cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interventional management of paravalvular leak

### Learning objectives Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a common and underdiagnosed condition affecting both surgical and transcatheter prosthetic heart valves.1–3 Characterised by a gap between the prosthetic valve and the native annular tissue, PVL results in regurgitation of blood from downstream to upstream chamber, occurring most often in conditions of tissue friability such as endocarditis, frailty, corticosteroid use, prior surgical valve replacement and/or in the setting of severe annular calcification. In transcatheter prosthetic valves, PVL occurs due to malapposition of the lower stent frame with the aortic annulus due to various factors including annular calcification, shape mismatch between annulus and prosthesis, prosthesis undersizing, prosthesis malposition or underexpansion. Although mild PVL is usually asymptomatic, it can occasionally result in clinically significant haemolytic anaemia characterised by the need for blood transfusions, jaundice and/or choluria. More than mild PVL may result in symptoms of heart failure including dyspnoea, fatigue and secondary effects including pulmonary hypertension. In patients receiving transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), more than mild PVL is independently associated with higher mortality.4 5 The murmur of PVL is often soft in intensity on auscultation and prosthesis shadowing may obscure full detection with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE); for these reasons, a high index of suspicion is required to accurately diagnose PVL. More advanced detailed imaging modalities including transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac CT angiography (CTA) are essential tools to fully evaluate and characterise patients with suspected PVL. When PVL is believed to be clinically significant, percutaneous PVL closure is indicated to improve quality of life and avoid the need for cardiac surgery.6 Recent studies have shown that successful PVL closure …
Knowledge-driven learning and discovery

The goal of our current research is machine learning with the help and guidance of a knowledge base (KB). Rather than learning numerical models, our approach generates explicit symbolic hypotheses. These hypotheses are subject to the constraints of the KB and are easily human-readable and verifiable. Toward this end, we have implemented algorithms that hypothesize new relations and new types of entities in a KB by examining structural regularities in the KB that represent implicit knowledge. We evaluate these algorithms on a publications KB and a zoology KB.
Production of Biosonar Signals: Structure and Form

Even though they live in quite different habitats, many bats, a few birds, and a number of marine mammals, including dolphins, rely on biosonar for navigation and foraging for food. Despite the fact that bats are aerial echolocators, whereas dolphins use underwater sonar, both groups depend on their sonar signals to detect, discriminate, locate, track, and catch small moving prey. The large differences in the physical characteristics of air and water guarantee that vastly different processes are required in the type of biosonar signals that are used and in the means by which they are generated. Water is approximately 850 times denser than air and the speed of sound is approximately 4.5 times faster in water. Absorption of sound in water is considerably less than in air. The relative impedance between objects in air and in water has caused both the echoic process and the mechanism by which biosonar pulses are produced to differ between these media. The sonar signals of most bats are produced in their larynx. Exceptions include a few bats and echolocating birds that produce sonar clicks with their tongue or syrinx, respectively. This is quite different than dolphins, which produce biosonar signals exclusively through their nasal system. The large size and marine environment of dolphins has favored research on the site of sound production and the propagation of sonar signals through the head and into the water. Research on echolocating bats and birds, on the other hand, has tended to focus on the neuromuscular physiology and biomechanics of sonar pulse production. In this chapter we review the current understanding of how each of these vertebrate groups produce and control their biosonar signals.
Intravenous solid tip ECG lead placement in telemetry implanted dogs: Part 2: High quality telemetry signals yield high sensitivity to drug-induced changes

Abstract Introduction Dogs are commonly used in cardiovascular drug safety assessment, and implanted telemetry models include subcutaneous or epicardial electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode placements. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity of a canine telemetry model with intravenous ECG lead placement: the negative ECG lead (solid tip) inserted into the jugular vein and the positive lead sutured to the diaphragm. Reference drugs were administered to test the sensitivity to drug-induced changes. Methods Twenty-four dogs were implanted with PCT or PCTP transmitters [Data Sciences International (DSI)]. Three reference drugs were administered: sotalol to eight PCT and milrinone to eight PCTP transmitter-implanted dogs. Twenty-four dogs received moxifloxacin (12 dogs/transmitter type). Telemetry data were collected for 25 h and analyzed using double Latin squares for sotalol and milrinone data or a 4 × 4 or 3 × 6 parallel design for moxifloxacin data. Evaluated parameters were PR, QT, corrected QT (QTc), QRS, heart rate, left ventricular function, and hemodynamic data. Various correction factors for QTc interval were tested. Retrospective power analysis was performed to detect minimal absolute changes comparing a single to a double Latin square or the two parallel designs. Results Expected changes on ECG and hemodynamic parameters were observed after administration of all reference drugs. The individual animal corrected QT (QTci) interval provided the optimal correction factor. Retrospective power analysis confirmed detection of smaller differences in double versus single Latin squares. Minimal detectable differences were smaller in both Latin squares compared to parallel designs, with smaller detectable differences in a 3 × 6 compared to a 4 × 4 parallel design. Discussion The solid tip intravenous ECG lead configuration in dogs is a viable radiotelemetry model to detect drug-induced changes with high sensitivity. This model yields comparable signal quality and represents a refinement over epicardial ECG leads and allows for possible reduction in the number of animals if study design and size are selected based on needed assay sensitivity.
UNIT A5.3 Dementia

