cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Orthostatic Hypotension, Dizziness, Neurology Outcomes, and Death in Older Adults

Objective To test the hypothesis that orthostatic hypotension (OH) might cause cerebral hypoperfusion and injury, we examined the longitudinal relationship between OH or orthostatic symptoms and incident neurologic outcomes in a community population of older adults. Methods Cardiovascular Health Study participants (≥65 years) without dementia or stroke had blood pressure (BP) measured after lying down for 20 minutes and after standing 3 for minutes. Participants reported dizziness immediately upon standing and any dizziness in the past 2 weeks. OH was defined as a drop in standing systolic/diastolic BP ≥20/≥10 mm Hg. We determined the association between OH or dizziness with (1) MRI brain findings (ventricular size, white matter hyperintensities, brain infarcts) using linear or logistic regression, (2) cognitive function (baseline and over time) using generalized estimating equations, and (3) prospective adjudicated events (dementia, stroke, death) using Cox models. Models were adjusted for demographic characteristics and OH risk factors. We used multiple imputation to account for missing OH or dizziness (n = 534). Results Prior to imputation, there were 5,007 participants (mean age 72.7 ± 5.5 years, 57.6% women, 10.9% Black, 16% with OH). OH was modestly associated with death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.11; 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.20), but not MRI findings, cognition, dementia, or stroke. In contrast, dizziness upon standing was associated with lower baseline cognition (β = −1.20; −1.94 to −0.47), incident dementia (HR 1.32; 1.04–1.62), incident stroke (HR 1.22; 1.06–1.41), and death (HR 1.13; 1.06–1.21). Similarly, dizziness over the past 2 weeks was associated with higher white matter grade (β = 0.16; 0.03–0.30), brain infarcts (OR 1.31; 1.06–1.63), lower baseline cognition (β = −1.18; −2.01 to −0.34), and death (HR 1.13; 1.04–1.22). Conclusions Dizziness was more consistently associated with neurologic outcomes than OH 3 minutes after standing. Delayed OH assessments may miss pathologic information related to cerebral injury.
Varicella and Shingles

Varicella zoster virus (VZV), a herpesvirus, initially causes primary varicella infection (chickenpox) and then becomes latent for years to decades before reactivation to cause herpes zoster (shingles). Endemic in all countries, VZV contributes significantly to global disease burden and healthcare costs. Implementation of a two-dose series of live, attenuated, varicella vaccination has resulted in a significant reduction in varicella disease incidence, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States. Worldwide acceptance of the varicella vaccine has been limited by low public health interest given the predominantly benign disease process and the concern for shift in disease incidence to older age groups at higher risk for severe disease and complications if vaccine uptake is low. As of 2018, only 36 countries, mostly high income, have incorporated VZV vaccines into their national immunization program.
On group mutual exclusion for dynamic systems

The group mutual exclusion (GME) problem is a generalization of the classical mutual exclusion problem in which every critical section is associated with a type or session. Critical sections belonging to the same session can execute concurrently, whereas critical sections belonging to different sessions must be executed serially. The well-known read-write mutual exclusion problem is a special case of the group mutual exclusion problem. In this work, we present a suite of GME algorithms for an asynchronous shared-memory system under the cache coherent (CC) model. Our GME algorithms have the feature that they do not require an a priori knowledge of the set of processes in the system and all their important complexity measures depend only on the number of different sessions that can be requested by processes. This makes them especially suitable for a dynamic system in which the set of processes may change over time. To our knowledge, no existing GME algorithm satisfies this property. Our GME algorithms provide different trade offs between complexity and fairness.
Pacific island countries: possible common currency arrangement

This paper examines the potential advantages and disadvantages of adopting a common currency arrangement among the six IMF member Pacific island countries that have their own national currency. These countries are Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu. The study explains that the present exchange rate regimes-comprising pegging to a basket of currencies for five countries and the floating arrangement for Papua New Guinea-have generally succeeded in avoiding inflationary, balance of payments, external debt, and financial system problems. The study concludes that adopting a common currency in the Pacific would require greater convergence of domestic policies and substantial strengthening of regional policies, which would take time to achieve.
The efficacy of Tranexamic Acid Administration in Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

Objective:There is controversy regarding the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing tonsillectomy-related hemorrhage. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluat...
Comparison of Secondary and Primary Thyroid Cancers: Patient Characteristics and Postoperative Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Patients with Primary and Secondary Thyroid Cancers.

