cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcium currents in postinfarction rat cardiac myocytes.

Myocytes isolated from rat hearts that have suffered 35% myocardial infarction (MI) 3 wk prior have lower peak cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) during contraction compared with Sham myocytes,...
Long ago and far away : A retrospective on the implications of Minamata

Long Ago and Far Away: A Retrospective on the Implications of Minamata. Neurotoxicology 17(1): 257-264, 1996. Minamata claimed entry into the lexicon of toxicology 40 years ago as a definition of methylmercury poisoning, but deposited a legacy of unsolved puzzles that still endures. In fact, they scatter ramifications across the entire domain of neurotoxicology. One puzzle is how the earliest clinical index of adult toxicity, paresthesia, can remain stable, even with continued exposure. Does damage, like body burden, reach a plateau? A second enigma is the question of silent damage to nerve cell populations even more vulnerable than those whose loss of function results in minimal symptoms such as paresthesia. Is there a population of unidentified humans exposed to methylmercury whose deficits might be uncloaked by neurobehavioral test methods that have succeeded in revealing silent toxicity in populations exposed to lead, manganese, and elemental mercury? A third puzzle arises in the context ofaging. Attrition of nerve cells occurs naturally as the brain ages, but is also accompanied by dendritic sprouting in those that remain. Damage incurred earlier in life, as in mild polio infections that seemed to fade, may emerge late in life in the form of the post-polio syndrome. Most explanations ascribe the syndrome to compensatory dendritic sprouting by surviving neurons and the consequent metabolic overload imposed on them. Could parallel processes be induced by neurotoxicants such as methylmercury? Or, alternatively, might the compensatory sprouting accompanying aging be inhibited by neurotoxic agents? All such questions have a bearing on how the risks of low-level exposures are evaluated.
Mesial Temporal Sclerosis and Memory Functions

Publisher Summary This chapter presents review of mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) and its relationship to memory function, followed by a conceptual overview of the multidimensional nature of human memory and its neuroanatomical substrates. MTS has been associated with sprouting or reactive synaptogenesis in the remaining neurons, which is thought to form as a consequence of the loss of hippocampal neurons. It is found that 81% of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients had histories of convulsions during early childhood or infancy, and 93% of patients with a history of febrile seizures showed evidence of MTS on pathological examination. It is suggested that the mild deficits in memory commonly observed following temporal lobectomy (TL) for seizure control are related to the reserve capacity of the contralateral, nonsurgical temporal lobe to carry out those memory functions previously mediated by the resected temporal lobe. The postsurgical changes in memory function following mesial temporal lobectomy have also been associated with histological indices of hippocampal cell loss, but in an inverse manner. It is suggested that delineation of the attendant risks of neurocognitive morbidity following epilepsy surgery and identification of significant markers for possible decrements in memory are important for counseling of patients within a risks-to-benefits framework.
Developing a Data Visualization System for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Chicago, Illinois USA)

As one of the largest marathons worldwide, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (BACCM; Chicago, Illinois USA) accumulates high volumes of data. Race organizers and engaged agencies need the ability to access specific data in real-time. This report details a data visualization system designed for the Chicago Marathon and establishes key principles for event management data visualization. The data visualization system allows for efficient data communication among the organizing agencies of Chicago endurance events. Agencies can observe the progress of the race throughout the day and obtain needed information, such as the number and location of runners on the course and current weather conditions. Implementation of the system can reduce time-consuming, face-to-face interactions between involved agencies by having key data streams in one location, streamlining communications with the purpose of improving race logistics, as well as medical preparedness and response. Hanken T , Young S , Smilowitz K , Chiampas G , Waskowski D . Developing a Data Visualization System for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Chicago, Illinois USA). Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(5):572–577.
Future Research on Intergenerational Transmission of Child Maltreatment: Methods, Constructs, and Contexts

This chapter presents the ways, contexts, and populations with which ITCM has been studied. It describes the limitations of current studies on ITCM and the need for improved methods. It argues that there is still much to be discovered in terms of how ITCM is related to various constructs and contexts, such as poverty, intimate partner violence, trauma, and mental health. There are few, if any studies specifically examining ITCM within these contexts or within specific populations such as child welfare involving children and families, youth who are aging out of the child welfare system, and across cultures. This chapter offers specific recommendations for future research within these contexts and others related to ITCM. This chapter begins with an introduction to previously proposed methodological standards for evaluating ITCM and leads to a description of how this information can be used to guide future studies.
Analysis of wave-induced pore pressure changes recorded during the 1980 Mammoth Lakes, California, earthquake sequence