This unit presents specific protocols intended to maximize the contribution of MRI to the clinical evaluation of dementia. Each protocol has, as its foundation, a whole-brain screen designed to evaluate for treatable causes of dementia. Reflecting the frequent overlap of vascular disease with dementing illness, the screening protocol also serves as an optimal evaluation of the patient with suspected vascular dementia. Additional sequences or modifications are then used to answer specific clinical questions. The parameters given here are derived from experience at 1.5 T and may need to be altered slightly depending on the field strength and the equipment manufacturer.
Human Rights Abused? Terrorist Labeling and Individual Reactions to Call to Action:

What leads individuals to be motivated to act for human rights causes? Human rights organizations (HROs) often use personal and emotional stories of the abused in order to gain the attention of ind...
Association between Urinary Metabolite Levels of Organophosphorus Flame Retardants and Serum Sex Hormone Levels Measured in a Reference Sample of the US General Population

Use of organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) in consumer materials have led to widespread human exposure.Research is needed to examine the health effects attributable to the general population's exposure to OPFRs. Using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) (2013-2014), multiple regression analyses were performed to compare the adjusted geometric means (aGMs) of serum sex hormone by quartiles of urinary metabolites of OPFRs, including diphenyl phosphate (DPhP), bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP), bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP) and dibutyl phosphate(DBuP), in children (6 - 9 years old), adolescents (10 - 19 years old) and adults(≥ 20 years old), while accounting for potential confounding factors. The aGMs of sex hormone-binding globulin increased by 36% (95% CI: 6.1 - 56.7%) in female children (p = 0.03), 44% (95%CI: 16 - 63%) in female adolescents (p = 0.010), and 22% (95%CI: 3.51 - 37%) in female adults (p = 0.025), from the 1st to 4th quartiles of the levels of DPhP, BDCPP, DBUP, respectively. The aGMs of estradiol (EST) decreased by 64% and 77% from the 1st to 4th quartiles of the DBUP levels in female children (p = 0.015) and female adolescent (p = 0.020), respectively. The aGMs of EST increased by 31% (95%CI: 3.8 - 51%) from the 1st to 4th quartiles of the DBUP levels in female adults (p = 0.031). These findings suggest that exposure to certain OPFRs is associated with the altered sex hormone levels in this sample of US population. More studies are needed to examine the mechanisms responsible for these observations.
Considering the “Socratic Method” When Teaching the Odyssey and Iliad at the Socrates and Koraes Greek American Schools

The following chapter looks at some of the teaching methods used at two Greek American schools. More specifically, this chapter explores the use of the Socratic Method when teaching Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad to 7th and 8th grade students at the Socrates and Koraes Greek American Schools in Chicago. This chapter defines the Socratic Method and then discusses some of its limitations. It later shows how the two schools attempt to incorporate this method when teaching the Odyssey and Iliad while using other teaching methods.
Lessons from the 2007 financial crisis

The paper studies the causes of the current financial crisis and considers proposals for mitigation and prevention of future crises. The crisis is was the product of a ‘perfect storm’ bringing together a number of microeconomic and macroeconomic pathologies. Among the microeconomic systemic failures were: wanton securitisation, fundamental flaws in the rating agencies’ business model, the procyclical behaviour of leverage in much of the financial system and of the Basel capital adequacy requirements, privately rational but socially inefficient disintermediation, and competitive international de-regulation. Proximate local drivers of the specific way in which these problems manifested themselves were regulatory and supervisory failure in the US home loan market. Among the macroeconomic pathologies that contributed to the crisis were, first, excessive global liquidity creation by key central banks and, second, an ex-ante global saving glut, brought about by the entry of a number of high-saving countries (notably China) into the global economy and a global redistribution of wealth and income towards commodity exporters that also had, at least in the short run, high propensities to save. In the UK, failures of the Tripartite financial stability arrangement between the Treasury the Bank of England and the FSA, weaknesses in the Bank of England’s liquidity management, regulatory failure of the FSA, an inadequate deposit insurance arrangement and deficient insolvency laws for the banking sector contributed to the financial disarray. Despite this, it may well be possible to minimize the spillovers over from the crisis beyond the financial sectors of the industrial countries and the housing sectors of the US and a few European countries.
Internet of Things Smart Farming Architecture for Agricultural Automation

