infarction was associated with clinically important right-to-left shunting at the atrial level, and resulted in significant systemic hypoxemia or paradoxic emboli.
Automatic decision-making: Neural firing and response

In contrast with conscious decision-making, there are numerous subconscious decisions that we make without thinking about them. Some are biological and are made by different parts of our body to keep it alive and functioning normally. Others are a result of repetition and training that we can then do without thinking about them. The mathematics of conscious decisions with the Analytic Hierarchy and Network Processes is discrete, and has been discussed in the first three parts published on the subject. The mathematics of subconscious decisions is continuous. Here, we generalize the discrete mathematics of conscious decisions to the continuous case and develop it in some depth to apply to the synthesis of firings in the brain.
Analysis and design skills required by end-users in small organizations

End user computing (EUC) in small organizations is different from EUC in large organizations. The difference appears to be associated with the degree of job specialization in the organization, especially as it pertains to skills required to develop information systems. Analysis and design expertise for developing information systems is not a widely needed skill in the traditional functional areas of organizations. Small organizations tend to lack members who can be called upon to furnish this expertise.This article presents preliminary work that attempts to examine how analysis and design needs of small organizations are met. Several small organizations were studied and the persons responsible for developing significant end user applications were interviewed. While the objectives for and justification of end user computing is similar in both large and small organizations, the methodology and organizational support associated with those projects are different.
Advanced overview of version 2.0 of the open archives initiative protocol for metadata harvesting

This tutorial is a follow-on to "Introduction to the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting" (OAI-PMH), given earlier the same day. It is appropriate for those who have completed the earlier tutorial or are already familiar with OAI-PMH. The tutorial will begin by highlighting the differences between versions 1.1 and 2.0 of the OAI-PMH, and then discuss possible migration strategies for 1.1 harvesters and repositories. Advanced topics and deployment scenarios will also be discussed, including: flow control, load balancing, error recovery, hierarchical harvesting, sets and alternate metadata formats.
Bubbles in nanofluids

The term “nanofluid” is used to describe a liquid that contains dispersed nanoparticles, which can have unique effects on the liquid, because of the enormous surface area of the nanoparticles and their interfacial force-induced microstructures. The enhanced heat-transfer properties of such nanofluids have been extensively reported in the literature; however, little is known regarding the effects of nanofluids on bubble behavior. Such effects are examined experimentally in this study using hydrophilic nanoparticles with bubble flows in bubble columns and microchannels. The data reveal a significant increase in the gas holdup in bubble columns and a decrease in bubble sizes, signifying an intriguing bubble−nanofluid interactive behavior.
Conceptions of Idiocy in Colonial Massachusetts

Little has been written about the history of mental retardation in colonial America. This is partly because there is a paucity of information about the condition in that period, and partly because the topic has not aroused the interest of scholars. This particular study focuses on mental retardation, or idiocy, its analogous condition, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Although there is not much evidence of idiocy in the colony's written records, it is possible to construct an interpretation of the ways that colonists probably thought about the condition. The distinctive beliefs and practices of Puritanism in colonial Massachusetts influenced the colonists' conceptions of idiocy. Their laws and the records of the courts indicate that idiocy was experienced by certain individuals who were thought to be vulnerable, incompetent, and pitiable but worthy recipients of public relief. Ordinary colonists adopted images of idiocy as figures of speech to deprecate others, and Puritan ministers included metaphors of idiocy in their sermons to depict the contradictory situations of holy innocence and spiritual deprivation. Two Puritan intellectuals, Charles Morton and Cotton Mather, included idiocy in scientific treatises, although they offered no new interpretations. The ways Americans think about and behave toward persons with mental retardation in the twenty-first century can be traced to the multiple meanings of idiocy in colonial Massachusetts.
Effect of Party Line Loss and Delivery Format on Crew Performance and Workload

This experiment sought to gain insight into the potential loss of situational awareness that could arise from the switch from radio-based verbal communications between pilots and controllers to the delivery of non-time-critical information through data communications (Data Comm). Specifically, this study examined the effect that loss of the party line and changes to the delivery format for clearances and other flight-relevant information had on pilot situational awareness and workload. Data suggest that both the loss of the party line and the use of Data Comm as a delivery mechanism for clearances affected performance and workload.
The role of NADPH-cytochrome b5 reductase in microsomal lipid peroxidation

