cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dimensionality reduction for similarity searching in dynamic databases

Databases are increasingly being used to store multimedia objects such as maps, images, audio, and video. Storage and retrieval of these objects is accomplished using multidimensional index structures such as R*-trees and SS-trees. As dimensionality increases, query performance in these index structures degrades. This phenomenon, generally referred to as the dimensionality curse, can be circumvented by reducing the dimensionality of the data. Such a reduction is, however, accompanied by a loss of precision of query results. Current techniques such as QBIC use SVD transform-based dimensionality reduction to ensure high query precision. The drawback of this approach is that SVD is expensive to compute and, therefore, not readily applicable to dynamic databases. In this paper, we propose novel techniques for performing SVD-based dimensionality reduction in dynamic databases. When the data distribution changes considerably so as to degrade query precision, we recompute the SVD transform and incorporate it in the existing index structure. For recomputing the SVD-transform, we propose a novel technique that uses aggregate data from the existing index rather than the entire data. This technique reduces the SVD-computation time without compromising query precision. We then explore efficient ways to incorporate the recomputed SVD-transform in the existing index structure. These techniques reduce the computation time by a factor of 20 in experiments on color and texture image vectors. The error due to approximate computation of SVD is less than 10%.
An Automated Vertical-Interval Test-Signal Monitoring System for NTSC

Much work has been done overseas to relieve video operators from the tedium of monitoring, and especially logging, video transmission performance by observing vertical-interval test signals on waveform monitors and vectorscopes.
Early postnatal loss of heat sensitivity among cutaneous myelinated nociceptors in Swiss-Webster mice.

Cutaneous myelinated nociceptors are known to exhibit considerable heterogeneity in their response to noxious heat. In the present experiments, we studied heat sensitivity among myelinated nociceptors during early postnatal life to determine whether this heterogeneity is correlated with other physiological and anatomical properties. A total of 129 cutaneous myelinated nociceptors were recorded intracellularly and characterized using mechanical and thermal skin stimuli in ex vivo preparations from neonatal Swiss–Webster (SW) mice across postnatal ages P2–P10; physiologically identified cells were iontophoretically labeled with neurobiotin for analyses of dorsal horn terminations from heat-sensitive and heat-insensitive cells. Our results show that heat sensitivity is not strictly correlated with other physiological or anatomical properties, most notably mechanical threshold or laminar termination patterns, of myelinated nociceptors at these ages. Further, we found a marked decline in the number of heat-sensitive myelinated mechanonociceptors (A-mechanoheat nociceptors [AMHs]) during this early postnatal period. Indeed, 68% of myelinated nociceptors were AMHs between P2 and P5, whereas this percentage dropped to 36% between P6 and P10. Multiple independent lines of evidence suggest that this decrease reflects a change in phenotype in a subset of myelinated nociceptors that lose sensitivity to noxious heat in early postnatal life. Interestingly, evidence was also obtained for a significant strain difference since the early transient excess in the number of AMHs in P2–P5 SW neonates was not present in similarly aged neonates from the C57Bl/6 strain. Potential mechanisms underlying these postnatal changes in AMH number are discussed.
Exposure to combined static and 60 Hz magnetic fields: Failure to replicate a reported behavioral effect

Two experiments failed to confirm the Thomas, Schrot, and Liboff report that low-intensity magnetic fields disrupted the operant behavior of rats. In their experiment, food-deprived rats were trained to press a lever to obtain food pellets under a multiple fixed-ratio (FR) 30, differential reinforcement of low rate 18-24 s (DRL 18-24) schedule. After baseline training, the rats were exposed to a 30 min treatment in a different chamber prior to behavioral testing. When the treatment consisted of a horizontal 60 Hz magnetic field at 5 x 10(-5) Telsa aligned along the north-south axis combined with a static field that reduced the background to 2.61 x 10(-5) Telsa, the rate of lever pressing in the DRL component of the multiple schedule increased reliably during the immediately following test session. Changes in responding were not observed when the rats were exposed to either the static field or the 60 Hz field independently nor during sham exposures to the fields. In the present experiments, only the combined fields, i.e., those reported to be effective, were studied in rats using the same general behavioral and exposure protocol used by Thomas et al [1986a]. In experiment 1, the 2.61 x 10(-5) Telsa was achieved by reducing the vertical component of the static field. In experiment 2, both the horizontal and the vertical components were altered to match those used by Thomas et al. In both experiments additional magnetic field conditions were also studied to ensure that threshold values were exceeded and, in experiment 2, to address concerns about the role of harmonic frequencies of the 60 Hz field. The baseline performances approximated those of Thomas et al. Performances were compared between exposure, sham-exposure and control sessions. None of the exposure conditions altered any of the behavioral measures. The reasons for failing to replicate the results of Thomas et al. remain unknown.
Should the elderly be resuscitated following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest?

