cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysms in older adults with and without isolated systolic hypertension

An association between abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and atherosclerotic disease has been recognized and may be due to shared risk factors. A consistent relation between blood pressure and AAA has not been found. AAA was compared between those with and without isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) and prevalence of aortic atherosclerosis was evaluated. Abdominal aortic ultrasound was performed in 266 people, 143 with ISH and 123 age-similar controls. AAA was defined as an infrarenal aortic diameter of > or = 3.0 cm or an infrarenal-to-suprarenal diameter ratio of > or = 1.2. The average age of participants was 73 years. Overall prevalence of AAA was 9.4%, 11.9% in those with ISH and 6.5% among normotensives (p = 0.134). Multivariate analysis revealed male gender (p <0.001), higher low-density lipoprotein (p <0.001), higher pulse pressure (p = 0.032), and current smoking (p = 0.012) to be independent predictors of AAA. When evaluating aortic atherosclerosis, those with AAA had significantly larger diameters of the iliac arteries along with greater intimamedia thickness of the iliac arteries. Those with and without aneurysms had a similar prevalence of plaque (89% to 96%), but measured plaques tended to be larger among those with than without AAA (p <0.001). Progression of AAA after 1 year was observed in 8 participants, with a mean diameter change of 3.42 mm. AAA was found to be independently associated with pulse pressure but not with systolic blood pressure. Patients with AAA also had greater wall thickness and greater diameter of the iliac arteries, which are probably associated with the underlying disease process.
The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain

The endocannabinoid system is involved in a host of homeostatic and physiologic functions, including modulation of pain and inflammation. The specific roles of currently identified endocannabinoids that act as ligands at endogenous cannabinoid receptors within the central nervous system (primarily but not exclusively CB1 receptors) and in the periphery (primarily but not exclusively CB2 receptors) are only partially elucidated, but they do exert an influence on nociception. Exogenous plant-based cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) and chemically related compounds, like the terpenes, commonly found in many foods, have been found to exert significant analgesic effects in various chronic pain conditions. Currently, the use of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol is limited by its psychoactive effects and predominant delivery route (smoking), as well as regulatory or legal constraints. However, other phytocannabinoids in combination, especially cannabidiol and β-caryophyllene, delivered by the oral route appear to be promising candidates for the treatment of chronic pain due to their high safety and low adverse effects profiles. This review will provide the reader with the foundational basic and clinical science linking the endocannabinoid system and the phytocannabinoids with their potentially therapeutic role in the management of chronic pain.
Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 Fans the Flames of Heart and Kidney Failure.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) promotes cardiac injury, and heart failure begets kidney injury. Although shared risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis are well-known igniters of the combustible interaction between chronic heart and kidney diseases, identification of the
The global ocean microbiome

The microbiome of the largest environment on Earth has been gradually revealing its secrets over four decades of study. Despite the dispersed nature of substrates and the transience of surfaces, marine microbes drive essential transformations in all global elemental cycles. Much has been learned about the microbes that carry out key biogeochemical processes, but there are still plenty of ambiguities about the factors important in regulating activity, including the role of microbial interactions. Identifying the molecular "currencies" exchanged within the microbial community will provide key information on microbiome function and its vulnerability to environmental change.
Performative Identity/Space and Processes of Trust/Distrust: Urban Hunters in Freetown

Urban Hunters do not hunt, live in the city and masquerade in voluntary secret societies. Urban Hunters of Krio (Creole) background are descendants of returned or recaptured slaves who were liberated in Freetown at the turn of the 19th century and set up village communities in the surrounding peninsula towns. The diverse membership and widespread participation among urban Hunters today offers opportunities for social cohesion and mutual help. However, this has not always been the case. At times, especially during periods of political transition in Sierra Leone, Krio masking orders were perceived as threats to State power and periodically banned. What does the masquerade performance of urban Hunters tell us about masculinity, play, social trust, and identity? How has the social organization of masking orders changed over time and space and what influence does this have on social meaning and participation? This paper, based on over two years of doctoral research among urban Hunters in Sierra Leone and The Gambia, will explore the transformative aspect of urban Hunters and what makes performance attractive to some and threatening to others.
Electro-Dynamics and Micro-Actuation of Ultrasonic Curvilinear Arc Stators

Driving mechanisms basically deliver two fundamental motions, i.e., the linear and the curvilinear motions. A piezoelectric laminated circular arc can serve as a curvilinear arc stator to deliver curvilinear motion on a spherical surface. This study is to evaluate ultrasonic vibration characteristics and microscopic membrane/bending actuation forces of piezoelectric actuators laminated on a curvilinear circular arc. Mathematical model and governing equations of circular arcs bonded with piezoelectric actuator patch are derived, followed by analysis of actuator control forces and moments and microcontrol actions in the modal domain. Study of vibration characteristics is conducted to design optimal actuator configuration, e.g., size and location. Then, distributed control forces and micro-control actions of the curvilinear arc stator are analyzed with respect to key design parameters (i.e., arc radius, arc thickness and actuator thickness). Study of stator vibration behavior clearly suggests an optimal actuator size and location to efficiently excite the desirable ultrasonic natural mode dominated by the micro-bending control action.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Explaining variations in female homicide victimization rates across Europe