Abstract Acceleration and wave-induced pore pressure were recorded in a saturated sand during the 1980 Mammoth Lakes, California, earthquake sequence. For the largest event recorded, the pore pressure was observed to be proportional to vertical surface acceleration during the P -wave arrivals and proportional to horizontal surface velocity during the S -wave arrivals. The results can be quantitatively explained with a linear elastic model of a porous saturated medium, such that pore pressure depends on dilatation and is independent of shear strain. A slight frequency dependence in the ratio of pore pressure to dilatation indicates local fluid flow on the scale of individual pores. The good agreement between observations and theory indicates that the deformation was primarily linear, even though maximum shear strains were close to the typical thresholds for liquefaction.
Outcomes Following Salvage Therapy in Primary Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma (PTCL)

Background: Resistance to conventional anthracycline-based regimens (CHOP/CHOEP) and the emergence of primary refractory disease remains a clinical challenge in PTCL, and is observed in ≈25% of patients. Outcomes in the setting of primary refractory disease, particularly for those patients who fail to achieve a remission with second-line chemotherapy, are poorly described and the optimal therapeutic strategy for these patients remains uncertain. Patients and Methods: We identified 159 patients with PTCL who received multi-agent, anthracycline-based treatment from 1988 to 2011 in the PTCL database at our institution. Primary refractory disease, defined as disease progression during initial therapy or relapse within 6 months of its completion, was observed in 58 (36%) of patients. Results: The median age at diagnosis with primary refractory PTCL was 49 years (range, 18.8-77.1). Median follow up was 2.7 years among surviving patients (95% CI, 1.2-6.3). Median overall survival (OS) was 1.1 years (95% CI, 0.7-1.9). The median number of lines of therapy underwent by patients was 3 (range, 1-9). PTCL, NOS (n=24), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (n=6), and ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (n=7) accounted for the majority (63.8%) of these patients. No difference in OS was observed between patients who failed to respond to initial therapy and those who relapsed within 6 months after a first remission (median OS 0.9 [95% CI, 0.6-1.9] vs. 1.3 [95% CI, 0.5-6.3], p=0.6). After developing primary refractory disease, 48.3% of patients received aggressive, multi-agent salvage regimens (ICE, n=16; DHAP, n=3; ESHAP, n=6; other, n=3), 29.3% of patients received other systemic therapies (HDAC inhibitor, n=1; gemcitabine-based therapies, n=5; pralatrexate, n=3; other, n=8), and 22.4% of patients received no systemic therapies. Patients who received no systemic salvage therapy had reduced OS compared to both patients who received aggressive regimens and patients who received other types of systemic therapies (median OS 0.3 [95% CI, 0.2-1.1] vs. 1.7 [95% CI, 0.8-11.7] vs. 1.3 [95% CI, 0.4-8.6], respectively, p Conclusion: Primary refractory PTCL is associated with dismal outcomes. The likelihood of achieving a remission and proceeding to transplant is ≈30% and with transplant, only 11 (19% of patients with primary refractory disease) achieved a durable remission. Improved understanding of resistance mechanisms in PTCL and the development of improved therapeutic strategies are needed. A significant survival benefit was not observed for patients receiving traditional salvage regimens compared to other systemic second-line regimens, with median survival Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Varieties of Factor Models in Relation to Scientific Models

It is desirable at this point to reiterate the distinctions between a scientific model, an analysis model, and a factor extraction procedure. A scientific model is by no means confined to the factor domain. It can be any thing that we can set up in definite, testable form, couched in mechanical, or mathematical, or chemical or biological, etc., form. It is some precisely defined set of relations to which we suppose there is an analogy in the working relations of the data.
Evaluation of Environmental Sensors During Laboratory Direct and Indirect Head Exposures

With the prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the military and athletics, several commercial and military environmental sensors (ES) have been developed to quantify head impact exposures. The performance of five ES in controlled laboratory exposures from direct and indirect loadings, and the effect on impact protection and dynamic retention of the worn Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) was evaluated. Direct impacts were conducted on a drop tower and indirect impacts used a mini-sled. The ES data were compared with laboratory sensors through cross-correlation and comparison of peak values. The effects of ES on dynamic retention were assessed using a one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc analysis against baseline ACH performance. Two ES provided data during the blunt impact tests: one, attached to the side of the headform, correlated well (φ > 0.92) with the laboratory data; the other, mounted in the helmet crown, calculated peak headform velocity, which predicted laboratory velocity well. During indirect impact tests, one environmental sensor (attached to the side of the headform) provided usable data, which correlated well (φ > 0.92) with laboratory data. The inclusion of the environmental sensors did not introduce any safety hazards during the blunt impact attenuation tests or the dynamic retention tests.
THE PUBLIC DISPLAY RIGHT: THE COPYRIGHT ACT’S NEGLECTED SOLUTION TO THE CONTROVERSY OVER RAM COPIES

