cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resource Scalability at Wave Energy Test Sites

Harnessing the power of ocean waves offers enormous potential as a source of renewable energy. To date the technologies for capturing this resource, collectively known as wave energy converters (WECs), have yet to reach commercial viability and continued research and development efforts are required to move wave energy to the industrial scale. Integral to this process is ensuring that technologies progress along a staged development pathway; proving WEC concepts using small scale physical models in controlled settings such as laboratory wave tanks before eventually advancing to testing sub-prototype and full scale devices in real sea conditions.The primary objective of this research is to improve the understanding of how best to address the scaling of wave resource measurements and wave energy device power production when analyzing the results of sea-trials. This paper draws on measured data from three test sites; Galway Bay in Ireland, the Pacific Marine Energy Test Centre off the coast of Oregon, and Lake Washington, and assesses how accurately they recreate, at reduced scale, the conditions that commercial WEC installations are likely to encounter at exposed deployment locations. Appropriate techniques for extrapolating these results to predict the performance of commercial WECs at energy-rich locations on the west coasts of Ireland and the US are also demonstrated and discussed.The output from this research will be a set of protocols for addressing wave energy resource scalability to help guide device developers through this important stage of technology progression. Improved knowledge regarding resource scalability will allow for more streamlined progression of WEC concepts from wave tanks to sea-trials, and eventually to full-scale ocean deployment. It will also result in a reduced uncertainty about device power output and survivability, which are key drivers in determining the economic viability of projects.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Quantum Statistics and Slow Neutron Scattering by Gases

A surprisingly simple expression in ``closed form'' for the cross section d2σ/dΩde for the scattering of thermal neutrons (including polarized neutrons) from an ideal quantum gas is derived. This result extends the work of Van Hove on the quantum gas. An expansion is obtained for dσ/de. The case of elastic scattering is treated separately. From these expressions is obtained a criterion for ignoring the statistics of the scatterer in favor of classical (Boltzmann) statistics. This criterion should have some validity for weakly interacting systems. It is shown that the effects of statistics on the neutron cross section for a helium‐4 gas range from 5% or less for the noninteracting gas up to as much as 40% for the interacting system.
Fabrication and Characterization of Superconducting NbN Nanowire Single Photon Detectors

We report on the fabrication and characterization of high-speed, single photon detectors using superconducting NbN nanowires at a wavelength of 1064 nm. A 15 by 15 microns detector with a detector efficiency of 40% has been measured. Due to kinetic inductance, the recovery time of such large area detectors is longer than that of smaller or single wire detectors. The recovery time of our detectors (50 ns) has been characterized by measuring the inter-arrival time statistics of our detector.
Gallstone obstruction of the duodenal bulb (Bouveret's syndrome)

A series of 14 patients with gallstone impactions in the duodenal bulb is analyzed. Obstruction and pain were the typical symptoms. Three-quarters of the patients had a long history of biliary symptoms and almost half had prior episodes suggesting obstruction. Improved radiographic methods suggested the correct diagnosis in three-quarters of the patients. Air and/or contrast material in the biliary tree, demonstration of the calculus or a filling defect in the duodenal cap, and gastric retention were the common findings.
Synthesis, physicochemical properties and in vitro cytotoxicity of nicotinic acid ester prodrugs intended for pulmonary delivery using perfluorooctyl bromide as vehicle.

Abstracts This study explores perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) as a potential vehicle for the pulmonary delivery of a series of prodrugs of nicotinic acid using cell culture studies. The prodrugs investigated have PFOB–water (log Kp = 0.78 to >2.2), perfluoromethylcyclohexane–toluene (log Kp = −2.62 to 0.13) and octanol–water (log Kp = 0.90–10.2) partition coefficients spanning several orders of magnitude. In confluent NCI-H358 human lung cancer cells, the toxicity of prodrugs administered in culture medium or PFOB depends on the medium of administration, with EC20's above 8 mM and 2.5 mM for culture medium and PFOB, respectively. Short-chain nicotinates administered both in PFOB and medium increase cellular NAD/NADP levels at 1 mM nicotinate concentrations. Long-chain nicotinates, which could not be administered in medium due to their poor aqueous solubility, increased NAD/NADP levels if administered in PFOB at concentrations ≥10 mM. These findings suggest that even highly lipophilic prodrugs can partition out of the PFOB phase into cells, where nicotinic acid is released and converted to NAD. Thus, PFOB may be a novel and biocompatible vehicle for the delivery of lipophilic prodrugs of nicotinic acid and other drugs directly to the lung of laboratory animals and humans.
The magnetic monopole flux and the survival of intracluster magnetic fields

