cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The association between epicardial adipose tissue thickness around the right ventricular free wall evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography and left atrial appendage function.

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). EAT thickness identified on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The relationship between EAT volume and left atrial appendage (LAA) function is not well-known. We aimed to investigate the associations between EAT thickness and LAA emptying flow velocity and LAA orifice area. This single-center retrospective study enrolled 202 patients who underwent both TTE and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). EAT thickness was measured on TTE in parasternal long-axis view. We measured LAA orifice areas in 41 patients with 3-dimensional TEE data. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationships between EAT thickness and LAA emptying flow velocity and LAA orifice area. We created a receiver operating characteristic curve for low LAA emptying flow velocity ( 5.1 mm (c-statistics, 75.7%). A thickened EATT was associated with low LAA emptying flow velocity, which increases the risk of thromboembolic phenomena in the presence of AF.
Recent advances in fast-scan cyclic voltammetry

Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) at carbon-fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) is a versatile electrochemical technique to probe neurochemical dynamics in vivo. Progress in FSCV methodology continues to address analytical challenges arising from biological needs to measure low concentrations of neurotransmitters at specific sites. This review summarizes recent advances in FSCV method development in three areas: (1) waveform optimization, (2) electrode development, and (3) data analysis. First, FSCV waveform parameters such as holding potential, switching potential, and scan rate have been optimized to monitor new neurochemicals. The new waveform shapes introduce better selectivity toward specific molecules such as serotonin, histamine, hydrogen peroxide, octopamine, adenosine, guanosine, and neuropeptides. Second, CFMEs have been modified with nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes or replaced with conducting polymers to enhance sensitivity, selectivity, and antifouling properties. Different geometries can be obtained by 3D-printing, manufacturing arrays, or fabricating carbon nanopipettes. Third, data analysis is important to sort through the thousands of CVs obtained. Recent developments in data analysis include preprocessing by digital filtering, principal components analysis for distinguishing analytes, and developing automated algorithms to detect peaks. Future challenges include multisite measurements, machine learning, and integration with other techniques. Advances in FSCV will accelerate research in neurochemistry to answer new biological questions about dynamics of signaling in the brain.
The Role and Importance of the Head and Neck Oncology Nurse Navigator

For many patients, the worry of having to manage all of their own health care needs after being diagnosed with head and neck cancer is overwhelming. There are many appointments to keep track of and a lot planning, re-arranging, and adapting to a new schedule and routine throughout their treatment. Having another person within the health care team to manage all of that as well as provide additional resources and support makes the transition much easier for the patient. The idea of having someone help navigate patient care originated in 1990 by Dr. Harold P Freeman, a cancer surgeon, and former president of the American Cancer Society. Within his practice of treating patients with breast cancer, he noticed there are many barriers to care that his patient population had to face.
Reaction to Detected Cyberattacks in Smart Distribution Systems

De-regulation of power systems structure to “competitive electricity markets” created new ways to target network security via system congestion. However, moving towards a smarter grid in the recent years has increased the possibility of “cyberattacks” on distribution power networks which is a “more” serious threat for system security. This paper proposes a two-level decentralized framework for microgrid operators (MGOs) and the system operator (SO) of a smart distribution network to react to detected cyberattacks and prevent any system congestions. In the lower level, MGOs rely on Kalman filtering to replace the suspicious data with predicted data and avoid any possible congestions in the microgrid (MG) level. However, in the upper level, SO employs a market mechanism to motivate distributed generation aggregators (DGAGs) and demand response aggregators (DRAGs) in order to reschedule and prevent a possible system congestion caused by hackers targeting the system. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is validated on an unbalanced distribution system containing 4 microgrids, 2 industrial loads, and 26 apartment complexes which include distributed generation (DG) units, electric vehicles (EVs), and provide demand response (DR).
Development of low and elevated level multivitamin and mineral supplement certified reference materials: VITA-1 and VITB-1

VITA-1 and VITB-1 are low- and elevated level CRMs, respectively, which were certified for minerals and vitamin contents by National Research Council Canada. The proportions of key ingredients are the same in each formula, and they were prepared in such a way that VITB-1 has twice the amount of minerals and vitamins as VITA-1. The availability of these two matrix-matched CRMs, with different concentrations for all analytes, will not only assist in the validation of procedures and the development of methods for the determination of respective analytes in multivitamins or samples of a similar matrices, but also will be useful for calibration purposes (for the values that are certified). Tablets were individually packaged in trilaminate foil pouches and values presented in the certificate of analysis are expressed on a “as is” basis, with no need for the determination of moisture content on a separate test portion. In addition, certified/reference values are provided per single tablet (mass fraction expressed as both mg/kg and µg/tablet), eliminating the need of a homogenization step prior to analysis. Homogeneity and stability were assessed and included in the final expanded uncertainties of the certified values. Quantity value assignment for both VITA-1 and VITB-1 was based on the use of at least two independent methods, using data generated at NRC and data from external collaborators for confirmation purposes. As a result of this campaign, value assignment was possible for a total of 39 analytes: 24 trace elements and 15 vitamins.
Gap Junction Liposomes for Efficient Delivery of Chemotherapeutics to Solid Tumors.