This study seeks to describe and explain female homicide victimization rates across Europe from 1985 to 2010. It examines whether cross-national differences in the levels of female homicides are du...
A Time Integration Procedure for a Set of Unified Elasto-Viscoplastic Constitutive Equations

The isothermal version of a unified constitutive model for isotropic elasto-viscoplasticity proposed by Anand and co-workers (Anand [1,2], Brown, Kim, and Anand [3]) consists of a coupled set of differential evolution equations for the state variables (T, s), where T is the Cauchy stress tensor, and s is a scalar internal variable representing the isotropic resistance to plastic flow offered by the underlying microstructural state of the material. Constitutive equations of this type have long been known to be numerically very stiff. Here, we outline a fully-implicit, robustly stable time integration procedure, based on the Euler backward method, for implementing Anand’s single scalar internal variable model in displacement-based finite element procedures. The numerical procedure preserves the very desirable feature of objectivity. The overall procedure is a generalization of the well known “radial-return” algorithm of classical rate-independent plasticity, and it is therefore well suited for implementation in large-scale finite element codes.
The Relationships of Time Spent and Respondent’s Interest Level on the Usefulness of Conjoint Measurement

A study of the relationship among self-reported time spent, interest level and task performance level using conjoint measurement was carried out. Participants were professional purchasing executives within two midwestern states. A weak, but statistically significant, relationship was found between time spent and interest level. Performance on the theoretical modified rebuy and new task vendor selections, as measured using Kruskal’s Stress, was not increased significantly with increasing self-reported time spent. The same lack of relationship was found between interest level and performance.
Constraints on the sources of ore metals in Mississippi Valley-type deposits in central and east Tennessee, USA, using Pb isotopes

Abstract The Mississippi Valley-Type (MVT) Central and East Tennessee (TN) districts contain lead-zinc deposits that occur in the Early Ordovician carbonates of the Knox Group. Although both districts share similar host rock, have similar temperatures of formation, and typically fill open spaces of collapse breccias or replace their host carbonates, previous studies may suggest that these ores did not form from the same mineralizing fluids and may have different Pb sources. Nu Plasma MC-ICP-MS Pb isotopic analyses on sulfides from Central and East TN were conducted and the metal sources evaluated. Pb isotope ratios from the Young Mine in the East TN District plot within ranges defined by other East TN District samples from previous studies. Generally, Pb isotope ratios or ores from the Elmwood Mine in the Central TN District are more radiogenic and plot between samples from the southern Appalachians and Illinois-Kentucky districts. It appears that the thick, black, metal-rich shales of the Appalachian Basin have been the source of the Pb-Zn and ore fluids of MVT deposits that formed the East TN deposits. When East TN Pb data from this study are compared to Central TN Pb data, Central TN Pb is commonly more radiogenic, suggestive of a mineralizing fluid with different compositions. Lead isotopic signature of Central TN ores may imply potential mixing between end-member sources originating from the Southern Appalachians and Illinois basins. Lead isotopes in MVT and carbonate-hosted base metal deposits in US, South America, and Europe display two basic types of Pb-isotopic signatures. The classic MVT deposits in the mid-continent US (SE and Central Missouri, Illinois-Kentucky, and Upper Mississippi Valley districts) have highly radiogenic Pb-isotopic compositions and they generally display linear Pb-isotopic arrays. In contrast, deposits from Europe (Irish-type, Silesian-type, Alpine-type, and Cevennes region), the Appalachians, and Andean-type deposits have lower Pb-isotopic values. The European deposits (except for the Irish-type) have a restricted range of isotopic ratios, which suggest a single mineralizing event of relatively short duration. It appears that basement rocks or sedimentary rocks derived from the basement contributed Pb to many MVT and carbonate-hosted base-metal deposits worldwide. Hydrothermal leaching of radiogenic Pb from the crystalline basement rocks may have occurred during formation of these ore deposits. High 238U/204Pb values for several districts also suggest a supracrustal origin of Pb.
Experimental test on some autonomous functions of advanced PV inverters

The recent amendment to the IEEE Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems (IEEE Std. 1547a-2014) is unleashing the application of advanced inverter functionalities to help mitigate voltage regulation problems commonly encountered in areas with high levels of PV penetration. This paper describes the experimental testing of some of the important autonomous functionalities of an advanced inverter using a real PV array, the local utility supply, a load bank, and a diesel-powered synchronous generator. The functionalities include “soft restart”, “non-unity power factor operation”, “over/under voltage and frequency ride through”, and “dynamic Volt/Var control”. Test results show the inverter responded in a manner that is consistent with the selected settings of various parameters.
Partition of energy in the focal region of earthquakes