Abstract The observation of diffuse radio emission from a number of rich clusters (including the Coma cluster) indicates the presence of 10 −8 –10 −7 G intracluster magnetic fields. We argue that the survival of such fields places an upper bound on the average flux of monopoles within our galaxy, F ≲ 10 −18 −10 −20 cm −2 s −1 sr −1 , for monopoles of mass m ≲ 10 −18 GeV. Although somewhat less secure, this bound is at least 3 orders of magnitude more restrictive than the “Parker bound”, which is based upon the survival of galactic magnetic fields.
Hot plate welding of polypropylene. Part II: Process simulation

A volume of fluid finite difference method based computer code was developed to simulate the heat transfer and squeezing flow in the hot-plate welding process. The simulation results include melt displacement, temperature distribution, and stress build-up and relaxation. By implementing the crystallization kinetic model developed in Part I, the formation of stress-induced crystal structure in the heat affected zone can be revealed.
Geometric analysis of neuronal firing patterns in network models with fast inhibitory synapses

Abstract We demonstrate how geometric dynamical systems techniques can yield insight into network behavior in models of coupled neurons. Such an approach is useful for understanding general mechanisms by which firing patterns, such as synchrony and clustering, arise and for computing how cells’ intrinsic and synaptic properties shape network behavior. We focus here on biophysical models, based on the Hodgkin–Huxley formalism, relevant to thalamic activity during sleep and paroxysmal discharges and especially on the role of fast inhibitory coupling in synchronous oscillations. A key finding is that qualitative differences in synchronization mechanisms appear in models with different complexity levels.
Civil Armies, Civil Societies, and NATO's Enlargement:

As NATO's membership and function widen, it transits from a "latent war community" to something akin to an international regime aimed at collective security. During and after such a process, successful integration into the "new" alliance will have little to do with a state's military contribution or strategic advantage. Instead, principal emphasis will be placed on how a state and its army behave. This discussion concerns the behavioral standards of a "civil army"—an ideal type to which no system can lay claim, but which allows comparative assessments. In a brief survey of east-central and southeast Europe, attention is given to signs of criminality, procurement fraud, limited civilian roles in defense, diminished public image of armies, low compliance of high commands, and other evidence that building civil armies requires further effort. Concluding comments note policy alternatives for U. S. and NATO efforts to accelerate civil-military transitions.
Variation in osteoarthritis biomarkers from activity not food consumption.

Background To optimize sampling and to understand sources of variation in biomarkers for osteoarthritis (OA), we evaluated variation due to activity and food consumption.
The saponin content and sapogenol composition of the seed of 13 varieties of legume

The total saponin content of various legume seeds together with their sapogenol composition have been determined. Extraction of the defatted flours was effected with methanol and subsequent acid hydrolysis yielded the soyasapogenols which were analysed using gas and thin-layer chromatography. The saponin levels ranged from 0–0.65% for defatted seed while the major sapogenol present in these saponins was soyasapogenol B. The figures obtained are compared with those previously reported and reasons are suggested for the discrepancies.
The Chi-Chi Earthquake Sequence: Active, Out-of-Sequence Thrust Faulting in Taiwan

We combined precise focal depths and fault plane solutions of more than 40 events from the 20 September 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake sequence with a synthesis of subsurface geology to show that the dominant structure for generating earthquakes in central Taiwan is a moderately dipping (20° to 30°) thrust fault away from the deformation front. A second, subparallel seismic zone lies about 15 kilometers below the main thrust. These seismic zones differ from previous models, indicating that both the basal decollement and relic normal faults are aseismic.
Saliva in health and disease: an appraisal and update.

Saliva plays an important role in oral health monitoring, regulating and maintaining the integrity of the oral hard tissues and some soft tissues. This paper reviews the role of saliva, the prevalence of oral dryness and the consequent importance of salivary flow as well as the relationship between xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction amongst the causes of oral dryness. Other aspects of oral conditions associated with saliva are also reviewed including Sjogren's Syndrome and oesophageal function. Finally, knowledge, and the current use of salivary tests and the utilisation of saliva as a diagnostic fluid are surveyed.
Viscoelastic contract, work of adhesion and the JKR technique

The extension of the Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) theory of elastic contact to a linear viscoelastic material is addressed with particular emphasis on the debonding phase of a JKR test. We show that the contact stress at the moving edge of the contact zone is tensile and is characterized by a stress intensity factor, KI(t). In contrast to the elastic JKR theory, KI(t) is no longer determined by the current contact area and applied load, but depends on the entire history of loading. Furthermore, KI(t) no longer uniquely determines the energy flow (G) to the material at the moving edge of the contact zone since G is coupled to the local separation or bonding process. This means that one cannot obtain the work of adhesion (W) directly from experimental data. Since the mechanics of viscoelastic deformation is invariably coupled to the separation or bonding process, the adhesion of viscoelastic bodies can no longer be completely characterized by a single parameter (i.e. W) approach. The theory presented here suggests that a better way to characterize the adhesion of viscoelastic materials is to relate the rate of bonding or debonding of surfaces to the KI(t). Procedures for obtaining KI(t) from experimental data are given for the bonding and debonding phases of both force and displacement controlled tests.
Ego boundary disturbance in juvenile anorexia nervosa