Abstract purpose: Elderly and younger patients who were successfully resuscitated and hospitalized following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were studied to determine if there was a significant difference in hospital course and long-term survival between the two groups. patients and methods: The study consisted of 214 consecutive patients, divided into two age groups: elderly (more than 70 years, n=112) and younger (less than 70 years, n=102). Hospital charts and paramedic run data were retrospectively reviewed for each patient and findings were compared between the two age groups. results: Prior to cardiac arrest, 47 of 112 (42 percent) elderly patients had a history of heart failure, compared with 19 of 102 (18 percent) younger patients, and were more commonly taking digitalis (51 percent versus 29 percent) and diuretics (47 percent versus 26 percent). Younger patients, however, more often had an acute myocardial infarction at the time of the cardiac arrest (33 percent versus 16 percent). At the time of cardiac arrest, 83 percent of younger patients demonstrated ventricular fibrillation, compared with 71 percent of the elderly. In contrast, electromechanical dissociation was five times more common in the elderly patients. Although hospital deaths were more common in the elderly (71 percent versus 53 percent), the length of hospitalization and stay in intensive care units were not significantly different between the age groups. The number of neurologic deaths was similar in both age groups, as were residual neurologic impairments. Only five elderly patients and six younger patients required placement in extended-care facilities. Calculated long-term survival curves demonstrated similar survival in both age groups, with approximately 65 percent of hospital survivors alive at 24 months after hospital discharge. conclusion: Resuscitation of elderly patients in whom out-of-hospital cardiac arrest occurs is reasonable and appropriate, according to the findings of this study. Even though elderly patients are more likely than younger patients to die during hospitalization, the hospital stay of the elderly is not longer, the elderly do not have more residual neurologic impairments, and survival after hospital discharge is similar to that in younger patients.
Psychoanalytic Contributions to Psychiatry

Psychoanalytic treatments may be necessary when other treatments are ineffective. An empirically grounded framework for the use of these treatments involves sources of evidence from both efficacy and effectiveness studies. Preliminary evidence suggests that psychoanalysis appears to be consistently helpful to patients with milder disorders and somewhat helpful to those with more severe disturbances. A greater number of controlled studies are necessary to confirm these impressions. A multisite process and outcome study is proposed.
Paxton's Panorama: Naturalizing the Bonds Between People and Dogs

(2000). Paxton's Panorama: Naturalizing the Bonds Between People and Dogs. Anthrozoos: Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 11-12.
Contributions to the zero-quantum transition in N-cyclohexylmaleamic acid

Abstract Values of the zero-quantum transition probability involving the two vinyl protons in N -cyclohexylmaleamic acid were measured at 80 and 200 MHz and at 200 MHz for a deuterated analog. The results were analyzed by a modification of the random-field theory which included a term to account for contributions to the zero-quantum transition probability due to those interactions that are modulated at low frequency, too low to contribute to single- and double-quantum transitions. Five potential contributions to the zero-quantum transition probability were considered in all and all five were found to make appreciable contributions. The contributions due to interactions modulated at high frequency which were considered were those due to a dipolar interaction of the two vinyl protons with each other, an interaction of the amide proton with the two vinyl protons, and a random-field contribution from other sources. The contributions due to interactions modulated at low frequency which were considered were a scalar coupling of the vinyl group to the 14 N nucleus modulated by quadrupolar relaxation, and finally a chemical exchange modulated scalar coupling between the amide proton and the vinyl protons. Comparison of the total value of the zero-quantum transition probability and its magnetic-field dependence to estimated values of the individual contributions showed reasonable agreement.
Comparison of vinyl organolithium and organopalladium reagents for intramolecular conjugate addition to vinyl sulfones.

Abstract Synthesis of cis-fused bicyclic ethers ( 5-10 ) by intramolecular conjugate addition of vinyl lithium and organopalladium reagents to cyclohexenyl/pentenyl moiety of vinyl sulfones is described.
The organization of vagal innervation of rat pancreas using cholera toxin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate

The present study was initiated to address the current controversy concerning the parasympathetic innervation of the pancreas, using a more sensitive tracer. The location of retrogradely labeled neurons within the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) was examined 48 h following injections of cholera toxin-horseradish peroxidase (CT-HRP) into designated areas of the rat pancreas. The brainstem and spinal cord were searched for any additional labeled neurons located outside of the DMV. Separate groups of animals were used for control injections into the adipose tissue of the greater omentum, the spleen, abdominal musculature, and the diaphragm. In addition, CT-HRP was dripped over the surfaces of the abdominal viscera in another group of animals. These control cases were designed to indicate whether diffusion of the neural tracer away from injection sites had occurred and had resulted in labeling of neurons which did not innervate the injected areas. Following injection of CT-HRP into the right lobe of the pancreas, labeled neurons were found primarily within the medial region of the left DMV. Injection of CT-HRP into the left lobe of the pancreas resulted in retrogradely labeled neurons predominantly within the medial region of the right DMV. Following injections into the entire pancreas, neural labeling was seen bilaterally within the DMV and was concentrated within the medial regions, with a slightly higher degree of labeling within the right DMV. No labeled neurons were seen within the nucleus ambiguus or other areas of the brainstem or spinal cord following pancreatic injections. Furthermore, no afferent labeling within the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) was observed, although a very small number of neurons within the nodose ganglia were labeled. The dendrites of backfilled DMV neurons could be seen extending across the midline to the contralateral DMV as well as dorsally into certain subnuclei of the NTS, and to the borders of the area postrema and the fourth ventricle. These results indicate that both the motor and sensory innervation of the rat pancreas are more restricted than has been previously suggested.
Calcium-magnesium carbonate solid solutions from Holocene conglomerate cements and travertines in the Coast Range of California