Secondary thyroid cancer is believed to lead to a more aggressive clinical course than primary thyroid cancer. We aim to examine the difference between primary and secondary thyroid cancer in terms of patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes at the national level. A cross-sectional study utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for 2003–2010 was merged with County Health Rankings Data. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes were used to identify adult patients with thyroid cancer. A total of 21,581 discharge records were included. Overall, 16,625 (77.0 %) patients had primary cancer, while the rest (23.0 %) had secondary cancer. Younger ( 65 years) patients, males, and those of White or Hispanic background were more likely to have secondary cancers (p < 0.05 each). The prevalence of secondary cancer was higher in communities of low health risk (24.0 % vs. 21.1 %; p < 0.024). Secondary cancer was more likely to be managed by total thyroidectomy (odds ratio [OR] 2.40, 95 % CI 2.12–2.73) and to require additional radical neck dissection (OR 12.51, 95 % CI 10.98–14.25). Patients with secondary thyroid cancers were at higher risk of postoperative complications (p < 0.01 each). The cost of secondary cancer management was significantly higher than primary cancer (US$12,449.00 ± 302.07 vs. US$7848.12 ± 149.05; p < 0.001). However, compared with intermediate-volume surgeons, the complication risk was lower for high-volume (OR 0.47, 95 % CI 0.24–0.92; p = 0.026). Secondary thyroid cancer is associated with a higher risk of perioperative complications and higher cost and distinct demographic profile. Patients managed by higher-volume surgeons were less likely to experience disadvantageous outcomes.
Controlling guided modes in plasmonic metal/dielectric multilayer waveguides

We investigate the mode properties of planar dielectric aluminum-quinoline (Alq3) multilayer waveguides comprising one single or three equally spaced embedded nanometer-thin (∼10 nm thick) Alq3-Mg0.9:Ag0.1 composite metal-island layers. The plasmonic waveguides were fabricated by organic molecular beam deposition. Transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric (TE) modes were selectively excited using the m-line method. The symmetric plasmonic TM0 mode was launched in all waveguides and—in addition—two higher order plasmonic TM1 and TM2 modes were generated in waveguides comprising three metal layers. Other TM modes have hybrid dielectric-plasmonic characters, showing an increased effective refractive index when one electric field antinode is close to a metallic layer. TM modes which have all their antinode(s) in the dielectric layers propagate essentially like dielectric modes. TE modes with antinode(s) at the position of the metal layer(s) are strongly damped while the losses are low for TE modes comp...
The art of cheating when drawing a graph

The prime directive of graph drawing is to depict a network faithfully and accurately. But sometimes it's better to cheat. I will discuss a series of examples - both my own work and that of others - that involve discarding information, distorting the data, encouraging visual clutter, or even adding random noise. The benefits of breaking the rules can range from the scientific to the artistic.
Morphological and biochemical observations on mammalian liver cells in culture. Isolation of a clonal strain from rat liver.

Summary We have isolated, from young rabbit and rat liver, epithelial cells which have been maintained in culture for several weeks after sub-culturing. From a primary culture initiated from a young rat liver, we have obtained a cloned strain of hepatocytelike cells, the culture of which has been pursued for more than three years. We report here some morphological observations carried out on these various populations: polymorphism of the rabbit cells, depending on the nature of the culture medium and formation of a reticulum of extracytoplasmic fibers by the rat cells. We have tried to prove by biochemical criteria the parenchymal origin of these cells, by testing the bile acid conjugation in the cultures and by revealing an hepatospecific isozymic pattern of aldolase and pyruvate-kinase. Our results do not support the assumption of the parenchymal origin and maintenance of function of these cells and once more raise the problem of the causes of the loss of the expression of differentiation in cell cultures.
Integral equation discontinuous Galerkin methods for time harmonic electromagnetic wave problems

This work investigates an adaptive discontinuous Galerkin boundary element method for the integral equation based solution of time harmonic Maxwell's Equations. It permits the use of non-conformal surface discretizations, allow mixing different types of elements, and dramatically facilitate the mesh generation for high-definition objects. The choice of interior penalty stabilization parameter, quasi-optimal convergence in the formulation and condition number of the matrices are investigated in this work, and validated by numerical experiments.
Double laminar and turbulent meteor trails observed in space and simulated in the laboratory

[1] One of nature's most interesting and beautiful sights is meteor trails that are visible to the naked eye. The first published sketches of trails appeared in 1869 after the Leonids storm of 1868. One of the perplexing features of these trails is that very often they are double trails and seldom triple or quadruple, which rules out breaking up or fractioning as a source. The original observations were visual and reproduced in artwork. The photographs used now reveal the accuracy of the original 1868 drawings. Since 1907, scientific explanations have ruled out physical breakup as a source. The long-standing explanation by Trowbridge (1907) has also been ruled out using modern cameras, and several new explanations have been proposed. Here we modify the explanation by Zinn and Drummond (2005), who modeled the event as an explosion followed by buoyancy, and instead, explain the effect by showing that the trails are severely convectively unstable, leading to the vortices proposed by these authors. This idea is supported by lidar-based measurements of the temperature gradient in the trail. We also show laboratory experiments that are remarkably similar to the meteor trails in appearance, although we argue that buoyancy is not the effect in the natural case.
The Strange Career of Public Housing

Problem, research strategy, and findings: Efforts to account for the history of public housing in America are fraught with competing narratives. Many scholars, policy analysts, architects, and pla...
Low Birth Weight Reduces the Likelihood of Breast-Feeding among Filipino Infants

