cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 32-year experience with surgical repair of sinus of valsalva aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: Sinus of Valsalva (SoV) aneurysms are rare (0.15% to 1.5% CPB cases) and five times more frequent in Asians. Usually congenital, SoV aneurysms arise from the right or noncoronary sinus, are associated with other cardiac defects, and are repaired primarily or with a patch. Acquired SoV aneuryms develop secondary to infection or trauma. Here, we describe our 32-year experience with SoV aneurysm repair in a Western population. METHODS: A retrospective review identified 22 patients who underwent SoV aneurysm repair between 1971 and 2003. Data is presented as mean +/- standard error (median). RESULTS: Dyspnea was the most common presenting symptom. Nineteen of 22 patients were ruptured at the time of operation; three were found incidentally. Fifteen patients had associated cardiac defects including ventricular septal defect (VSD) (6), aortic insufficiency (6), and coarctation (3). One patient, repaired primarily, required reoperation for recurrence. All other patients underwent patch repair. The operative survival was 95% (21/22). There were five known late deaths at 6.6 +/- 2.3 (5.7) years post-repair. Five and ten year survival rates were 84.9 +/- 11% and 59.4 +/- 17%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Observed differences in the sinus of origin, age at presentation, associated cardiac malformations, and mortality in our Western series versus previous Asian cohort studies likely reflect a racial disparity and higher prevalence of acquired versus congenital SoV aneurysms. We recommend a thorough search for a VSD in all cases and use of patch repair, regardless of size, to reduce risk of recurrence.
Activation of P2Y2 Receptors by UTP and ATP Stimulates Mitogen-activated Kinase Activity through a Pathway That Involves Related Adhesion Focal Tyrosine Kinase and Protein Kinase C

Abstract We examined downstream signaling events that followed the exposure of PC12 cells to extracellular ATP and UTP, and we compared the effects of these P2 receptor agonists with those of growth factors and other stimuli. Based on early findings, we focused particular attention on the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway. ATP and/or UTP produced increases in tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple proteins, including p42 MAP (ERK2) kinase, related adhesion focal tyrosine kinase (RAFTK) (PYK2, CAKβ), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Shc, and protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ). MAP (ERK2) kinase activity (quantified by substrate phosphorylation) was increased by UTP, ATP, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, ionomycin, and growth factors. UTP and ATP were equipotent (EC50 ∼25 μm) in stimulating MAP kinase activity, suggesting that these effects were mediated via the Gi-linked P2Y2 (P2U) receptor. Consistent with this, the UTP- and ATP-promoted activation of MAP kinase was diminished in pertussis toxin-treated cells. Treatment of cells with pertussis toxin also reduced both the UTP-dependent increases in intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the tyrosine phosphorylation of RAFTK. Similarly, when [Ca2+]i elevation was prevented using BAPTA and EGTA, the activation of MAP kinase by UTP and ionomycin was blocked, and the tyrosine phosphorylation of RAFTK was reduced. The UTP-promoted increase in MAP kinase activity was partially reduced in cells in which PKC was down-regulated, suggesting that both PKC-dependent and PKC-independent pathways were involved. PKCδ, which increases MAP kinase activity in some systems, became tyrosine-phosphorylated within 15 s of exposure of cells to ATP or UTP; but epidermal growth factor, nerve growth factor, and insulin had little effect. UTP also promoted the association of Shc with Grb2. These results suggest that the P2Y2 receptor-initiated activation of MAP kinase was dependent on the elevation of [Ca2+]i, involved the recruitment of Shc and Grb2, and was mediated by RAFTK and PKC.
Performance of Perceived Beat in Relation to Age and Music Training

The perception of beat across a range of stimulus speeds was examined using monotonic I stimuli. Two hundred forty subjects representing four age-groups (graduate, undergraduate, high school, junior high school) and two levels of music participation (music major/enrollment in band versus no participation in organized music activities) served as subjects. Thirteen sets of consecutive periodic 349.23 Hz (F4) tones were presented at various speeds in randomized orders. The rates of the 15-second examples were 40, 60, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 200, and 240 tones per minute. Subjects' tasks were to listen to each example and to tap the perceived beat or pulse.Results indicate that college music majors and other listeners responded differentially. Music majors tended to identify beat tempi between 70 and 120 beats per minute (bpm) regardless of the speed of stimulus tones presented, suggesting that faster rates of presentation (≥ 140 bpm) were perceived as subdivisions of slower beat tempi, and th...
Imaging studies on the role of dopamine in cocaine reinforcement and addiction in humans