Chemotherapeutic delivery is limited by inefficient transport across cellular membranes. Here we harnesses the cellular gap junction network to release therapeutic cargos directly into the cell cyt...
Pre-Inuit walrus use in Arctic Canada and Greenland, c.2500 BCE to 1250 CE

Abstract Indigenous Pre-Inuit populations (from Pre-Dorset to Dorset) moved into the unoccupied Eastern Arctic of Canada and Greenland about 4500 years ago. Walrus use in the Pre-Dorset period (c.2500 1100 BCE) was almost exclusively associated with carcass scavenging of ivory for tool production. The homogenous nature of primary dentine means that it can be flaked similar to stone, but it can also be grooved, carved, whittled and abraded in a manner more akin to ground-stone methods. Small-scale hunting began to emerge in areas with higher densities of walrus in the Late Pre-Dorset period (c.1900–1100 BCE), such as the Igloolik area in Nunavut, and Nipisat, near Sisimiut, Greenland. Technological innovation in the form of a thicker, more robust and often highly decorated harpoon head type known as the Dorset Parallel is accompanied by a shift to cooperative walrus hunting, intensive carcass processing and caching of meat and raw material in the Dorset period (c.900 BCE 1250 CE).
How Teams Communicate about the Quality of ML Models: A Case Study at an International Technology Company

Machine learning (ML) has become a crucial component in software products, either as part of the user experience or used internally by software teams. Prior studies have explored how ML is affecting development team roles beyond data scientists, including user experience designers, program managers, developers and operations engineers. However, there has been little investigation of how team members in different roles on the team communicate about ML, in particular about the quality of models. We use the general term quality to look beyond technical issues of model evaluation, such as accuracy and overfitting, to any issue affecting whether a model is suitable for use, including ethical, engineering, operations, and legal considerations. What challenges do teams face in discussing the quality of ML models? What work practices mitigate those challenges? To address these questions, we conducted a mixed-methods study at a large software company, first interviewing15 employees in a variety of roles, then surveying 168 employees to broaden our understanding. We found several challenges, including a mismatch between user-focused and model-focused notions of performance, misunderstandings about the capabilities and limitations of evolving ML technology, and difficulties in understanding concerns beyond one's own role. We found several mitigation strategies, including the use of demos during discussions to keep the team customer-focused.
Statistical Analysis on Stock Market Trend Based on Clustering : ——Sichuan Languang Dev as Example

The Importance of the stock markets in the economy makes researchers pay a large amount of attention to reveal their latent rules. While uncertainty is the most distinctive feature of the stock market, which makes it is difficult to find these latent rules. This paper proposed a new method to analyse the trend of stock price based on the clustering algorithm. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, an experiment was performed with the stock price data of Sichuan Languang Dev Stock.
Korean Hip Hoppers’ Identity Negotiation in Non-performative Spoken Discourse

Using membership categorization analysis, this article examines how Korean hip hoppers draw on social categories to discursively construct their identities, focusing on three cases of media representation: an idol rapper’s identity negotiation, rappers’ characterization of the aggressive aspects of rap battles, and the dual identity of a rapper who is also a teacher. Specifically, the article analyses the identity negotiation of Korean idol and hip hop musician Zico, focusing on his distinction between idols as performers who care about external features and rappers as artists who possess an independent will to move forward; the discursive characterization of rap battles on the part of Korean hip hoppers, who describe the aggressive verbal features of rap as a sport regulated by rules that players follow in order to be acknowledged as legitimate members of the community; and finally, a teacher-rapper’s rap audition, focusing on how she negotiates her dual identities in order to recontextualize the audition into a pedagogical discourse marked by categorical characteristics of a teacher-student interaction.
Btk Supports Autoreactive B Cell Development and Protects against Apoptosis but Is Expendable for Antigen Presentation.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) propagates B cell signaling, and BTK inhibitors are in clinical trials for autoimmune disease. Although autoreactive B cells fail to develop in the absence of Btk, its role in mature cells is unknown. To address this issue, a model of conditional removal (Btk flox/Cre-ERT2 ) was used to excise Btk from mature transgenic B cells that recognize the pathophysiologic autoantigen insulin. Anti-insulin B cells escape central tolerance and promote autoimmune diabetes, mimicking human autoreactive cells. Lifelong Btk deficiency was previously shown to eliminate 95% of anti-insulin B cells, but in this model, mature anti-insulin B cells survived for weeks after targeted Btk deletion, even when competing with a polyclonal repertoire. BCR-stimulated cells could still signal via Syk, PLCy2, and CD22, but failed to upregulate the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL, and proliferation was impaired. Surprisingly, Btk-depleted anti-insulin B cells could still present Ag and activate T cells, a critical function in promoting T cell-mediated islet cell destruction. Thus, pharmacologic targeting of Btk may be most effective by blocking expansion of established autoreactive cells, and preventing emergence of new ones.
Summary of the Utah Compromise