Abstract Two calcium-magnesium carbonate solid solutions form Holocene travertines and conglomerate cements in fresh water stream channels of the Coast Range of California. Calcite does not yield the {015} diffraction maximum. The {006} diffraction maximum is lacking over most of the range of composition of calcite. Calcite has compositions from CaCO3 to Ca0.5Mg0.5CO3. Dolomite yields both the {006} and {015} diffraction maxima over its entire composition range, Ca0.6Mg0.4CO3 to Ca0.5Mg0.5CO3. The Ca-Mg carbonates form in isotopic equilibrium and thermodynamic disequilibrium from dispersion of Ca2+-rich water into CO32−-rich water within the alluvium. The stable isotope data suggest that all the Mg-rich carbonates are primary precipitates and not a result of Mg-substitution in precursor CaCO3. There is a correlation between δC13 and Mg content of the carbonates which predicts a 5%. fractionation of C13 between dolomite and calcite at sedimentary temperatures. C14 is incorporated in Ca-Mg carbonates forming from C13-poor meteoric waters and C13-rich waters from Cretaceous sediments. C14 ages of the Ca-Mg carbonates are apparent, and cannot be corrected to absolute values. Solution rates of calcite decrease with increasing MgCO3 content; dolomite dissolves slower than any calcite.
Familiarization and one-trial learning: a positive interaction.

In each of two experiments 32 Ss were familiarized with a set of stimulus and response nonsense syllables and then learned a list of eight pairs. Each of four familiarity conditions (neither syllable, stimuli, responses, and both syllables) was represented in this list by two pairs, one learned under a repetition condition and the other under a nonrepetition condition. In Exp. 1 the pairs were presented for 2 sec. each; in Exp. 2 presentation was self-paced. The difference between learning under the repetition conditions was shown to be a function of stimulus and response familiarization. The sensitive variables were total errors in Exp. 1 and presentation time (time to learn) in Exp. 2. It was difficult to criticize these findings on the basis of the item-selection artifact usually referred to in studies of this type. The results favor an all-or-none conception of PA learning when the stimuli and responses act as single elements.
Second trimester maternal serum analytes in triploid pregnancies: correlation with phenotype and sex chromosome complement.

Second trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MS-AFP), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), unconjugated estiol (uE3), and inhibin-A (INH-A) levels were evaluated in pregnancies complicated by triploidy. In addition to seven new triploid pregnancies, the results for 67 published cases were reviewed. All cases appear to fall into two major groups. First, those identifiable as screen-positive for both Down syndrome and an open neural tube defect (ONTD) with elevated MS-AFP, grossly elevated hCG, low/normal uE3, and probably elevated INH-A. Pregnancies in the second group are identifiable as screen-positive for trisomy 18 with low/normal MS-AFP, and very low hCG, uE3 and INH-A. Triploid pregnancies with high maternal serum hCG nearly always show a placenta with partial mole (25/27 or 93%), a high frequency of ONTDs or ventral wall defects (VWDs) (8/28 or 29%) and have either an XXX or XXY karyotype (observed ratio 6:10, respectively). Low hCG is infrequently associated with a molar placenta (1/11 or 9%), does not appear to be associated with ONTDs or VWDs (0/29 or 0%), and shows an excess of XXX over XXY karyotypes (observed ratio 17:2). There were 16 cases with either a molar placenta, an ONTD or a VWD that received the MS-AFP and hCG tests. All 16 were screen-positive for an ONTD (MS-AFP> or =2 multiples of the median). In addition, all 31 cases that received MS-AFP, hCG, uE3 (and where available INH-A) were screen-positive for either Down syndrome or trisomy 18. The findings are discussed in the context of expected differences between digynic and diandric triploidy. It is suggested that the sex chromosome complement in triploidy is an important factor in determining risk for partial mole development and in utero survival.
Does She Have to Be Thin? Testing the Effects of Models' Body Sizes on Advertising Effectiveness

This study examined how different body sizes of a female model—thin, average, and large—influenced advertising effectiveness after controlling for social comparison, body mass index, and facial attractiveness. Findings from a 3 × 2 experimental study with college students (N = 201) indicated that the use of a thin model in advertising was not more effective than using an averaged-bodied model. The use of an average-sized model generated more positive brand attitude and purchase intention over the use of either thin or plus-sized models. This study also investigated the moderating roles of product-body image congruence and skepticism toward advertising to explain conditions under which body sizes are (or are not) effective. No interaction effect of product-body image congruence and a model's body size was found. Moreover, different body sizes mostly generated similar responses among the high skeptics. Of interest, the use of average-sized model generated the most positive responses among the low skeptics.
Bubble chambers, old & new, big & small, European & American; contrasts in styles

