cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wilderness a probe into "cultural carrying capacity".

Population policy for human beings must be governed by a commitment never to transcend the cultural carrying capacity. Determining this capacity is a problem in values. As concerns material goods, the cultural carrying capacity is inversely proportional to the quality of life demanded. Inherently scarce goods like wilderness, which can be enjoyed by only a few, pose this ethical problem: can we agree on a basis for choosing an elite, or must we, like the French revolutionary Gracchus Babeuf, insist on equal distribution even if the only possible allotment is then zero? If we reject Babeuf we must recognize that the maximum population cannot be the optimum.
Childhood sexual experiences among substance-using non-gay identified Black men who have sex with men and women

This study explored potential variations in childhood sexual abuse (CSA) by examining qualitative accounts of first sexual experiences among non-disclosing, non-gay identified Black men who have sex with men and women (MSMW). We analyzed data from semi-structured qualitative interviews with 33 MSMW who described first sexual experiences with male and female partners. Thematic analysis revealed four patterns of first sexual experiences including: unwanted sexual experiences with a male or female consistent with definitions of childhood sexual abuse; consensual sex with an older male or female; bodily exploration with another male or female child; and consensual sex with a peer-age female. Most of the experiences described by participants as consensual with an older male or female, however, met criteria for childhood sexual abuse found in the extant literature. Several men discussed childhood sexual experiences (CSE) relative to their experiences with alcohol, drugs, and same-sex behavior as adults. Findings suggest that the relationship between CSE and risk-taking behavior may be shaped by whether men perceive their experiences as abusive or consensual, and have implications for researchers, treatment providers and counselors.
Twilight of the idols? pluralism and mystical praxis in Islam

In this article, we discuss the current trend of authoritarianism in the Islamic world, especially as embodied in the institution of taqlid, whereby a lay person blindly follows a religious scholar. We will compare this to the mystical tradition of Ibn ‘Arabi as well as the early esoteric Shi’ite tradition, where a much more “rebellious” type of Islam was offered and provided purviews of pluralism and universalism that challenge authoritarian closures of interpretation in relationship with God. By way of further comparison, we will also attend to the writings of some liberal and pluralistic thinkers in the Muslim world. Maintaining cheerfulness in the midst of a gloomy task, fraught with immeasurable responsibility, is no small feat; and yet what is needed more than cheerfulness? -Nietzsche Twilight of the Idols
Detecting Model Dependence in Statistical Inference: A Response

When counterfactual questions are posed too far from the data, statistical inference can become highly dependent on seemingly trivial but indefensible modeling assumptions. Choosing one or only a few specifications to publish in the presence of model dependence makes conclusions largely nonempirical and subject to criticism from others who make different choices and find contradictory results. Until now, only relatively narrow attempts to assess model dependence have been used in the literature (such as trying a few different functional form specifications) and, as a result, many published inferences are far more uncertain than standard errors and confidence intervals indicate. When researchers ignore the uncertainty due to model dependence, scholarly works tend to have the flavor of merely showing that it is possible to find results consistent with ex ante hypotheses, rather than demonstrating their veracity. Consequently, the opportunities for researchers to use methods such as the ones we offer to learn new facts about existing studies and avoid problems in their research are considerable. Although the comments contain a diversity of views, we are gratified to see that all three endorse our central message. Morrow: “It is important to know when counterfactual statements drawn from statistical estimates wander far from the data used in estimates.” Schrodt: “I am not contesting the general cautions made by the authors: models with different functional forms can diverge substantially, predictions made for sets of independent variables similar in value to those used to estimate a model are more likely to be accurate than predictions for more distant values, and specification error can really mess up regression models.” Sambanis and Doyle (S&D): “statistical results should not be taken too far [from the data] and … any extrapolation depends on the model.” On some other issues, the reviewers disagree with each other or with us. Fortunately, …
Contribution of air conditioning adoption to future energy use under global warming

As household incomes rise around the world and global temperatures go up, the use of air conditioning is poised to increase dramatically. Air conditioning growth is expected to be particularly strong in middle-income countries, but direct empirical evidence is scarce. In this paper we use high-quality microdata from Mexico to describe the relationship between temperature, income, and air conditioning. We describe both how electricity consumption increases with temperature given current levels of air conditioning, and how climate and income drive air conditioning adoption decisions. We then combine these estimates with predicted end-of-century temperature changes to forecast future energy consumption. Under conservative assumptions about household income, our model predicts near-universal saturation of air conditioning in all warm areas within just a few decades. Temperature increases contribute to this surge in adoption, but income growth by itself explains most of the increase. What this will mean for electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions depends on the pace of technological change. Continued advances in energy efficiency or the development of new cooling technologies could reduce the energy consumption impacts. Similarly, growth in low-carbon electricity generation could mitigate the increases in carbon dioxide emissions. However, the paper illustrates the enormous potential impacts in this sector, highlighting the importance of future research on adaptation and underscoring the urgent need for global action on climate change.
Identification of peptide ligands facilitating nanoparticle attachment to erythrocytes