Tested the hypothesis that ego boundary disturbance is present in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa. Twenty anorexics were compared to 20 female depressed controls on Rorschach scales designed to measure theoretically relevant aspects of boundary impairment. Results showed that anorexics scored higher on scales that measure inner-outer and conceptual boundary disturbance and produced significantly more responses that emphasized the solidity of object boundaries. Boundary scores were unrelated to degree of weight loss and global symptom severity, and follow-up testing after normal weight was restored revealed little change from initial levels. These findings are discussed in relation to current theory on the role of developmental ego pathology in the origins and phenomenology of anorexia nervosa.
Presence of nitro-chlorinated dioxins on fly ash from municipal incinerators and from laboratory production through reactions between NO2 and T4CDD on fly ash

Abstract Treatment of tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (T4CDD) on municipal incinerator fly ash at 30 to 150°C for 10 minutes using 5% (Vol/Vol) NO2 in air resulted in production of nitro-T4CDD. Percent conversion was between 40% at 50°C to 100% at 150°C. Nitro-T4CDD produced in the laboratory was unstable in hexane/methanol or hexane/acetone solutions and decomposed at −5°C with half-lives of 8–10 days−1 to the original T4CDD. Fly ash from a municipal incinerator in Toronto, Ontario was extracted using toluene/methanol for 12 hrs in a Soxhlet extractor. Condensate of this extract was analyzed using capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization, nitrogen-selective, and mass spectrometric detectors. Retention times for nitro-T4CDD, multi-ion selected ion monitoring, and nitrogen detector response were used as supporting evidence for the presence of nitro-chlorinated dioxins as naturally occurring in this sample.
What is new in the area of androgen excess

A summary is provided regarding some of the latest advancements in the field of androgen excess. These presentations were made at the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Androgen Excess Society in Boston, Massachusetts, June 23, 2006.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of 14-alkoxymorphinans. 21. Novel 4-alkoxy and 14-phenylpropoxy derivatives of the mu opioid receptor antagonist cyprodime.

The synthesis, biological, and pharmacological evaluation of novel derivatives of cyprodime are described. Their binding affinities at μ, δ, and κ opioid receptors were evaluated using receptor binding assay. It was observed that the affinity of these compounds was sensitive to the character and length of the substituent in position 4. Further prolongation of the 4-alkoxy group of cyprodime (1) and its 4-butoxy analogue 2 is detrimental for the μ opioid receptor affinity. Introduction of an arylalkoxy group at C-4 does not increase μ affinity in the case of benzyloxy, while a phenylpropoxy group reduces μ affinity. The δ and κ affinities were also reduced compared to the reference compounds. A significant increase in the affinity at the μ opioid receptors was achieved by introducing a 14-phenylpropoxy group. Increases in the affinity at δ and κ receptors were also observed. These findings provide further evidence that the nature of the substituent at position 14 has a major impact on the abilities of morp...
Bandwidth compression of noisy images

Abstract The effect of additive noise on Discrete Fourier Transform of pictorial data (2DFT) must be considered in several important problems such as filtering, enhancement and bandwidth compression. This paper investigates the statistical properties of the corrupted 2DFT coefficients, and the error involved in reconstruction when a subset of these coefficients is employed for the purpose. The latter being often the case, the present analysis provides a rational basis for frequency selection and filter specification. Application of an F-test quantifies the reliability of filtering or bandwidth compression.
Industrialization, pollution, and infant mortality

This study examines the effects of growing manufacturing employment on infant mortality across almost 200 Indonesian districts from 1985 to 1995, a time of rapid industrialization. Overall, we find no relationship between growing manufacturing employment in general and infant mortality. However, when the growth in manufacturing is concentrated in more polluting industries (as measured by the construction of a harm-weighted index of predicted emissions from manufacturing), there were economically and statistically significant increases in infant mortality. Finally, we consider a variety of potential causal channels that may change with industrialization (such as housing quality and access to health care) and whose change may help to explain the observed relationships. Although most of the various factors are correlated with infant mortality and the industrialization measures are correlated with changes in several factors, conditioning on these measures does not change our basic results.
Success rates for strategic alliances—are they good enough?