We summarize our studies with positron emission tomography investigating the role of dopamine (DA) in the reinforcing effects of cocaine and methylphenidate in humans and its involvement in cocaine addiction. These studies have shown that the rate at which cocaine and methylphenidate enter the brain and block the dopamine transporters (DAT) is the variable associated with the 'high', rather than the presence per se of the drug in the brain. Our studies also show that, while the level of DAT blockade is important in predicting the intensity of the 'high' induced by these drugs (DAT blockade > 50% is required for these drugs to induce a 'high'), the rate at which DAT are blocked determines whether the 'high' is perceived or not. Thus, oral methylphenidate, which leads to slow DAT blockade, does not induce a 'high', even at doses which block DAT more than 60%. In cocaine abusers, we have shown significant reductions in DA D2 receptors that are associated with decreased metabolism in cingulate gyrus and in orbitofrontal cortex. We suggest that this is one of the mechanisms by which DA disruption leads to compulsive drug administration in cocaine addiction. Cocaine abusers also show significant decreases in DA release, which coupled with the reduction in D2 receptors may result in decreased activation of reward circuits by physiological reinforcers and may perpetuate cocaine use as a means to compensate for this deficit. Thus, strategies to enhance DA brain function in ways that mimic physiological DA activity may be of help in overcoming cocaine addiction.
Dynamic control of airport departures: Algorithm development and field evaluation

Surface congestion leads to significant increases in taxi times and fuel burn at major airports. In this paper, we formulate the airport surface congestion management problem as a dynamic control problem. We address two main challenges: the random delay between actuation (at the gate) and the server being controlled (the runway), and the need to develop control strategies that can be implemented in practice by human air traffic controllers. The second requirement necessitates a strategy that periodically updates the rate that departures pushback from their gates. We model the runway system as a semi-Markov process using surface surveillance data. We use this modeling framework to derive optimal pushback policies to control congestion. Finally, we present the results of the real-world implementation and field testing of this control protocol at Boston Logan International Airport.
Implications of the Implicit Association Test D-Transformation for Psychological Assessment.

Psychometricians strive to eliminate random error from their psychological inventories. When random error affecting tests is diminished, tests more accurately characterize people on the psychological dimension of interest. We document an unusual property of the scoring algorithm for a measure used to assess a wide range of psychological states. The “D-score” algorithm for coding the Implicit Association Test (IAT) requires the presence of random noise in order to obtain variability. Without consequential degrees of random noise, all individuals receive extreme scores. We present results from an algebraic proof, a computer simulation, and an online survey of implicit racial attitudes to show how trial error can bias IAT assessments. We argue as a result that the D-score algorithm should not be used for formal assessment purposes, and we offer an alternative to this approach based on multiple regression. Our critique focuses primarily on the IAT designed to measure unconscious racial attitudes, but it appli...
Direct neutron capture in 238U (n, γ) 239U0679

Abstract Evidence for the presence of a direct reaction amplitude is presented for the neutron capture γ ray at 4.059 MeV in 238U (n, γ) 239U. A cross-section interference analysis shows that the potential capture 0679 cross section for this γ ray is ∼ 0.0016 barns at a neutron energy of 1 eV.
An empirical comparison of published replication research in accounting, economics, finance, management, and marketing

Abstract The results of a large-scale content analysis of 18 leading business journals covering the 22-year time period 1970 to 1991 show published replication and extension research is uncommon in the business disciplines. For example, such research typically constitutes less than 10% of published empirical work in the accounting, economics, and finance areas, and 5% or less in the management and marketing fields. Further, when such work is undertaken the results usually conflict with existing findings. This raises the prospect that empirical results in these areas may be of limited value for guiding the development of business theory and practice. Strategies for cultivating a replication research tradition to facilitate knowledge development in the business disciplines are suggested.
Uniformly valid asymptotic wave propagation based upon variational principles

Abstract We present a uniformly valid asymptotic theory for linear, short-wavelength waves based upon ‘slow’ variational principles in configuration space, mixed space, and momentum space. The variational principles define an eikonal equation, which determines the ray geometry, and transport equations, which determine the amplitude variations in the various projections of phase space. There are no caustics in phase space, i.e. neighboring rays in phase space never cross, as a result of Liouville's theorem for Hamiltonian systems. It is only when the phase-space trajectories are projected onto configuration space, a mixed space, or momentum space, that caustics occur. The essential strategy is to consider a mixed-space or momentum-space variational principle in the vicinity of a configuration-space caustic. We use the two-dimensional Helmholtz equation to illustrate the theory because it constitutes a simple example that captures all the features of the variational technique.
Global weak solutions of the Vlasov-Maxwell system with boundary conditions

Boundaries occur naturally in physucal systems which satisfy the Vlasov-Maxwell system. Assume perfect conductor boundary conditions for Maxwell, and either specular reflection or partial absorption for Vlasov. Then weak solutions with finite energy exist for all time.
Parasite-dependent modulation of acute inflammation (a review).