Abstract A spherical focal model is considered in which the release of the shear energy at the time of rupture sets up a laminar displacement field. Based on some geodetic observations, the field is assumed to decrease gradually as the distance from the focal point increases. This assumption allows the fault plane to be of finite extent. The concept of static elasticity is applied to evaluate the fraction of stored shear energy which is released with the occurrence of an earthquake. Comparison of the distribution of the strain energy density in the focal region before and after rupture leads to some explanation about the partition of energy in that region. The application of the model to three shallow earthquakes in the western United States yields energies comparable to those given previously.
HIV/AIDS in the Middle East and North Africa: A Brief Review of Prevention, Research, and Resources

The 2005 UNAIDS/WHO Epidemic Update reports that the number of people living with HIV last year worldwide was 40.3 million (1). In 2005, approximately 3.2 million people became newly infected by HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, the region of the world that is considered the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic (2).Although the rates of HIV are much less in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) than in Sub-Saharan Africa, some experts believe that without appropriate implementation of surveillance and prevention services, the epidemic will spread to the general population (3). Reportedly, 67,000 people in MENA became infected with HIV in 2005; there are approximately 510,000 people living with HIV in the region (2). Because of cultural and social taboos surrounding the discussion of the acquisition of HIV around the world in general, and in MENA in particular, it is difficult to develop a clear representation of HIV's presence and risk in countries in the Middle East. Based on the information that is available, the main mode of transmission of HIV is sexual contact, with injecting drug use recognized as the second mode of increasing prevalence (2). Without sufficient implementation of surveillance in the region, however, estimated rates of infection may indeed be lower than the actual number of people infected with HIV (4).
A Guide To Operating Systems Literature

The purpose of this guide is to introduce students who are beginning research on operating systems to the various sources of literature. This document is divided into six sections: periodicals, conferences, general texts, bibliographies, theses and dissertation, and technical reports.
Review of How the West Came to Rule

This is a book which invites us to reconsider what we thought we knew and understood about a Europe’s rise. It examines the historical origin of Europe’s capitalism in the growing call for internationality that can explain the uneven and combined histories of European and non-European regions. This view asks us to use the lens of relational and hierarchical perspectives, which contain various types of interconnected narratives between European and non-European regions in Europe’s exceptional rise, instead of accepting the self-generating development of the West.
Variation in ungulate body fat: Individual versus temporal effects

The use of ultrasonograhic measurements of muscle and body fat represent a relatively new data stream that can be used to address questions regarding ungulate condition. We have learned that measurements of body fat and presumably overall body condition among individual animals, even those taken from the same herd at that same time, are highly variable. Relatively little consideration has been given to the sources of variation in body fat and other physiological parameters in wildlife populations. We evaluated the components of variation in late-winter mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) body fat estimates: sampling variation (i.e., variation induced by the particular set of individuals that were sampled) and process variation (i.e., variation stemming from biological processes) with a long-term data set (2002–2015) from Colorado, USA. We collected our data from across Colorado as part of historical research, ongoing research, and periodic population monitoring programs. Mean percent ingesta-free body fat (%IFBF) for sampled mule deer was 7.20 ± 1.20% (SD). Covariates related to individual deer explained approximately 4% of the total variation in %IFBF and annual effects explained an additional 13% of the variation. Substantial residual variation in %IFBF (83%) remained unexplained. The source of the 83% of unexplained variation is partially linked to fine-scale spatial dynamics but also additional individual metrics we were unable to capture, primarily the presence or absence of dependent young. We speculate that the primary factors influencing late-winter mule deer body fat and overall condition are individual in nature. These results present a cautionary check on herd-level inference that can be made from individual late-winter body fat estimates and we postulate that for mule deer, alternative and additional body condition metrics may offer added utility in management scenarios. However, an important next step to better understand wildlife population health is to evaluate the sources and magnitude of variation within other body condition metrics, with the goal of further refining data that can better allow biologists to incorporate herd health into population management recommendations. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Connecting quality of life, tourism specialization, and economic growth in small island destinations: The case of Malta

Abstract This study assesses the relationship between quality of life (QOL), tourism specialization, and economic growth as applied to small island destinations. The study is grounded on a QOL model and translog production function and employs the limited information maximum likelihood estimator to investigate the nature of this relationship in Malta. Results indicate that the relationship between tourism specialization and both QOL and economic growth is only partial. Tourism specialization improves the residents QOL but, only on the short term. The study enhances the existing empirical evidence of the literature that examines the relationship between tourism specialization and residents' QOL in the medium- and long-term in that it controls for endogeneity. The translog production function methodology is novel as it allows for examining tourism returns and the factors that shape tourism preferences. This permits supply and demand variables to be combined into a production and consumption system.
A global algorithm for AC optimal power flow based on successive linear conic optimization