Abstract If they are so crucial, why do so many companies find it so difficult to manage partnerships toward success?
Soybean Cyst Nematode, Heterodera glycines, Populations Adapting to Resistant Soybean Cultivars in Kentucky.

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, is the most limiting biotic factor of soybean (Glycine max) production in Kentucky (KY). Unpublished results of a survey of commercial soybean fields in KY in the late 1980s indicated that H. glycines (HG) type 0 (race 3) was the most common HG type in the state. HG type 0 populations cannot reproduce (female index [FI] 90% of the soybean cultivars grown in the United States. Recent reports from Illinois (4), Missouri (3), and North Carolina (2) indicate that most populations of H. glycines in those states are now able to reproduce on resistant soybean cultivars derived from PI88788. Because cultivars derived from PI88788 are grown almost exclusively in KY to manage H. glycines, a limited survey was needed to update information on H. glycines populations. Most soybean fields in KY are grown in a 1-year rotation with corn (Zea may...
A Robust Linear Programming Based Boosting Algorithm

AdaBoost has been successfully used in many signal processing systems for data classification. It has been observed that on highly noisy data AdaBoost leads to overfitting. In this paper, a new regularized boosting algorithm LPnorm2-AdaBoost (LPNA), arising from the close connection between AdaBoost and linear programming, is proposed to mitigate the overfitting problem. In the algorithm, the data distribution skewness is controlled during the learning process to prevent outliers from spoiling decision boundaries by introducing a smooth convex penalty function (l2 norm) into the objective of the minimax problem. A stabilized column generation technique is used to transform the optimization problem into a simple linear programming problem. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated through experiments on a wide variety of datasets
LOOKING BACKWARD, FACING FORWARD

Our year of commemorating the centennial of the Seismological Society of America is drawing to a close. We have had an opportunity to reflect on our long and proud history and to take a fresh look at preserving materials from our early years. During this process someone pointed out to me that I have been the chief staffer at SSA for more than one-third of the Society's existence. Once I recovered from the personal implications of that observation, I began to review the many changes I've seen in my years with SSA. When I arrived in 1970, membership in scientific societies was viewed as a civic duty, a special responsibility to support the advancement of one's field of knowledge. From the early minutes, we can see that the SSA founders had big ambitions for the Society. However, by the time I arrived in January 1970, the identity of SSA was defined as much by what it did not do as by what it did. At some point it had been decided that SSA would focus steadfastly on only two activities: publishing the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America ( BSSA ) and holding annual meetings. Perry Byerly, who ran SSA as its elected secretary from 1930 to 1956, institutionalized this maxim in his 1964 published history. It was quoted frequently to me and to anyone who had the temerity to suggest that SSA take on new things. In the early 1970s, funding for nuclear explosion monitoring prompted a great growth in the number of seismologists and seismic installations. The SSA membership and the number of papers in BSSA grew substantially, too. The San Fernando earthquake in 1971 was my first lesson in how funding flows after a disaster. But even as the science expanded, the Society stayed focused for many years …
Inherited pelvic organ prolapse in the mouse: preliminary evaluation of a new murine model

The objective of this study was to report the initial anatomic, radiographic, and genetic evaluations of a novel form of spontaneous pelvic organ prolapse (S-POP) in mice. We observed S-POP in a colony of UPII-SV40T transgenic mice developed for studies on bladder cancer. We utilized magnetic resonance imaging and necropsy to characterize this finding. We have established a breeding colony to identify inheritance patterns and for future studies. Selective breeding isolated the S-POP phenotype from the transgene. In contrast to other animal models, the S-POP mouse does not require an obligatory antecedent event to manifest pelvic organ prolapse. Necropsy and imaging demonstrate significant displacement of the pelvic organs distal to the pelvic floor in both sexes. The appearance of the POP is similar to that seen in the human female phenotype. Preliminary breeding studies indicate an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. This mouse may be an effective animal model for the study of POP in humans.
Preeclampsia: What's New?