With the increase of global demand for food and with the adoption of the trends of local sourcing and locally grown produce, the need for gardening and farming automation solutions ranging from industrial to home level has been on the rise. In this paper, we propose an Internet of Things (IoT) farming control system based on the concept of Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks (WSAN) that provides ideal growing conditions for user-defined crops. This is achieved by utilizing the information provided by a series of sensors monitoring the environmental (temperature, humidity, UV, etc.) and soil (moisture, nutrients, etc.) conditions to control the deployed actuators. To allow a wide range of deployment sizes, we use a two-stage system that combines a series of low-power sensor and actuator nodes with a communication and data processing gateway. The low-power microcontroller reads the data from the sensors and sends them to the data processing gateway, which then calculates the optimal actuator changes required to achieve the desired status. These changes are then feedbacked to the low-power microcontroller which actuates the control devices. The communication between the devices is performed via a bespoke LoRa-based communication protocol optimized for minimal overhead, flexibility, and guaranteed data delivery. This is presented to the user via a website to view the configuration of the system and the observation of the past and present environmental, soil, and actuator status of the system.
Pyrene-Benzimidazole Derivatives as Novel Blue Emitters for OLEDs

Three novel small organic heterocyclic compounds: 2-(1,2-diphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole-7-tert-butylpyrene (compound A), 1,3-di(1,2-diphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole-7-tert-butylpyrene (compound B), and 1,3,6,8-tetra(1,2-diphenyl)-1H-benzimidazolepyrene (compound C) were synthesized and characterized for possible applications as blue OLED emitters. The specific molecular design targeted decreasing intermolecular aggregation and disrupting crystallinity in the solid-state, in order to reduce dye aggregation, and thus obtain efficient pure blue photo- and electroluminescence. Accordingly, the new compounds displayed reasonably high spectral purity in both solution- and solid-states with average CIE coordinates of (0.160 ± 0.005, 0.029 ± 0.009) in solution and (0.152 ± 0.007, 0.126 ± 0.005) in solid-state. These compounds showed a systematic decrease in degree of crystallinity and intermolecular aggregation due to increasing steric hindrance, as revealed using powder X-ray diffraction analysis and spectroscopic studies. An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) prototype fabricated using compound B as the non-doped emissive layer displayed an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 0.35 (±0.04)% and luminance 100 (±6) cd m−2 at 5.5 V with an essentially pure blue electroluminescence corresponding to CIE coordinates of (0.1482, 0.1300). The highest EQE observed from this OLED prototype was 4.3 (±0.3)% at 3.5 V, and the highest luminance of 290 (±10) cd m−2 at 7.5 V. These values were found comparable to characteristics of the best pure blue OLED devices based on simple fluorescent small-molecule organic chromophores.
Housing Affordability in Three Dimensions: Price, Income and Interest Rates

While the "American Dream" of homeownership can be traced back to the homesteading spirit of the pioneers, today, the possibility for many American households of achieving that dream is precariously balanced on a tripod of price, income and interest rates. The current demand for housing has put upward pressure on prices, creating a situation were home price growth is currently outpacing income growth. Yet the potential for a reduction of affordability is being offset by historically low mortgage interest rates, which are currently favorable to affordability. Issues affecting affordability - critical to broad-based home ownership - particularly affect minority groups. The most stable of the three dimensions currently seems to be mortgage interest rates, which are low and moving in a direction favorable to affordability. "Affordability" is a public policy target that moves in three-dimensional space measured by home prices, household income and mortgage interest rates. Analyzing it from the dimensions of home prices and income, affordability is near record lows as the ratio of home prices to income is currently at 4.14, close to the maximum of 4.19 reached in 1988. The ratio had declined to 3.90 by 1992 and ever since, it has risen steadily to today's level. For many, this high ratio brings another comparison to mind - that of a "housing bubble." If prices rise too fast, fewer Americans will be able to afford a home. The concern then becomes that the resulting reduction in demand will allow home prices to "bust." Dramatic changes in demand, however, are not likely to occur in the broad national market, but rather in regional markets where the availability of employment tends to fluctuate more dramatically. The important difference between today's housing market and that of the 1980s is that mortgage interest rates are at 6.50 percent and falling, compared to 10.25 percent in 1988. Therefore, when this third dimension is incorporated, we find that the ratio of mortgage payment to income at the median is currently 32.4 percent, compared to 40.5 percent in 1988. This lower payment ratio is largely the result of lower interest rates, but it is also being affected by the recent increase in the income growth rate. In June 2002, personal income grew by 0.6 percent, the highest rate in two years. Since interest rates are not expected to rise in the near future, and income is experiencing strong growth, the demand that supports the current prices can be expected to remain stable for the near term. That's good news for the housing market in generally, but particularly for those interested in housing affordability
Requirement of cyclooxygenase-2 expression and prostaglandins for human prostate cancer cell invasion