Abstract Spectrophotometric changes in the extent of NADPH, but not NADH, reduction of microsomal cytochrome b 5 are correlated with the utilization of oxygen and the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products. The results suggest that NADPH-cytochrome b 5 reductase (NADPH-cytochrome c reductase) participates in the reduction of obligatory ferric chelates to their ferrous form prior to the initiation of lipid peroxidation. Further, an increased oxidation of cytochrome b 5 observed only in the presence of peroxidation products implicates a peroxidase activity associated with b 5 in the microsomal electron transport chain.
High- versus low-top shoes for the prevention of ankle sprains in basketball players A prospective randomized study

Using a prospective, randomized experimental design, 622 college intramural basketball players were stratified by a previous history of ankle sprains to wear a new pair of either high-top, high-top with inflatable air chambers, or low-top basketball shoes during all games for a complete season. Subjects were asked to complete a history questionnaire and were given a complete ankle examination. They were allowed to wear these shoes only during basketball competition. Followed over the course of a 2-month intramural season, 15 ankle injuries occurred during 39,302 minutes of player-time: 7 in high-top shoes, 4 in low-top shoes, and 4 in high-top shoes with inflatable air chambers. The injury rates (injuries per player-minute) were 4.80 x 10(-4) in high-top shoes, 4.06 x 10(-4) in low-top shoes, and 2.69 x 10(-4) in high-top shoes with inflatable air chambers. There was no significant difference among these 3 groups, leading to the conclusion that there is no strong relationship between shoe type and ankle sprains.
Numerical solution of the transformed Eliassen balanced vortex model of a tropical cyclone

Abstract A mathematical analysis of the time-dependent, baroclinic, Boussinesq, Elliassen balanced model of tropical cyclone dynamics is presented. An efficient numerical method is developed to solve the equations in momentum coordinates with cylindrical symmetry. Computer simulations illustrate the effects of an experimental parameterization for the heating due to condensation. The model reproduces realistic characteristics of a tropical cyclone and provides a useful tool for analyzing the dynamic relationship between the energy influx due to latent heating and the vortex structure.
Processing of expanded graphite reinforced polymer nanocomposites

Abstract Nanocomposites consisting of anhydride cured epoxy resin matrix reinforced with expanded graphite (EG) with concentrations of 1–2 wt.% were fabricated. Processing techniques such as direct, sonication, shear, and combined sonication and shear mixing techniques were employed in the fabrication of nanocomposites. It was found that both sonication and shear mixing produced in situ nanosize graphite sheets from EG. However, the occurrence of X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks at 2θ = 26.38° (d0 0 2 = 3.37 A) irrespective of processing technique confirmed the presence of graphite nanosheets in multilayer rather than a single layer form. The mechanical behavior of the nanocomposites was investigated as a function of particle concentration and processing technique. It was found that EG reinforced nanocomposites showed higher elastic modulus than neat epoxy. However, nanocomposites prepared with the aid of shear mixing provided the best exfoliation and dispersion of graphite nanosheets and as a consequence, the best modulus enhancement over other processing techniques.
Metal-matrix composites in ground transportation

Metal-matrix composites (MMCs) are used in a variety of automotive and other ground transp ortation applications. This article provides a brief overview of the major applications of MMCs in ground transportation. The main attractive features of MMCs are: high strength-to-weight ratio, enhanced mechanical and thermal properties over conventional materials, improved fatigue and creep characteristics, better wear resistance, and general tailorability of properties. Because the transportation industry is extremely cost-sensitive, reducing the manufacturing costs of MMC components will aid in the use of MMCs.
Male Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent or repeated inability, for a duration of at least 6 months, to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Aging, along with the comorbidities that are often associated with aging, may independently or synergistically contribute to ED. There may be several psychogenic or organic causes for ED. The causes and evaluation of ED are discussed, with particular consideration of sonographic techniques for evaluation.
1197 FORAMEN OVALE SIZE AS A MARKER OF TRANS-ATRIAL BLOOD FLOW DURING CARDIAC DEVELOPMENT