Abstract Styles of doing physics in a few different experimental particle physics groups are contrasted, and illustrated with personal recollections (“stories”). Speculations are made on what such contrasting styles may have had to do with what physics came out.
High-angle reverse faulting in northern New Brunswick, Canada, and its implications for fluid pressure levels

Abstract The 1982 Miramichi earthquake sequence in northern New Brunswick included four shocks in the magnitude range, 5.7 > m, > 5.0, and extensive aftershock activity. Rupturing occurred within granitic terrain on a pair of NNE—SSW-striking, opposite-facing, high-angle reverse faults which converge at the mainshock focal depth of ≈7 km. It seems probable that the earthquake sequence involved the reactivation under horizontal compression of an existing set of steep normal faults, perhaps derived from Mesozoic rifting of the Atlantic continental margin. The symmetry of the V-shaped profile of faults in WNW—ESE section suggests that the maximum principal compressive stress (σ 1 ) during reactivation was subhorizontal and the least principal stress (σ 3 ) was subvertical, so that the reactivation angle between σ 1 and the faults corresponded to the 50–65° dip of the faults. Stress analysis of the conditions for frictional reactivation of existing cohesionless faults shows that pore-fluid pressures approaching or exceeding lithostatic values are required for reshear at such high reactivation angles, with the implication that the earthquake sequence was triggered by locally elevated fluid pressure. While the source and composition of the inferred high pressure fluids are uncertain, a mixed H 2 O—CO 2 fluid of mantle origin seems most likely.
PEM fuel cell modeling using differential evolution

Abstract This paper develops a differential-evolution-based solution for the problem of proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack modeling. The problem is analytically intractable and computationally hard. The present paper produces results that outperform state-of-the-art approaches on three performance metrics: solution quality corresponding to a given cost, cost of finding a solution of a given quality, and frequency of producing an optimal or near-optimal solution.
Effects of ion irradiation on Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10Ti5 (BAM-11) bulk metallic glass

Abstract Bulk metallic glasses are intriguing candidates for nuclear applications due to their inherent amorphous structure, but their radiation response is largely unknown due to the relatively recent nature of innovations in bulk metallic glass fabrication. Here, microstructural and mechanical property evaluations have been performed on a Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10Ti5 bulk metallic glass (BAM-11) irradiated with 3 MeV Ni+ ions to 0.1 and 1.0 dpa at room temperature and 200 °C. Nanoindentation hardness and Young's modulus both decreased by 6–20% in samples irradiated at room temperature, with the sample irradiated to 1.0 dpa experiencing the greatest change in mechanical properties. However, no significant changes in properties were observed in the samples irradiated at 200 °C, and transmission electron microscopy showed no visible evidence of radiation damage or crystallization following ion irradiation at any of the tested conditions. These results suggest that BAM-11 bulk metallic glass may be useful for certain applications in nuclear environments.
The effect of bicarbonate on the microbial dissolution of autunite mineral in the presence of gram-positive bacteria.

Bacteria are key players in the processes that govern fate and transport of contaminants. The uranium release from Na and Ca-autunite by Arthrobacter oxydans strain G968 was evaluated in the presence of bicarbonate ions. This bacterium was previously isolated from Hanford Site soil and in earlier prescreening tests demonstrated low tolerance to U(VI) toxicity compared to other A. oxydans isolates. Experiments were conducted using glass serum bottles as mixed bioreactors and sterile 6-well cell culture plates with inserts separating bacteria cells from mineral solids. Reactors containing phosphorus-limiting media were amended with bicarbonate ranging between 0 and 10 mM and meta-autunite solids to provide a U(VI) concentration of 4.4 mmol/L. Results showed that in the presence of bicarbonate, A. oxydans G968 was able to enhance the release of U(VI) from Na and Ca autunite at the same capacity as other A. oxydans isolates with relatively high tolerance to U(VI). The effect of bacterial strains on autunite dissolution decreases as the concentration of bicarbonate increases. The results illustrate that direct interaction between the bacteria and the mineral is not necessary to result in U(VI) biorelease from autunite. The formation of secondary calcium-phosphate mineral phases on the surface of the mineral during the dissolution can ultimately reduce the natural autunite mineral contact area, which bacterial cells can access. This thereby reduces the concentration of uranium released into the solution. This study provides a better understanding of the interactions between meta-autunite and microbes in conditions mimicking arid and semiarid subsurface environments of western U.S.
Communicating with Executable Action Representations

Natural language instructions are often underspecified and imprecise which makes them hard to understand for an artificial agent. In this article we present a system of connected knowledge representations that is used to control a robot through instructions. As actions are a key component of instructions and the robot’s behavior the representation of action is central in our approach. First, the system consists of a conceptual schema representation which provides a parameter interface for action. Second, we present an intermediate representation of the temporal structure of action and show how this generic action structure can be mapped to detailed action controllers as well as language.
Hydroxyquinolines with extended fluorophores: arrays for turn-on and ratiometric sensing of cations