The PC-3 Low Invasive cells and the PC-3 High Invasive cells were used to investigate the correlation of the COX-2 expression and its arachidonic acid metabolites, prostaglandins, with their invasiveness through Matrigel® using a Boyden chamber assay. The COX-2 expression in PC-3 High Invasive cells was approximately 3-fold higher than in PC-3 Low Invasive cells while the COX-1 expression was similar in both cell sublines. When incubated with arachidonic acid, PGE2 was the major prostaglandin produced by these cells. PC-3 High Invasive cells produced PGE2 approximately 2.5-fold higher than PC-3 Low Invasive cells. PGD2 was the second most abundant prostaglandin produced by these cells. Both indomethacin (a nonspecific COX inhibitor) and NS-398 (a specific COX-2 inhibitor) inhibited the production of prostaglandins and the cell invasion. PGE2 alone did not induce the cell invasion of PC-3 Low Invasive cells. However, PGE2 reversed the inhibition of cell invasion by NS-398 and enhanced the cell invasion of the PC-3 High Invasive cells. In contrast, PGD2 slightly inhibited the cell invasion. These results suggest that in the PC-3 Low Invasive cells, COX-2-derived PGE2 may not be sufficient to induce cell invasion while in the PC-3 High Invasive cells, PGE2 may be sufficient to act as an enhancer for the cell invasion. Further, PGD2 may represent a weak inhibitor and counteracts the effect of PGE2 in the cell invasion.
Dependent types for low-level programming

In this paper, we describe the key principles of a dependent type system for low-level imperative languages. The major contributions of this work are (1) a sound type system that combines dependent types and mutation for variables and for heap-allocated structures in a more flexible way than before and (2) a technique for automatically inferring dependent types for local variables. We have applied these general principles to design Deputy, a dependent type system for C that allows the user to describe bounded pointers and tagged unions. Deputy has been used to annotate and check a number of real-world C programs.
A single stage offline HB-LED driver with power factor correction for multi-color dynamic lighting systems

In this paper a single stage offline LED driver that can drive N-color HB-LED strings is presented. The proposed converter provides multiple current outputs for N-Color HB-LED strings from an AC input. The current outputs are independently controllable to obtain the desired Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) and high Color Rendering Index (CRI) for dynamic lighting systems. Hybrid Average Current Mode Control (HACMC) approach is used to realize multiple current outputs. HACMC is a combination of both the Average Current Mode Control (ACMC) and non-linear charge control. The proposed converter also provides Power Factor Correction (PFC) to the AC input mains. Simulation and experimental results of a high CRI multi-color LED lighting system with 110V AC input are presented.
The Effect of Pain Question Phrasing on Older Adult Pain Information

The aim of this study was to test how practitioners' pain communication affected the pain information provided by older adults. A post-test only, double-blind experiment was used to test how the phrasing of practitioners' pain questions-open-ended and without social desirability bias; closed-ended and without social desirability bias; or open-ended and with social desirability bias-affected the pain information provided by 312 community-living older adults with osteoarthritis pain. Older adults were randomly assigned to one of the three pain phrasing conditions to watch and orally respond to a computer-displayed videotape of a practitioner asking about their pain. All responded to a second videotape of the practitioner asking if there was anything further they wanted to communicate. Lastly, all responded to a third videotape asking if there was anything further they wanted to communicate about their pain. Transcripts of the audiotaped responses were content analyzed using 16 a priori criteria from national guidelines to identify important pain information for osteoarthritis pain management. Older adults described significantly more pain information in response to the open-ended question without social desirability. The two follow-up questions elicited significant additional information for all three groups, but did not compensate for the initial reduced pain information from the closed-ended and social desirability-biased groups. Initial use of an open-ended pain question without social desirability bias and use of follow-up questions significantly increase the amount of important pain information provided by older adults with osteoarthritis pain.
A 'pivotal' new rule for microRNA-mRNA interactions.

Finding biologically relevant targets is a prerequisite for understanding the function of any trans regulator of gene expression, but this can be particularly challenging with microRNAs (miRNAs). A study in this issue addresses the problem by identifying a novel mode of miRNA target recognition.
Cost optimization of vertical natural-circulation steam generators

Abstract A mathematical model for the cost optimization of U-tube vertical natural-circulation steam generators, used in pressurized-water nuclear power plants, is developed. The total annual cost function is expressed as a function of the heat exchange area and the pumping power. Parametric studies indicate that the global minimum cost is on the line of the lowest constant inside diameter and the lowest constant inside surface roughness. This mathematical formulation is useful for incorporation in the cost optimization of the entire nuclear power plant.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Indenoisoquinolines That Inhibit Both Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1) and Topoisomerase I (Top1)

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1) plays a key role in the repair of damaged DNA resulting from the topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitor camptothecin and a variety of other DNA-damaging anticancer agents. This report documents the design, synthesis, and evaluation of new indenoisoquinolines that are dual inhibitors of both Tdp1 and Top1. Enzyme inhibitory data and cytotoxicity data from human cancer cell cultures were used to establish structure–activity relationships. The potencies of the indenoisoquinolines against Tdp1 ranged from 5 μM to 111 μM, which places the more active compounds among the most potent known inhibitors of this target. The cytotoxicity mean graph midpoints ranged from 0.02 to 2.34 μM. Dual Tdp1–Top1 inhibitors are of interest because the Top1 and Tdp1 inhibitory activities could theoretically work synergistically to create more effective anticancer agents.
Response of aluminum alloys to multiple particle impacts