In an landmark compromise, Utah enacted a pair of laws last week to balance LGBT rights and religious liberty. One measure, SB 296, bans discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender individuals, while the second, SB 297, protects the right of individuals and religious institutions to maintain the character of their faith communities. This document summarizes the essential elements of the “Utah Compromise” signed into law in March 2015.
Amidocarbonylation, Cyclohydrocarbonylation, and Related Reactions

This chapter covers the recent advances in amidocarbonylations, cyclohydrocarbonylations, aminocarbonylations, cascade carbonylative cyclizations, carbonylative ring-expansion reactions, thiocarbonylations, and related reactions from 1993 to early 2005. In addition, technical development in carbonylation processes with the use of microwave irradiation as well as new reaction media such as supercritical carbon dioxide and ionic liquids are also discussed. These carbonylation reactions provide efficient and powerful methods for the syntheses of a variety of carbonyl compounds, amino acids, heterocycles, and carbocycles. Mechanisms of these reactions are also illustrated and discussed in detail for selected cases.
IgE formation in the rat following infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis: I. Proliferation and differentiation of IgE-bearing cells

Abstract Sprague-Dawley rats were infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis larvae, and IgE formation was studied. Before infection, the serum IgE level was less than 0.4 μg/ml. The IgE level began to increase from the 10th day of infection, reached its maximum (50–100 μg/ml) at the 14th day and gradually declined. Reinfection of the rats resulted in an increase of the serum IgE level within 7 days. The IgE antibody response to N. brasiliensis antigens did not parallel the increase of IgE synthesis. In most animals, the antibody became detectable in the serum at the 21st day when the total IgE level already began to decrease. The animals showed a secondary IgE antibody response upon reinfection. Both mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen cell suspensions were examined for the presence of IgE-bearing cells (IgE-B cells) and IgE-forming cells by fluorescent antibody technique. The IgE-bearing lymphocytes became detectable in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen at the 8th day of infection. The proportion of the IgE-B cells in nonadherent cell population gradually increased and reached maximum at the 14th day; about 20% of immunoglobulin (Ig)-bearing cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes and 10% of Ig-bearing cells in spleen bore IgE on their surface. Evidence was obtained that these lymphocytes synthesized IgE. The IgE-forming cells were detected in both mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen of the infected animals. The number of IgE-forming cells was greater in the mesenteric lymph nodes than in spleen, indicating that the regional lymph nodes are the major source of serum IgE in the N. brasiliensis -infected animals.
Comparing genetic counselor’s and patient’s perceptions of needs in prenatal chromosomal microarray testing

OBJECTIVE Chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) is poised to take a significant place in the prenatal setting given its increased yield over standard karyotyping, but concerns regarding ethical and counseling challenges remain, especially associated with the risk of uncertain and incidental findings. Guidelines recommend patients receiving prenatal screening undergo genetic counseling prior to testing, but little is known about women’s specific pre- and post-testing informational needs, as well as their preference for return of various types of results.
Simplification of switched reluctance motor drives for commercial applications

The authors review the SRM (switched reluctance motor) drive technology. They present some of the simplified technology which has been developed in the lab and elsewhere. The emphasis is on elimination of discrete rotor position sensors and discrete current sensors. The theoretical apsects of the different methods of position sensing and the relevant experimental results are also presented. >
Data partition for wavefront parallelization of H.264 video encoder

This paper presents a new method for parallel processing of H.264 video encoder using data partition and task scheduling that fully exploits all data dependencies for maximal compression (Zhao and Liang). The new method achieves the optimal compression at a frame rate that increases approximately linearly as the number of parallel processing elements. This is a significant improvement over prior art parallel encoders for H.264 which invariably sacrifice data dependency and/or optimal coding mode. It is shown that the new method outperforms prior approaches in both encoding speed and compression efficiency. This paper also gives the relation between the number of parallel processing elements and the theoretical encoding time and the relation between the number of processors and the number of concurrently processed frames. Software simulation shows that this parallel processing method achieves the same compression quality as a sequential processing encoder, e.g., the JM series.
Airborne Bacteria in an Urban Environment