We studied the relationship of low birth weight (LBW) to concordance of mother's feeding intentions during pregnancy with actual feeding practices; initiation of breast-feeding; and patterns of feeding in the first 6 mo. Data came from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, which followed 3080 mother-infant pairs from urban and rural communities of Metro Cebu, Philippines. We used logistic regression to estimate the effects of LBW on feeding practices, controlling for place of delivery (home, public or private health facility), receipt of free infant formula samples; infant sex, urban residence; primiparity, education level and age of the mother; and family income and assets. Birth of a LBW infant significantly decreased the likelihood that women would initiate breast-feeding. Of particular note is the finding of this decreased likelihood among women who during pregnancy had stated an intention to breast-feed. In a comparison of 6-mo feeding patterns, we also found that LBW increased the likelihood of not breast-feeding or of weaning before 6 mo. Among breast-feeding mothers, LBW increased the likelihood of full breast-feeding for 6 mo compared with patterns characterized by earlier supplementation with other foods and liquids. The negative relationship of LBW to breast-feeding was strongest when births took place in private or public health facilities. Given the known health risks of LBW and the proven benefits of breast-feeding, these results emphasize the need for special efforts to promote breast-feeding of LBW infants born in clinical settings.
Arsenic in Michigan Soil: Spatial Stratification for Environmental Regulatory Purposes

State environmental regulatory agencies in the U.S. often establish a default background standard for naturally occurring elements in the soil, water, and air. The background standard is determined and then used as a benchmark across the entire jurisdiction. A variety of statistical techniques are used to determine this standard, but often ignore any inherent spatial dependencies within the jurisdiction. If the analysis indicates a specific site exceeds the default standard, additional background sampling and analysis must usually be performed. Frequently, this additional sampling is found to be unnecessary simply because the natural background levels were elevated for this particular site. Conversely, potential contamination may be overlooked in areas where the natural background levels are much lower. Thus, a single default background standard seems inadequate within this context. This paper proposes the use of dissimilarity coefficients based on kriging estimates as a means to regionalize background st...
Abnormal urinary excretion of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids in patients with medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency

Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency is the most frequently described metabolic disorder of fatty acid oxidation in humans. Acute episodes are usually characterized biochemically by the appearance of nonketotic dicarboxylic aciduria. In addition, other abnormal metabolites, such as suberylglycine, n-hexanoylglycine, 3-phenylpropionylglycine, and octanoylcarnitine, are excreted in the urine. Urinary organic acids were determined using dual capillary column gas-liquid chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. In three cases of MCAD deficiency we observed a disproportionate increase in the excretion of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids compared to either fasting control children with expected ketotic dicarboxylic aciduria or patients with nonketotic dicarboxylic aciduria not associated with MCAD deficiency. The most significant increase was in the urinary excretion of cis-4-decendioic acid. Additionally, the urinary excretions of cis-3-octenedioic and cis-5-decenedioic acids were slightly decreased whereas the excretion of cis-5-dodecenedioic acid was increased. These data are consistent with the notion that as a result of MCAD deficiency the metabolic oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleate and oleate is inhibited more than saturated fatty acids.
Laboratory study of HIV‐1 and HTLV‐I/II coinfection

A Retroviral Coinfection Clinic was established in 1991 at Charity Hospital Medical Center of Louisiana to study patients dually infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T lymphotropic virus (HTLV-I, HTLV-II). Eight patients were evaluated clinically, and by immunological and virological studies. Multiple neuromuscular diseases were observed, including tropical spastic paraparesis, polymyositis, and polyneuropathies. Only one patient developed AIDS. HIV-1 infected patients with HTLV-I, but not HTLV-II, coinfection have maintained stable CD4 counts, despite the fact that quantitative HIV DNA PCR suggests a relatively high copy number. HTLV-I/II antigens were detected in lymphocyte cultures from four patients, and lymphoblastoid cell lines have been established from two. These results support the contention that upregulated HTLV-I/II virus expression and disease manifestations occur during coinfection with HIV, sometimes in association with normal CD4 counts. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Gene structure, chromosomal localization, cDNA cloning and expression of the mouse ATP-gated ionotropic receptor P2X5 subunit

Abstract The P2X receptors are oligomeric ligand-gated ion channels operated by extracellular ATP. Here we report the genomic and cDNA sequence of the mouse P2X5 subunit, as well as its genomic organization, chromosomal localization and expression in select tissues. The mouse gene spans approximately 13 kb of DNA and contains thirteen exons. The cDNA encodes a 455 amino acid protein with 95% identity to the rat subunit. The P2X5 subunit gene encodes a 2.6 kb mRNA that was found to in a number of tissues, with highest levels detected in heart and kidney. Results from rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) PCR suggest that there are multiple transcriptional start sites located approximately 30–70 bp upstream from the start codon. The gene was localized to band B5 on Chromosome 11 using fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), a region that has a high degree of synteny with human Chromosome 17. These results provide the initial information useful for further investigation into the functional role(s) of the P2X5 subunit in physiological processes.
On fire service in the world