Copyright holders and some courts have urged the "RAM copy" doctrine in an attempt to extend copyright to computer networks. The controversial doctrine - the notion that accessing a work on a computer infringes the reproduction right because it requires a temporary copy in the computer's random-access memory ("RAM") - is a strained and problematic attempt to use copyright law's familiar reproduction right to solve some of the problems raised by the use of copyrighted works over computer networks. The doctrine threatens to create significant problems as more works are used in digital form, and has the potential to give copyright owners excessive control over use of their works. The "RAM copy" doctrine is not needed. Congress created the public display right precisely for the purpose of controlling the use of copyrighted works on computer networks. The right to display a copyrighted work publicly is probably the least familiar exclusive right of a copyright owner; until recently it was not needed to resolve any important controversies. Changing technology is now presenting precisely the problem that the display right was designed to solve, but courts and lawyers continue to neglect the right. Reinvigorating the public display right would provide a more balanced mechanism for protecting copyright owners' incentives to create and exploit works in a digitally networked world without unduly diminishing access to those works.
Review of Lithium in the Aquatic Environment: Distribution in the United States, Toxicity and Case Example of Groundwater Contamination

Lithium is found at low concentrations in the major rivers of the United States (about 0.002 mg l(-1)) and as a mineral or salt in pegmatites and brines. The United States produces many lithium materials and consumes the greatest amount of Li in the world for use in ceramics, glass, aluminum, pharmaceuticals, batteries, etc. From 1950 to 1970, Li was central to many nuclear-related US Department of Energy (DOE) activities. The historical and current use of Li has not prompted many studies of the toxicity of this element to aquatic organisms. Here, we review the distribution and use of Li in the US with emphasis on usage by DOE. We also summarize information on the toxicity of lithium to aquatic biota. A case-example is provided which demonstrates the potential for contamination of groundwater with Li, evaluates the toxicity of the Li-contaminated groundwater, and identifies a treatment alternative.
Immediate fixed interim prostheses supported by two-stage threaded implants: methodology and results.

Restoring patients with implant-supported fixed-detachable bridges according to the protocol established by Branemark necessitates a period of several months when complete dentures must be worn to allow for a stress-free healing period of the implants. For many patients, especially when they still have some natural teeth remaining, this is unacceptable. An approach was developed that overcomes these limitations, offering an alternative to the transitional removable approach. Five or six Nobelpharma fixtures were placed between and two additional fixtures were placed distolingual to the foramina. Abutments were connected at implant insertion to these two fixtures and to one fixture in the symphyseal region. The remaining fixtures were allowed to heal in the conventional manner. A previously constructed mandibular denture was converted to a fixed bridge supported by these three implants. This method was successfully applied in seven patients who were reconstructed with mandibular fixed-detachable bridges without ever wearing a removable prosthesis. The overall, long-term implant therapy was not adversely affected by this technique.
Examining the Effect of Adolescent Sport Participation on Civic Engagement and Orientation in Early Adulthood

In the United States, athletics is a major part of adolescents’ lives during high school. Using longitudinal data on 703 respondents from the Youth Development Study, we examine whether sports part...
Resource-Based Fiscal Capacity Building in Developing Countries

The lack of adequate capacity in fiscal infrastructure has held back many developing nations, even those that are otherwise rich in natural resource endowments. In fact, the Dutch Disease paradigm argues that rich resource endowments may prevent economic development diversification. Worse, the lack of effective fiscal and governance institutions may deprive nations of revenue necessary to generate public infrastructures such as roads, schools, fresh water, and electricity. In describing the challenges facing developing countries and the ways in which developed countries grow by addressing these challenges, the mutual relationship between regulatory infrastructure and economic development is highlighted.
Variability and Delay in Telestroke Physician Alert among Spokes in a Telestroke Network: A Need for Metric Benchmarks

Abstract Introduction: Telestroke has increased access to acute management of ischemic stroke in areas that lack stroke care expertise, yet delays persist in evaluation and treatment. We describe variation in time to alert a telestroke physician of suspected acute ischemic stroke patients potentially eligible for acute stroke therapies among community hospitals in our telestroke network, and explore demographic and spoke-related characteristics associated with delays. Methods: From our telestroke registry, we identified suspected acute ischemic stroke patients who arrived within 6 hours of symptom onset and underwent video consultation at 1 of 17 community hospitals in our hub-and-spoke network. We compared time between patient arrival to telestroke alert (door-to-page-time) and to tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration for eligible patients (door-to-needle-time). We identified factors associated with prolonged metrics. Results: Of 1020 cases between 9/2015 and 3/2017, 47% received tPA. Sixty percent had door-to-page-time more than 15 minutes (median 19.5; IQR, 11-34). Door-to-page-time more than 15 minutes was associated with an 8-fold increase in likelihood of door-to-needle-time more than 60 minutes. Patients with severe stroke experienced faster door-to-page-times. Hospitals with more beds had prolonged door-to-page-time. Full time in-house neurology presence, even when not covering emergent consultations, was associated with faster door-to-page-time over telestroke. Seventy-one percent of patients underwent CT brain prior to the telestroke physician alert; this scenario delayed door-to-page and door-to-needle times. Conclusions: Door-to-page-time varied considerably among spokes. Awaiting CT scan prior to alerting the telestroke consultant of a stroke code delayed metrics. Telestroke physician alert standards are needed, as are educational initiatives on acute ischemic stroke management and workflow.
Comparison Of Surgical Outcomes Of 360° Circumferential Trabeculotomy Versus Sectoral Excisional Goniotomy With The Kahook Dual Blade At 6 Months.