Abstract Samples were taken at random intervals over a 2-year period from urban air and tested for viable bacteria. The number of bacteria in each sample was determined, and each organism isolated was identified by its morphological and biochemical characteristics. The number of bacteria found ranged from 0.013 to 1.88 organisms per liter of air sampled. Representatives of 19 different genera were found in 21 samples. The most frequently isolated organisms and their percent of occurence were Micrococcus (41%), Staphylococcus (11%), and Aerococcus (8%). The bacteria isolated were correlated with various weather and air pollution parameters using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient method. Statistically significant correlations were found between the number of viable bacteria isolated and the concentrations of nitric oxide (−0.45), nitrogen dioxide (+0.43), and suspended particulate pollutants (+0.56). Calculated individually, the total number of Micrococcus, Aerococcus, and Staphylococcus, number of rods, and number of cocci isolated showed negative correlations with nitric oxide and positive correlations with nitrogen dioxide and particulates. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between the total number of rods isolated and the concentration of nitrogen dioxide (+0.54) and the percent relative humidity (+0.43). The other parameters tested, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons, and temperature, showed no significant correlations.
The Little Black Book

How often have you observed a more senior resident in his clean, pressed, white lab coat, with pens and little flash lights arranged neatly in his lapel pocket, tie precisely placed, stethoscope just peeking out so that everybody knows he is a doctor, and a bunch of crumpled papers hanging out of his pockets? Medicine is a rather orderly avocation, and any hint of disorganization gives the overall impression of confusion and sloppiness. A device that helps you organize your life and your job must be at your fingertips at all times.
Health Care and Politics

Nurses can serve as valuable sources of health care expertise and information for elected officials at the local, state and national level. By doing so, they can have a direct impact on legislation that affects health care providers and patients.
A META-ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE PREVENTION OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE

Evidence for an independent role of increased physical activity in the primary prevention of coronary heart disease has grown in recent years. The authors apply the techniques of meta-analysis to data extracted from the published literature by Powell et al. (Ann Rev Public Health 1987;8:253-87), as well as more recent studies addressing this relation, in order to make formal quantitative statements and to explore features of study design that influence the observed relation between physical activity and coronary heart disease risk. They find, for example, a summary relative risk of death from coronary heart disease of 1.9 (95% confidence interval 1.6-2.2) for sedentary compared with active occupations. The authors also find that methodologically stronger studies tend to show a larger benefit of physical activity than less well-designed studies.
Structure and activation of the human N-ras gene

The normal human N-ras gene has been cloned. In structure and sequence it closely resembles the human H-ras and K-ras genes. The three genes share regions of nucleotide homology and nucleotide divergence within coding sequences and have a common intron/exon structure, indicating that they have evolved from a similarly spliced ancestral gene. The N-ras gene of SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells has transforming activity, while the normal N-ras gene does not, the result of a single nucleotide change substituting lysine for glutamine in position 61 of the N-ras gene product. From previous studies we conclude that amino acid substitutions in two distinct regions can activate the transforming potential of ras gene products.
Chlamydospore formation, production, and nuclear status in Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines soybean sudden death syndrome-causing isolates

Six isolates of Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines that cause soybean sudden death syndrome were examined for chlamydospore formation, production, and nuclear status. Chlamydospores formed from macroconidia either terminally, laterally by outward protrusion, or intercalarily. They also formed from germinated macroconidia and hyphae. Occasionally, a single macroconidium produced more than one chlamydospore. The percentage of chlamydospores produced differed significantly (P < 0.0001) by incubation temperature and varied among fungal isolates. More chlamydospores formed at 30 C followed by 25 C, 20 C and 4 C. Nuclear stained chlamydospores usually were uninucleate but occasionally multinucleate. Nuclei migrated from macroconidia into chlamydospores through germ tubes.
Business Model for Subscription Service for Electric Vehicles Including Battery Swapping, for San Francisco Bay Area, California

A proposed strategy for facilitating the introduction of electric-drive vehicles calls for vehicle purchasers to own the vehicle but to lease the battery from a third party to help reduce the first-cost hurdle to consumers. A further extension of this concept for all-battery electric vehicles (EVs) would include the ability for consumers to exchange their discharged batteries for charged ones at battery swap stations. This factor would extend the driving range for EV service subscribers but with increased costs to build and operate the stations. This analysis centers around a base-case scenario from 2012 to 2027 that includes a set of assumptions about subscriber membership levels, gasoline and electricity prices, corporate level expenditures, and the capital costs of batteries, charging stations, and battery swap stations. The base-case set of assumptions is then systematically varied, and a few combinations are explored to determine whether and how such a service might be economically viable. Key sensit...
Arc-smooth generalized universal covering spaces

Abstract Let Y be a path-connected subset of a CAT(0) space Z , allowing for a map f : Y → X to a 1-dimensional separable metric space X , such that the nontrivial point preimages of f form a null sequence of convex subsets of Z . Such Y need not be homotopy equivalent to a 1-dimensional space. We prove that Y admits a generalized universal covering space, which we equip with an arc-smooth structure by consistently and continuously selecting one tight representative from each path homotopy class of Y . It follows that all homotopy groups of Y vanish in dimensions greater than 1.
Modelling non-competitive behavior in commodity markets: A game theoretic approach