P reeclampsia continues to represent a significant problem for both the obstetrician and the anesthesiologist. It affects 2% to 7% of all pregnancies in the United States and is likely to occur at both extremes of age [1]. A practitioner working in labor and delivery will be confronted with decisions regarding the management of these patients. Preeclampsia is a disorder that presents typically after 20 weeks gestation, most usually after 24 weeks, except when associated with a hydatidiform mole. Preeclampsia is currently diagnosed based on the classic triad of raised blood pressure, edema, and proteinuria. Of these symptoms, edema is the least specific. Proteinuria is defined as 30 mg/dL measured with a urine dipstick on two or more samples, or a total protein content of 300 mg or greater on a 24-hour urine collection [2]. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists clinically defined preeclampsia as a sustained systolic blood pressure of at least 140 mm Hg or sustained diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg [3]. Maternal and perinatal outcomes are good in patients who have mild preeclampsia developing after 36 weeks gestation. When preeclampsia develops before 33 weeks or in patients who have preexisting medical disorders, the outcome is less favorable [4]. Preeclampsia usually abates within 48 hours of pregnancy termination. Eclampsia is defined as preeclampsia with central nervous system involvement leading to seizures not related to other cerebral conditions. Severe preeclampsia involves end-organ damage. It is defined by the presence of preeclampsia and any one of the manifestations listed in Box 1. A parturient who has severe preeclampsia will be delivered regardless of the gestational age. Of preeclamptic parturients, only 1% will develop eclampsia. Given the risks associated with seizures, most parturients who have preeclampsia will be treated with magnesium to prevent seizures. In a multicenter trial comparing 5055 patients randomized to magnesium with 5055 treated with placebo, magnesium was the superior medication for preventing seizures [5]. Although patients treated with magnesium sulfate showed a greater
Neurovirulence of glycoprotein C(gC)-deleted bovine herpesvirus type-5 (BHV-5) and BHV-5 expressing BHV-1 gC in a rabbit seizure model.

Herpesvirus glycoprotein C (gC) is one of the major virus attachment proteins. Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) causes respiratory and genital diseases in cattle, whereas BHV-5 causes acute mening...
Rapid differentiation of infectious bursal disease virus serotypes by polymerase chain reaction

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) remains one of the most important contributors to economic loss in the poultry industry. The disease primarily affects the bursa of Fabricius of young chickens, resulting in reduced feed efficiency, reduced weight gain, increased mortality, and immunosuppression. Immunosuppression may increase susceptibility to other infectious disease agents. Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is highly contagious and very resistant to disinfectants. Once the virus becomes established on the premises, it tends to persist for a long time. Infectious bursal disease virus, a member of the Bimaviridae, is a double-stranded RNA virus and contains 2 segments designated A and B. 3,5 Genome segment A encodes the structural proteins, VP-2, VP-3, and VP-4. Genome segment B encodes VP-l, a viral polymerase. There are at least two distinct serotypes of IBDV, serotypes 1 and 2. Only serotype 1 viruses cause disease, whereas all known serotype 2 viruses are not pathogenic to chickens. However, both serotypes are widespread in chickens. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies have been developed and used in differentiating IBDV serotypes by the virus neutralization (VN) test. Most IBD field samples cannot be directly used in the VN test. The viruses for the VN test are usually obtained by inoculating field samples into chicken embryos or are adapted to grow in primary cell cultures or mammalian cell lines. The essential element of the VN test requires that the amounts of IBDV or its replication products should be high enough for antigen-antibody reaction and serotype differentiation. Furthermore, the VN test is time consuming and inconvenient. Early diagnosis of IBD is necessary for the control of the disease, and rapid detection of IBDV and differentiation of IBDV serotypes is warranted. Recently, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to the detection of IBDV and resulted in a very specific and sensitive assay. Although both IBDV serotypes were recognized by the PCR technique in that study, the PCR does offer several advantages. First, there is no need to grow or isolate virus from clinical specimens before PCR amplification, which significantly reduces the time and labor. Second, the PCR results in exponential amplification of a specific IBDV cDNA sequence flanked by a pair of primers selected from a known cDNA sequence of IBDV genome. By carefully analyzing the published genomic
A comparison of methods for simulating low dose-rate gamma ray testing of MOS devices

A radiation testing procedure is presented and experimentally verified in which a series of high-dose-rate irradiations, with 100 degrees C annealing under bias between irradiations, is used to simulate a continuous low-dose-rate irradiation. This approach can reduce low-dose-rate testing time by as much as a factor of 100 with respect to actual low-dose-rate irradiations. The procedure also provides detailed information on the behavior of CMOS parts at low dose-rates which are of interest to many satellite systems. >
Testing Methods: The Evaluation of Discovery Operations in Evolutionary Biology

Scientific discovery requires both abstract, theoretically defined concepts and discovery operations formed by sets of rules that permit the empirical detection of instances of those concepts. In this paper, I examine the ontological status of discovery operations and the tests employed to evaluate them in evolutionary biology. Attention is drawn to the distinction between nomothetic (universal, predictive) and ideographic (historical, retrodictive) discovery operations, and between complementary and exclusive discovery operations. Three types of tests of discovery operations are commonly employed in evolutionary biology. Theoretical tests aim to show that a discovery operation is inconsistent with accepted, well-corroborated, empirical theories. Empirical tests evaluate the performance of competing discovery operations in terms of their results when applied to the same empirical data sets. Philosophical tests aim to show that an operation is inconsistent with logical and epistemological principles. Appropriately designed theoretical and philosophical tests of ideographic discovery operations may be scientifically valid. Empirical tests, however, are incapable of evaluating the scientific merits of competing discovery operations. Nonetheless, empirical comparisons (not tests) of competing discovery operations may provide insight into the ways discovery operations may be misleading and therefore may play an important role in stimulating critical debate and eventually establishing a scientifically optimal operation. In practice, theoretical and philosophical tests are often combined to test competing discovery operations as rigorously as possible.
An independent-connection model for traffic matrices