Peptide ligands capable of mediating nanoparticle adhesion to human red blood cells (RBCs) were identified from a large bacterial display peptide library. Peptides were displayed on the surface of fluorescent Escherichia coli, enabling quantitative measurement of RBC binding and high-throughput screening using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. One of the isolated clones remained attached to RBCs under high-shear stresses equivalent to those encountered in vivo. Furthermore, nanoparticles functionalized with the identified RBC-binding peptides exhibited nearly 100-fold increased RBC binding relative to nonfunctionalized particles in the presence of physiologically relevant concentrations of human serum albumin, indicating that peptides remained functional in the absence of the protein scaffold used for display. The RBC-binding peptides identified here provide new opportunities for sustained therapeutic delivery applications whereby nanoparticulate drug carriers can be attached to RBCs to achieve long-circulating carrier systems.
Classification and treatment of the rheumatic diseases with special emphasis on infectious and rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Some of the contributions to the subject of arthritis over the past fifteen years are reviewed. A revised classification and differentiation of joint diseases, as adopted by the American Rheumatism Association, is presented. The general medical management with regard to diet, physical therapy, and the use of newer drugs such as sulfonamides, penicillin, and colloidal gold is stressed in contrast to the former popularity of the “focus of infection” theory which is relegated to a less important role.
Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in assessing hepatic fibrosis: performance in a cohort of patients with histological data.

The purpose of this study was to compare fibrosis seen on liver biopsy to MR elastography (MRE) stiffness measurements in normal controls and patients with abnormal transaminases and chronic liver disease. The control group consisted of 22 healthy liver transplant donors who by definition had normal transaminases. The patient group (32 patients) was recruited from the Mayo Clinic Arizona hepatobiliary clinic over a 3-year span. All subjects underwent a liver biopsy as part of their evaluation and agreed to MRE within 35 days of biopsy. Non-parametric tests were used to compare the MRE-predicted liver fibrosis to the fibrosis noted on liver biopsy. Analysis included 54 subjects (32 patients with chronic liver disease and 22 healthy liver donor candidates). MRE median liver stiffness measurements increased per histologic liver fibrosis stage (one-way ANOVA p = 0.001), with significant correlation between increasing fibrosis stage and stiffness values. Median MRE for control group (2.13 kPa; mean = 2.3 ± 0.6 kPa) was significantly lower than for patient group (3.7 kPa; mean = 4.1 ± 2.1 kPa) (p = 0.003). Significantly, lower median stiffness was seen in zero-to-moderate (F0–2, n = 22) vs. severe fibrosis stages (F3–4, n = 10) 2.80 vs. 5.9 kPa, respectively (p < 0.05). Using a 3.7-kPa cut-off value, the predicted sensitivity and specificity for detecting F0–2 from F3–4 were 91% and 80%, respectively. Our analysis supports previous findings that MRE is a non-invasive and effective method for detection and assessment of liver fibrosis, particularly for discrimination between F0–2 stages and F3–4 stages. MRE may represent a valuable tool to finely discern hepatic fibrosis non-invasively.
Duration of clopidogrel therapy after placement of drug-eluting intracoronary stent.

Patients who undergo intracoronary stent placement during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have reduced rates of restenosis and acute vessel closure compared with patients who undergo balloon angioplasty.[1][1] Drug-eluting stents (DESs), such as Cypher (Cordis Corp., Miami Lakes, FL) (
Phenylbutazone-induced sialadenitis.

Abstract The use of phenylbutazone drugs as anti-inflammatory agents might result in adverse reactions at different organ levels, including salivary glands. A case of sialadenitis following phenylbutazone administration is described. The results of the laboratory work-up and salivary gland scintigraphy are presented to support the diagnosis and follow the recovery process. Systemic antibiotic treatment combined with a mild sialogogue is shown to be effective in managing the clinical signs of salivary gland infection and dysfunction.
Meeting report: Structural determination of environmentally responsive proteins.