8-Hydroxyquinoline-based ligands with extended conjugated fluorophores were designed to provide turn-on and ratiometric signal output optimized for use in fluorescence-based sensor arrays, where the changes in blue and green channels of the RGB signal are used to distinguish between cationic analytes.
Screening of Salmonella isolates from a turkey production facility for antibiotic resistance

Abstract An ecological survey was conducted from April 1997 to June 1999 on four turkey flocks (F1 to F4). Turkey cecal contents, litter, waterers, feed, feeders, and environmental swabs were analyzed. Presence of Salmonella was determined using conventional microbiological screening techniques and confirmed by serology. Positive isolates were serotyped and screened for antibiotic resistance. From a total of 69 Salmonella isolates 25% were resistant to one or more antibiotics including gentamicin (G), spectinomycin (SP), streptomycin (S), tetracycline (T), tobramycin (TO), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Isolates included 45 S. heidelberg, 13 S. senftenberg, 7 S. muenster, 2 S. anatum, and 2 S. worthington. Resistance to antibiotic(s) was highest among waterer isolates (55%) followed by environmental swabs (43%), feeder content samples (33%), turkey cecal contents (26%), and litter samples (5%). Frequencies of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in F1, F2, and F4 were 27, 13, and 40%, respectively. Salmonella was undetected in F3. In F1, S. heidelberg from cecal content and waterer samples was resistant to G, SP, S, and T, whereas S. anatum from waterer samples was resistant to T and S. In F2, S. worthington from litter and feeder content samples was resistant to T, and in F4, S. muenster from environmental swabs was resistant to TO, S, SP, and G. Identifying preharvest sources and characterizing serotype and antibiotic-resistance profile can assist poultry producers and integrators in tracking movement of Salmonella on turkey farms.
A Shift in Western Tropical Pacific Sea Level Trends during the 1990s

AbstractPacific Ocean sea surface height trends from satellite altimeter observations for 1993–2009 are examined in the context of longer tide gauge records and wind stress patterns. The dominant regional trends are high rates in the western tropical Pacific and minimal to negative rates in the eastern Pacific, particularly off North America. Interannual sea level variations associated with El Nino–Southern Oscillation events do not account for these trends. In the western tropical Pacific, tide gauge records indicate that the recent high rates represent a significant trend increase in the early 1990s relative to the preceding 40 years. This sea level trend shift in the western Pacific corresponds to an intensification of the easterly trade winds across the tropical Pacific. The wind change appears to be distinct from climate variations centered in the North Pacific, such as the Pacific decadal oscillation. In the eastern Pacific, tide gauge records exhibit higher-amplitude decadal fluctuations than in th...
The Substance and Illusion of Lex Sportiva

Analyzing CAS offers a rich vein of potential insights into international sports law and international arbitration that remains to be mined. CAS’s jurisprudence fills what until recently was a disturbing legal vacuum in international sports. Before the creation of CAS, the rights and obligations of athletes and officials were ill-defined and were enforceable—if at all—only through costly and lengthy litigation in national courts or in arbitration before tribunals staffed by the same sports federations whose actions the tribunals were asked to judge. Legal claims were thus difficult to frame, difficult to pursue, and, for political outsiders, difficult to win. Since the creation of CAS, rights and obligations have become more clearly defined and understood, adjudication is more accessible, and arbitrators are more independent. CAS has thus made litigation a more viable remedy and deterrent than it was twenty years ago, spotlighting legal norms on a stage where law previously played a more marginal role. The task ahead is to describe, justify, and critique these evolving norms without relying on illusory labels.
Characterization and Effects of the Replicated Flowering Time Gene FLC in Brassica rapa

Functional genetic redundancy is widespread in plants and could have an important impact on phenotypic diversity if the multiple gene copies act in an additive or dosage-dependent manner. We have cloned four Brassica rapa homologs (BrFLC) of the MADS-box flowering-time regulator FLC, located at the top of chromosome 5 of Arabidopsis thaliana. Relative rate tests revealed no evidence for differential rates of evolution and the ratios of nonsynonymous-to-synonymous substitutions suggest BrFLC loci are not under strong purifying selection. BrFLC1, BrFLC2, and BrFLC3 map to genomic regions that are collinear with the top of At5, consistent with a polyploid origin. BrFLC5 maps near a junction of two collinear regions to Arabidopsis, one of which includes an FLC-like gene (AGL31). However, all BrFLC sequences are more closely related to FLC than to AGL31. BrFLC1, BrFLC2, and BrFLC5 cosegregate with flowering-time loci evaluated in populations derived by backcrossing late-flowering alleles from a biennial parent into an annual parent. Two loci segregating in a single backcross population affected flowering in a completely additive manner. Thus, replicated BrFLC genes appear to have a similar function and interact in an additive manner to modulate flowering time.
Echocardiographic predictors of pulmonary embolism in patients referred for helical CT.