Newly, there has been significant research interest in the exact solution of the AC optimal power flow (AC-OPF) problem. A semideflnite relaxation solves many OPF problems globally. However, the real problem exists in which the semidefinite relaxation fails to yield the global solution. The appropriation of relaxation for AC-OPF depends on the success or unfulflllment of the SDP relaxation. This paper demonstrates a quadratic AC-OPF problem with a single negative eigenvalue in objective function subject to linear and conic constraints. The proposed solution method for AC-OPF model covers the classical AC economic dispatch problem that is known to be NP-hard. In this paper, by combining successive linear conic optimization (SLCO), convex relaxation and line search technique, we present a global algorithm for AC-OPF which can locate a globally optimal solution to the underlying AC-OPF within given tolerance of global optimum solution via solving linear conic optimization problems. The proposed algorithm is examined on modified IEEE 6-bus test system. The promising numerical results are described.
Polyteny and Lampbrush Chromosomes

Beginning with this part a new phase of this book is introduced. The preceding parts of the book dealt with the theme: structure (Part II), function (Part III), and movement (Part IV) of the chromosomes. The following parts of the book deal with the variations on the theme: variations in chromosome types (Part V), variations of chromosome structure (Part VI), variation of chromosome number (Part VII), and variation of chromosome function and movement (Part VIII).
Parallelizing state space plans online

Searching for parallel solutions in state space planners is a challenging problem, because it would require the planners to branch on all possible subsets of parallel actions, exponentially increasing their branching factor. We introduce a variant of our heuristic state search planner AltAlt, which generates parallel plans by using greedy online parallelization of partial plans. Empirical results show that our online approach outperforms post-processing (offline) techniques in terms of the quality of the solutions returned.
Recognition of Shape in Visible Surfaces

Vision can be thought of as a process that produces from images of the external world a description that is useful to the viewer and not cluttered by irrelevant information. Answers to the question of what is useful and what is clutter depend on the task at hand. I will concentrate here on the problem of recognizing three-dimensional shapes.
Kinetic red-blue minimum separating circle

In this paper, we study a kinetic version of the red-blue minimum separating circle problem, in which some points move with constant speed along straight line trajectories. We want to find the locus of the minimum separating circle over a period of time. We first consider two degenerate cases of this problem. In the first one (P1), we study the minimum separating circle problem with only one mobile blue point, and in the second one (P2), we study the minimum separating circle problem with only one mobile red point. Then, we give a solution for the general case (P3), in which multiple points are mobile.
66 – Coronary Heart Disease, Lipid Metabolism, and Steroid Hormones in Women

Men and women share many risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), including hyperlipidemia. Nevertheless, CHD among women raises specific questions. It is unclear why a first myocardial infarction (MI) among women is associated with greater morbidity and mortality than is evident for men. The greater severity of MI among women only partially accounts for the differing outcomes. Further information is needed on the mechanisms whereby estrogens reduce CHD risk. The benefit is incompletely explained by the changes in lipoprotein levels induced by estrogens. Interpreting the influence of estrogens on lipoprotein profiles is complex. Possible confounders are the biological and analytical variations that are superimposed on the estrogen effects. This produces contradictions in the literature, particularly when small differences are involved, as is often the case for high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc). Hormone replacement therapy may reduce the risk of CHD by 50% in postmenopausal women, and for selected groups, gains in life expectancy may exceed 3 years. Nevertheless, further information is required on the implication for women of therapies that modify TG and HDLc concentrations.
Optimal 2DFA Algorithms for One-Way Liveness on Two and Three Symbols

For all \(h,n\ge 2\), the problem of one-way liveness for height h and length n captures the task of simulating one-way nondeterministic finite automata with h states on inputs with \(n{-}2\) symbols. We prove that the number of states in a smallest two-way deterministic finite automaton which decides this problem is \(\varTheta (h)\), if \(n=2\); and \(\varTheta (h^2/\log h)\), if \(n=3\).
The New York Herald's Very First Report on Dr. Horace Well's Arrest and Suicide-An Original Article Found in New York City Public Library.

Abstract The accounts of Dr. Wells' personal life, particularly those of his tempestuous final days, have remained somewhat speculative. On January 24, 1848, a troubled Dr. Wells raced outside of his home and practice on Chambers Street and threw sulfuric acid (vitriol) on two alleged “loose” Broadway girls. We were able to find an original copy of an article published by the New York Herald in the New York City Public Library describing the events of Well's final days.
Framing #Ferguson: A comparative analysis of media tweets in the U.S., U.K., Spain, and France:

Following the killing of unarmed teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, protests around the world—online and offline—grabbed headlines. Considering that previous research suggests that the n...
A Boronated Metalloporphyrin for use in Neutron Capture Therapy and Magnetic Resonance Contrast Enhancement of Glioma