Abstract Recent advances in acute inflammation and the interaction between the acute inflammatory system and helminth parasites are reviewed. This review not only covers some of the recently documented interactions, but suggests potential critical points of interdigitation between helminths and the acute inflammatory pathways. The impact of the host acute inflammatory system on helminth biology is covered not only as a potential means of host control of the parasite, but also a mechanism(s) by which the parasite can facilitate its own survival.
Synaptic activity mediates death of hypoxic neurons

Cultured hippocampal neurons, when exposed to cyanide or an anoxic atmosphere in the early stages of differentiation, were not visibly affected. However, neurons in the mature cultures died when exposed to cyanide or anoxia. Cell death could be prevented by treatment with magnesium, which eliminates synaptic activity. These observations suggest that damage in hypoxic neurons is mediated by synaptic activity.
Automated imaging dark adaptometer for investigating hereditary retinal degenerations

We designed and built an automated imaging dark adaptometer (AIDA) to increase accuracy, reliability, versatility and speed of dark adaptation testing in patients with hereditary retinal degenerations. AIDA increases test accuracy by imaging the ocular fundus for precise positioning of bleaching and stimulus lights. It improves test reliability by permitting continuous monitoring of patient fixation. Software control of stimulus presentation provides broad testing versatility without sacrificing speed. AIDA promises to facilitate the measurement of dark adaptation in studies of the pathophysiology of retinal degenerations and in future treatment trials of these diseases.
Insolation estimation from satellite measurements of reflected radiation

Abstract Daily values of insolation are important to many crop growth models. National Weather Stations that routinely record insolation are too sparse for adequate coverage of U. S. agricultural regions. Meteorological satellites can cover large areas with enough ground resolution and frequency to be used to estimate insolation. We developed a model using regression techniques on Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) and pyranometer data to predict insolation for Texas (winter 1976) and the Great Plains (summer 1977). Inputs required are GOES digital counts, solar zenith angle, and the visible clear radiance for each target. Correlation coefficients were 0.85 and 0.87 for the winter and summer data sets, respectively. Root-mean-square errors were 54.2 and 63.6 langley/day, respectively, within 11% of the summer mean insolation. Low insolation values caused by clouds were overestimated by the model. Comparisons with Tarpley's (1979) model are given.
Haptic Human Interfaces for Robotic Telemanipulation

This paper proposes that there are ultimately only two topical tactile feedback generation modalities for haptic human interfaces which allow the human operator to handle either (i) temporary VR-based material replicas of the local geometric and/or force profile at the contact areas of an unlimited set of generic objects that could virtually be handled during the manipulation, or (ii) permanent material replicas of a limited set of typical objects. Examples of tactile human interfaces developed by the authors for telerobotic blind tactile exploration of objects, for telerobotic hapto-visual stylus-style tool manipulation are presented to illustrate the proposed approach. A NN architecture allowing for the modelling of the elastic properties of 3D objects from experimental tactile and range imaging data is also presented.
Relationship between perceived life satisfaction and adolescents’ substance abuse

Abstract Purpose: To explore the relationship between perceived global life satisfaction and selected substance use behaviors among 5032 public high school students. Methods: The 1997 South Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey substance abuse and life satisfaction variables were used. An adjusted polychotomous logistic regression analysis utilizing SAS/SUDAAN, revealed a significant race/gender interaction. Subsequent multivariate models were constructed individually for four race/gender groups. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the magnitude of risk for selected substance abuse behaviors and their association with reduced global life satisfaction. Results: Cigarette smoking, chewing tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, regular alcohol use, binge drinking, injection drug, and steroid use were significantly ( p p Conclusion: Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether dissatisfaction with life is a consequence or determinant of substance abuse behavior for adolescents.
Simultaneous anterograde labeling of axonal layers from lateral superior olive and dorsal cochlear nucleus in the inferior colliculus of cat