Background Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is ordered frequently in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). Multiple indices have been suggested to play a useful diagnostic role. We sought to determine the relative predictive accuracy of suggested quantitative indices among patients referred for CT scanning for exclusion of PE. Methods We retrospectively identified 67 consecutive patients who underwent CT for the exclusion of PE, and had a TTE within 48 hours of CT. Echo indices suggested to play a role in the diagnosis of PE were measured RV/LV area ratio, RV/LV end diastolic dimension ratio, the "McConnell" sign, interventricular septal shift ("D-sign"), Pulmonary artery diameter, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, and "60/60 sign" (TR velocity Results CT confirmed PE in 41 (61%). Mean age was 58 (18-92). Forty-five were female. Subjects with PE were younger, and more likely to be tachycardic and require ICU admission. Of the echocardiographic indices, RV/LV EDD ratio > 0.7 was the most accurate predictor (sensitivity 66%, specificity 77%). The McConnell sign was the most specific (96%), however, with poor sensitivity (16%). Mean TR velocities did not differ between those with and without PE (270 +/- 74 vs. 294 +/- 83, P = 0.25). Conclusions RV/LV EDD ratio > 0.7 has good accuracy for the diagnosis of acute PE. RV/LV area ratio > 0.7 and McConnell sign are specific but not sensitive indicators of acute pulmonary embolism. The presence of these findings should prompt further diagnostic testing for PE.
Ankle—brachial index and hemostatic markers in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study cohort:

To determine whether elevated levels of hemostatic and inflammatory markers (von Willebrand factor (vWF), fibrinogen, D-dimer, factor VII, factor VIII, PAI-1, tPA, beta-thromboglobulin (-TG), CRP, and WBC count) are associated with increased peripheral arterial disease (PAD) prevalence, measured by low ABI, we studied 13,778 participants from the ARIC study in a cross-sectional analysis after adjustment for major cardiovascular risk factors. PAD was positively associated with fibrinogen, vWF, factor VIII, WBC count, D-dimer, -TG, and CRP (p for trend 0.05) but not with the other markers. Adjusted odds ratios for the highest versus the lowest quartile of fibrinogen in men and women, respectively, were 3.49 (95% CI 1.68-7.26) and 2.44 (95% CI 1.58-3.77); for vWF 2.36 (95% CI 1.36-4.07) and 1.45 (95% CI 1.00-2.10); for factor VIII 2.31 (95% CI 1.36-3.94) and 1.68 (95% CI 1.14-2.48). In a smaller subset, the sex and risk factor adjusted odds ratio for the highest versus the lowest quartile of D-dimer was 2.70 (95% CI 1.56-4.65), for -TG was 1.80 (95% CI 1.12-2.88), and for CRP was 1.57 (95% CI 0.84-2.95). Plasma levels of hemostatic and inflammatory markers are elevated in PAD, suggesting these processes are involved in the pathophysiology of PAD.
A system architecture for intelligent implantable biotelemetry instruments

A system architecture for intelligent implantable biotelemetry instruments is presented. The system consists of a modular chip set interconnected by a synchronous serial bus. A user-programmable microprocessor controls all functions, including data acquisition, actuator control and telemetry. Data acquisition is performed by an eight-channel conditioning chip with programmable gain, bandwidth, and sampling rates. An advanced telemetry unit allows bidirectional communication of both data and commands, while providing an error-detection scheme to ensure integrity. >
A termination protocol for simple network partitioning in distributed database systems

Resilient commit protocols for multisite simple network partitioning are studied in this paper. The necessity of termination protocols to make commit protocols resilient in multisite simple network partitioning is presented. A termination protocol that makes the three-phase commit protocol resilient is designed. This protocol is valid even for transient network partitioning. The method can be generalized to design termination protocols for other commit protocols in multisite simple network partitioning.
Conditional Hospitality: Framing Dialogue on Poverty in Montréal Newspapers

Abstract: A paradox of the mainstream press is that while the poor are represented regularly in supportive but conditional tones of hospitality in newspaper reports, journalists rarely address the poor as their imagined or implied audience. Not engaging the poor as an audience in a civic dialogue means that our understanding of poverty is diminished and remains conditional even when the press pleads for greater hospitality or refuge. Following Jacques Derrida, Mikhail Bakhtin and Robert Entman, I develop a dialogic framing analysis of the relations between journalists, their implied audiences, and the poor as subjects of the reports. Analysis of three online mainstream newspapers in Montreal illustrates how the conditional discourse of hospitality is established through particular forms of address. Resume : C’est un paradoxe de la presse dominante que les reportages representent les pauvres avec compassion a certaines conditions mais s’adressent rarement a eux comme faisant partie integrante de leur public imagine ou implicite. Les journaux, en negligeant d’inclure les pauvres dans le dialogue civique qu’ils entretiennent avec leurs publics cibles, diminuent notre comprehension de la pauvrete, meme quand ils plaident pour une meilleure hospitalite ou un meilleur accueil a l’egard des pauvres. En m’inspirant de Jacques Derrida, Mikhail Bakhtin et Robert Entman, je developpe dans cet article une analyse dialogique de l’encadrement des rapports entre les journalistes, leurs publics implicites et les pauvres en tant qu’objets de reportages. L’analyse de trois grands journaux montrealais en ligne illustre comment un discours de l’hospitalite conditionnelle se realise a travers des formes d’adresse particulieres.
The three laws of business combinations: how to create value by remixing assets