In this paper, we provide a coalitional alternative to the perfectly competitive and purely non-cooperative assumptions commonly employed in the modelling of commodity markets. These assumptions of perfect competition or pure non-cooperation are usually imposed exogenously without providing an economic basis for assuming why firms that could stand to gain by cooperating would not in fact do so. Three behavioral rules embodied in three different cooperative games are discussed in this paper and a methodology for predicting the coalition structures that would result from each of these is offered. By applying these games to the US copper industry of the 1970's, we show that the theory of games can be profitably employed in conjunction with the traditional “institutional approach” of industrial organization to yield useful economic predictions.
Increasing SK2 channel activity impairs associative learning

Enhanced intrinsic neuronal excitability of hippocampal pyramidal neurons via reductions in the postburst afterhyperpolarization (AHP) has been hypothesized to be a biomarker of successful learning. This is supported by considerable evidence that pharmacologic enhancement of neuronal excitability facilitates learning. However, it has yet to be demonstrated that pharmacologic reduction of neuronal excitability restricted to the hippocampus can retard acquisition of a hippocampus-dependent task. Thus, the present study was designed to address this latter point using a small conductance potassium (SK) channel activator NS309 focally applied to the dorsal hippocampus. SK channels are important contributors to intrinsic excitability, as measured by the medium postburst AHP. NS309 increased the medium AHP and reduced excitatory postsynaptic potential width of CA1 neurons in vitro. In vivo, NS309 reduced the spontaneous firing rate of CA1 pyramidal neurons and impaired trace eyeblink conditioning in rats. Conversely, trace eyeblink conditioning reduced levels of SK2 channel mRNA and protein in the hippocampus. Therefore, the present findings indicate that modulation of SK channels is an important cellular mechanism for associative learning and further support postburst AHP reductions in hippocampal pyramidal neurons as a biomarker of successful learning.
Genetics of parkinsonism

Parkinson's disease (PD) was noted to have a familial component as early as 1880 (Leroux, 1880). More recently, the discovery of several genetic factors influencing parkinsonism has emphasized the importance of heredity in PD. The clinical spectrum of familial parkinsonism is wide; it includes not only PD, but also dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), essential tremor, and other disorders. In the general population, it is likely that PD results from combined genetic and environmental factors, most of which are not yet known. The discovery of causal mutations in the gene for alpha-synuclein, parkin, and of genetic linkages to chromosomes 2p4, 4p5, and three loci on 1q6-8 have revolutionized PD research. This review focuses on recent progress in the Mendelian genetics of PD and those diseases in which parkinsonism is a prominent feature, and considers how these discoveries modify our beliefs regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of these disorders.
Microbial uptake of dissolved organic matter in Mcmurdo Sound, Antarctica

The distribution and activity of bacterioplankton, and the turnover of dissolved organic matter (DOM) were examined in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. On the eastern side of the Sound, bacteria averaged 6.5×108 l-1, and turnover rates of dissolved adenosine triphosphate, D-glucose and l-leucine averaged 16, 116 and 124 h, respecitvely. These molecules as well as thymidine were taken up maximally from 0° to 5°C and near-maximally from -1.5° to 0°C, indicating bacterial adaptation to rapid turnover of dissolved organic matter at the ambient temperature. On the west side of the Sound, bacteria averaged only 0.65×108 l-1, and turnover times for adenosine triphosphate, D-glucose and lleucine averaged 59, 20454, and 3070 h, respectively. Total microbial adenosine triphosphate (an indicator of total microbial biomass) and chlorophyll a were also much lower at the western than at the eastern side stations. Moreover, no primary production could be detected at one western side station (New Harbor). Thus, in McMurdo Sound, the western side is highly oligotrophic, but the eastern side has an abundant active bacterioplankton, comparable to that of temperate coastal waters.
SOME THOUGHTS ON API RP2A FOR VERTICALLY LOADED PILES

The API RP2A recommended practice was prepared by the geotechnical profession and has been widely used. It is a design method and not a prediction method. The goal is not to predict the behaviour of a foundation system within certain accuracy but to ensure that the behaviour of a foundation system will be acceptable and that it can be built for a reasonable cost. In this article a number of comments related to vertically loaded piles are made. The topics discussed include the effect of layering on capacity, the criterion for piles in sand, the plugging of pipe piles, the rate of loading effect, the cyclic loading effect, the load transfer approach, drilled and grouted piles, load and resistance factors and hydrates.
The mechanics of corporal veno-occlusion in penile erection : a theory on the effect of stretch-associated luminal constrictability on outflow resistance