In this paper, regression model analysis of data shows that United States cities have more fires and more fire fighters per capita but fewer fire fighters per fire than do foreign cities.
The Effect of Sleeping Position on Apnea and Bradycardia in Infants Admitted for Apparent Life Threatening Events (ALTEs) 1144

The American Academy of Pediatrics has strongly endorsed a campaign to encourage the supine position as the preferred sleep position for healthy term infants. This recommendation was based on literature from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Norway. In the United States, the side position is still used by many parents, and recommended by as many as 55% of physicians. The effect of this sleep position on infants who present with apparent life threatening events(ALTEs) has not been investigated in this country. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the effect of prone versus side sleep positioning in infants admitted to a tertiary care children's hospital with ALTEs. Eligible infants included infants born at > 37 weeks gestational age, with a post-natal age between 5 days and 6 months who were admitted to duPont Hospital for Children with initial diagnoses of apnea, ALTE, choking episodes, or gastroesophageal reflux. Each infant was placed on a documented monitor for 12 hours, 6 hours in the prone position and 6 hours in the side position, with the starting position randomized. The number of alarms, episodes of apnea > 20 seconds, and bradycardia > 5 seconds were recorded. 40 infants were enrolled (mean±SD gest age =36±4 weeks; mean±SD postconceptional age = 44±6 wks, range 35-60). In the prone position the mean number of apneas was.27±.84, and the mean number of bradycardias was.44±1.45; the mean number of alarms was 1.5±2.2. In the side position the number of apnea and bradycardias were.39±1.12 and.49±1.94, respectively. The mean number of alarms in the side position was 1.65±4.22. The p value for apnea prone vs side was.90; the p value for bradycardia prone vs side was.90, and the p value for alarms prone vs side was.58. There were no significant differences between the two positions in each of these three variables. There was no effect of the order of sleep position on these variables. In summary, infants admitted to a tertiary care hospital, demonstrated no difference in apnea, bradycardia, or alarms in the prone or side sleep position. Since no demonstrable improvement was seen when the infants were in the side position, this reinforces the need in this country to encourage placement of all infants on their backs during sleep. We speculate the supine position may be preferable even for infants with gastroesophageal reflux, since their episodes of bradycardia and apnea were not improved by being placed on their side in this investigation.
Noise of a model high speed counterrotation propeller at simulated takeoff/approach conditions (F7/A7)

A high speed advanced counterrotation propeller, was tested in the NASA-Lewis 9 x 15 foot Anechoic Wind Tunnel at simulated takeoff/approach conditions of 0.2 Mach number. Acoustic measurements were taken with fixed floor microphones, an axially translating microphone probe, and with a polar microphone probe which was fixed to the propeller nacelle and could take both sideline and circumferential acoustic surveys. Aerodynamic measurements were also made to establish the propeller operating conditions. The propeller was run over a range of blade setting angles from 36.4/36.5 to 41.1/39.4 deg, tip speeds from 165 to 259 m/sec, rotor spacings from 1.56 to 3.63 based on forward rotor tip chord to aerodynamic separation, and angles of attack to + or - 16 deg. First order rotor alone tones showed highest directivity levels near the propeller plane, while interaction tone showed high levels throughout sideline directivity, especially toward the propeller rotation axis. Interaction tone levels were sensitive to propeller row spacing while rotor alone tones showed little spacing effect. There is a decreased noise level associated with higher propeller blade numbers for the same overall propeller thrust.
Radiation pressure and pseudomomentum of quantum excitations

Abstract The radiation pressure of quantum excitations against enclosing walls is calculated using the Boltzmann-Ehrenfest adiabatic method. The radiation pressure consists of a part associated with pseudomomentum transfer and a part associated with changes in the medium with deformation.
Effects of bilateral thalamic stimulation on dichotic verbal processing

Abstract This investigation evaluates the effects of the right thalamic stimulation on the recall of dichotically presented verbal stimuli and compares them with previously reported results from the left thalamic stimulation. The stimulation of the centrum medianum nucleus was noted to have a facilitational effect on the verbal memory. A remarkably increased left ear effect following either left or right thalamic stimulation suggests that the ‘internal alerting response' for auditory transmission is diffusely represented in the bilateral thalamus. Support for this suggestion came when the unilateral thalamic stimulation was found to increase metabolic activity throughout the entire thalamus.
Bivalent tethering of SspB to ClpXP is required for efficient substrate delivery: A protein-design study