A common assumption made in traffic matrix (TM) modeling and estimation is independence of a packet's network ingress and egress. We argue that in real IP networks, this assumption should not and does not hold. The fact that most traffic consists of two-way exchanges of packets means that traffic streams flowing in opposite directions at any point in the network are not independent. In this paper we propose a model for traffic matrices based on independence of connections rather than packets. We argue that the independent-connection (IC) model is more intuitive, and has a more direct connection to underlying network phenomena than the gravity model. To validate the IC model, we show that it fits real data better than the gravity model and that it works well as a prior in the TM estimation problem. We study the model's parameters empirically and identify useful stability properties. This justifies the use of the simpler versions of the model for TM applications. To illustrate the utility of the model we focus on two such applications: synthetic TM generation and TM estimation. To the best of our knowledge this is the first traffic matrix model that incorporates properties of bidirectional traffic.
Access to the Left Atrium for Delivery of Radiofrequency Ablation in Young Patients: Retrograde Aortic vs Transseptal Approach

Reported experience with the transseptal ap- proach to the left atrium for delivery of radiofrequency energy in the young patient is limited. To compare two approaches for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the left atrium we reviewed our experience from January 1, 1991, through February 1, 1999, in 154 procedures per- formed on 136 patients (mean age 12.2 years). The pa- tients were grouped by either the retrograde aortic route (R, n 4 30) or the transseptal atrial route (T, n 4 106). No significant differences were found in age, weight, height, supraventricular tachycardia cycle length, or electrocardiograph characteristics (manifest vs concealed accessory pathway) between the two approaches. Com- parison of the transseptal group to the retrograde aortic group revealed a significant difference in the number of catheters (mean 4 4Rv s 3T ,p < 0.0001), total fluo- roscopic time (71.3 min R vs 43.0 min T, p 4 0.0007), diagnostic fluoroscopic time (40.2 min R vs 16.6 min T, p < 0.0001), ablation fluoroscopic time (44.7 min R vs 25.3 min T, p 4 0.019), and procedure time (5.0 hours R vs 4.1 hours T, p < 0.0001). No significant difference was found in success rate, number of radiofrequency applications, or major complication rate. These data sug- gest that although outcomes and major complication rates are similar for the two groups, the use of fewer catheters and shorter fluoroscopic times warrant consid- eration of the transseptal atrial approach in young pa- tients.
Identification of Isoforms of a Mitotic Motor in Mammalian Spermatogenesis

We have isolated the full-length coding sequence for mouse KIFC5A (kinesin family c-terminal 5A) cDNA, encoding a motor protein found in the testes. The complete sequence of the KIFC5A cDNA is homologous to a group of carboxyl-terminal motors, including hamster CHO2, human HSET, and mouse KIFC1 and KIFC4. The KIFC5A and KIFC1 cDNAs are nearly identical except for the presence of two additional sequence blocks in the 59-end of KIFC5A and a number of single base-pair differences in their motor domains. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of the 59-end of KIFC5A identified 3 distinct RNA species in testes and other tissues. Sequence comparison and genetic mapping confirmed the existence of a small multi-gene family in the mouse and suggest possible mechanisms of alternative splicing, genetic duplication, and separate genetic loci in the generation of these motors. In order to examine the possible role of these motors in germ cells of the testes, an antibody to a shared epitope was used to localize this group of proteins to different spermatogenic cell types. These experiments suggest that KIFC5-like motor proteins are associated with multiple microtubule complexes in male germ cells, including the meiotic spindle, the manchette, and the flagella.
The Effects of Price and Wage Flexibility on Cyclical Contraction

Introduction, 596. — I. Wage flexibility, 599. — II. Flexibility of the unit overhead-plus-profit margin, 603. — III. Price flexibility in particular types of industries, 604. — IV. Some historical cases, 606.
Innovation, NCLB, and the Fear Factor: The Challenge of Leading 21st-Century Schools in an Era of Accountability