The laminar organization of the central nucleus of inferior colliculus includes layers of axons that may be important in shaping the responses of neurons. Depending on their source, some layered axons are afferents that are superimposed and terminate on the same postsynaptic neurons, while other layered afferents, such as those from the ipsilateral and contralateral lateral superior olive, terminate side-by-side. The specific pattern of convergence may dictate which populations of axons are presynaptic to layered disc-shaped neurons in the central nucleus. We compared the distribution of afferent axons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus and the lateral superior olive to the contralateral inferior colliculus in the cat. Injection sites in cochlear nucleus and superior olive were physiologically characterized by extracellular recordings of single and multiple units in response to monaural and binaural acoustic stimulation. Two separate injections were made in each case, and both injection sites contained units with overlapping best frequencies. Biotinylated dextran, fluorescent dextran, 3H-leucine, and wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase were used as anterograde tracers. The present results show that layered axons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus and lateral superior olive are superimposed in part of the contralateral central nucleus. Both projections were arranged in rostro-caudally oriented axonal layers that converged in the ventral part of the central nucleus. However, in the dorsal part of the central nucleus, the same layer of axons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus did not terminate with afferents from the lateral superior olive. Within the overlapping layers in the ventral central nucleus, the overlap of axons from the dorsal cochlear nucleus and the lateral superior olive was uniform except for small patches that were usually smaller than the dendritic fields of disc-shaped neurons. These data suggest that the layers may create specific functional zones in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus. One zone may contain neurons with binaural responses that combine the properties of the inputs from the contralateral lateral superior olive and the dorsal cochlear nucleus. A second zone may contain inputs from the cochlear nucleus but lack those of the lateral superior olive.
Does Surgeon Training or Hospital (Pediatric vs. Adult) Affect Survival after Heart Transplant in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Purpose Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) have higher operative mortality after heart transplant (HT) than those without CHD. Studies in ACHD after non-transplant heart surgery have shown better survival when done by congenital heart (CHD) surgeons compared to non-CHD surgeons regardless of pediatric vs. adult hospital. This study examines the impact of surgeon and hospital on HT outcome at centers with a collaborative approach to ACHD care. Methods and Materials Patients with HT for CHD at age ≥18 yrs at 1 pediatric and 2 adult centers were included. Survival was stratified by CHD vs. non-CHD surgeon and pediatric vs. adult hospital. Differences between groups were sought. Results Among 967 adult HT performed between 1987-2012, there were 31(3%) for ACHD (65% male). Diagnoses were transposition of great arteries (12), single ventricle (11), and Tetralogy of Fallot (3). Of these, 6 patients had ≥3 prior sternotomies and 6 had PRA ≥20%. HT was performed at a mean age of 28±10 yrs 15+10 yrs after last heart surgery. Ischemic time was 197±55 minutes. Donor age was 24±9 yrs. There were 2 deaths within 30 days of HT (6.5% mortality), 1 at HT and 1 after discharge. There was no survival difference by surgeon, 100% vs. 89% 30-day survival for CHD (n=13) vs. non-CHD (n=18), p=0.3. There was no survival difference by hospital, 100% vs. 91% 30-day survival for pediatric (n=10) vs. adult (n=21), p=0.5. Diagnosis of single ventricle, number prior sternotomies, or donor ischemic time was not associated with surgeon or hospital. Younger adults were more likely to have HT at a pediatric hospital, p=0.005. Conclusions HT survival was excellent in this ACHD cohort who included 1/3 palliated single ventricles. Outcomes were similar regardless of surgeon training or hospital. This may reflect the benefit of a collaborative approach to candidate selection and peri-operative care between transplant centers with pediatric and adult expertise. Further study related to improving outcome is warranted as the ACHD population expands.
Early posterior/ventral fate specification in the vertebrate embryo.

Abstract One of the central questions in developmental biology is that of how one cell can give rise to all specialized cell types and organs in the organism. Within the embryo, all tissues are composed of cells derived from one or more of the three germ layers, the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm. Understanding the molecular events that underlie both the specification and patterning of the germ layers has been a long-standing interest for developmental biologists. Recent years have seen a rapid advancement in the elucidation of the molecular players implicated in patterning the vertebrate embryo. In this review, we will focus solely on the ventral and posterior fate acquisition in the ventral–lateral domains of the pregastrula embryo. We will address the embryonic origins of various tissues and will present embryological and experimental evidence to illustrate how “classically defined” ventral and posterior structures develop in all three germ layers. We will discuss the status of our current knowledge by focusing on the African frog Xenopus laevis, although we will also gather evidence from other vertebrates, where available. In particular, genetic studies in the zebrafish and mouse have been very informative in addressing the requirement for individual genes in these processes. The amphibian system has enjoyed great interest since the early days of experimental embryology, and constitutes the best understood system in terms of early patterning signals and axis specification. We want to draw interest to the embryological origins of cells that will develop into what we have collectively termed “posterior” and “ventral” cells/tissues, and we will address the involvement of the major signaling pathways implicated in posterior/ventral fate specification. Particular emphasis is given as to how these signaling pathways are integrated during early development for the specification of posterior and ventral fates.
Study on the Environmental Materials with the Enzyme-Producing Conditions of a PCBs-Degrading Halophilic Bacterium

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). This experiment screened a halophilic bacterium from the deep sea sediments, which could grow at the salinity of 15%, and designated as B2.6. The cells of this strain were rod shaped, Gram negative, motile, could grow in pH range of 5.0-9.0, and temperature range 10-37°C. Growth of this bacterium in the presence of PCBs, as the sole source of carbon and energy. The ions of IA, such as Na+ and K+ could enhance the activity of PCBs-degrading enzyme, while the transitional metal ions, such as Co2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Fe2+ and Fe3+ may inhibit it in a certain degree. The optimal temperature, pH value and concentration of NaCl for the PCBs-degrading enzyme were 25-35°C, pH 6-8 and 50 g·L-1, respectively.
Volatile organic compounds in Quaternary sediments