Purpose To compare reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP-lowering medication use following sectoral excisional goniotomy with the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) or 360° trabeculotomy (via either Trab360 or gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy [GATT]) in eyes with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Methods A retrospective review was conducted to collect data from adult subjects with early to advanced primary or secondary OAG undergoing phacoemulsification combined with either KDB or 360° trabeculotomy (Trab360 or GATT) between August 1, 2016 and July 30, 2018 for which 6-month follow-up was available. Data collected included IOP, glaucoma medications, adverse events, and additional IOP-lowering procedures. The primary outcome measure was surgical success (≥20% IOP or ≥1 medication reduction without additional IOP-lowering procedures) at 6 months. Results Data were collected from 74 eyes of 61 subjects undergoing KDB excisional goniotomy and 27 eyes of 25 subjects undergoing 360° trabeculotomy (19 eyes of 17 subjects undergoing Trab360 and 8 eyes of 8 subjects undergoing GATT). At 6 months, 81.7% (58/71) of KDB eyes and 84.6% (22/26) of 360° trabeculotomy eyes achieved surgical successes (P=0.737). Mean IOP reductions and medication reductions were similar between groups at 6 months. However, more eyes undergoing KDB than Trab360/GATT achieved target IOP ≤18 mmHg (80.0% [56/70] vs 59.3% [16/27], P=0.040) and ≤15 mmHg (61.4% [43/70] vs 25.9% [7/27], P=0.003) without further IOP-lowering interventions at 6 months. The nature and frequency of adverse events were similar between groups. Conclusions Both KDB and Trab360 or GATT procedures similarly lowered both IOP and the need for IOP-lowering medications during the first 6 postoperative months. More eyes undergoing KDB excisional goniotomy than 360° trabeculotomy attained target IOP ≤18 mmHg and ≤15 mmHg at 6 months. A full 360° trabecular bypass may not be necessary to achieve maximal efficacy from this class of micro-invasive glaucoma procedures.
SOX 404(b) Audits: Evidence from Auditing the Financial Close Process of the Accounting System

Auditing Standard No. 5 requires that auditors integrate their evaluation of large issuers' internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) into their financial statement audit process, but the PC...
Laryngeal adductor reflex hyperexcitability may predict permanent vocal fold paralysis

Laryngeal adductor reflex-continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (LAR-CIONM) is a novel method of continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring. In contrast to other vagal nerve monitoring techniques, which elicit a laryngeal compound muscle action potential, LAR-CIONM elicits a laryngeal reflex response (LAR). In 300 nerves at risk monitored with LAR-CIONM, two patients have had postoperative permanent vocal fold immobility (VFI). Both patients exhibited a significant LAR amplitude increase prior to complete loss of signal. No other patients have exhibited LAR hyperexcitability. If confirmed in a larger sample, this represents the first time that a vagal intraoperative neuromonitoring technique can distinguish transient from permanent VFI, which could improve patient outcomes. Laryngoscope, 2019 Laryngoscope, 130:E625-E627, 2020.
Simulation of harmonic and supercontinuum generation in polycrystalline media

Highly efficient, broadband frequency conversion in polycrystalline zinc-blende media receives increasing interest, motivated by both applications and understanding of the underlying processes. However, realistic simulations of the complex physics, in which random quasi-phase-matching plays a major role, is challenging because of the disorder. Here we present a family of models of increasing complexity, including a (3 + 1)D model with full resolution in time and space. Using ZnSe as the demonstration medium, we show that while a small-beam, axially symmetric approximation is able to provide qualitatively correct spectra at a low computation cost, the computationally more demanding (3 + 1)D approach achieves semi-quantitative agreement between the simulated supercontinuum spectrum and experiment results. The fully resolved (3 + 1)D simulations thus provide an accurate new tool for the characterization and optimization of supercontinuum generation in transparent polycrystals.
Sex and Gender Differences in Health: What the COVID-19 Pandemic Can Teach Us.

The authors of this commentary call for sex- and gender-specific and differentiating factors to be urgently included in the research, prevention, and therapeutics implementation response to the cor...
A Spatio-temporal Track Association Algorithm Based on Marine Vessel Automatic Identification System Data.