The three-dimensional structure of gene products continues to be a missing lynchpin between linear genome sequences and our understanding of the normal and abnormal function of proteins and pathways. Enhanced activity in this area is likely to lead to better understanding of how discrete changes in molecular patterns and conformation underlie functional changes in protein complexes and, with it, sensitivity of an individual to an exposure. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences convened a workshop of experts in structural determination and environmental health to solicit advice for future research in structural resolution relative to environmentally responsive proteins and pathways. The highest priorities recommended by the workshop were to support studies of structure, analysis, control, and design of conformational and functional states at molecular resolution for environmentally responsive molecules and complexes; promote understanding of dynamics, kinetics, and ligand responses; investigate the mechanisms and steps in posttranslational modifications, protein partnering, impact of genetic polymorphisms on structure/function, and ligand interactions; and encourage integrated experimental and computational approaches. The workshop participants also saw value in improving the throughput and purity of protein samples and macromolecular assemblies; developing optimal processes for design, production, and assembly of macromolecular complexes; encouraging studies on protein–protein and macromolecular interactions; and examining assemblies of individual proteins and their functions in pathways of interest for environmental health.
Resection of papillary transitional cell carcinoma using endoscopic snare

We describe a method to remove papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder using an adapted colonoscopic snare for transurethral electroresection. This method permits safe and accurate resection of papillary bladder tumors without the complications associated with the use of the resectoscope.
Franklian treatment with Vietnam veteran couples

In this article, the Franklian treatment method of existential reflection is described as it can be used in marital therapy with Vietnam veterans. The author also provides information about treatment results with twenty-three Vietnam veteran couples from 1974 to 1987.
AES study of H2 reduction of oxidized polycrystalline Ni films

Abstract The Ni—O system is investigated using Auger electron spectroscopy. AES peak shape and peak height changes are consistent with the presence of two prominent sublevels in the valence band of nickel oxide and are reversible in the oxidation-reduction processes.
Things we don't know about boiling heat transfer: 1988

Abstract Twenty-five years ago, J.W. Westwater posed a set of questions that defined what was not understood about nucleate boiling at the time. We review the response to those questions over the intervening years, and we try to pose questions that define what is unknown today.
Improving the Drug Development Process: More Not Less Randomized Trials

Drug development is often a lengthy and expensive process. Extensive preclinical testing via in vitro and animal experimentation aims to select drugs most likely to work in humans. Under the current system, only about half of the drugs succeed in moving from phase 1 (dose-finding) to phase 2 (safety and efficacy).1 For drugs that enter phase 2, less than 1 in 3 succeed; for those entering phase 3 (pivotal efficacy), that number decreases to less than 1 in 2.1,2 Less than 20% of drugs entering phase 1 testing successfully reach the end of the 3-phase evaluation. The percentage can vary from one specialty area to another, and it can be less than 5% to 10% for oncologic and neurologic diseases.3
Apex height control of a four-link hopping robot

Bipedal robots have the potential to provide robust locomotion over uneven terrain and its dynamic stability has been shown to be analogous to that of a spring loaded inverted pendulum (SLIP). The SLIP model is fundamentally limited in its ability to accurately represent legged locomotion since it does not take into account the impulsive dynamics of foot ground interaction. In this paper we investigate the control of a four-link hopping robot based on the complete dynamics of the system. Using partial feedback linearization to control the configuration in continuous time, and discrete parameter variations the control object of apex height control of the robot is achieved. Simulation results are presented to show the efficacy of the control scheme.
Variational algorithms and pattern formation in dendritic solidification

We present a completely new variational algorithm for computing dendritic solidification. This algorithm reproduces the Gibbs-Thomson relation as a balance between bulk and surface energy and is able to operate in the infinite-mobility limit with no unphysical time-step restriction. It may be used with arbitrary non-smooth surface energy functions and may include finite kinetic mobility. We perform computations with isotropic and anisotropic surface energy; from a small irregular initial seed we generate radial tip-splitting structures for isotropic energy and parabolic dendrites with side-branching for anisotropic energy. For anisotropic energy, the final structure is determined by the material and environmental properties; the initial shape is forgotten. For the parabolic dendrite tips, we obtain agreement with the Ivantsov solutions within a few percent and proper dimensional scaling of lengths and velocities with surface energy.
Arterial Spin-Labeled Perfusion Combined with Segmentation Techniques to Evaluate Cerebral Blood Flow in White and Gray Matter of Children with Sickle Cell Anemia

Background Changes in cerebral perfusion are an important feature of the pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia (SCA); cerebrovascular ischemia occurs frequently and leads to neurocognitive deficits, silent infarcts, and overt stroke. Non-invasive MRI methods to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) by arterial spin labeling (ASL) afford new opportunities to characterize disease- and therapy-induced changes in cerebral hemodynamics in patients with SCA. Recent studies have documented elevated gray matter (GM) CBF in untreated children with SCA, but no measurements of white matter (WM) CBF have been reported. Procedures Pulsed ASL with automated brain image segmentation-classification techniques were used to determine the CBF in GM, WM, and abnormal white matter (ABWM) of 21 children with SCA, 18 of whom were receiving hydroxyurea therapy. Results GM and WM CBF were highly associated (R2 = 0.76, P < 0.0001) and the GM to WM CBF ratio was 1.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.43–1.83). Global GM CBF in our treated cohort was 87 ± 24 mL/min/100 g, a value lower than previously reported in untreated patients with SCA. CBF was elevated in normal appearing WM (43 ± 14 mL/min/100 g) but decreased in ABWM (6 ± 12 mL/min/100 g), compared to published normal pediatric controls. Hemispheric asymmetry in CBF was noted in most patients. Conclusions These perfusion measurements suggest that hydroxyurea may normalize GM CBF in children with SCA, but altered perfusion in WM may persist. This novel combined approach for CBF quantification will facilitate prospective studies of cerebral vasculopathy in SCA, particularly regarding the effects of treatments such as hydroxyurea. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:85–91. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electron-impact ionization of Na