SspB homodimers deliver ssrA-tagged substrates to ClpXP for degradation. SspB consists of a substrate binding domain and an unstructured tail with a ClpX binding module (XB). Using computational design, we engineered an SspB heterodimer whose subunits did not form homodimers. Experiments with the designed molecule and variants lacking one or two tails demonstrate that both XB modules are required for strong binding and efficient substrate delivery to ClpXP. Assembly of stable SspB-substrate-ClpX delivery complexes requires the coupling of weak tethering interactions between ClpX and the SspB XB modules as well as interactions between ClpX and the substrate degradation tag. The ClpX hexamer contains three XB binding sites, one per N domain dimer, and thus binds strongly to just one SspB dimer at a time. Because different adaptor proteins use the same tethering sites in ClpX, those which employ bivalent tethering, like SspB, will compete more effectively for substrate delivery to ClpXP.
A COMPARISON OF THE CHILD‐REARING ENVIRONMENT OF UPPER‐LOWER AND VERY LOW‐LOWER CLASS FAMILIES*

Normal personality development, even without intellectual stimulation, permits children from stable upper-lower class homes to adjust and learn in first grade. In contrast, retardation and deviation in personality development studied in children of disorganized “multi-problem” families, interfere seriously with learning. Enrichment programs are alerted to broad range of preparedness in lower-class children.
Bounds on p-values for a class of stopping rules

Suppose that Bernoulli trials with unknown stopping rule terminate in s successes and f failures. For a sensible class of stopping rules, the p-value for a one-sided test is bounded between the negative binomial p-value and twice the binomial p-value for this data.
Development of contemporary surgical management for erectile impotence

The act of genital intercourse is dependent upon the ability to achieve a rigid, straight phallus. Many men, however, are unable to achieve erection because of disease or injury. This report is a review of the development and survey of the surgical techniques that are available to treat the problem of erectile impotence.
Migratory Sexualities, Diasporic Histories, and Memory in Queer Cuban-American Cultural Production:

Interrogations of diasporic relations between place, subjectivity, and sexuality have transformed representational practices and paradigms of both Cuban and Cuban-American identity on multiple fron...
Relative roles of cement molecular weight and mixing method on the fatigue performance of acrylic bone cement: Simplex P versus Osteopal.

The weight-average molecular weight (MW(w)) of a cement and the method used to mix its powder and liquid monomer constituents have been identified in the literature as key variables that affect mechanical properties of the fully polymerized cement that are relevant to its performance as a grouting agent in cemented arthroplasties. The goal of the present work was to identify which of these two variables exerts the greater effect in the case of fully reversed tension-compression fatigue performance. A judicious choice of cement brands, Surgical Simplex P and Osteopal, and the use of hand versus vacuum mixing, permitted this identification to be achieved. Three key observations were made in this work. First, for a given cement, the fatigue performance of vacuum-mixed specimens is far superior to that of hand-mixed ones, which may be a consequence of the substantially lower percentage areal porosity of the former specimens. Second, regardless of the mixing method, the fatigue performance of Osteopal outstrips that of Simplex P, a result that is attributed to the much higher MW(w) of the former cement. Third, hand-mixed Osteopal outperforms vacuum-mixed Simplex P (especially at low alternating stress levels), indicating that MW(w) of a bone cement is more influential than mixing method on its fatigue performance.
Effect of a strong, DC-induced magnetic field on circadian singing activity of the house cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

We investigated the effect of a strong, DC-induced electromagnetic field (EMF) on the circadian singing activity of the house cricket, Acheta domesticus (L.). Groups of 10 crickets were exposed to strong, DC-induced EMFs under two light regimes, 12:12 (L:D) h and 0:24 (L:D) h. Exposure to the strong EMF resulted in an increase in mean time per hour during which one or more crickets were singing and in number of crickets singing per hour. Correcting for phase shift during O:24 (L:D) h, the daily pattern of singing was apparently unaffected by any treatment. The greatest percentage of singing and number of crickets singing per hour occurred during actual or expected scotophase. This is the first report of an increase in insect activity during exposure to a strong DC-induced EMF.
The Impact of Autism on Siblings

We have summarized the research on the impact of the behavior a brother or sister with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on typically developing siblings across the life cycle. The siblings' cognitive development and emotional/affective development influence how they perceive and interpret the behavior of the child with an ASD. Similarly, the intellectual ability, behavior, and degree of interpersonal access of the child with ASD impacts the relationship between the two children, as does the response of parents to the needs of all the children in the family. These challenges continue into adulthood with the typically developing brother or sister often feeling an ongoing sense of responsibility for the welfare of the sibling with ASD. The majority of siblings of children with ASDs function well as children, adolescents, and adults.
Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics: Dissipation due to Internal Modes

We describe progress on the issue of pathological elastic wave reflection in atomistic and multiscale simulation. First we briefly r eview Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics (CGMD). Originally CGMD was formulated as a Hamiltonian system in which energy is conserved. This formulation is useful for many applications, but recently CGMD has been extended to include generalized Langevin forces. Here we describe how Langevin dynamics arise naturally in CGMD, and we examine the implication for elastic wave scattering.
Postmodernism and Divorce: Reflections on Gergen’s Notion of the Saturated Self in Relation to Modern Divorce