Tracking multiple moving objects in real-time in a dynamic threat environment is an important element in national security and surveillance system. It helps pinpoint and distinguish potential candidates posing threats from other normal objects and monitor the anomalous trajectories until intervention. To locate the anomalous pattern of movements, one needs to have an accurate data association algorithm that can associate the sequential observations of locations and motion with the underlying moving objects, and therefore, build the trajectories of the objects as the objects are moving. In this work, we develop a spatio-temporal approach for tracking maritime vessels as the vessel's location and motion observations are collected by an Automatic Identification System. The proposed approach is developed as an effort to address a data association challenge in which the number of vessels as well as the vessel identification are purposely withheld and time gaps are created in the datasets to mimic the real-life operational complexities under a threat environment. Three training datasets and five test sets are provided in the challenge and a set of quantitative performance metrics is devised by the data challenge organizer for evaluating and comparing resulting methods developed by participants. When our proposed track association algorithm is applied to the five test sets, the algorithm scores a very competitive performance.
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in oncology – Pipeline at a glance: Analysis of the ClinicalTrials.gov database

There is a rapid growth of published data associated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, and its evaluation is becoming challenging. We performed a review of the ClinicalTrials.gov database, searching for clinical trials using CAR T-cell therapy in oncology (cut-off December 2019). 593 trials were found. 48 % of trials are from China and 39 % from the USA. 63 % percent focused on hematologic malignancies, while gastrointestinal cancer, breast cancer, and nervous system were the top 3 solid tumors addressed. Common targets in hematologic malignancies are CD19 and BCMA; while mesothelin and CD171 in solid tumors. Second-generation CAR T designs predominate with CD28 or 41BB co-stimulation. Mixed sponsors supported 45 % of trials, and only 19 % received funding exclusively from industry. Current trends suggest that 900 CAR T-cell therapy clinical trials will be registered during 2020-2025. We estimate a two-fold increase in trials that study allogeneic cell products in the next five years.
Environmental payback periods of reusable alternatives to single-use plastic kitchenware products

Many consumers are transitioning away from single-use plastic products and turning to reusable alternatives. Oftentimes, this change is being made with the assumption that these alternatives have fewer environmental impacts; however, reusable products are frequently made from more environmentally intensive materials and have use phase impacts. This study used LCA to examine the GWP, water consumption, and primary nonrenewable energy use associated with reusable alternatives for single-use plastic kitchenware products and determined environmental payback periods. The environmental impacts for each reusable alternative are calculated on the functional units of 1 use, 1 year (5 uses/week), and 5 years (5 uses/week). Payback periods are calculated for each reusable alternative and defined as the number of times a consumer must reuse an alternative in order for the environmental impact per use to be equivalent to the environmental impact for the single-use product. The research explored the sensitivity of the results to different consumer washing and reuse behaviors, as well as local conditions such as overall transportation distances and the carbon intensity of different electricity grids. Product types studied included straws (4 reusable, 2 single-use), sandwich storage (2 reusable, 3 single-use), coffee cups (3 reusable, 2 single-use), and forks (1 single-use, 3 reusable). Environmental impacts associated with the reusable alternatives were highly dependent on the use phase due to dishwashing, making payback period sensitive to washing frequency and method, and for GWP, carbon intensity of the energy grid (used for water heating). For single-use products, the material/manufacturing phase was the largest contributor to overall impacts. It was found that nine of the twelve reusable alternatives were able to breakeven in all three environmental indicators. The coffee cup product type was the only product type to have one reusable alternative, the ceramic mug, and have the shortest payback period for all three impact categories. Both the bamboo straw and beeswax wrap were unable to breakeven in any scenario due to high use phase impacts from manual washing. The research found that reusable alternatives can payback the environmental impacts of GWP, water consumption, and energy use associated with their more resource intensive materials, but it is dependent on number of uses, consumer behavior, and for GWP, carbon intensity of the energy grid. A key takeaway is that consumer behavior and use patterns influence the ultimate environmental impact of reusable kitchenware products. Some recommendations for consumers looking to reduce the overall impact of kitchenware products include the following:
Depressive symptom heterogeneity among older adults after hip fracture.

Objective to evaluate patterns of depressive symptoms after hip fracture and examine their impact on functional recovery. Methods participants (n = 304) included older adults from the Baltimore Hip Studies 7th cohort who experienced a hip fracture. Depressive symptoms were measured at baseline or 2-, 6- or 12-month post-hip fracture using the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Gait speed was measured after hip fracture at 2-, 6- or 12-month follow-up. Latent class analysis was used to identify individuals with similar patterns of depressive symptoms after hip fracture. Item response probabilities characterised symptom profiles, and posterior probability estimates were used to assign participants to a baseline depressive symptom subtype. Weighted estimated equations compared post-fracture gait speed between baseline symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Results four patterns of depressive symptoms were identified: asymptomatic (50.8%), somatic (28.6%), melancholic (11.4%) and anhedonic (9.2%). The somatic subtype was characterised by difficultly concentrating and reduced energy and movement, whereas anhedonic symptoms were associated with the inability to experience pleasure. Melancholic symptoms corresponded to anhedonia, decreased physical activity and other psychological and somatic complaints. Compared with the asymptomatic group, somatic symptoms were consistently associated with slower gait speed, -0.03 metres per second (m/s) and between-group differences for melancholic symptomology were as large as -0.05 m/s, but the associations were not statistically significant. Conclusion findings demonstrate unique depressive symptom subtypes in older adults after hip fracture and provide confirmatory evidence of unique clinical phenotypes; however, their impact on functional recovery after hip fracture remains unclear.
On a simulation study of cyber attacks on vehicle-to-infrastructure communication (V2I) in Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)