Recent convergent close-coupling calculations of the ionization cross section of Na by Bray [Phys. Rev. Lett. 73, 1088 (1994)] are in poor agreement with the experimental determinations, most of which were carried out in the 1960s. We report here a measurement of the ratio of the peak ionization cross section to the cross section for excitation of the ${3}^{2}$P state near threshold. By normalizing the latter to the theoretical cross section computed by Moores and Norcross [J. Phys. B 5, 1482 (1972)] and more recently by Trail et al. [Phys. Rev. A 49, 3620 (1994)], we find an ionization cross section in agreement with Bray within 10%.
A theoretical investigation into the formation of sesquiterpene episulfides

A theoretical investigation using both density functional theory and post-Hartree–Fock ab initio methods has been carried out on the episulfidation of the sesquiterpenes germacrene D, β -caryophyllene, and α -humulene. The calculations show that formation of the sesquiterpene episulfides mintsulfide, caryophyllene-6,7-episulfide, caryophyllene-3,6-episulfide, humulene-6,7-episulfide, and humulene-9, 10-episulfide, by reaction with elemental sulfur, are all exothermic, with formation of mintsulfide the most exothermic. Of the caryophyllene episulfides, caryophyllene-3,6-episulfide is more stable than caryophyllene-6,7-episulfide, consistent with experimental observations. Formation of humulene-6, 7-episulfide involves a lower energy diradical intermediate than formation of humulene-9,10-episulfide, consistent with the early preferential formation of humulene-6,7-episulfide observed experimentally.
Systemic artery-to-pulmonary vein fistula in osteogenic sarcoma of the chest wall

An arteriovenous fistula between the systemic and pulmonary circulations may be congenital, as in bronchopulmonary sequestration, or the communication may be acquired. Inflammatory disease, trauma, and, rarely, neoplasm have been implicated as possible causes of acquired communications. We describe a patient who had a systemic artery-to-pulmonary vein fistula that was secondary to a recurrent sarcoma of the chest wall. Review of the literature failed to reveal a previous report of a similar case.
Do Japanese electronics firms still follow traditional vertical integration strategies? Evidence from the liquid crystal display industry

In the past, Japanese electronics firms have been known for following vertical integration strategies. Such strategies are consistent with Japanese managerial preferences, traditional relationships, and institutions in Japan. However, changes in the technological and competitive environment have resulted in increasing vertical specialization in the electronics industry outside of Japan. This paper examines whether and to what extent Japanese information technology and consumer electronics firms involved in active matrix Liquid Crystal Display production implemented and maintained integration strategies. While focusing on one industry, this paper aims to shed further light on changing attitudes and practices in Japanese management relating to strategy and internationalization.
The impact of coronary artery endarterectomy on outcomes during coronary artery bypass grafting.

Patients who are referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are increasingly more complex with multiple comorbidities, including diabetes, renal insufficiency, and peripheral vascular disease. In addition, many patients have undergone previous interventions for coronary disease.1 Single- and double-vessel disease is often treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. As a result, patients referred for CABG often have advanced and diffuse coronary disease, which has made complete revascularization more challenging. Coronary artery endarterectomy was initially introduced as a lone procedure for myocardial revascularization in the late 1950s;2 however, it was soon replaced with the more successful CABG. Whether or not the performance of CABG with concomitant coronary artery endarterectomy (CE) in patients with severe coronary disease provides more complete long-term revascularization remains unknown. Early experiences with CE reported higher rates of perioperative morbidity and mortality, while more recent data suggest that it can be performed safely with good early results.3,4 As a result of unknown long-term outcomes, many surgeons remain reluctant to perform CE.3,5 In this study, we examined the present-day outcomes in patients undergoing CE compared to patients undergoing CABG alone.
Fully Coupled Dynamic Analysis of Electro-Magneto-Mechanical Problems in Electrically Conductive Composite Plates