Porphyrins are a unique class of metal chelating agents that have shown selective affinity for a variety of neoplasms. The highly water-soluble boronated porphyrin known as BOPP has previously been reported to show highly selective uptake and retention in a murine glioma model, and to produce tumor-boron levels well in excess of that needed for therapy.(1) We wish to report the synthesis and testing of a Mn(III) chelate of BOPP which has the potential to serve simultaneously as a tumor-selective 10B delivery agent and as a proton MRI contrast enhancement agent for glioma. The compound is found to selectively localize in a rat 9L gliosarcoma in a fashion very similar to the free base BOPP and to preferentially enhance the tumor/normal brain contrast of T1-weighted images for at least 92 hours. Based on the behavior of BOPP at the corresponding dose, it can be estimated that the tumor boron content of the MnBOPP-treated animals is in the 30 µg/g range at 24 hours.
Perceptions of Stuttering of Different Age Groups

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions of stuttering of school-age children who stutter and those of adults who stutter through the use of the same tools that could be comm...
Impact of CW-FIT on Student and Teacher Behavior in a Middle School:

Positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) improve student behavior. Yet, teachers may not receive adequate training to implement PBIS at the classroom level. This study evaluated class-wi...
Clinical effects of cervical local implantation chemotherapy combined with synchronal radiochemotherapy in advanced cervical cancer

Objective To compare the clinical effects and side events between simple synchronal radiochemotherapy(group A) and cervical local implantation chemotherapy combined with synchronal radiochemotherapy(group B) in advanced cervical cancer.Methods Sixty patients with primary cervical cancer,admitted to our hospital from January 2009 to December 2009,were enrolled into the study.The clinical staging of these patients ranged from Ⅱb to Ⅲb.The patients were randomly divided into two different therapy groups.In group A,patients received external irradiation by X-rays and intracavitary by 192 Ir and PT chemotherapy(n=30).In group B,patients received cervical local implantation of fluorouracil palliative 400-500 mg in addition of external irradiation by X-rays and intracavitary by 192 Ir and PT chemotherapy(n=30).The short-term effect and complications were compared between the two groups.Results The effective rate of group A was significantly higher than the second group(97% vs.80%,x2=4.706,P＜ 0.05).The most common complication was myelosuppression.In group A we observed 8 cases had grade Ⅰ,10 cases had grade II,9 cases had grade Ⅲ,3 cases had grade Ⅳ myelosuppression.In group B we observed 8 cases had grade Ⅰ,12 cases had grade Ⅱ,7 cases had grade Ⅲ,3 cases had grade Ⅳ myelosuppression.There were no significantly differences in the comparisons of this complication between the two groups(x2=0.432,P＞0.05).Conclusion The cervical local implantation chemotherapy combined with synchronal radiochemotherapy might improve the prognosis in advanced cervical cancer patients without increasing toxic side effects. Key words: Local implantation chemotherapy; Synchronal radiochemotherapy; Cervical cancer
The effect of smoking on bariatric surgical 30-day outcomes: propensity-score-matched analysis of the MBSAQIP

The exact impact of smoking within the last 12 months on the safety outcome of sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-Y gastric bypass is not well known. The study aimed to assess the effects of smoking on 30-day surgical outcomes. Preoperative characteristics and outcomes from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program dataset 2015–2018 were selected for all patients who underwent primary sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-Y gastric bypass. 30-day postoperative outcomes were assessed. We used propensity score matching to control for potential confounding. In laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy group, 29 165 pairs were included in the analysis. Smoking increased risk for inpatients readmission rate (3.67% vs. 3.10%; RR, 1.18; 95%CI 1.08–1.29, p < 0.001), intervention rate (1.03% vs. 0.84%; RR, 1.22; 95%CI 1.00–1.24, p = 0.020), reoperation rate (0.99% vs. 0.79%; RR, 1.25; 95%CI 1.05–1.48, p = 0.010), and leak rate (0.59% vs. 0.32%; RR, 1.83; 95%CI 1.43–2.37, p < 0.001). In laparoscopic Roux-Y gastric bypass cohort,11 895 pairs were included in the ultimate analysis. Smoking increased risk for inpatients readmission rate (7.54% vs. 5.88%; RR, 1.28; 95%CI 1.16–1.41, p < 0.001), intervention rate (3.53% vs. 2.30%; RR, 1.54; 95%CI 1.32–1.80, p < 001), reoperation rate (3.17% vs. 1.86%; RR, 1.70; 95%CI 1.45–2.00, p < 0.001), leak rate (1.05% vs. 0.59%; RR, 1.78; 95%CI 1.33–2.39, p < 0.001), bleed rate (2.03% vs. 1.45%; RR, 1.39; 95%CI 1.15–1.69, p < 0.001), and morbidity (4.20% vs. 3.38%; RR, 1.24; 95%CI 1.09–1.41, p = 0.001). Smoking cigarettes at any point within the 12 months before admission for surgery increased the risk for surgical short-term complications in bariatric patients. The effect was the most significant regarding leaks.
From Sphinx-II to Whisper — Making Speech Recognition Usable