An intelligent transportation system (ITS) is one typical cyber-physical system (CPS) that aims to provide efficient, effective, reliable, and safe driving experiences with minimal congestion and effective traffic flow management. In order to achieve these goals, various ITS technologies need to work synergistically. Nonetheless, ITS’s reliance on wireless connectivity makes it vulnerable to cyber threats. Thus, it is critical to understand the impact of cyber threats on ITS. In this paper, using real-world transportation dataset, we evaluated the consequences of cyber threats – attacks against service availability by jamming the communication channel of ITS. In this way, we can have a better understanding of the importance of ensuring adequate security respecting safety and life-critical ITS applications before full and expensive real-world deployments. Our experimental data shows that cyber threats against service availability could adversely affect traffic efficiency and safety performances evidenced by exacerbated travel time, fuel consumed, and other evaluated performance metrics as the communication network is compromised. Finally, we discuss a framework to make ITS secure and more resilient against cyber threats.
Mapping of Three-Dimensional Radiation Field of Ultrasonic Transducers

Piezoelectric transducers convert radio-frequency (rf) electrical signals into mechanical ultrasonic vibrations and are the key elements in all medical and industrial ultrasound. These are used for ultrasonic imaging, NDE, determination of material property and detection/sizing of flaws[l]. In all such measurements complete knowledge of the radiation source, receiver and associated electronics as well as the field inside the immersion fluid or the material can be useful in the understanding of the material properties. The standard information that is provided for these transducers by the vendors has limited value for imaging purposes. The manufacturers provide data in the form of rf reflection from a small target, such as a ball and its frequency spectra to indicate bandwidth. Advanced precision measurements with piezoelectric transducers will require temporal and spatial distribution of the radiation field in the propagation medium. For example, in the measurement of material properties using Lamb Waves or oblique angle time-of-flight[2] measurements, we measure the phase velocity which is dependent upon the angle of incidence. If the transducer element is misoriented inside the enclosed case, any measurements using the radiation field of such a transducer would require either alignment of the transducer field such that the spatial coordinates of maxima in the amplitude and minima in the phase at all the axial distances from the transducer coincide or else a priori knowledge of three-dimensional (3-D) mapping of fields from the transducer. In the latter case, any perturbation to these fields due to the material property variation can be measured precisely. In this paper, we show a method to map three-dimensional and volumetric radiation fields for piezoelectric transducers.
Detection of coproantibodies in amebiasis of the colon: a preliminary report.

The presence of complement-fixing coproantibodies was demonstrated in 12 of 35 saline stool extracts obtained from patients with chronic amebic colitis. Negative results were obtained with control stool extracts and with those from patients harboring parasites other than Entamoeba histolytica . The relatively low incidence of coproantibodies in patients excreting amebae in their stools was attributed either to the lack of antibody production in instances of purely luminal infection (commensalism) or to the possibility that the immunoglobulins produced are of a class that does not bind complement ( e.g. , IgA). In view of the latter, investigations are in progress to assess other serologic methods (latex fixation, etc.) in an attempt to increase the yield of positive results.
The Relationship between Stock Market Returns and Dividend Yields in Sri Lanka

This paper examines the ability of dividend yields to predict expected stock returns in the Colombo Stock Exchange in the 1989-1997 period. The results show that dividend yields predict expected returns reliably in return horizons up to three years, except in monthly returns. The predictable component of returns is about 5% in quarterly returns, about 10% in one- to two-year returns, and about 30% in three-year returns indicating that the predictable variation tends to increase with the return horizon. Dividend yields are able to track expected nominal as well as real returns, both with and without dividends equally well. These results are quite similar to the findings in most other markets, particularly the U.S. market.
Basin response to active extension and strike-slip deformation in the hinterland of the Tibetan Plateau

Modern sedimentary basins in the internally drained hinterland of the HimalayanTibetan orogenic system include north-trending rift basins and strike-slip basins along the central Tibet conjugate strike-slip zone. This chapter focuses on the geometry, relationship to fault kinematics, and potential evolution of these two types of basins by usingspecificexamples.Ofparticularnoteisthatactivebasindevelopmentoccursalong kinematically coordinated fault systems within the hinterland of a collisional system undergoingcoevalnorth-southshortening(partiallyaccommodatedbyconjugatestrikeslip faulting) and east-west extension. The implications for understanding the tectonic processes behind active basin development in Tibet may impact our understanding of thepreservationpotentialandinterpretationofriftandstrike-slipbasinsthatdeveloped in regions of hot, thickened crust.
Epitaxial SrTiO3 films with electron mobilities exceeding 30,000 cm2 V−1 s−1