This paper will present a numerical method for solving fully coupled dynamic problems of the mechanical behavior of electrically conductive composite plates in the presence of an electromagnetic field. The mechanical behavior of electrically conductive materials in the presence of an electromagnetic field is described by the system of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs), including equations of motion and Maxwell’s equations that are coupled through the Lorentz ponderomotive force. In the case of thin plates, the system of governing equations is reduced to the two-dimensional (2D) time-dependent nonlinear mixed system of hyperbolic and parabolic PDEs. This paper discusses a numerical solution method for this system, which consists of a sequential application of the Newmark finite difference time integration scheme, spatial (with respect to one coordinate) integration scheme, method of lines (MOL), quasilinearization, and a finite difference spatial integration of the obtained two-point boundary-value problem. The final solution is obtained by the application of the superposition method followed by orthonormalization.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
A simple model for the prediction of gamma-ray pulse-height spectra for right-circular cylindrical sodium iodide crystal detectors

Abstract An approximate simple model has been developed for the prediction of the efficiency of a right-circular cylindrical sodium iodide crystal, NaI(Tl), to incident gamma rays of any energy for a crystal of any size and resolution, and for any upper and lower discriminator settings. When small, equal-size discriminator increments are used, this model is formally equivalent to the model required to predict the pulse-height spectra of multichannel analyzers.
Home purchase in nascent mortgage markets: Determinants of who borrows and who pay cash in Cairo

Abstract This analysis examines the broad pattern of home purchase finance in the Greater Cairo area during the 2002–2006 period, with a specific focus on understanding the determinants of the choice between all-cash payment at the time of purchase versus alternative financing arrangements that involved borrowing (“installments”). The data employed are from the Greater Cairo Housing Survey fielded at the end of 2006. Several other factors also are associated with the choice of finance method, most importantly income with the likelihood of paying all-cash declining at a decreasing rate. Those purchasing a new unit are 26% more likely to pay in installments, presumably due to developers marketing this option. As important as these findings is the lack of statistical significance of a number of factors that should matter in doing responsible loan underwriting. These include whether the property is in an informal area or not, the composition of income, and the price of the unit. This pattern indicates that lenders were not rigorously scrutinizing income composition, the ability of the purchaser to continue make payments well into the future, or proper registration to secure the ownership claim. A principal policy conclusion is the necessity in circumstances like those in Egypt to strengthen the quality of loan underwriting by taking into account the kinds of factors just enumerated. The low incidence of installment finance, at only about 25%, also signals the need for a broad outreach program to alert potential home purchasers to the advantages of borrowing for home purchase.
Handshaking Promotes Cooperative Dealmaking

Humans use subtle sources of information — like nonverbal behavior — to determine whether to act cooperatively or antagonistically when they negotiate. Handshakes are particularly consequential nonverbal gestures in negotiations because people feel comfortable initiating negotiations with them and believe they signal cooperation (Study 1). We show that handshakes increase cooperative behaviors, affecting outcomes for integrative and distributive negotiations. In two studies with MBA students, pairs who shook hands before integrative negotiations obtained higher joint outcomes (Studies 2a and 2b). Pairs randomly assigned to shake hands were more likely to openly reveal their preferences on trade-off issues, which improved joint outcomes (Study 3). In a fourth study using a distributive negotiation, pairs of executives assigned to shake hands were less likely to lie about their preferences and crafted agreements that split the bargaining zone more equally. Together, these studies show that handshaking promotes the adoption of cooperative strategies and influences negotiation outcomes.
4.1: Invited Paper: Large Area White OLEDs

A large area white OLED panel that emits 1200 lumens of illumination-quality light is described. The technical approach utilizes down-conversion from an underlying blue OLED made with a fault-tolerant monolithically series-connected architecture. The high device efficiency suggests that the singlet/triplet ratio for polymer OLEDs can be greater than 25%.
Uniform memory hierarchies

The authors introduce a model, called the uniform memory hierarchy (UMH) model, which reflects the hierarchical nature of computer memory more accurately than the RAM (random-access-machine) model, which assumes that any item in memory can be accessed with unit cost. In the model memory occurs as a sequence of increasingly large levels. Data are transferred between levels in fixed-size blocks (the size is level dependent). Within a level blocks are random access. The model is easily extended to handle parallelism. The UMH model is really a family of models parameterized by the rate at which the bandwidth decays as one travels up the hierarchy. A program is parsimonious on a UMH if the leading terms of the program's (time) complexity on the UMH and on a RAM are identical. If these terms differ by more than a constant factor, then the program is inefficient. The authors analyze two standard FFT programs with the same RAM complexity. One is efficient; the other is not. >
Structured variational methods for distributed inference: Convergence analysis and performance-complexity tradeoff

In this paper, the asymptotic performance of a recently proposed distributed inference framework, structured variational methods, is investigated. We first distinguish the intra- and inter-cluster inference algorithms as vertex and edge processes respectively. Their difference is illustrated, and convergence rate is derived for the intra-cluster inference procedure which is based on an edge process. Then, viewed as a mixed vertex-edge process, the overall performance of structured variational methods is characterized via the coupling approach. Tradeoff between complexity and performance of this algorithm is also addressed, which provides insights for network design and analysis.
Mechanisms of surface soft tissue trauma.