Purpose – The author defines and discusses the three laws of business combinations that are essential to a profitable use of resources. Design/methodology/approach – The author shows how applying these laws is necessary for success. Findings – All business combinations must have the potential to create joint value, must be governed to realize this value, and must share value in a way that provides a reward to each party’s investment Practical implications – In remix strategy, the fundamental unit of analysis is the combination of resources that yields value. That combination competes with other combinations. Some combinations will gain advantage over others because they encompass just the right resources; others will gain advantage because they manage their collective resources better than others do. Originality/value – The author’s insight is that instead seeing competition as a battle of firm vs. firm, practitioners need to understand how bundles of resources compete, regardless of whether they are orga...
Export Markets for Poultry

(1953). Export Markets for Poultry. World's Poultry Science Journal: Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 280-285.
Estimating Measurement Error on Highly Speeded Tests

Despite many advances in test theory, estimating measurement error which arises from temporary changes in the person or test situation has re mained relatively unchanged. Unfortunately, not only are short-term instabilities the most important source of measurement error for many traits, especially those measured from highly speeded tests; but the classical test-retest formula for es timating error is based on untenable assumptions with respect to practice effects. The current paper presents a method which gives maximum likelihood estimates of measurement error within the context of a simplex model for practice effects. The appropri ateness of the model is tested for five traits, and error estimates are compared to the classical for mula estimates.
Cardiac autonomic imbalance in pre-hypertension and in a family history of hypertension.

The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of essential arterial hypertension ([1][1]). Several studies have demonstrated that hypertensive patients have an impaired cardiac autonomic function ([2][2]). Chronic imbalance of the autonomic nervous system is a potent risk
Super-Maxwellian helium evaporation from pure and salty water.

Helium atoms evaporate from pure water and salty solutions in super-Maxwellian speed distributions, as observed experimentally and modeled theoretically. The experiments are performed by monitoring the velocities of dissolved He atoms that evaporate from microjets of pure water at 252 K and 4–8.5 molal LiCl and LiBr at 232–252 K. The average He atom energies exceed the flux-weighted Maxwell-Boltzmann average of 2RT by 30% for pure water and 70% for 8.5m LiBr. Classical molecular dynamics simulations closely reproduce the observed speed distributions and provide microscopic insight into the forces that eject the He atoms from solution. Comparisons of the density profile and He kinetic energies across the water-vacuum interface indicate that the He atoms are accelerated by He–water collisions within the top 1-2 layers of the liquid. We also find that the average He atom kinetic energy scales with the free energy of solvation of this sparingly soluble gas. This free-energy difference reflects the steeply decreasing potential of mean force on the He atoms in the interfacial region, whose gradient is the repulsive force that tends to expel the atoms. The accompanying sharp decrease in water density suppresses the He–water collisions that would otherwise maintain a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, allowing the He atom to escape at high energies. Helium is especially affected by this reduction in collisions because its weak interactions make energy transfer inefficient.
Analytic Study of the Tadoma Method: Further Experiments with Inexperienced Observers

Results are presented for two studies of speechreading through the Tadoma method using normal subjects with simulated deafness and blindness. In the first study, subjects received training on the identification of consonant and vowel stimuli through Tadoma. In posttraining tests, an average score of 73% was obtained on a set of 24 consonants presented in CV syllables, and an average score of 82% was obtained on a set of 15 vowels and diphthongs presented in /g/-V-/d/ syllables. An analysis of the confusion matrices derived from the identification tests in terms of of various articulatory/phonological features indicated that the features place, voicing, frication, and round were well-perceived for consonants and round, tense, vertical lip separation, and low, for vowels. In the second study, subjects received training through Tadoma on comprehension of sentences composed of words from a 43-item vocabulary. In tests for which sentence stimuli were repeated until a correct response was obtained, the subjects identified an average of 30% of the words correctly on the first presentation and required an average of roughly four presentations for complete identification of the stimulus.
Introduction: Delimitations, Definitions, Disciplines

This study focuses on spatial deixis in early modern English lyric; the reasons for those delimitations are explained, but the implications f or other types of deixis, other eras, and other genres are also emphasized. The chapter explores methodological problems, notably the challenges of defining lyric, and evaluates related developments in linguistics.
Body weight and mortality among adults in China