Abstract The distribution of volatile organic compounds in surface sediments varies widely with the depositional environment. Oxygen and sulfur compounds, alkenes and arenes, are more abundant than alkanes in strongly reducing sediments such as those from around Walvis Bay, West Africa. Among the compounds identified by GC-MS were toluene, benzene, 2-methyl-2-butene, 3,5-dimethylcyclopentene, 3-menthylfuran, 3-methylfuran, 2-methylbutanol, 3-methylbutanol, 3-pentanone, 2-methylthiophene, 3-methylthiophene and dimethylsulfide. Some of these compounds have the isoprene carbon skeleton. In a less reducing environment such as the Arabian Sea-Persian Gulf area, a more diverse alkene assemblage was observed including ethylene, propylene, pentenes, hexenes, cyclohexene, methylpentenes and dimethylcyclopentenes. Also, the sediments contained a few very specific alkane structures. The gem-dimethyl hydrocarbons (neopentane, neohexane, and neoheptane) were dominant among the branched hydrocarbons. The high concentration of volatile alkenes and oxygen and sulfur compounds is not observed in deep sea drilling samples at depths greater than about 100 m.
2-AFC observer study of shape and contrast discrimination in digital stereomammography

We continue to evaluate fundamental factors that affect the ability of human observers in digital stereomammography. A 2-alternative forced choice (2-AFC) observer study for discrimination of simulated objects in the presence of x-ray quantum noise was performed. In our previous contrast-detail and 2-AFC studies investigating the detection of simulated lesions, we observed that at the same total dose observers perform similarly for stereoscopic and monoscopic imaging. The current experiments were designed to investigate discrimination tasks. Three or four observers attended a series of sessions, each consisting of 300-400 image pairs. We sequentially evaluated discrimination of images based on object shape and contrast. In each trial, two images were presented, each containing a small disk of known size and position, but which differ in terms of blurring or contrast to background. The observers indicated the image containing the disk with greater blurring or higher contrast. The experiments were repeated for 3 or 4 different values of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and for 3 different diameters. The fraction of correct responses was computed for each test condition. Detection performance was compared in terms of the linear fit of d’ as a function of SNR. Preliminary results again confirmed the advantage of stereoscopy. For the discrimination of blurred objects, the ratio of d’(SNR) averaged over all conditions took values in the range of 1.22-1.73 for the three observers (average 1.45), compared to the theoretically expected value of 1.41. No advantage was seen for discrimination of contrast (average 1.02). It appears that suppression of quantum noise in stereoscopically viewed simulated images by the human visual system enables advantages in discrimination of small lesions with different shape. It is possible, therefore, to match the dose of a stereo pair to the dose required for a single mammogram.
Influence of Moisture and Moisture Gradients on Heat Transfer Through Porous Building Materials

The total heat transfer through moist, porous building materials is the sum of a number of heat-transfer phenomena. This paper presents experimental data on heat transfer through specimens of moist aerated concrete and mineral fiberboard. The aerated concrete specimens with known initial moisture distributions were exposed to a temperature gradient. This temperature gradient caused a redistribution of moisture which in turn changed the heat flow through the material. The changes were monitored by means of thermal probes, heat flowmeters, and thermocouples. The results of measurements were compared with calculations based on a simplified analytical model and with measurements made by other investigators. A second series of tests was made on a moist specimen of high-density mineral fiberboard to demonstrate the extent of the dependence of the total thermal resistance on the distribution of moisture in the material.
The interaction of health professionals and their lesbian clients

Abstract While most literature suggests that health problems of lesbians vary little from those of heterosexual patients, there is some evidence to suggest that lesbians have greater problems interacting with health professionals because of misconceptions and homophobic fears of these professionals. The following study of 38 lesbians in Salt Lake City provides some indication of the concerns most identified by the lesbian client when seeking health care. Results of this study indicate the following: few lesbians “come out” to their practitioner; many delay health care because of their fears; there is evidence of inappropriate behavior from some professionals when lesbians reveal their sexual preference; and among those who have not come out, apprehension about what the professional might say or do is evident. Results also show that some examinations are viewed as less comfortable when administered by male professionals. This study reminds health professionals that lesbian clients expect to be treated with the same sensitivity and dignity as non-lesbian clients, and that often professional care may be enhanced by better communication, sensitive referral to professionals who are more comfortable in caring for lesbian concerns, and better self-awareness on the part of practitioners regarding their feelings and behavior toward gay clients.
Unsupervised learning of high-order structural semantics from images