This article explores Gergen’s concept of the saturated self in relation to issues of divorce in contemporary America. The postmodern metaphor of the saturated self, a self comprising multiple, con...
Frequency Ratio of Al+ and Hg+ Single-Ion Optical Clocks; Metrology at the 17th Decimal Place

Time has always had a special status in physics because of its fundamental role in specifying the regularities of nature and because of the extraordinary precision with which it can be measured. This precision enables tests of fundamental physics and cosmology, as well as practical applications such as satellite navigation. Recently, a regime of operation for atomic clocks based on optical transitions has become possible, promising even higher performance. We report the frequency ratio of two optical atomic clocks with a fractional uncertainty of 5.2 × 10–17. The ratio of aluminum and mercury single-ion optical clock frequencies νAl+/νHg+ is 1.052871833148990438(55), where the uncertainty comprises a statistical measurement uncertainty of 4.3 × 10–17, and systematic uncertainties of 1.9 × 10–17 and 2.3 × 10–17 in the mercury and aluminum frequency standards, respectively. Repeated measurements during the past year yield a preliminary constraint on the temporal variation of the fine-structure constant α of ![Formula][1] . [1]: /embed/tex-math-1.gif
Fission fragment mass distributions and kinetic energies for spontaneous fission isomers

Abstract Fission fragment energy correlation experiments have been carried out for spontaneous fission isomers formed in the following reactions: 240 Pu(p, 2n) 239m Am, 239 Pu(d, 2n) 239m Am, 237 Np(d, 2n) 237m Pu, 238 U(d, pn) 238m U and 235 U(d, p) 236m U. The fragment mass distributions, total kinetic energies, and fragment distribution averages and widths are consistent with prompt, low-excitation fission systematics of the actinides. It is argued that fragment configurations, including mass and energy distributions, are determined in the same region of the multidimensional potential surface describing the fission process for both types of fission. Evidence which indicates that this region may begin in the neighborhood of the second barrier is discussed.
A High-Performance FFT Algorithm for Vector Supercomputers

Many traditional algorithms for computing the fast Fourier transform FFT on conventional computers are unacceptable for advanced vector and parallel computers because they involve nonunit, power-of-two memory strides. This paper presents a practical technique for computing the FFT that avoids all such strides and ap pears to be near-optimal for a variety of current vector and parallel computers. Performance results of a pro gram based on this technique are presented. Notable among these results is that a Fortran implementation of this algorithm on the CRAY-2 runs up to 77% faster than Cray's assembly-coded library routine.
Primary gynecologic melanoma: A report of two unusual cases.

Background Primary ovarian and cervical melanomas are extremely rare tumors with a poor prognosis. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion as presentation can mimic benign conditions clinically and other neoplasms histologically.
Decrease in cyclosporin-mediated prostacyclin production in renal versus carotid arteries: A mechanism for cyclosporin-induced hypertension

Although the mechanism of cyclosporin (CsA)-induced hypertension is unknown, it has been shown to inhibit prostacyclin (PGI2) production directly, which may be a factor. We determined whether CsA had a differential effect on PGI2 production from the carotid artery (CA) and internal jugular vein (JV) compared to that from the renal artery (RA) and vein (RV) as a possible contributing factor to renovascular hypertension based upon the ability of organs to regulate their own blood flow according to local circumstances. The neck and renal vessels were removed from anesthetized adult female dogs (N = 8) and placed in a stimulation chamber, with Cell I being control (Hepes buffer), Cell II containing 0.3 mg/ml CsA, and Cell III containing CsA and 25 μM arachidonic acid (AA). Following serial stimulation periods, the supernatant was evaluated for PGI2 production by radioimmunoassay. PGI2 production from CA was significantly higher than that from RA following control and AA stimulation, 1474 ± 382 pg/cm2-min vs 733 ± 173 pg/cm2-min (P < 0.05) and 2236 ± 347 vs 1090 ± 217 (P < 0.01), respectively. CsA-induced PGI2 production from the carotid arteries was significantly greater than that from the renal arteries, 2944 ± 586 vs 1003 ± 235 (P < 0.005). However, stimulation with AA following CsA resulted in sustained PGI2 production in both arteries that was similar to stimulation with CsA alone, 3014 ± 600 vs 2944 ± 586 for the carotids and 1278 ± 280 vs 1003 ± 235 for the renal arteries. Both the RV and the JV showed significant increases in PGI2 synthesis with AA relative to control (P < 0.05) and when AA stimulation followed CsA exposure. Our data suggest that the decrease in PGI2 production from the renal vessels following CsA exposure may remove one of the protective mechanisms against hypertension and that, in this model, CsA probably stimulates PGI2 production by some action on precursors along the cyclooxygenase pathway similar to that of arachidonic acid.
Users and uses of synchronous business communications software