Objective To examine the relationship between body mass index(BMI)and mortality in Chinese adults.Methods A prospective cohort study including 169 871 participants aged 40 years or older was conducted.Data on body weight and covariables were obtained at a baseline examination in 1991 using a standard protocol.Follow-up evaluation was conducted in 1999-2000 with a response rate of 93.4%(n=158 666). Results After excluding those participants without body weight or height data,154 736 adults were included in the analysis.After adjustment for age,sex,cigarette smoking,alcohol consumption,physical activity,education, geographic region(north vs south),and urbanization(urban vs rural),an U-shaped association between BMI and all-cause mortality was observed(P0.01).Using those participants with a BMI of 24.0 to 24.9 kg/m~2 as the reference group,the relative risks of all-cause mortality across categories of BMI were 1.65[95%confidence interval(CI),1.54-1.77]forBMI18.5 kg/m~2, 1.31(1.22-1.41)for BMI 18.5 to 19.9 kg/m~2,1.20 (1.11-1.29)for BM120.0 to 20.9 kg/m~2,1.12(1.04-1.21)for BMI 21.0 to 21.9 kg/m~2,1.11(1.03-1.20) for BMI 22.0 to 22.9 kg/m~2,1.09(1.01-1.19)for BMI 23.0 to 23.9 kg/m~2,1.00(0.92-1.08)for BMI 25.0 to 26.9 kg/m~2,1.15(1.06-1.24)for BMI 27.0 to 29.9 kg/m~2,and 1.29(1.16-1.42)for BMI≥30.0 kg/m~2.The U-shaped association existed even after excluding participants who were current or former smokers, heavy alcohol drinkers,or who had prevalent chronic illness at the baseline examination,or who died during the first 3 years of follow-up.A similar association was observed between BMI and mortality in individuals suffering from cardiovascular disease,cancer,and other causes.Conclusion Both underweight and obesity are associated with increased mortality in the Chinese adult population.Moreover,the data support the use of a single common criterion for defining overweight and obesity among all racial and ethnic groups.
Design, synthesis and in vitro splicing inhibition of desmethyl and carba-derivatives of herboxidiene

Herboxidiene is a potent inhibitor of spliceosomes. It exhibits excellent anticancer activity against multiple human cancer cell lines. Herein, we describe an enantioselective synthesis of a desmethyl derivative and the corresponding carba-derivatives of herboxidiene. The synthesis involved Suzuki coupling of a vinyl iodide with boronate as the key reaction. For the synthesis of carba-derivatives, the corresponding optically active cyclohexane-1,3-dicarbonyl derivatives were synthesized using an enantioselective desymmetrization of meso-anhydride. The biological properties of these derivatives were evaluated in an in vitro splicing assay.
The Judicial Protection of Anti-Judicial Speech

The willingness of constitutional courts to extend free expression protection to speech that criticizes the performance and/or character of courts and judges could be a more widely used benchmark for assessing the commitment of various democratic jurisdictions to free expression. In a democracy, political institutions (and the leaders who occupy them) must tolerate criticism of their decisions (and their competence and character); this rule applies to courts no less than to legislatures and executives. Indeed, this rule is a key indicator of courts’ democracy-reinforcing character. In this paper, we trace the emergence of this commitment in English and American contempt-of-court case law and then assess whether and to what degree constitutional courts in other jurisdictions have followed a similar path. We close with a systematic analysis of all judgments issued by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) on the merits of Article 10 free expression claims involving anti-judicial speech acts. We conclude that the ECtHR, like most constitutional courts in the world, has yet to articulate a standard that adequately distinguishes between legitimate commentary on judicial performance and illegitimate threats to judicial independence and the rule of law.
Complications: Pseudoarthrosis/nonunion

Pseudoarthrosis or nonunion of the spine is a well-known complication of large deformity surgery. The identification and prevention of nonunion begins with patient selection, the index surgery, and extends into the postoperative period with close monitoring. We discuss patient factors, surgical factors, diagnosis, and treatment of pseudoarthrosis and nonunion of the spine.
SU-F-P-22: Will the Low Residency Placement Rate Scare Talented Candidates Away from Our Profession?

Purpose: The low placement rate (∼25%) of medical physics residency match applicants is well-known to medical physics graduate students, and is beginning to be appreciated by prospective students. We examine this placement rate in detail and its potential impact on future recruitment into our profession based on survey data of both match applicants and program directors. Methods: To evaluate and validate residency placement rates, we analyzed annual CAMPEP graduate and residency program reports and data from individual graduate program websites. Programs were excluded if they had no graduates or ambiguous placement statistics. We surveyed medical physics match applicants and directors of CAMPEP-accredited residency programs to gauge their attitudes toward this placement rate. Results: Cumulative data extracted from program websites agreed with CAMPEP reports to within 20 graduates (7% error) and 2 residents (2% error) in 2013. The 2013 residency placement rate was 25.5% for MS and 30.8% for PhD graduates. Overall placement rates range from 0% to 66%. 108 match applicants and 40 program directors responded to the survey. The vast majority of graduates (85.2%) responded that the current residency placement rate is a problem for our profession, compared to only 40% of program directors. More strikingly, 40% of match applicants responded that they would reconsider entering the profession if they had prior knowledge of this residency placement rate. Conclusion: Our current residency placement rate presents a bleak picture to prospective students interested in board certified clinical practice. Survey data indicates that this may deter future students from our profession. While our profession seeks solutions, we have an ethical obligation to ensure that incoming students are fully educated about their professional prospects. Moreover, we must evaluate effects of current initiatives on the attractiveness of our education and training infrastructure to prevent the loss of talented future medical physicists.