Structural semantics are fundamental to understanding both natural and man-made objects from languages to buildings. They are manifested as repeated structures or patterns and are often captured in images. Finding repeated patterns in images, therefore, has important applications in scene understanding, 3D reconstruction, and image retrieval as well as image compression. Previous approaches in visual-pattern mining limited themselves by looking for frequently co-occurring features within a small neighborhood in an image. However, semantics of a visual pattern are typically defined by specific spatial relationships between features regardless of the spatial proximity. In this paper, semantics are represented as visual elements and geometric relationships between them. A novel unsupervised learning algorithm finds pair-wise associations of visual elements that have consistent geometric relationships sufficiently often. The algorithms are efficient - maximal matchings are determined without combinatorial search. High-order structural semantics are extracted by mining patterns that are composed of pairwise spatially consistent associations of visual elements. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach for discovering repeated visual patterns on a variety of image collections.
Design of microfabricated inductors

Possible configurations for microfabricated inductors are considered. Inductance can be set by adjusting permeability through control of anisotropy of a permalloy core, or via a patterned quasi-distributed gap. A design methodology based on a simple model is proposed. Analysis of secondary effects is also developed. A design example for a 5 MHz buck power converter application is presented. A power density of 12.8 W/cm/sup 2/ is possible for an efficiency of 94%.
Basic principles of diffusion-weighted imaging.

In diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI), image contrast is determined by the random microscopic motion of water protons. During the last years, DWI has become an important modality in the diagnostic work-up of acute ischemia in the CNS. There are also a few promising reports about the application of DWI to other regions in the human body, such as the vertebral column or the abdomen. This manuscript provides an introduction into the basics of DWI and Diffusion Tensor imaging. The potential of various MR sequences in concert with diffusion preparation are discussed with respect to acquisition speed, spatial resolution, and sensitivity to bulk physiologic motion. More advanced diffusion measurement techniques, such as high angular resolution diffusion imaging, are also addressed.
Formative Experiences of Orthodox Jewish Women: Attachment Patterns and Spiritual Development

This qualitative study examines formative spiritual experiences of thirteen Orthodox Jewish women. The author discusses differences between Orthodox-born women and women returnees to Orthodoxy. From an attachment perspective, the data suggests that secure as well as insecure attachment bonds are the primary factors in religious development for these respondents. The author also argues that spiritual development from a Kabbalistic perspective offers a complementary paradigm from which to evaluate the respondents' religious development. Finally, recommendations for clinical practice with Orthodox women are discussed.
Stimulation of juvenile hormone biosynthesis by analogues of a Manduca sexta allatotropin: In vitro studies

Two analogues of a Manduca sexta allatotropin (Mas-AT) were synthesized. They correspond to the active fragment, amino acids 5–13, of the natural Mas-AT with substitution of norleucine for methionine. ATANA has the structure Val-Glu-Nle-Nle-Thr-Ala-Arg-Gly-Phe-NH2, ATAA is acetylated at the N-terminus. Allatotropic potency was evaluated by measuring the in vitro rates of juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis in corpora allata (CA) of M. sexta. At a concentration of 20 nM, ATANA and ATAA increased JH production in day 0, day 1, and day 3 adult female CA by a factor of 3–8. Larval CA were not affected. These results correspond to activities reported for the natural Mas-AT. ATANA did not stimulate pharate adult female CA to produce JH. Stimulation of female CA with ATANA was reversed when the CA were transferred to fresh medium while stimulation with ATAA under the same condition persisted. Exogenous farnesoate was converted to JH-III at a rate exceeding the highest ATANA-stimulated rate. ATANA in addition to farnesoate did not increase JH-III production, but increased JH-II production in addition to the already high production rate for JH-III. It is inferred that Mas-AT stimulates a rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of farnesoate and its homologues but does not affect epoxidation and methylation.
Networking galore: Intermediate filaments and cell migration

Intermediate filaments (IFs) are assembled from a diverse group of evolutionarily conserved proteins and are specified in a tissue-dependent, cell type-dependent, and context-dependent fashion in the body. IFs are involved in multiple cellular processes that are crucial for the maintenance of cell and tissue integrity and the response and adaptation to various stresses, as conveyed by the broad array of crippling clinical disorders caused by inherited mutations in IF coding sequences. Accordingly, the expression, assembly, and organization of IFs are tightly regulated. Migration is a fitting example of a cell-based phenomenon in which IFs participate as both effectors and regulators. With a particular focus on vimentin and keratin, we here review how the contributions of IFs to the cell's mechanical properties, to cytoarchitecture and adhesion, and to regulatory pathways collectively exert a significant impact on cell migration.
The appropriateness of plastic encapsulated microcircuits in a specific wooden-round application