To help designers and authors understand users' intentions and work practices for synchronous business communications in a systematic way, we used ethnographic and task-analytic techniques to collect, analyze and classify evidence of the activities of potential users as they conducted their work lives. The interactions we observed among our users took place through a variety of modalities. We found eight categories of tasks for the collaborative or interactive work in which our subjects engaged. Based on these data, we were able to classify roles of potential users of synchronous business communications software into a set of "archetypes" that characterize their use: Thinkers, Producers, Authors, Networkers and Diplomats. Issues raised by our work include questions about the nature of user archetypes, user tasks, and their modalities.
ON VARIABLE BANDWIDTH SELECTION IN LOCAL POLYNOMIAL REGRESSION

The performances of data-driven bandwidth selection procedures in local polynomial regression are investigated by using asymptotic methods and simulation. The bandwidth selection procedures considered are based on minimizing prelimit' approximations to the (conditional) mean-squared error (MSE) when the MSE is considered as a function of the bandwidth h. We first consider -approximations to the MSE that are based on Taylor expansions around h = 0 of the bias part of the MSE. These approximations lead to estimators of the MSE that are accurate only for small bandwidths h. We also consider a bias estimator which instead of using small h approximations to bias naively estimates bias as the difference of two local polynomial estimators of different order and we show that this estimator performs well only for moderate to large h. We next define a hybrid bias estimator which equals the Taylor-expansion-based estimator for small h and the difference estimator for moderate to large h. We find that the MSE estimator based on this hybrid bias estimator leads to a bandwidth selection procedure with good asymptotic and, for our Monte Carlo examples, finite sample properties.
Antimalarial Agents: Closing the Gate on Toll-like Receptors?

Antimalarial agents have a long history of efficacy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Initially understood to treat skin disease, they are known to also relieve arthritis and pleurisy. In addition to these therapeutic benefits, they likely have a role in prophylaxis of disease activation. Should all SLE patients be taking antimalarials? The answer to this requires more information regarding its prophylactic efficacy and is complicated by continuing concerns about retinal toxicity. The clinical use of antimalarial drugs might be significantly aided by better understanding of how they work. We will discuss here advances in several areas that provide a basis for understanding how antimalarials work in SLE and how they might be better utilized in the future. Over the last several years, a paradigm shift in understanding the importance of the innate immune system in SLE has been driven by the recognition that a class of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), collectively known as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), likely contributes to pathogenesis. TLRs are best known for their ability to discriminate microbial macromolecules from host tissue and thereby rapidly activate the innate immune system. However, it has become increasingly apparent in recent years that select host molecules, especially nucleic acids, can serve as endogenous TLR ligands (for review, see refs. 1 and 2), perhaps promoting responses to damaged tissue (3). Notably, these receptors are harbored in intracellular compartments and therefore not normally accessible to circulating nucleic acids. However, receptors expressed by B cells (surface IgM), dendritic cells (DCs) (Fc receptor [FcR]), or other antigen-presenting cells can act as key intermedi
Propulsive Small Expendable Deployer System (ProSEDS) space experiment

The Propulsive Small Expendable Deployer System (ProSEDS) space experiment will demonstrate the use of an electrodynamic tether propulsion system. The flight experiment is a precursor to the more ambitious electrodynamic tether upper stage demonstration mission which will be capable of orbit raising, lowering and inclination changes-all using electrodynamic thrust. ProSEDS which is planned to fly in 2000, will use the flight proven Small Expendable Deployer System (SEDS) to deploy a tether (5km bare wire plus 15 km spectra) from a Delta II upper stage to achieve approximately 0.4N drag thrust, thus demonstrating deorbit thrust. The experiment will use a predominantly 'bare' tether for current collection in lieu of endmass collector and insulated tether approach used on previous missions. ProSEDS will utilize tether-generated current to provide limited spacecraft power. In addition to the use of this technology to provide orbit transfer of payloads and upper stages from LEO to higher orbits it may also be an attractive option for future missions to Jupiter and any other planetary body with a magnetosphere.
Energy Spectra of Heavy Fragments from the Interaction of Protons with Communications Materials

A Monte Carlo computer code is used to calculate the energy spectra of recoil nuclei resulting from interactions of protons with communications materials. Results are presented for 130 MeV and 1 GeV protons incident on O, Si, Ga, As, and Au. The results for 130 MeV protons on Si are compared with previous calculations and measurements.
Principal uses of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in the management of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.