This article explores the impact of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) on the behavior of teachers and school leaders, specifically the centralizing, standardizing tendencies of the legislation, and juxtaposes their reactions to the types of teaching and leadership required to lead 21st-century schools. The authors argue that the isomorphic behavioral responses to NCLB conflict with the pedagogical and leadership behaviors of the 21st-century schools movement. The authors conclude that unless modifications are made to the legislation, teachers and school leaders are unlikely to exhibit or promote the types of pedagogical skills, knowledge, or leadership envisioned by advocates of 21st-century schools.
INTERNAL MIGRATION AND URBAN UNEMPLOYMENT IN LOW-INCOME COUNTRIES: A PROBLEM IN SIMULTANEOUS EQUATIONS

The problem THE analysis which follows derives from two nearly universal characteristics of the less-developed countries (LDCs). (1) Hfigh levels of urban unemployment. It has been widely reported that rates of urban unemployment range from 10 to 25 per cent or more in such heterogeneous countries as Pakistan, India, Egypt, Venezuela, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, and Panama.2 The difficulties implicit in using the concept of open unemployment in low-income areas will be considered below. (2) The trend toward urbanization. The movement of great numbers of people from rural areas to cities may be observed in virtually all poor countries. Perhaps the most spectacular record was achieved in Latin America; in the decade of the fifties, it has been estimated that the Latin American urban population grew at an annual rate of 4-6 per cent while the rural total increased by only 1 6 per cent per year.3 Recent studies of the operation of LDC labour markets have investigated the theoretical relationship which exists between these two phenomena.4 It is not necessary to go into detail about these exercises since their conclusions are intuitively acceptable. Given economically rational behaviour, people are more inclined to move to the city ceteris paribus as the urban labour market becomes tighter. Such a response follows from the fact that, as the probability of finding employment rises, expected urban income increases. On the other hand, it would also be expected that
Disaster intervention: long-term psychosocial benefits in Armenia

This paper describes a unique situation in which disaster intervention following a massive earthquake led to significant, uninterrupted, psychosocial benefits to the entire country, and an intervention program that continues to evolve. The mental health program initially provided service to the victims, and then, training to local professionals during which personnel simultaneously conducted clinical research. Members of the mental health team made a life-long commitment to the country, and continue their activities to expand its impact on public health policy. The difficult history and life circumstances of the Armenian people provided the opportunity for disaster interventions to have extensive psychosocial benefits.
The Burning Fuse Model of Unbecoming in Time

In the burning fuse model of unbecoming in time, the future is real and the past is unreal. It is used to motivate the idea that there is something unbecoming in the present literature on the metaphysics of time: its focus is merely the assigning of a label “real.”
Tumor vascular area correlates with photosensitizer uptake: analysis of verteporfin microvascular delivery in the Dunning rat prostate tumor.

Abstract The parameters that limit supply of photosensitizer to the cancer cells in a solid tumor were systematically analyzed with the use of microvascular transport modeling and histology data from frozen sections. In particular, the vascular permeability transport coefficient and the effective interstitial diffusion coefficient were quantified for Verteporfin-for-Injection delivery of benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD). Orthotopic tumors had higher permeability and diffusion coefficients (Pd = 0.036 μm/s and D = 1.6 μm2/s, respectively) as compared to subcutaneously grown tumors (Pd = 0.025 μm/s and D = 0.9 μm2/s, respectively), likely due to the fact that the vessel patterns are more homogeneous orthotopically. In general, large intersubject and intratumor variability exist in the verteporfin concentration, in the range of 25% in plasma concentration and in the range of 20% for tissue concentrations, predominantly due to these microregional variations in transport. However, the average individual uptake ...
Processing gains against reverberation (clutter) using matched filters

The Woodward ambiguity function is discussed in connection with the output of a matched filter. A formula for the treatment of sonar reverberation or radar clutter is set up in terms of the ambiguity function. This formula is applied to determine the effect of signal waveform on the output signal-to-reverberation power ratio of a matched filter for a simple distribution of randomized scatterers.
The Civil Caseload of the Federal District Courts

This Article responds to changes proposed by Congress and the Advisory Committee on Civil Rules to restrict civil lawsuits by reforming procedure. It argues that while these changes are purported to be based on empirical studies, there is no reference to actual government statistics about whether the civil caseload has grown, whether the median disposition time has increased, or whether the most prevalent types of civil cases have changed. Based on statistics published by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, this Article shows that the civil docket has actually stagnated, not exploded. It first looks at trends in the overall volume and duration of federal civil litigation since 1986, suggests a proper methodology for measurement, and shows that the rate of increase of civil filings is less than the growth in the country’s population and the increase in judicial resources in civil cases, noting that any increase must be attributable to the criminal docket. Next, this Article studies the rates at which cases are terminated by various methods, noting today’s primary method is before pretrial with court action due to dispositive motions and judicial management. Third, this Article tracks and explains changes in the “Big Six” categories of civil litigation. Finally, this Article emphasizes the need to look at the government’s caseload statistics to note that the federal civil caseload has been relatively stable for twenty-five years.
Learning to (re)member the things we’ve learned to forget: endarkened feminisms, spirituality, & the sacred nature of research & teaching