Samples of annealed 1100 aluminum and 7075-T6 aluminum were eroded to steady state conditions in a multiple particle erosion tester. The samples were sectioned through the eroded areas, and a mechanical properties microprobe was used to measure the hardness of the material. A rippled surface developed as a result of the oblique impacts, and the hardness at the top of a wave crest was approximately equal to that in the valleys. However, the total depth of hardening (as measured from the surface of the specimen after impact) was significantly greater in the wave crest and was a function of the material for both wave crests and valleys. The depth of hardening in the valleys was approximately equal to that for single impacts.
Collaboration To Meet the Statistical Needs in the Chemistry Curriculum

Recent articles have recommended adding statistical topics to the chemistry curriculum. This letter to the editor recommends: (i) collaboration between statisticians and chemists; and (ii) emulating existing successful models to meet the statistical needs in the chemistry curriculum.
The activation of rat liver acetyl-CoA carboxylase by incubation.

Abstract 1. 1. Partially purified acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acetyl-CoA:CO 2 ligase (ADP), EC 6.4.1.2) from the livers of rats starved for 12 h is activated by incubation at 37° for 3–4 h; in contrast to previous reports the presence of citrate is not required for activation. The rate of [ 14 C]acetyl-CoA incorporation into fatty acids by 100 000 × g supernatant preparations form rat liver is also increased by incubation without citrate. 2. 2. Acetyl CoA carboxylase activities of partially purified and 100 00 × g supernatant preparations activated by treatment with trypsin were found in the low-density portions of sucrose gradients in contrast to preparations activated by incubation with citrate .
Robert Adrian: American mathematician

Abstract Robert Adrain immigrated to the United States from Ireland in 1798, when he was about twenty-three years of age. He became a leader in the American mathematical community as a teacher, proposer and solver of problems, and as an editor of mathematical journals. He published two proofs of the exponential law of error independently of Gauss.
CARDIAC MUSCLE PERFORMANCE IN LAMBS: DISPARITY BETWEEN CONTRACTILE ELEMENT VELOCITY OF LEFT AND RIGHT VENTRICLES

We assessed muscle performance of the newborn heart by examining left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular myocardial mechanics in 18 open chested lambs (ages 1-40 days) anesthetized with alpha chloralose and instrumented with aortic and pulmonary artery flow probes and pressure catheters and high-fidelity LV and RV microtransducers. In each animal, ventricular pressure (VP) and its first derivative (dp/dt) were recorded from both ventricles. To obtain measurements of contractile state of LV and RV, pressure-velocity curves were constructed relating: 1) contractile element velocity of shortening, VCE =(dp/dt)/(32·IP), to total isovolumic pressure (IP), to obtain Maximal velocity of contractile element shortening (Vmax); and 2) contractile element velocity of shortening, VCE=(dp/dt)/(32·DP), to developed pressure (DP=IP-end-diastolic pressure) to obtain VCE10. Vmax values are presented in the table; DP-obtained Vmax Values (VCE10) paralleled these results: This data demonstrates an increased LV contractile state in the newborn lamb which exceeds Vmax values for the adult sheep LV and declines with maturation. In contrast, the RV shows a lower contractile state which approximates that of the adult sheep RV and does not change with age. (Sponsor: F.H. Adams)
Detection of simulated osteoporosis in dog alveolar bone with the use of digital subtraction

Abstract The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine radiographic changes in dog alveolar bone during simulated osteoporosis (decalcification) and to determine the minimal amount of generalized bone loss that can be detected under optimal radiographic conditions with the use of digital subtraction. Five samples of dog maxillary alveolus were progressively decalcified at timed intervals with 0.1 N hydrochloric acid solutions. The percentage of calcium lost during each interval was quantified with calcium assays. Sets of four radiographs from each sample were exposed at 30 kVp and 50 kVp initially and after each decalcification interval. The radiographs were digitized and bone profiles (scan lines) were generated between images of lead markers. To suppress contaminating image noise each set of four profiles were superimposed and averaged on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The averaged profile from each stage of decalcification was subtracted from the averaged initial profile on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the mean profile intensity change for each decalcification stage calculated, and this mean change compared to the initial mean intensity to yield the percentage mean profile intensity change for each sample for each decalcification stage. Statistical analysis was performed with repeated measures analysis of variance. Results indicate that generalized decalcification of less than 7.5% was detected in all samples of dog maxillae with exposures of 30 kVp and that generalized decalcification of less than 19% was detected with exposures of 50 kVp.
Trajectory of Cognitive Decline as a Predictor of Psychosis in Early Alzheimer Disease in the Cardiovascular Health Study