In this chapter, we first review Sphinx-II, a large-vocabulary speaker-independent continuous speech recognition system developed at Carnegie Mellon University, summarizing the techniques that helped Sphinx-II achieve state-of-the-art recognition performance. We then review Whisper, a system we developed here at Microsoft Corporation, focusing on recognition accuracy, efficiency and usability issues. These three issues are critical to the success of commercial speech applications. Whisper has significantly improved its performance in these three areas. It can be configured as a spoken language front-end (telephony or desktop) or dictation application.
Summary and Future Directions

The idea for this book was conceived from a friendship that developed during our tenure as faculty scholars in the Geriatric Social Work Initiative, Hartford Faculty Scholar (HFS) Program. The HFS Program inspired us in so many ways, but particularly, in terms of collectivity and reciprocity, and the notion of giving back and paying forward in a myriad of ways. It particularly inspired us to build knowledge in the rich field of aging. Our passion and respect for our elders from diverse cultures served as the thread that tied together our unique interests and approaches to aging that are presented in this edited collection. The title of this book, “The Collective Spirit of Aging Across Cultures”, emerged after much discussion and processing of our ideas, lessons learned, and lived experiences as beings of diverse backgrounds.
ATP binding drives substrate capture in an ECF transporter by a release-and-catch mechanism

ECF transporters are a family of active transporters for vitamins. They are composed of four subunits: a membrane-embedded substrate-binding subunit (EcfS), a transmembrane coupling subunit (EcfT) and two ATP-binding-cassette ATPases (EcfA and EcfA'). We have investigated the mechanism of the ECF transporter for riboflavin from the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, LmECF-RibU. Using structural and biochemical approaches, we found that ATP binding to the EcfAA' ATPases drives a conformational change that dissociates the S subunit from the EcfAA'T ECF module. Upon release from the ECF module, the RibU S subunit then binds the riboflavin transport substrate. We also find that S subunits for distinct substrates compete for the ATP-bound state of the ECF module. Our results explain how ECF transporters capture the transport substrate and reproduce the in vivo observations on S-subunit competition for which the family was named.
Immigration Detention Centers: Implications for Social Work

This article examines the dilemmas faced by undocumented immigrants within the criminal justice system vis-a-vis the immigrant detention center and the resulting implications for social work. It explores the new realities for undocumented immigrants in the United States, including an explanation of state policies that have led to the criminalization of immigrants. The criminal justice and homeland security responses to undocumented immigrants, including the trend toward the privatization of immigration detention centers are analyzed. Finally, the implications of these trends for social work practice are discussed.
Robust stability of linear time-delay systems: retarded and neutral types

In this paper we consider retarded and neutral linear, time-delay systems with perturbations. For such systems, we present two types of sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability. One type involves norm conditions while the other type involves corner conditions. Some of our results constitute generalizations of existing results. We demonstrate the applicability of our results by means of three specific examples.
The role of water depth and soil temperature in determining initial composition of prairie wetland coenoclines

In this study, we examined the effects of water depth and temperature on seedling recruitment from a prairie wetland seed bank. We collected seed-bank samples from natural and restored prairie pothole wetlands in northwestern Iowa and combined them into a single sample. We examined seedling recruitment from this seed-bank sample in an experimental study using a factorial design of 4 temperature treatments (5 night and 15 day to 20 night and 30 day) and 3 water-depth treatments (0, 2, and 7 cm). Principal Components Analysis showed that both water depth and temperature had significant effects on the composition of the seedling community as measured by changes in relative stem density and biomass. Water depth had its strongest effects on stem density while temperature had its strongest effects on biomass. For the 22 most common species, stem density varied with water depth for 95% of the species and with temperature for 50% of the species. Most species with water depth responses had lower stem counts as water depth increased, and for the majority of species with temperature responses stem density increased with temperature. Total, annual, and perennial species richness was negatively correlated with water depth. Total and annual species richness was positively correlated to temperature, while perennial species richness was unresponsive to temperature. In addition, species found at low elevations as adults emerged at higher rates in the deep water treatments while species that occurred at higher elevations as adults had their highest emergence rates in the low water treatments. Our results suggest that differences in environmental conditions along coenoclines can affect the initial distribution of species emerging from the soil seed bank. Water depth sorted seedlings according to their adult water-depth tolerances, and temperature determined the proportion of annuals in the seedling community.
Unsteady supersonic cavity flow simulations using coupled k-epsilon and Navier-Stokes equations

A numerical procedure is developed for the simultaneous implicit numerical solution of the coupled A>£ and Navier-Stokes equations for compressible viscous flows. The numerical algorithm is based on the approximate factorization scheme of Beam and Warming for the strongly coupled set of equations. The scheme incorporates a new second-order Jameson type damping model that enhances the stability and relieves the stiffness associated with the solution to the A>e equations. The model, which is based on the changes in both pressure and turbulent kinetic energy, eliminates the need to use subiteration techniques. Unsteady calculations were performed for supersonic flow over an open cavity at a freestream Mach number of 1.5 and Reynolds number of 1.09 X 106. The computed results are compared with experiments and predictions from computations using uncoupled A>E and Navier-Stokes equations.
The Velocity Dispersion In The X-Ray Scaling Laws