In order to further our understanding of the physiology of corporal veno-occlusion, we developed a theory of a possible contribution to corporal venous outflow resistance which occurs as the result of venule stretching with resultant luminal narrowing when penile volume increases during the erection process. We stretched non-biological tubes and rabbit abdominal vena cava segments, performed flow-based and volume-based experiments to calculate the magnitude of N, the newly defined 'stretch-associated luminal constrictability' factor. We solved for (R(s)/R(u)), the ratio of the venule fluid resistance in the stretched state (R(s)) to the unstretched state (R(u)), to quantify the projected increases in fluid resistance as well as Q.R(u) where Q is the subtunical venule flow rate. For a given tube, N was found to be essentially constant for different amounts of stretch. A theory was formulated which predicted R(s) and Q as a function of N, DeltaP (intracavernosal pressure increase); V(E)/V(F) (tunical distensibility); X (cavernosal expandability) and R(u). Based on the magnitude of N=2, this theory predicts that patients with the highest values of both V(E)/V(F) and X would have maximal R(s) values, approaching infinity (complete occlusion) at a low DeltaP near 5 mmHg. In contrast, patients with low values of both V(E)/V(F) (eg Peyronie's disease) and X (eg corporal fibrosis), would be predicted to have minimal R(s) values. For example, a hypothetical patient with the lowest values of V(E)/V(F) and X would yield R(s) values only approaching 7.9 times that of unstretched values at a DeltaP increase of 90 mmHg. We concluded to that stretch-associated venule resistance may occur as a result of decreased sub-tunical venule diameter and increased sub-tunical venule length. In individual patients, stretch-associated venule resistance may either dominate or be a minor component of the overall mechanism of corporal veno-occlusion.
Traditional or Intensive Course Lengths? A Comparison of Outcomes in Economics Learning

The length of a course in economics does influence student learning in microeconomics, but longer term retention does not appear to be related to course length.
CIRCADIAN VARIATION IN ONSET OF ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE

A circadian pattern for the onset of myocardial and cerebral infarction has been identified. To evaluate this phenomenon further, we analyzed prospectively collected data from 151 patients with acute ischemic stroke. The number of strokes per 6-hour period were the following: midnight to 6 AM, 20 (13%); 6 AM to noon, 86 (57%); noon to 6 PM, 21 (14%); and 6 PM to midnight, 24 (16%). This pattern was not affected by previous use of aspirin. The most frequent time of onset was 6 AM to noon for all subgroups of ischemic stroke: small artery, 71%; cardioembolic, 62%; large artery atherothrombotic, 57%; large artery atheroembolic, 46%; and "other" or unknown cause, 40%. We also investigated the time between awakening and stroke onset in 145 patients and found that 24% of ischemic strokes occurred within the first hour after awakening. Our data demonstrate that an early morning peak exists for all subtypes of stroke. Our data also suggest that the most critical period is the first hour after awakening.
Further studies of the origin of russeting in the potato

The results obtained from the removal of the eyes of the Russet Burbank showed no indication of the origin of this variety by mutation though the possibility of its origin as a dichlamyde mutant was not entirely eliminated. Breeding tests in which the factors for russet skin were transmitted through the germ cells suggest that this variety may be of seedling origin. The results of crosses indicate that in the material studied the russet skin of the tubers was the result of the action of complementary factors. In the seedling No. 44537 the russet skin character apparently is due to a mutation. Progeny tests show that it is a gene mutation.
Graphical models for integrating syllabic information

We present graphical model based methodology that enhances a speech recognizer with information about syllabic segmentations. The segmentations are specified by locations of syllable nuclei, and the graphical models are able to consider these locations as ''soft'' information. The graphs give improved discrimination between speech and noise when compared to a baseline model. When using locations derived from oracle information an overall improvement is shown, and when the oracle syllable nuclei are augmented with information about lexical stress the methods give additional improvements over locations alone.
On the bounds of the trajectories of differential systems

The behaviour of differential systems is investigated by considering the stability and instability of such systems with respect to certain sub-sets of the state space These Sets may in general be time-varying, and their properties do not only yield information about the stability of a system but also estimates of the bounds of the system trajectories. In all cases the results which are established yield sufficient conditions for stability and instability, and in general involve the existence of Lyapunov-like functions which do not appear to possess the usual definiteness requirements on V and [Vdot]. The developed theory is applied to two special cases: in one case, only time-invariant sub-sets are considered: in the second case, the time interval [t0, ∞) over which the systems me defined is truncated to [t 0, t a + T), T < ∞, So the that case of stability over a finite time interval may be considered.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the Skeletally Immature Patient

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in skeletally immature patients are being seen with increased frequency. The management of these injuries is controversial. Nonreconstructive treatment of complete tears typically results in recurrent functional instability with risk of injury to meniscal and articular cartilage. A variety of reconstructive techniques have been utilized, including physeal sparing, partial transphyseal, and transphyseal methods using various grafts. Conventional adult ACL reconstruction techniques risk potential iatrogenic growth disturbance due to physeal violation. Growth disturbances after ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients have been reported. In this review, we discuss our approach to ACL reconstruction in the skeletally immature patient based on physiological age. In prepubescent patients, we perform a physeal-sparing, combined intra-articular and extra-articular reconstruction using autogenous iliotibial band. In adolescent patients with significant growth remaining, we perform transphyseal ACL reconstruction with autogenous hamstrings tendons with fixation away from the physes. In older adolescent patients approaching skeletal maturity, we perform conventional adult ACL reconstruction with interference screw fixation using either autogenous central third patellar tendon or autogenous hamstrings.
Mercury in Nelson's Sparrow subspecies at breeding sites.