Objective To compare the trajectories of cognitive decline between groups with, and without, the later development of psychotic symptoms during Alzheimer disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Design The authors examined cognitive function in a new analysis of an existing data set, the Cardiovascular Health Study, an epidemiologic, longitudinal follow-up study. Our analyses examined 9 years of follow-up data. Setting Community Participants The authors examined subjects who were without dementia at study entry, received a diagnosis of AD or MCI during follow-up, and had been rated on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory for the presence of psychosis; 362 participants for the modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) analysis and 350 participants for the digit symbol substitution test (DSST) analysis had sufficient follow-up data and apolipoprotein-ɛ (APOE) genotyping. Measurements The 3MS and DSST were administered annually and analyzed using mixed-effects models including APOE4 status. Results Mean 3MS and DSST scores did not differ between AD with psychosis (AD + P) and without psychosis groups at baseline. The 3MS and DSST scores decreased more rapidly in subjects who ultimately developed psychosis. Conclusions Individuals who ultimately develop psychosis have more rapid cognitive deterioration during the earliest phases of AD than individuals with AD not developing psychosis. The genetic and other neurobiologic factors leading to the expression of AD + P may exert their effects by acceleration of the neurodegenerative process.
A 12 year review of the antibiotic managementof Hemophilus influenzae meningitis

The medical records of 253 children with Hemophilus influenzae meningitis treatedfrom 1959 through 1970 were reviewed. One hundred and sixteen patients received ampicillin alone, and 112 patients received chloramphenicol alone or in combination with other antibiotics. The children in the two treatment groups were matched as to sex, race, and severity of illness, but there were more young infants in the chloramphenicol group than in the ampicillin group. The over-all frequency of bacteriologically positive spinal fluid cultures after initiation of antimicrobial therapy was identical in the two groups (4.5 per cent). However, “late-convalescent” spinal fluid cultures were positive in four of the patients treated with chloramphenicol and in none of the group treated with ampicillin. The mortality rate and incidence of complications (subdural effusion and/or neurologic sequelae) were similar in the two treatment groups.
An alternative technique for laparoscopic cholangiography.

The current methods utilized for laparoscopic cholangiography involve cystic duct cannulation and present practical difficulties and potential hazards. An alternative method for intraoperative cholangiography is described which is easy, quick, and safe. The Kumar clamp (a gift from Sabi Kumar, M.D.) is placed across the infundibulum. A 23-gauge sclerotherapy needle is introduced through a side port in the clamp and directed into the infundibulum. The cholangiogram is obtained prior to any dissection in the triangle of Calot, thereby avoiding iatrogenic common bile duct injuries due to misidentification of the cystic duct or anomalous anatomy. To date no pathology has been missed and no complications have resulted from this technique.
Deleuze, cinema, Bergson

In the Cinema books, Deleuze integrated his ‘counter‐history’ of philosophy and arrived at a philosophy of art. For him, the artist is a ‘creator of truth’ because truth is not to be achieved, formed, or reproduced; it has to be created’ (Cinema 2 1985: 146). Stressing the pre‐eminent importance of the ‘creation of the New’, Deleuze calls on us to reread and rethink with him the works of Bergson, whom he views as indispensable to the ‘pure semiotics’ of cinema.
Real-Time Detection of Estrogen by Microcantilever Sensor in Microfluidic Channel

As the world becomes increasingly concerned with endocrine disruptor from estrogenic activity, and since the threat of estrogen can be substantially mitigated if detected early, the demand for real-time/on-site detection of estrogen is expanding quickly. However, current technology is expensive, technically complicated and not available for estrogen level determination at the contamination sites. The primary objective of this research is to develop and validate a robust, rapid lab-on-chip for detecting estrogen in environmental water samples. Anti-estrogen antibodies can be layered to the microcantilever (MC) surface through passive adsorption using a dilute solution of antibody. The estrogen in the water will bind/react with antibody, which will result in a strain in the cantilever. The strain of the cantilever can ultimately be measured as a resistance change in the microsystem. MC will be integrated with AC electokinetic to produce a lab-on-a-chip that can concentrate measure and differentiate viable estrogen.© 2008 ASME
A macintosh interface to teach 3-D perception cues

I present an interface between a Macintosh computer and a pair of glasses with liquid crystal shutter lenses that allow interactive demonstration and investigation of the visual system. This equipment allows a graphic image to be presented to a subject’s eyes in a variety of ways. A primary application of this apparatus has been to create binocular disparity that results in a convincing illusion of depth. Other possible applications include tachistoscopic functions and monocular visual presentations.
Synthesis of controllers for full testability of integrated datapath-controller pairs