Abrasions, lacerations, and burns are common examples of surface soft tissue trauma seen in emergency care facilities. These injuries are the result of a complex set of wounding mechanisms that can be significantly modified by other important wound variables. Mechanisms of surface trauma can be divided into two categories — mechanical and thermal. Mechanical forces include shearing, tension, and compression. The last produces the greatest degree of tissue trauma and can complicate wound repair and healing. Thermal injuries are mediated through radiation, convection, conduction, electricity, and excessive cold. Factors that can modify the mechanism of injury are the wounding material and biologic variables, including the anatomic site of injury, underlying health status, and current use of medications. A working knowledge of wounding mechanisms and their related clinical considerations can be useful in the selection of wound management techniques and in predicting eventual wound outcome.
Case of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy-Related Inflammation – Is the Absence of Cerebral Microbleeds A Good Prognostic Sign?

Objective: The aim of this study is to describe a case of pathologically proven cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAA-I) without cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and its clinical course. Background: CAA-I is an uncommon variant of cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Keys to diagnosis rely on the physician's awareness of this entity, CMBs on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an often favorable response to immunosuppression, and ultimately brain biopsy. CAA-I with no CMBs is rarely reported. Results: A 76-year-old woman presented with 4 weeks of headaches and was found to have visual neglect on the left part of the visual field. MRI of the brain showed sulcal/gyriform hyperintensity with associated leptomeningeal enhancement in the right occipital lobe on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging. No CMBs or large parenchymal FLAIR lesions were seen on MRI. Biopsy was consistent with CAA-I. The patient's headaches resolved spontaneously and no immunosuppression was initiated. The patient remained asymptomatic for the 18 months of follow-up. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, there has been only one previous case of pathology-proven CAA-I without CMBs reported and this was associated with a good prognosis. Lack of CMBs and/or large parenchymal FLAIR lesions may be a prognostic factor in this disease.
Government Redistribution in the Shadow of Legislative Elections: A Study of the Illinois Member Initiative Grants Program

We study an Illinois state government program called �member initiative spending� and examine the extent to which three competing theories can explain the program's allocations among Illinois's 118 House districts. We show that member initiative monies distributed before the 2000 general election were disproportionately allocated to districts that were politically competitive, represented by legislative leaders, or represented by moderate legislators. Our analysis supports theories that claim budgetary decisions made by elected officials are tactical, and it shows that the Illinois decision makers who allocated member initiative funds sought to distribute them in a way that would be most beneficial in the sense of vote buying.
Evidence of three-dimensional scroll waves with ribbon-shaped filament as a mechanism of ventricular tachycardia in the isolated rabbit heart.

Scroll Waves in the Heart. Introduction: Rotating vortices have been observed in excitable media of different nature. Vortices may sustain life or kill in different species, by underlining morphogenesis in Dictiostelium discoideum during starvation, or arrhythmias during sudden cardiac death in mammals. Investigation of vortices in the heart has been limited by two-dimensional experimental techniques. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) Belousov-Zhabotinsky excitable medium and mathematical models have been shown to sustain scroll-shaped waves. The heart is a 3D structure; therefore, scroll waves may underlie cardiac arrhythmias. Methods and Results: We used potentiometric dye and optical mapping techniques to study vortices during ventricular arrhythmias. The core of all observed vortices were linearly shaped and ≥ 9 mm (48 episodes, six hearts). As shown by Allessie et al. in the rabbit atrium, ventricular signals recorded within 1 to 2 mm from the line of block were dual humped, suggesting there is electrotonic interaction across the line of block. We hypothesized that the line of block represents epicardial intersection of ribbon-shaped filaments, which in some cases may be oriented under an angle or parallel to the epicardium. In 14 episodes we observed dualhumped optical recordings at one side of the line of block at a distance up to 12 mm. The two humps may represent the signatures of two activation wave fronts propagating above and below the filament, which in this area is close to the epicardial surface. The activation sequence of the two waves is consistent with the idea of a scroll wave with ribbon-like filament. Conclusion: Our data provide new insights into the shape and dynamics of the filament of the 3D scroll wave, which underlies the mechanism of ventricular tachycardia in the rabbit heart. The filament of the scroll wave may be ribbon shaped, with a significant width ≥ 9 mm and a thickness of 1 to 2 mm. No evidence of fully excitable cells in the core of vortex was observed.
On Localization Performance in Imaging Sensor Nets