BACKGROUND Mercury is a persistent, biomagnifying contaminant that can cause negative effects on ecosystems. Marshes are often areas of relatively high mercury methylation and bioaccumulation. Nelson's Sparrows (Ammodramus nelsoni) use marsh habitats year-round and have been documented to exhibit tissue mercury concentrations that exceed negative effects thresholds. We sought to further characterize the potential risk of Nelson's Sparrows to mercury exposure by sampling individuals from sites within the range of each of its subspecies. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS From 2009 to 2011, we captured adult Nelson's Sparrows at sites within the breeding range of each subspecies (A. n. nelsoni: Grand Forks and Upham, North Dakota; A. n. alterus: Moosonee, Ontario; and A. n. subvirgatus: Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick) and sampled breast feathers, the first primary feather (P1), and blood for total mercury analysis. Mean blood mercury in nelsoni individuals captured near Grand Forks ranged from 0.84 ± 0.37 to 1.65 ± 1.02 SD ppm among years, between 2.0 and 4.9 times as high as concentrations at the other sites (P<0.01). Breast feather mercury did not vary among sites within a given sampling year (site means ranged from 0.98 ± 0.69 to 2.71 ± 2.93 ppm). Mean P1 mercury in alterus (2.96 ± 1.84 ppm fw) was significantly lower than in any other sampled population (5.25 ± 2.24-6.77 ± 3.51 ppm; P ≤ 0.03). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our study further characterized mercury in Nelson's Sparrows near Grand Forks; we documented localized and potentially harmful mercury concentrations, indicating that this area may represent a biological mercury hotspot. This finding warrants further research to determine if wildlife populations of conservation or recreational interest in this area may be experiencing negative effects due to mercury exposure. We present preliminary conclusions about the risk of each sampled population to mercury exposure.
Discrete-event simulation of a sequence of multi-component batch distillation columns

Abstract The application of a discrete-event simulation system (GPSS) to modelling of a sequence of multi-component batch distillation columns, such as might be employed in a solvent recovery operation, is described. The primary objective of this simulation is to demonstrate the application of the GPSS system to determination of equipment and manpower utilization. The complete GPSS coding is included. Operating parameters corresponding to a particular installation are readily varied by an analyst.
Children Visiting Mothers in Prison: The Effects on Mothers' Behaviour and Disciplinary Adjustment

AbstractThis article examines 158 inmate mothers released from a maximum security prison to determine the influence of minor children's visitation on their mothers' disciplinary adjustment in prison. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict the mothers' involvement in disciplinary behaviour. Although up to 80% of female inmates have minor children, the findings indicate that the majority of the mothers do not receive visits from them. The inmates who do receive visits from their minor children are more likely to engage in both serious and violent infractions while in prison. It appears that mothers who receive visits from their children have more difficulty adjusting to institutionalisation, perhaps because of the emotional factors surrounding visitation and separation from children. However, it is possible that the visitation with their children while imprisoned may help prepare mothers for life upon parole and reunification with their families and children.
Salvage Surgery for Locoregional Recurrence Following Local Excision

Recurrence following local excision of early rectal cancer has traditionally been considered innocuous and readily amenable to salvage resection, with little impact on overall survival. Recent studies have reported that this notion is incorrect, however. Unlike the primary rectal lesion confined to the intestinal wall, locoregional recurrence following local excision is generally advanced when detected. Salvage surgery often requires extended resections, and in some cases total pelvic exenteration with significant morbidity. Even when salvage surgery is successful at eradicating disease, local control and cure are not assured. It is apparent that the relatively high recurrence rates noted following local excision cannot be compensated for by simple salvage surgery at time of relapse. Improvements in patient selection and identification of micrometastatic disease are necessary to properly select patients for curative local excision, and to avoid locoregional relapse altogether.
A Method for Including Path Effects in Ground‐Motion Prediction Equations: An Example Using the Mw 9.0 Tohoku Earthquake Aftershocks