This work facilitates the testing of datapath-controller pairs in an integrated fashion, with datapath and controller tested together in a single test session. Such an approach requires less test overhead than an approach that isolates datapath and controller from each other during test. The ability to do an integrated test is especially important when testing core-based embedded systems. The key to the approach is a careful examination of the relationship between techniques for controller synthesis and the types of gate level controller faults that can occur. A method for controller synthesis is outlined that results in a fully testable controller, so that full fault coverage of the controller can be achieved without any need for isolation during test.
The Value of Majority Status: The Effect of Jeffords's Switch on Asset Prices of Republican and Democratic Firms

Using the change in party control of the Senate that resulted from Jim Jeffords’s 2001 change in party affiliation, we compare competing partisan and partyless legislative theories. We offer a reconceptualization of agenda control that provides a new and promising basis for studying parties and policymaking in the Senate. Also, we present a novel methodology—an “event study”—to test partisan and partyless hypotheses. Our results show that, when Jeffords switched, the stock prices of Republican-supported energy firms dropped and prices for Democrat-supported firms rose, supporting the hypothesis that the majority party influences Senate decisions.
3p-Syndrome Defines a Hearing Loss Locus in 3p25.3

Deletions affecting the terminal end of chromosome 3p result in a characteristic set of clinical features termed 3p-- syndrome. Bilateral, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) has been found in some but not all cases, suggesting the possibility that it is due to loss of a critical gene in band 3p25. To date, no genetic locus in this region has been shown to cause human hearing loss. However, the ATP2B2 gene is located in 3p25.3, and haploinsufficiency of the mouse homolog results in SNHL with similar severity. We compared auditory test results with fine deletion mapping in seven previously unreported 3p-- syndrome patients and identified a 1.38Mb region in 3p25.3 in which deletions were associated with moderate to severe, bilateral SNHL. This novel hearing loss locus contains 18 genes, including ATP2B2. ATP2B2 encodes the plasma membrane calcium pump PMCA2. We used immunohistochemistry in human cochlear sections to show that PMCA2 is located in the stereocilia of hair cells, suggesting its function in the auditory system is conserved between humans and mice. Although other genes in this region remain candidates, we conclude that haploinsufficiency of ATP2B2 is the most likely cause of SNHL in 3p-- syndrome.
Ureteral reimplantation in children

Abstract An experience with ureteral reimplantation in 287 children during 8 1 2 years is presented. The early cases, including 23 children, were operated upon by an extravesical technic which was abandoned because of a high failure rate. Thereafter an intravesical procedure was employed with very satisfactory results. The details of this procedure are presented. Megaureter, a term used to describe greatly dilated, tortuous, decompensated ureters, requires special surgical management. Radical revisional surgery in these cases has given a satisfactory outcome in all of 22 children with that problem.
An efficient technique for evaluating direct-sequence spread-spectrum multiple-access communications

A technique is presented for obtaining bounds on the average probability of error for direct-sequence spread-spectrum multiple-access (DS/SSMA) communications. The technique is of interest because it yields arbitrarily right bounds, involves a small amount of computation, avoids numerical integrations, and applies to many types of detection. As an illustration, the technique is applied to binary DS/SSMA communications, an additive white Gaussian noise channel, and a coherent correlation receiver. It is assumed that all the signature sequences are deterministic. Each transmitter is assumed to have the same power, although the approach can accommodate the case of transmitters with unequal powers. Expressions are given for the density functions of the random variables that model the multiple-access interference. These expressions are used to obtain arbitrarily tight upper and lower bounds on the average probability of error without making a Gaussian approximation or performing numerical integrations to incorporate the effects of multiple-access interference. >
Mourning the Unfound: How We Can Help

In disaster situations, there are often those who are reported missing, people who are unaccounted for, or whose remains are not confirmed. For each of these situations, there are mourners who lack the physical confirmation of a death. For those who mourn the unfound there may be a protracted period of grief complicated by the lack of confirming evidence of their loss. This article explores rituals surrounding death-rituals deprived of the mourners of the unfound-and suggests interventions that may be helpful to those struggling with this type of loss.
Electronic portfolios: Perspectives of students, teachers and parents

This study explores the perspectives of students, teachers and parents to evaluate the use of digital portfolios as an additional way to capture and enhance the learning of elementary students in a public school setting and as an opportunity to communicate this learning to parents. The research questions address four problems: complex assessment of learning, parental participation, and student and teacher satisfaction and the impact of the portfolio on teaching methods. Particularly, we are interested in the subjective satisfaction of students, teachers and parents in the portfolio development process. We are also interested in whether students learn to reflect constructively on their work, whether teachers have changed their teaching methods and whether parents believe the portfolio was used or could be used for enhanced communications.
Modeling Advertising-Sales Relationships Involving Feedback: A Time Series Analysis of Six Cereal Brands

The description of the nature of the current and cumulative effects of advertising has long been recognized by both managers and public policymakers as an important but difficult problem in marketing. Theory-based normative models are available (Sethi 1979), but must assume some model of the dynamic process of carryover effects. A time series analysis was conducted for six cereal brands. The analysis proceeded on the assumption that feedback was potentially present, but the relationship was found to be extremely weak. No lag structures are evident. In fact, the hypothesis test of no causal relationship cannot be rejected except in the advertising-influencing-sales direction for Corn Flakes and in the sales-influencing-advertising direction for Rice Krispies. The danger of applying a misspecified structural model is shown by estimating the Koyck distributed lag model with the data base. Our conclusion is that in situations where lag structure is important, the a priori assumption of a particular structure--e.g., geometric--in a structural model analysis can produce grossly misleading results. A superior procedure may be to conduct a time series analysis first, to obtain some insight into lag structure, and then to test a reasonable, theory-based structural model.
Maturational changes in terminal glycosylation of small intestinal microvillar proteins in the rat.