Improvements in design, materials, and processes of plastic encapsulated microcircuits (PEM) have increased their reliability dramatically, to the point where PEM can achieve the '20-year lifetime in unpowered storage' required by certain wooden-round applications. PEM are now the parts of choice from cost, market-availability, performance, and reliability viewpoints. Nevertheless, PEM require appropriate vendor selection, verification by highly accelerated stress test (HAST), and manufacturing precautions. The potential failure mechanisms of package damage, internal part corrosion, and intermetallic growth, due to high temperature and humidity exposure, have been largely eliminated by improvements in the plastic and in the assembly process, and by the addition of die passivation. Models and test methodologies for accelerating (and thereby identifying) these physical phenomena have been developed, proven by testing, and generally accepted within the industry. After thoroughly defining the application temperature/humidity environments, the models are used to define a test program to qualify candidate PEM. This program consists of a high temperature life test, a humidity/temperature HAST and a completely assembled board-level HAST. To insure that subsequent manufacturing processes at Textron DS (including higher assemblies) do not damage qualified PEM, the manufacturing flow has been modified to minimize human contact with components, to eliminate any potentially corrosive chemical interaction with PEM, and to minimize exposure to moisture.
Scheduling interviews for a job fair

We describe the design and use of a program to schedule interviews for law firms and students at a job fair. It has been used to manage the Southeastern Public Interest Job Fair for the last six years. The program uses a new scheduling algorithm that produces particularly convenient schedules.
Forrester Blanchard Washington and His Advocacy for African Americans in the New Deal

Forrester Blanchard Washington (1887-1963) was an African American social work pioneer recruited to the first New Deal administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt as director of Negro Work in the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. This role gave Washington a platform from which to object strenuously to the development of social policies that were predisposing African Americans to chronic dependence on welfare programs instead of creating equal opportunities for employment. Washington's policy analysis and recommendations represent social work's advocacy for equal employment opportunity long before the related civil rights legislation in the 1960s. An analysis is offered to explain Washington's decision to abort his federal career when the political agenda of the Roosevelt administration began to conflict with his values and professional goals. His actions are exemplary of resignation in protest--an aspect of advocacy more often discussed than used. This article is based on Washington's writings and materials found in the National Archives and Records Administration at College Park, Maryland.
Keratoconus and normal-tension glaucoma: a study of the possible association with abnormal biomechanical properties as measured by corneal hysteresis.

Results: The mean CH (8.2, SD=1.6, vs 8.3, SD=1.5) and CRF (7.3, SD=2.0, vs 6.9, SD=2.1) were low and did not differ significantly between 20 study patients (29 eyes) and 40 control patients (61 eyes), respectively. CH had a negative, significant correlation with maximum corneal curvature by topography (P < .002) and positive, significant correlation with central corneal thickness (P < .003). The mean cup-disc ratio was larger among cases than controls (0.54, SD=0.20, vs 0.38, SD=0.20; P = .003). VFs were suggestive of glaucoma more often among the study eyes than controls (11 of 29, 37.9%, vs 8 of 60, 13.3%; P =.019). Conclusions: CH was low in study and control patients and was correlated with severity of keratoconus/pellucid, but not with glaucoma/suspected glaucoma or control status. Evidence of glaucoma was more common in study eyes than controls, but was present in both.
Oral Streptococci... Products of Their Environment

Microbial biofilms form on oral surfaces. These biofilms usually exist in dynamic equilibria with host defenses and are compatible with maintenance of the integrity of the target tissues. Disease occurs when the composition and the metabolic activities of complex communities in biofilms are perturbed. These ecologically driven changes in oral biofilms result in increases in the proportions of pathogenic micro-organisms, which possess enzymatic and structural determinants that may render them more virulent than organisms associated with oral health. This brief review focuses on key environmental influences, and genetic and physiologic aspects of bacteria associated with the formation of dental caries, and attempts to identify some areas of oral microbiology in which interdisciplinary efforts will be essential for dissection of the molecular events controlling the development and persistence of pathogenic plaques. The focus is on strategies to enhance fundamental knowledge of oral biofilm composition, struc...
Properties of As40S(60–x) Sex Glasses for IR Fiber Optics

The physical and optical properties of glasses in the As40S((60-x:)Sex system where x= 0, 5,10,15, and 20 at. % Se have been investigated. The changes in the glass transition temperature, density, hardness, IR edge, and refractive index can be attributed to the presence of Se, which simply replaces S in these glasses. The glasses do not exhibit crystallization under the conditions used in this study, which is a desirable property from the viewpoint of flberization. Appropriate core and cladding glass compositions have been identified for fabrication of optical fibers with known numerical apertures. Furthermore, it has been shown that these glasses will not impart additional thermal or mechanical stresses in optical fibers made from these compositions.
Aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular events in diabetes.