We used a sample of 20 poor groups of galaxies to study the low mass tail of the relationships among the X-ray temperature T, the X-ray luminosity L x and the optical velocity dispersion σ. We obtained redshifts for the fainter members of these groups. We find that X-ray bright groups have more members and higher velocity dispersions on average. Using the fainter group members and Monte Carlo tests, we define the number of group members required to calculate a robust velocity dispersion. There is a tendency to underestimate the group velocity dispersion for samples of fewer than ∼ 10 members that introduces systematic errors in the slope of the relationships among L x , T, and σ. A comparison with the data of Ponman and Mahdavi shows that our improved velocity dispersions provide better constraints on the relationship between the kinematics of the hot gas and galaxies in these common environments.
β,β-Dimethylglutaric acid †

β,β-Dimethylglutaric acid product: β,β-dimethylglutaric acid Keywords: oxidation, miscellaneous; sodium hypochlorite, preparation of
Causes of recurrent focal neurologic events after transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale with the CardioSEAL septal occluder.

Transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure has been undertaken to eliminate paradoxical emboli as a cause for recurrent strokes/transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). We report the results of investigations to determine causes of all significant focal neurologic events (FNEs) after PFO closure reported to our center. Records of 216 consecutive patients who underwent PFO closure were reviewed. Patients had to have had ≥1 preceding clinical event consistent with stroke/TIA considered by a neurologist to be consistent with an embolic episode. Follow-up was recommended at 24 hours, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and every 1 to 2 years thereafter. All patients were requested to report any new FNE possibly suggestive of stroke/TIA to our center. Reports of evaluations were reviewed in detail. Twenty patients had an FNE 0.1 month to 40.2 months after PFO closure over 438 person-years of follow-up (mean 2.1 years, range 1 month to 7.1 years). There were 4 recurrent strokes, 2 likely directly device related. Ten patients had TIA and 6 patients had clear evidence of pathology unrelated to the device. Event rate for recurrent strokes was 0.9% per year (95% confidence interval for difference 0.3 to 2.4) and combined event rate for stroke/TIA was 3.4% per year (95% confidence interval for difference 2 to 5.6). In conclusion, transcatheter PFO occlusion can be accomplished as an outpatient procedure with minimal immediate morbidity. Patients may have multiple possible causes of recurrent FNE. Recurrence rate of cryptogenic FNE compares favorably with reports of medical management. Analysis of results from ongoing randomized trials of transcatheter PFO closure versus medical management may improve our ability to select the best treatment for individual patients.
Generation and initial characterization of conditionally immortalized chromaffin cells

Adrenal chromaffin cells have been successfully used to attenuate chronic pain when transplanted near the spinal cord, but primary cells are neither homogeneous nor practical for routine use in human therapy. Conditional immortalization with the temperature-sensitive allele of the large T antigen (tsTag) and creation of stable chromaffin cell lines would advance our understanding of both the use and limits of cell lines that contain this immortalization gene for such therapies. Cultures of embryonic day 17 rat adrenal and neonatal bovine adrenal cells were immortalized with the temperature-sensitive allele of SV40 tsTag and chromaffin cell lines established. The rat chromaffin line, RAD5.2, and the bovine chromaffin cell line, BADA.20, both expressed immunoreactivities (ir) for all the catecholamine enzymes: tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the first enzyme in the synthetic pathway for catecholamines, dopa-beta-hydroxylase (DbetaH), and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT). At permissive temperature (33 degrees C), these chromaffin cells are proliferative, have a typical rounded chromaffinlike morphology, and contain detectable TH-, DbetaH-, and PNMT-ir. At nonpermissive temperature (39 degrees C), these cells stop proliferating, decrease Tag expression, and change the expression of TH-, DbetaH-, and PNMT-ir in vitro, suggesting increased differentiation at nonpermissive temperature. The chromaffin cell lines also express immunoreactivity for the opioid met-enkephalin (ENK) at permissive and nonpermissive temperatures. The expression of TH-ir in the bovine chromaffin cells is upregulated by the addition of dexamethasone (DEX) or forskolin during differentiation; TH-ir is not affected by the addition of DEX or forskolin in the rat chromaffin cells. The addition of forskolin during differentiation upregulates the expression of DbetaH-ir in the rat chromaffin cells. PNMT-ir is not affected by differentiation or agents in either cell line. However, catecholamine synthesis was not detectable by high-performance liquid chromatography, suggesting incomplete differentiation under current conditions, or influence by continued low levels of Tag expression. Both cell lines have been carried over many passages in vitro for more than 3 years and were repeatedly frozen and thawed. These data describe an initial step in the conditional immortalization of chromaffin cells that can maintain the phenotype of primary chromaffin cells in vitro over long periods. The use of such chromaffin cell lines that are able to deliver neuroactive molecules offers a novel approach to pain management.
The tumor imprint technique for demonstrating SV40 T antigen by immunofluorescence.