Abstract Studies were performed to identify rat intestinal microvillar proteins which undergo changes in terminal glycosylation during postnatal development. Pulse-labeling with [ 3 H]fucose or N-[ 3 H] acetylgalactosamine showed significantly higher incorporation into purified microvillar membranes of weanling than suckling rats. In contrast, the incorporation of [ 3 H]sialic acid after pulse-labeling with N-[ 3 H] acetylmanosamine was higher in suckling rats. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed these developmental differences in radioactive sugar incorporation to involve mainly proteins above M r 90000. 125 I-labeled peanut lectin autoradiography revealed an M r > 330000 binding protein in suckling rats. Neuraminidase treatment of the membranes revealed the presence of sialyl-substituted sites in this protein in suckling, weaning and weanling animals, but the unmasking of sites decreased with advancing maturation. 125 I-labeled Ulex europeus I autoradiography showed marked increases in binding of this lectin to M r 66000, 92000, 130000, 150000 and > 333000 proteins from weaning to weanling periods. Similar age-related increases in soybean lectin binding to M r 130000–150000, and > 330000 proteins were demonstrated by affinity chromatography. The M r values of the major lectin-binding proteins were close to those reported for several hydrolases (trehalase, alkaline phosphatase, sucrase-isomaltase and glucoamylase). Comparison of the Coomassie blue-stained electrophoretograms from each age-group against the corresponding autoradiograms of lection-binding proteins led us to conclude that, while the content of these proteins in the membrane achieve their mature levels at or before weaning, their terminal glycosylation (desialylation, fucosylation, N -acetylgalactosamination) is not fully established until later development.
Fast prediction of start-of-combustion in HCCI with combined artificial neural networks and ignition delay model

Abstract Homogeneously charged compression ignition (HCCI) engine is a desirable compromise between spark ignition engine and compression ignition engine. Despite the many advantageous features of HCCI combustion, controlling the initiation of combustion remains a challenge for practical applications. A fast and accurate model for the start-of-combustion (SOC) can be useful for developing control strategies of HCCI. In this study, we explore the idea of training artificial neural networks (ANN) for ignition delay and coupling ANN with a semi-empirical model to provide a fast and reliable model for SOC. Through extensive comparisons, this model is found to predict SOC in good agreement with those obtained from a well-mixed reactor model using detailed mechanisms. The CPU time for each run takes about 20–30 ms on a PC. The proposed model is potentially promising for use in real-time dynamic control of HCCI engine combustion.
Propranolol for the control of belligerent behavior following acute brain damage

The belligerence of 7 patients who had suffered an acute brain insult was effectively controlled by propranolol in doses of 60 to 320 mg per day. Of the 7 patients, 3 were treated in the acute stage after a stroke, a severe closed head injury, and a gunshot wound of the brain, respectively. A chronic postconcussion syndrome associated with chronic irritability was present in 2, and 2 were not chronically irritable but suffered from intermittent attacks of explosive rage in response to minor irritations. In all instances the belligerent behavior was controlled without inducing general sedation.
ACP Journal Club. Review: Exercise interventions reduce anxiety in patients with chronic illness.

Source Citation Herring MP, O’Connor PJ, Dishman RK. The effect of exercise training on anxiety symptoms among patients: a systematic review. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170:321-31. 20177034
High-frequency ac susceptibility and ESR of a spin-glass

We report the low-field ac susceptibility from 16 Hz to 2.8 MHz on the dilute spin-glass Ag:Mn in the vicinity of the glass temperature, ${T}_{G}$. Within experimental error ${T}_{G}$ is frequency independent. We also report electron-spin-resonance measurements in the same samples at 1.6 and 9.1 GHz. The differences in the ESR data at two frequencies appear to be due to the different fields for resonance and not to the different measuring frequencies.
High-Temperature Creep of Graphite

Davidson and Losty1 have proposed a logarithmic equation to describe the creep behaviour of synthetic graphites in the temperature-range 1,300–2,000° C. Analysis of results obtained at this laboratory by Martens, Jaffe and Button2,3 indicates that this equation also gives a good description of graphite creep at higher temperatures, up to 3,000° C. However, there are appreciable differences in the relation of creep to temperature and stress in the two temperature ranges.