We propose a massively scalable ldquoimagingrdquo architecture for sensor networks, in which sensor nodes act as ldquopixelsrdquo that electronically reflect (and possibly modulate data on top of) a beacon transmitted by a collector node. The collector employs sophisticated radar and image processing techniques to localize the responding sensor nodes, and (if data modulation is present) multiuser data demodulation techniques to extract the data sent by multiple sensors. The sensors do not need to know their own locations, do not need to communicate with each other, and can be randomly deployed. In this initial exposition, we develop basic insight into the localization capabilities of this approach, ignoring sensor data modulation. This reduces to an idealized one-bit, on-off keyed, communication model in which the the sensors are either ldquoactiverdquo or ldquoinactive,rdquo with the active sensors responding to the collector's beacon without superimposing data modulation. We consider a moving collector, with the sensor reflections creating a synthetic aperture radar (SAR)-like geometry. However, the collector must employ significant modifications to SAR signal processing for estimation of the location of the active sensors: noncoherent techniques similar to those in noncoherent radar tomography to account for the lack of carrier synchronization between sensor and collector nodes, and decision feedback mechanisms for estimation of the locations of multiple closely spaced active sensors. Measures for localization performance are defined, and the effect of system parameters such as bandwidth, beamwidth and signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) on performance is investigated.
Modeling Architectural Non Functional Requirements: From Use Case to Control Case

While the functional requirements of a system can be effectively modeled through the use case driven approach, there is no standard or de facto method for modeling non-functional requirements of the system architecture. Often such requirements are dealt with in a reactive manner rather than proactively. Yet increasingly a contributing factor in project difficulty and failure are the non-functional requirements imposed on the solution architecture. This paper proposes a control case approach to record and model non-functional requirements. This technique enables the control case to represent the nonfunctional requirements from different perspectives, most typically the various operating conditions. Furthermore, we propose an extension to the "4+1" view model for depicting software architecture by adding the control case view. The combination of both the use case and control case views thus reflects the complete requirements across the collective system life cycle views: design, process, implementation and deployment
Impact of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device support on right ventricular function.

Background Continuous-flow (CF) pumps have yielded improvements in short- and long-term survival and quality of life, and have reduced the number of left ventricular assist device (LVAD)-related complications. However, their ability to unload the right ventricle (RV) and improve RV function has not been as clearly defined. We evaluated the short- and mid-term effects of CF-LVADs on central venous pressure (CVP), pulmonary artery pressures (PAP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), cardiac index (CI), RV ejection fraction (RVEF), RV end-diastolic dimension (RVEDD), RV stroke work index (RVSWI), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Methods From March 2006 through June 2012, 130 patients with chronic heart failure underwent implantation of a CF-LVAD (122 HeartMate II and 8 HeartWare devices) as a bridge to transplant ( n = 76) or as destination therapy ( n = 54). Patients with pre-operative long-term LVADs ( n = 4) and patients who underwent concomitant tricuspid valve repairs during their LVAD implant ( n = 21) were excluded from the analysis. Echocardiograms and right heart catheterizations of the remaining 105 patients were reviewed pre-operatively and at 1 and 6 months post-LVAD implantation. Results At 1 month post-LVAD implantation, CVP decreased from 12.4 ± 5.9 mm Hg to 8.7 ± 4.5 mm Hg ( p p p 2 to 2.4 ± 0.5 liters/min m 2 ( p p p = 0.020), RVSWI improved from 408.6 ± 144.6 mm Hg ml m 2 to 614.4 ± 196.2 mm Hg ml m 2 ( p p = 0.004). Similarly, qualitative RV function on echocardiography improved from 57.1% moderately or severely reduced pre-operatively to 38.1% at 1 month ( p = 0.008). Severity of TR decreased from 11.4% moderate or severe pre-operatively to 4.8% at 1 month ( p Conclusions CF-LVAD support significantly decreased CVP and RVEDD, with concomitant improvement in RV function, as measured by increases in RVEF, RVSWI and TAPSE, as well as improvements in the qualitative echocardiographic appearance of RV contractility and a reduction in TR.
Host phylogeny and specialisation in parasitoids

The host range of insect parasitoids and herbivores is influenced by both preference-related traits which mediate host choice behaviour, and performance-related traits which mediate the physiological suitability of the consumer-resource interaction. In a previous study, we characterised the influence of preference- and performance-related traits on the host range of the aphid parasitoid Binodoxys communis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and herein we build upon those data sets by mapping a series of these traits onto the phylogeny of the (aphid) host species. We found a strong effect of host phylogeny on overall parasitoid reproduction on the 20 host species tested, but no effect of the phylogeny of host plants of the aphids. We found an effect of aphid phylogeny on host acceptance and sting rates (related to preference) from behavioural observations and for pupal survivorship (related to performance), showing that both classes of traits show phylogenetic conservatism with respect to host species.
INHIBITION OF IN VITRO ATTACHMENT OF GIARDIA TROPHOZOITES BY MUCIN

An enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay was developed to quantify the number of Giardia sp. trophozoites attached to a substratum. Trophozoites were allowed to attach for 5 or 10 min to untreated or modified substratum, or allowed to attach in the presence of cytoskeletal inhibitors. Microtubule inhibitors, cochicine and nocodazole, were ineffective in blocking attachment, although the actin-disrupting agent cytochalasin B produced significant inhibition of attachment. Three different mucins were associated with significant inhibition of Giardia trophozoite attachment, which was reversed by treating the mucin-coated wells with 0.1% poly-l-arginine. Examination of mucin-treated substrata by high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of thin linear fibrils, whereas treatment of mucin-coated wells with poly-l-arginine revealed similar fibrils but of thicker dimensions. These data support the concept that mucin may inhibit Giardia sp. trophozoite attachment in vitro by elec...
Young Adults and the Catholic Church

Much has been written in recent years about the religious attitudes and aspirations of young adults. It is clear that many Catholics are concerned about what they perceive to be the distancing of young adults from the institutional church. In a 2003 poll, more than half of Catholics surveyed said that the lack of participation by young adults is a serious problem for the church (D’Antonio et al., 77). They listed this concern as one of the three most serious problems faced by the U.S. Catholic Church, along with the clergy sexual abuse scandal and the decline in vocations to religious life and the priesthood. In his recent study of young adults from all religious backgrounds, Princeton sociologist Robert Wuthnow compares them to young adults of the 1970s. He concludes that “young adults are less likely to participate in religious services than they were a generation ago” (Wuthnow, 214). He describes himself as “troubled” by his findings about the religious involvement of young U.S. Americans. It is evident that the challenges set before the Catholic Church with regard to eliciting young adult participation are also faced by other religious groups. I am currently involved with young adults in two settings: the theology classroom, where I teach systematic theology to graduate students, and through young
Effects of respiratory variables on regional gas transport during high-frequency ventilation

The regional effects of tidal volume (VT), respiratory frequency, and expiratory-to-inspiratory time ratio (TE/TI) during high-frequency ventilation (HFV) were studied in anesthetized and paralyzed dogs. Regional ventilation per unit of lung volume (spVr) was assessed with a positron camera during the washout of the tracer isotope 13NN from the lungs of 12 supine dogs. From the washout data, functional images of the mean residence time (MRT) of 13NN were produced and spVr was estimated as the inverse of the regional MRT. We found that at a constant VT X f product (where f represents frequency), increasing VT resulted in higher overall lung spV through the local enhancement of the basal spVr and with little effect in the apical spVr. In contrast, increasing VT X f at constant VT increased overall ventilation without significantly affecting the distribution of spVr values. TE/TI had no substantial effect in regional spVr distribution. These findings suggest that the dependency of gas transport during HFV of the form VT2 X f is the result of a progressive regional transition in gas transport mechanism. It appears, therefore, that as VT increases, the gas transport mechanism changes from a relative inefficient dispersive mechanism, dependent on VT X f, to the more efficient mechanism of direct fresh gas convection to alveoli with high regional tidal volume-to-dead-space ratio. A mathematical model of gas transport in a nonhomogeneous lung that exhibits such behavior is presented.
Acquiring and Trading on Complex Information: How Hedge Funds Use the Freedom of Information Act

Using the Freedom of Information Act, hedge funds receive records from the Food and Drug Administration about new product approvals, factory inspections, and complaints. We use the funds' receipt of this information to empirically test implications of theories about investors with bounded rationality acquiring complex information for trading purposes. Consistent with theory, we find evidence that the magnitude of hedge fund trades is positively related to the funds' prior knowledge about the target firm and the FOIA process, and to the short-term abnormal stock returns derived from trading.
Self-Organized Crystal Growth of Nanostructured ZnO Morphologies by Hydrothermal Synthesis

A template-free method was developed to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoflowers, nanorods, microdandelions, and microspheres using hydrothermal synthesis. The effect of pH value on ZnO morphology was investigated using zinc acetate dehydrate and urea as an additive. We found that ZnO microspheres were developed at pH=12.0 while nanoflowers and nanorods were developed at pH less than 11.0. Furthermore, we also found that urea plays a crucial role in the formation of ZnO microspheres.
Mesoporous Carbon/Zirconia Composites: A Potential Route to Chemically Functionalized Electrically-Conductive Mesoporous Materials

Mesoporous nanocomposite materials in which nanoscale zirconia (ZrO2) particles are embedded in the carbon skeleton of a templated mesoporous carbon matrix were prepared, and the embedded zirconia sites were used to accomplish chemical functionalization of the interior surfaces of mesopores. These nanocomposite materials offer a unique combination of high porosity (e.g., ∼84% void space), electrical conductivity, and surface tailorability. The ZrO2/carbon nanocomposites were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, nitrogen-adsorption porosimetry, helium pychnometry, powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Comparison was made with templated mesoporous carbon samples prepared without addition of ZrO2. Treatment of the nanocomposites with phenylphosphonic acid was undertaken and shown to result in robust binding of the phosphonic acid to the surface of ZrO2 particles. Incorporation of nanoscale Zr...