The use of myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has undergone considerable expansion and evolution over the past 2 decades. Although myocardial perfusion imaging was first conceived as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for determining the presence or absence of coronary artery disease, its prognostic value is now well established. Thus, identification of patients at risk for future cardiac events has become a primary objective in the noninvasive evaluation of patients with chest pain syndromes and among patients with known coronary artery disease. In particular, the ability of myocardial perfusion SPECT to identify patients at low ( 5%) risk for future cardiac events is essential to patient management decisions. Moreover, previous studies have conclusively shown the incremental prognostic value of myocardial perfusion SPECT over clinical and treadmill exercise data in predicting future cardiac events. This report addresses the current role and new developments, with respect to the use of myocardial perfusion imaging, in determining patient risk for cardiac events and the cost-effective integration of such information into patient management decisions.
KDM8, a H3K36me2 histone demethylase that acts in the cyclin A1 coding region to regulate cancer cell proliferation

Localized chromatin modifications of histone tails play an important role in regulating gene transcription, and aberration of these processes leads to carcinogenesis. Methylated histone lysine residues, a key player in chromatin remodeling, are demethylated by the JmjC class of enzymes. Here we show that JMJD5 (now renamed KDM8), a JmjC family member, demethylates H3K36me2 and is required for cell cycle progression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays applied to human genome tiling arrays in conjunction with RNA microarray revealed that KDM8 occupies the coding region of cyclin A1 and directly regulates transcription. Mechanistic analyses showed that KDM8 functioned as a transcriptional activator by inhibiting HDAC recruitment via demethylation of H3K36me2, an epigenetic repressive mark. Tumor array experiments revealed KDM8 is overexpressed in several types of cancer. In addition, loss-of-function studies in MCF7 cells leads to cell cycle arrest. These studies identified KDM8 as an important cell cycle regulator.
Three-dimensional waveguide arrays via projection lithography into a moving photopolymer

We demonstrate a projection lithography method that induces optical index changes in a flexible polymer cable that is continuously translated through the image plane. We demonstrate that a static spot pattern generates a grid of waveguides along the cable length via a continuous extrusion process. Rotations or scaling of the optical spot array can fabricate image inverters or magnifying face plates in a single process step. The resulting polymer devices have applications in optical backplanes, endoscopes for medical applications and lightweight imaging systems.
Within-session changes in sensory gating assessed by p50 evoked potentials in normal subjects

1. The authors studied within-session changes in P50 suppression occurring in a group of 28 normal subjects. 2. A conditioning-testing paradigm was used with 120 pairs of 110 Db peak intensity clicks. Clicks were of 0.04 msec duration, 500 msec separation and delivered through headphones at 10 second intervals. 3. Mean P50 suppression ranged from 60.5% during the first 30 click pairs to -19.1% during the last 30 pairs, with an overall mean suppression of 25.4%. 4. The authors concluded that P50 suppression is a dynamic process in normal subjects, and that further work is necessary to elucidate the factors affecting P50 suppression.
Atrial stunning : Determinants and cellular mechanisms

Abstract Background Atrial stunning is a transient depression of atrial and atrial-appendage mechanical function after successful cardioversion of atrial fibrillation compared with its precardioversion state. Method Atrial stunning associated with different methods of cardioversion of atrial fibrillation and the determinants and cellular mechanisms of atrial stunning were elaborated by thoroughly examining the studies on the subject identified through a comprehensive literature search. Results and conclusion Atrial stunning has been reported with all methods of cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, including transthoracic electrical, low-energy internal electrical, pharmacological, and spontaneous. It is a function of the underlying atrial fibrillation becoming apparent at the restoration of sinus rhythm, regardless of the method used for conversion. Unsuccessful cardioversion does not result in atrial stunning. The duration of the preceding atrial fibrillation, atrial size, and underlying structural heart disease are the determinants of atrial stunning. A shorter duration of atrial fibrillation and smaller atrial diameters are associated with a relatively less severe stunning, lasting for a shorter duration. Atrial stunning after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation of
Using a sensitive luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) to detect HTLV-I/II seroindeterminates in Jamaica.

Human T-cell Leukemia Virus type I (HTLV-I) infects an estimated 15-20 million persons worldwide. A number of diseases have been associated with this virus including adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), HTLV-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), HLTV-I uveitis, and HTLV-I–associated infective dermatitis. The screening process for HTLV-I among blood banks includes detection by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) followed by a confirmatory western blot (WB). Seropositive results are defined by the presence of all core bands (p19, p24, and p53) as well as the band specific for recombinant HTLV-I Env glycoprotein. However, numerous cases have been documented in which a positive response was detected by ELISA, but WB displayed an incomplete banding pattern. These samples were then categorized as seroindeterminates. Using the LIPS assay, 60% of the 53 seroindeterminate samples previously screened by ELISA and WB displayed anti-HTLV-I Gag, Env or Tax antibody responses (based on 2 standard deviations above the mean value for the HTLV-I negative group). The LIPS assay was also able to detect anti-HTLV-I antibody responses in 6% of the 167 samples determined to be HTLV-I ELISA negative. A number of these samples were subsequently found to have an indeterminate WB pattern. Although the significance of these HTLV-I/ II seroindeterminates is unclear, it may suggest a much higher prevalence of exposure to HTLV-I/II than previously estimated, as seroindeterminate samples may indicate exposure to the virus. The LIPS assay is a sensitive and high throughput antibody detection assay which may prove to be a useful tool in HTLV-I related clinical investigations.