SummaryA quick, reliable and inexpensive test is described for identifying the T or “tumor” antigen, in cells rendered neoplastic by the oncogenic DNA virus SV40. The approach is based on the feasibility of adapting the tumor imprint technique to the indirect immunofluorescence test. This method is of particular advantage when one wishes to examine leukemic or lymphosarcomatous cells, which lack the capacity to grow as monolayers in culture.
An advanced CCD emulator with 32MB image memory

As part of the LSST sensor development program we have developed an advanced CCD emulator for testing new multichannel readout electronics. The emulator, based on an Altera Stratix II FPGA for timing and control, produces 4 channels of simulated video waveforms in response to an appropriate sequence of horizontal and vertical clocks. It features 40MHz, 16-bit DACs for reset and video generation, 32MB of image memory for storage of arbitrary grayscale bitmaps, and provision to simulate reset and clock feedthrough ("glitches") on the video channels. Clock inputs are qualified for proper sequences and levels before video output is generated. Binning, region of interest, and reverse clock sequences are correctly recognized and appropriate video output will be produced. Clock transitions are timestamped and can be played back to a control PC. A simplified user interface is provided via a daughter card having an ARM M3 Cortex microprocessor and miniature color LCD display and joystick. The user can select video modes from stored bitmap images, or flat, gradient, bar, chirp, or checkerboard test patterns; set clock thresholds and video output levels; and set row/column formats for image outputs. Multiple emulators can be operated in parallel to simulate complex CCDs or CCD arrays.
Persistence of Sainfoin under Different Grazing Regimes

Sainfoin (Unobrychis viciaefolia Scop.), a non-bloat inducing legume, is well adapted to the calcareous soils of the Southern Great Plains. Poor persistence imder some managements has limited its; use for grazing. Our objectives were to determine the effect of plant growth stage at defoliatioin and defoliation intensity on persistence of sainfoin. Nitrogen fertillized (100 kg N ha⁻¹) ‘Renumex’ sainfoin was grown under irrigation on a Pullman clay loam (fine, mixed, thermic Torretic Paleustolll) near Lubbock, TX. Light (L), medium (M), and heavy (H) grazing intensities were applied at the bud (B), flower (F), and seed shatter (S) stages of growth. Across growth stages, L, M, and H intensities averaged 52, 69, and 87% removal of pre-graze herbage mass, respectively. Over the 2 yr, sainfoirt stands declined 20 and 43% when defoliated at the B and F stages under H defoliation intensity. Stands remained above 80% for the L and M intensities. Stands increased from reseeding in the S treatments by 35, 31, and 16% for the L, M, and H defoliations, respectively. Root concentrations of total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) began to decrease with the initiation of spring growth reached their seasonal low in June, and then increased into late summer and autumn. Average TNC for H (130 g kg⁻¹) was less than TNC in roots of L and M (155 g kg⁻¹). Our findings indicate thaf sainfoin defoliated at the B or F stages of growth under L or M intensities of defoliation may have acceptable stand persistem when grown under irrigation in the Southern Great Plains. Contribution no. T4300, College of Agricultural Sciences.
Effect of Routine Emergency Department Triage Pulse Oximetry Screening on Medical Management

Purpose To determine the utility of routine triage pulse oximetry screening in emergency department (ED) patients. Design Prospective study using pulse oximetry to measure oxygen saturation of ED patients at triage. Saturation values were disclosed to physicians only after they completed medical evaluations and were ready to discharge or admit each patient. We measured changes in medical management initiated after disclosure of pulse oximetry values. Setting and participants The study included 14,059 consecutive patients presenting to triage at a university ED. Measurements Changes in select diagnostic tests: chest radiography, CBC count, spirometry, arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, and ventilation-perfusion scans; treatments: antibiotics, s-agonists, supplemental oxygen; and hospital admission and final diagnoses that occurred after disclosure of triage pulse oximetry values. Results Of 1,175 patients having triage pulse oximetry values less than 95%, physicians ordered repeat pulse oximetry on 159 (13.5%), additional chest radiography on 5.4%, CBC count on 3.1%, arterial blood gases on 2.9%, spirometry on 0.9%, and ventilation-perfusion scans on 0.3%. Physicians ordered 178 new therapies on 134 patients (11.4%), including supplemental oxygen for 6.5%, antibiotics for 3.9%, and s-agonists for 1.8%. Thirty-five patients (3.0%) initially scheduled for hospital discharge were subsequently admitted. Physicians changed or added diagnoses in 77 patients (6.6%). Conclusions Providing physicians with routine triage pulse oximetry measurements resulted in significant changes in medical treatment of these patients.