We studied the ratio of the foramen ovale area to the total atrial septum area in 18 normal hearts and 33 hearts with congenital cardiac anomalies. The congenital defects included tricuspid atresia, 5; pulmonary atresia, 4; secundum atrial septal defect, 9; coarctation of the aorta, 8; and aortic stenosis, 7. In the 10% formalin fixed specimens, the margins of the atrial septum were defined and marked with India ink. The hearts were coded, positioned with the septum flat and photographed with a grid. The areas of the atrial septum and foramen ovale were measured using standard planimetric techniques. A ratio of the foramen ovale to atrial septal area was calculated. The area of the atrial septum did not differ significantly among the six groups. The foramen ovale/atrial septal ratio in normal hearts was 0.19 ± .01 (SEM). The ratios in tricuspid atresia (0.41 ± .02), pulmonary atresia (0.38 ± .02), and secundum atrial septal defect (.37 ± .01) were significantly larger than normal (p<.05) while the ratio in coarctation of the aorta (0.15 ± .01) and aortic stenosis (0.11 ± .01) were significantly smaller (p<.05). These data indicate that foramen ovale size is directly related to the magnitude of trans-atrial blood flow during embryonic and fetal development, and provide support for the role of intracardiac blood flow in cardiac morphogenesis.
Opening Doors to Engineering

Bix uses the examples of Georgia Tech, CalTech, and MIT to explore how women gained entrance to the traditionally male field of engineering.
Global Gene Expression Patterns of Nostoc punctiforme in Steady-State Dinitrogen-Grown Heterocyst-Containing Cultures and at Single Time Points during the Differentiation of Akinetes and Hormogonia

The vegetative cells of the filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme can differentiate into three mutually exclusive cell types: nitrogen-fixing heterocysts, spore-like akinetes, and motile hormogomium filaments. A DNA microarray consisting of 6,893 N. punctiforme genes was used to identify the global transcription patterns at single time points in the three developmental states, compared to those in ammonium-grown time zero cultures. Analysis of ammonium-grown cultures yielded a transcriptome of 2,935 genes, which is nearly twice the size of a soluble proteome. The NH4+-grown transcriptome was enriched in genes encoding core metabolic functions. A steady-state N2-grown (heterocyst-containing) culture showed differential transcription of 495 genes, 373 of which were up-regulated. The majority of the up-regulated genes were predicted from studies of heterocyst differentiation and N2 fixation; other genes are candidates for more detailed genetic analysis. Three days into the developmental process, akinetes showed a similar number of differentially expressed genes (497 genes), which were equally up- and down-regulated. The down-regulated genes were enriched in core metabolic functions, consistent with entry into a nongrowth state. There were relatively few adaptive genes up-regulated in 3-day akinetes, and there was little overlap with putative heterocyst developmental genes. There were 1,827 differentially transcribed genes in 24-h hormogonia, which was nearly fivefold greater than the number in akinete-forming or N2-fixing cultures. The majority of the up-regulated adaptive genes were genes encoding proteins for signal transduction and transcriptional regulation, which is characteristic of a motile filament that is poised to sense and respond to the environment. The greatest fraction of the 883 down-regulated genes was involved in core metabolism, also consistent with entry into a nongrowth state. The differentiation of heterocysts (steady state, N2 grown), akinetes, and hormogonia appears to involve the up-regulation of genes distinct for each state.
Tissue injury and repair as parallel and opposing responses to CCl4 hepatotoxicity: a novel dose-response

Recent studies indicate that the rate and extent of tissue repair, elicited as an endogenous response to toxic insult, are critical determinants in the ultimate outcome of hepatic injury. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a dose-response relationship for CCl4 measuring liver injury and tissue repair as two simultaneous but opposing responses. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with a 40-fold dose range of CCl4 (0.1-4 ml/kg i.p.) in corn oil vehicle. Liver injury was assessed by serum enzyme elevations and histopathology, and tissue repair was measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation into hepatonuclear DNA and proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry over a time course of 0 to 96 h. Stimulation of cell division, evident even after a subtoxic dose of CCl4, increased in a dose-dependent manner until a threshold (2 ml/kg) was reached. Doses above this threshold yielded no further increase in tissue repair. Instead, tissue repair response was significantly delayed and diminished. Injury was markedly accelerated above the threshold indicating an unrestrained progression of injury. Although 4 ml CCl4/kg consistently caused 80% lethality by 48 h, tissue repair response in the 20% surviving rats was increased by about 5-fold, aptly demonstrating the critical role of tissue repair in overcoming injury and enabling these animals to survive. This study suggests that, in addition to the extent of tissue repair, the time of onset of tissue repair also determines the extent of hepatic injury and inter-individual differences in the magnitude of tissue repair may contribute significantly to inter-individual differences in susceptibility to toxic chemicals. Thus, while dose-related and prompt stimulation of tissue regeneration leads to recovery, delayed and attenuated repair response, occurring at higher doses, leads to progression of injury and animal mortality. Such dose-response relationships may lead to a better understanding of the underlying cellular mechanisms of injury inflicted by chemical toxicants and aid in fine-tuning risk assessment.