Aspirin is probably the most widely used and least expensive drug in existence. The value of extracts of willow bark in controlling pain and fever was recognized in 400 BC by Hippocrates. In the 19th century, salicylic acid was identified as the active principle, and in 1899, Felix Hoffman synthesized acetylsalicylic acid. Shortly thereafter, Heinrich Dreser, director of pharmacological research for Bayer and Company, led the clinical trials that demonstrated efficacy and named this new drug aspirin. In the 20th century, aspirin attracted the attention of physicians interested in cardiovascular disease after it was found that platelet cyclooxygenase, the enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandins G2 and H2, was irreversibly inhibited in man by very low doses of aspirin. This blockade would inhibit thromboxane production, platelet aggregation, and vasoconstriction. Meta-analyses of large-scale clinical trials have shown that aspirin will reduce the risk for major cardiovascular events by ∼25% in high-risk individuals (1). People with type 2 diabetes have a risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death that is at least two- to fourfold greater than that of age- and sex-matched control subjects. Individuals with diabetes have been shown to have platelets that are unusually sensitive to aggregating agents and manufacture prostaglandin metabolites and thromboxane in excess. Platelets from diabetic subjects also display increased adhesiveness via nonprostaglandin-mediated pathways. Two of these pathways are mediated by the ADP receptor and fibrinogen binding to the GPIIb/IIIa complex. Fibrinolytic activity is often suppressed in type 2 diabetes, predominantly via inhibitory actions of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) on fibrinolysis. Approximately 90% of the …
False Justice and the "True" Prosecutor: A Memoir, a Tribute, and Commentary

This article is a review of False Justice: Eight Myths that Convict the Innocent by Jim and Nancy Petro. But this article is also a memoir, in that I tell the story, from my own perspective as Director of the Ohio Innocence Project, of how I have watched Jim Petro go from prosecutor and elected Attorney General of Ohio to a leading champion of the wrongfully convicted across the nation. The article is also a commentary in that, along the way, I address what makes Jim Petro so different from many prosecutors in this country. In this respect, I discuss problems in our criminal justice system that unfortunately lead some prosecutors, in far too many instances, to contest post-conviction claims of innocence in ways that I believe are contrary to our profession’s ethical standards. With this article, I hold out Jim Petro as a national model - an example that all other prosecutors should strive to emulate.
Proactive and Reactive Violence among Intimate Partner Violent Men Diagnosed with Antisocial and Borderline Personality Disorder

Personality disorder features have been an important basis of many batterer typologies (Babcock et al. J Fam Violence 15:391–409, 2000; Holtzworth-Munroe and Stuart Psychol Bull 116:476–497, 1994), most notably Antisocial and Borderline Personality Disorders. Aggression that partner violent men commit has also been found to be heterogeneous, motivated by the need to control (proactive) or enacted out of emotion (reactive). In the present study, men who were physically abusive towards their female partner (N = 124 couples) were administered the SCID-II diagnostic interview for Antisocial (ASPD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It was hypothesized that partner violent men diagnosed with ASPD would show highest levels of proactive violence whereas men diagnosed with BPD (alone or comorbidly with ASPD) were expected to be reactively violent. Results suggest that violence perpetrated by men with different personality disorders differs in its function. Within the context of intimate relationships, BPD/comorbid men appear to use violence more reactively, while ASPD men tend to use violence both proactively and reactively. Implications for treatment are discussed.
Glyphs: Acts of Inscription: Social Activism and the Politics of the Archive

This essay reviews the compelling recent exhibition Glyphs: Acts of Inscription , hosted by the Pitzer College Art Galleries in Claremont, California, co-curated by Renee Mussai, curator and head of archive at Autograph ABP in London, and Ruti Talmor, assistant professor of media studies at Pitzer College. The show, which ran from September 19 to December 5, 2013, included the work of nine international artists from Africa, Europe, and the United States, including John Akomfrah, Cheryl Dunye, Rotimi Fani-Kayode, Lyle Ashton Harris, Zanele Muholi, Mwangi Hutter, Andrew Putter, Mickalene Thomas, and Carrie Mae Weems. As the title of the exhibition implies, the goal was to interrogate how “identities are constituted through acts of inscription—real or imagined—into the visual archives that constitute history, popular iconographies, and artistic canons,” and to further probe the “consequences of such acts on the poetic and political dimensions of representation, difference, and visibility.” This essay examines the role that social activism plays in the work of all nine contributing artists and the underlying critique of the archive as a politicized framework.
Visualizing search sequences

This video presents a novel visualization technique of interactive search sessions. The objective of this work is to enable characterization and comparison of interactive search sessions with respect to strategies and tactics employed by different people and on different search tasks. The visual aspect of this approach aims to off-load cognition by shifting part of the required processing to perception enabling thus information science researchers to obtain quick overview of search sessions. The video explains the technique and its applications on examples created from data collected in a controlled Web search study.