The study of quantum phenomena in semiconductors requires epitaxial structures with exceptionally high charge-carrier mobilities. Furthermore, low-temperature mobilities are highly sensitive probes of the quality of epitaxial layers, because they are limited by impurity and defect scattering. Unlike many other complex oxides, electron-doped SrTiO(3) single crystals show high (approximately 10(4) cm(2) V(-1) s(-1)) electron mobilities at low temperatures. High-mobility, epitaxial heterostructures with SrTiO(3) have recently attracted attention for thermoelectric applications, field-induced superconductivity and two-dimensional (2D) interface conductivity. Epitaxial SrTiO(3) thin films are often deposited by energetic techniques, such as pulsed laser deposition. Electron mobilities in such films are lower than those of single crystals. In semiconductor physics, molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is widely established as the deposition method that produces the highest mobility structures. It is a low-energetic, high-purity technique that allows for low defect densities and precise control over doping concentrations and location. Here, we demonstrate controlled doping of epitaxial SrTiO(3) layers grown by MBE. Electron mobilities in these films exceed those of single crystals. At low temperatures, the films show Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations. These high-mobility SrTiO(3) films allow for the study of the intrinsic physics of SrTiO(3) and can serve as building blocks for high-mobility oxide heterostructures.
Coalition and Victory: The Correlated Equilibria of Shareholder Voting

This paper investigates the existence of correlated equilibria of a shareholder voting game. It is shown that there exists a correlated equilibrium component where a minimum winning coalition (MWC) of the supporters of status quo and a dominant shareholder vote with strictly positive probabilities and all other players abstain. This result is dierent from the previous one suggested by Ritzberger (2005) where the solution concept was pure Nash equilibrium and only the dominant shareholder participates in the assembly. This new result suggests a dierent behavior for the manager of a rm in equilibrium.
Interferences in the determination of metallic elements in human hair. An evaluation of zinc, copper, lead, and cadmium, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Hair, a metabolic end product, has been used to indicate health status. Our purposes in this study were: (1) to evaluate the hair digest matrix as a source of interferences in the determination of metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and (2) to develop a technique whereby meaningful interlaboratory comparison of analytical data can be made. We have demonstrated that for hair analysis, Interferences due to broad-band nonspecific molecular absorption, chemical ionization, flame emmission, flame scatter, light scatter, and matrix matching can be avoided using ordinary methods and commercially available equipment. We have also presented a technique for the preparation of a standard reference hair sample. This standard reference hair was then used to demonstrate that concentrations of copper, zinc, lead, and cadmium in a nitric acid hair digest matrix can be measured with precision and accuracy.
Gravity wave propagation in a nonisothermal atmosphere with height varying background wind

We derive a gravity wave propagation equation for a compressible and non-isothermal atmosphere with a variable background wind profile. Impact of all the gradient terms on the vertical wavenumber depends only on the intrinsic horizontal phase velocity and the background atmosphere. For the background wind variation, any one of the linear first order derivative, second order derivative and the square of the first order derivative terms can be the dominant term under different conditions. For temperature variation, only the linear first order derivative is important for waves having a slow intrinsic horizontal phase velocity. Our equation indicates that the effect of wind shear on the vertical wavenumber is opposite to that predicted by the Taylor-Goldstein equation, which assumes an incompressible fluid. We also derive an expression for the amplitude of the vertical wind perturbation. Citation: Zhou, Q., and Y. T. Morton (2007), Gravity wave propagation in a nonisothermal atmosphere with height varying background wind, Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L23803, doi:10.1029/2007GL031061.
Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (CALYPSO) Pilot Trial

Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia Introduction We conducted this pilot randomized clinical trial to determine the feasibility of a large clinical trial aimed at testing whether early use of catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) is superior to antiarrhythmic medications at reducing mortality. Methods and Results Patients were enrolled at 4 sites if they had ischemic heart disease, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and received ≥1 ICD shock or ≥3 antitachycardia pacing therapies for VT. Patients were randomized to 2 arms: (1) antiarrhythmic medication (n = 14) and (2) catheter ablation (n = 13); patients were followed at 3 and 6 months. Endpoints included recurrent VT, time to first ICD therapy for VT, and death. Of 243 screened patients, 27 were enrolled. Main reasons for screen failures were: (1) patient was already on an antiarrhythmic medication (88 [41%]), (2) VT due to a reversible cause (23 [11%]), and (3) incessant VT (20 [9%]). Fourteen patients had recurrent VT, 8 (62%) in the ablation arm and 6 (43%) in the antiarrhythmic medication arm. Median time to recurrent VT was 75 days (25th, 75th: 51, 89) in the ablation arm and 57 days (30, 145) in the antiarrhythmic arm. Four patients died, 2 in each arm. Conclusion This clinical trial shows that most patients in clinical practice have already failed antiarrhythmic drug therapy before catheter ablation is considered, and the VT recurrence rates and death in these patients are high. For a large clinical trial to be feasible, factors limiting early consideration of catheter ablation need to be identified and addressed.
Potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle

1. Regulation of smooth muscle membrane potential through changes in K+ channel activity and subsequent alterations in the activity of voltage-dependent calcium channels is a major mechanism of vasodilation and vasoconstriction, both in normal and pathophysiological conditions. The contribution of a given K+ channel type to this mechanism of vascular regulation depends on the vascular bed and species examined. 2. Multiple K+ channels are present in most vascular smooth muscle cells and these different K+ channels play unique roles in regulating vascular tone. Voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels are activated by depolarization, may contribute to steady state resting membrane potential and are inhibited by certain vasoconstrictors. Calcium-activated K+ (K(Ca)) channels oppose the depolarization associated with intrinsic vascular tone and are activated by some endogenous vasodilators. Small-conductance, apamin-sensitive K(Ca) channels may be activated by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channels are activated by pharmacological and endogenous vasodilators. Inward rectifier K+ (K(ir)) channels are activated by slight changes in extracellular K+ and may contribute to resting membrane potential. 3. Membrane potential and diameter are determined, in part, by the integrated activity of several K+ channels, which are regulated by multiple dilator and constrictor signals in vascular smooth muscle.
The impact of a gynecology breast clinic and curriculum on the management of breast disease following residency

To evaluate whether a resident experience in a gynecology breast clinic and curriculum affects clinical practice in the management of breast disease. A cross-sectional study of 114 former residents (103 or 90.4% response) of Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, was divided between those not participating in the breast clinic and curriculum (Group 1 from years 1987–92) and those who did (Group 2 from years 1993–96). The survey questions followed the 1986 American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s (ABOG) Educational Objectives for Breast Disease Residency Training, which are divided into three sections: behavioral, cognitive, and technical. There were no demographic differences except for age between the two groups. Those in Group 2 (participating in the breast clinic and curriculum) significantly met more of the ABOG objectives during their residency (p<0.001). Group 2’s current practice is not significantly different with regard to behavioral and cognitive ABOG objectives, but is significantly greater with regard to technical ABOG objectives (p=0.001). Specifically,Group 2 residents significantly were more comfortable diagnosing and treating breast masses, less likely to refer patients with breast complaints to other breast specialists, and knew more about breast cancer and its treatment and prognosis (p<0.05). Overall, Group 2 was more likely to report that their residency prepared them adequately, that their technical skills were sufficient to diagnose and treat breast disease, and that their cognitive and technical skills were comparable to their colleagues (p<0.05). Exposure to a gynecology breast clinic and curriculum had a significant influence on meeting ABOG educational objectives. This study also showed that gynecology and obstetrics residency training in breast disease significantly impacts current practice with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease. Future modifications to the breast curriculum can now be made based on the perceived deficiencies identified by those in current practice.
Stationary Nonequilibrium Gibbsian Ensembles

The general theory of a Gibbs ensemble representing a system in contact with its surroundings is applied to several concrete situations of interest. By an appropriate choice of heat reservoirs a simply modified Liouville equation is found to describe a heat conducting system. The stationary nonequlibrium $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$-space ensembles which describe such a system are found explicitly for some cases. In the simplest cases these ensembles turn out to be canonical with a temperature that is a weighted average of the reservoir temperatures. For other systems, such as Brownian particles inside a fluid whose temperature is not uniform, we find the stationary ensemble to terms linear in the temperature gradient. From this we are led to discuss ensembles that will approximately represent an arbitrary heat conducting fluid. A more general proof than previously given for the asymptotic approach of the $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$-space distribution to its stationary value is also presented.
Coherent modulating retroreflector system

One unusual aspect of a modulating retroreflector (MRR) system is that the interrogating laser and the receiver are collocated. This fact, plus the lack of optical amplifiers capable of low data rates, makes the use of a coherent receiver attractive. By splitting off a portion of the interrogating beam, a local oscillator (LO) is made available to mix with the returning signal beam. This self-homodyning is accomplished at very low cost, without the need for an additional laser or an optical phase-locked loop. Changes are only required in the interrogator/receiver, so increased ranges could be realized with no changes to MRR transmitters that have already been developed. A similar method could be used to realize a heterodyne system. To cancel the effects of atmospheric turbulence, a phase-diversity receiver configuration was used. A maximum gain of about 17 dB was observed, limited by saturation of the receiver electronics. The use of coherent interrogator/receivers can increase receiver sensitivity, extending the range of existing systems and showing great promise for modulating retroreflector links.