Past studies in tectonic regions dominated by subduction zones that result in the creation of volcanic belts, such as New Zealand and Japan, have pointed to higher attenuation rates across the volcanic regions. This study uses the downhole motions recorded at KiK‐net stations from 117 aftershocks that hit Japan after the great M w 9.0 Tohoku earthquake to quantify region‐dependent strong‐motion attenuation rates. To this end, an approach to include path effects in the development of ground‐motion prediction equations (GMPEs) is presented. In this approach, regional path terms are constrained using the strong‐motion data. The constraint on path terms also makes this methodology suitable for the development of GMPEs that permit the removal of the ergodic assumption on path. The analysis results indicate the viability of the proposed methodology for constraining regional path terms and provide an estimate of single‐station, single‐path standard deviations. In addition, results confirm that the attenuation rate in volcanic regions is significantly higher than in nonvolcanic regions. Finally, a moderate correlation coefficient was found between the attenuation rate for weak and strong ground motions.
Optical Diagnostics In The Advanced Test Accelerator (ATA) Environment

The ATA is a 50-MeV, 10-kA, 70-ns pulsed electron beam accelerator that generates an extremely harsh environment for diagnostic measurements. Diagnostic targets placed in the beamline are subject to damage, frequently being destroyed by a single pulse. High radiation (x-ray, gamma, and neutron) and electromagnetic interference levels preclude placing components near the beamline that are susceptible to radiation damage. Examples of such components are integrated circuit elements, hydrocarbons such as Teflon insulation, and optical components that darken, resulting in transmission loss. Optical diagnostics play an important part in measuring experimental parameters such as the beam current density profile. A large number of optical lines of sight (LOS) are routinely deployed along the experimental beamlines that use the AlA beam. Gated TV cameras are located outside the accelerator tunnel, because the tunnel is inaccessible during operations. We will describe and discuss the difficulties, problems, and solutions encountered in making optical measurements in the ATA environment.
Energetics of microbial food webs

The energetic demand of microorganisms in natural waters and the flux of energy between microorganisms and metazoans has been evaluated by empirical measurements in nature, in microcosms and mesocosms, and by simulation models. Microorganisms in temperate and tropical waters often use half or more of the energy fixed by photosynthesis. Most simulations and some experimental results suggest significant energy transfer to metazoans, but empirical evidence is mixed. Considerations of the range of growth yields of microorganisms and the number of trophic transfers among them indicate major energy losses within microbial food webs. Our ability to verify and quantify these processes is limited by the variability of assimilation efficiency and uncertainty about the structure of microbial food webs. However, even a two-step microbial chain is a major energy sink.
Chaotic transport in low-dimensional superlattices

We predict that in arrays of quantum dots (0D superlattice) and arrays of one-dimensional quantum wires (1D superlattice) chaotic transport should be observed in the presence of an ac field and for a wide range of physical parameters, like the external dc bias, contact charge, doping levels, and disorder in the array. Time-dependent current oscillations set in the array due to the formation of electric domain walls when sequential resonant tunneling is the main transport mechanism between adjacent units. Such oscillations can then be forced into spatiotemporal chaos. A similar phenomenon has been predicted and demonstrated for solid-state superlattices. However, contrary to the latter case, the domain walls move across a larger number of units in the superlattice the lower the dimensionality, due to the different spatial distribution of the electric-field across the array in the three cases.
Order-parameter fluctuation effects in d -wave BCS superconductors

We study order-parameter fluctuation effects in the superconducting state as a possible precursor to the pseudogap phenomena. Using a low-energy effective theory in the d-wave BCS model, we self-consistently calculate the single-particle properties. We find that the fluctuations reduce the spectral gap, and the shape of the gap is deformed, showing reduced slope of the gap at the nodes. We also show the angle dependence of the quasiparticle lifetime due to the fluctuations.
Electrical Resistivity of Lanthanum, Praseodymium, Neodymium, and Samarium

The electrical resistivities of polycrystalline samples of La, Pr, Nd, and Sm are reported in the temperature range 1.3 to 300 deg K. La exhibits a superconducting transition at 5.8 deg K. The curve for Pr has slope changes at 61 and 95 deg K. The Nd curve shows small jumps at 5 and 20 deg K. Sm shows slope changes at 14 and 106 deg K. (auth)
Dynamics of the vortex structure of a jet impinging on a convex surface

Abstract Smoke–wire flow visualization is used to investigate the behavior of a round jet issuing from a straight tube and impinging on a convex surface. Video analysis of the impinging jet shows the initiation and growth of ring vortices in the jet shear layer and their interaction with the cylindrical surfaces. Effects of relative curvature, nozzle-to-surface distance, and Reynolds number on vortex initiation, vortex separation from the surface and vortex breakup are described. Examples of vortex merging are discussed.
Real-Time Optical Associative Retrieval Technique

A real-time optical associative retrieval technique is presented. The associative retrieval model enables a large amount of data to be stored and recalled by partial information optically in real time. The real-time capability is achieved by using an electronically addressed spatial light modulator based on the pocket-size liquid crystal display television. The potential application of the technique to the perceptive vision requirements in telerobotics for achieving NASA's goals of automation in space is described.