Cynthia Dillard’s ideas of research and pedagogical methodologies have arrived again and they do not disappoint. In her latest book, Learning to (Re)member the Things We’ve Learned to Forget: Endar...
Measurement Of Interface Strength By Laser Pulse Induced Spallation

The strength of planar interfaces between a substrate and a thin coating (1-2 µm) can be measured quite effectively by a laser spallation technique. In this technique a laser pulse of a high energy and a predetermined length is converted into a pressure pulse of a critical amplitude and width that is sent through the substrate toward the free surface with the coating. The compressive pressure pulse is reflected into a tension pulse from the free surface of the coating and loads the coating/substrate interface in tension. The laser flux is tuned to a threshold level at which the interface comes apart. The critical stress amplitude that accomplishes the removal of the coating is determined from a computer simulation process. The simulation itself is verified by means of a piezoelectric crystal probe which is capable of mapping out the profile of the stress pulse generated by the laser pulse.
Effect of Auxin on Ascorbic Oxidase Activity in Tobacco Pith Cells.

SummaryAuxin (3-indoleacetic acid)at a concentration of 3.5 mg/1 in the medium causes a striking increase in the ascorbic oxidase activity of cultured tobacco pith sections. This is subsequently accompanied by a lesser respiratory increase, by cell enlargement, and by gains in fresh and dry weight. No cell divisions occur. Since the ascorbic oxidase activity of homogenates is localized in the cell wall fraction obtained by differential centrifugation, it is suggested that the enzyme occurs in cytoplasm intimately associated with the wall. Vigorous ascorbic oxidase activity is characteristic of a variety of actively growing plant tissues examined. It is suggested that ascorbic oxidase may be causally related to cell growth.
Nuances in the Care of Emergent Splenic Injury in the Elderly Patient

The spleen is the most commonly injured abdominal solid organ. Over 39,000 adults are hospitalized each year in the USA with a splenic injury. The management of spleen trauma has evolved over the past three decades, focusing on splenic preservation and non-operative management “Hurtuk et al. (J Trauma Infection Crit Care Burns 61:243–255, 2006).” Over the same time period, the geriatric population of the USA is rapidly increasing and is expected to double to 72 million by 2030 and account for almost 39 % of trauma admissions by 2050 “Pandya et al (J Trauma 70(6):1326–30, 2011).” The geriatric population poses unique challenges in management due to their comorbidities and altered physiology. In this article, we review the treatment options, possible complications, and special considerations when managing splenic injuries in the geriatric patient.
Drug-induced Parkinsonism in a Patient with Methamphetamine Abuse (P4.317)

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of drug-induced parkinsonism in a patient with methamphetamine abuse. BACKGROUND: About 7[percnt] of acute parkinsonism may be secondary to medication or drug exposure. Classically, neuroleptics and anti-emetics have been implicated, as well as the toxic byproduct MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine), known to destroy dopaminergic neurons when accidentally manufactured in street drugs. Methamphetamine use has been shown to increase the risk of developing Parkinson disease by three-fold, however, flagrant necrosis of the basal ganglia is a less established complication. We describe the case of a 29-year-old female who developed parkinsonism from acute bilateral basal ganglia necrosis caused from crystal meth abuse. DESIGN/METHODS: Case report/clinical, radiologic, photographic. RESULTS: A 29-year-old with a history of polysubstance abuse presented with lethargy, confusion, and mutism. Examination was notable for marked facial hypomimia, extreme bradyphrenia and bradykinesia. She was essentially anarthric and demonstrated only a weak cough. Her muscle tone was normal but gait was slow, narrow-based, shuffling, with en block turns. MRI was performed which showed bilateral basal ganglia edema and necrosis. Infectious workup with blood cultures and CSF studies were all negative. She was started on a Sinemet trial with slight improvement in her symptoms. She was also treated with steroids which reduced radiographic appearance of cerebral edema. She was able to be discharged to rehab and continued to have some improvement, but still requires full-time caregiver assistance. Her drug screen proved to be amphetamine positive and she ultimately admitted to crystal meth use as the precipitant. CONCLUSION: Illicit drug use may have basal ganglia toxicity and produce clinical parkinsonism. Our case was distinct for the marked basal ganglia edema and necrosis on presentation, and association with crystal meth abuse. Awareness of this potential toxicity may help with appropriate diagnosis and counseling. Disclosure: Dr. Yancey has nothing to disclose.
Mean genes: From sex to money to food: Taming our primal instincts, by Terry Burnham and Jay Phelan.

Book details Mean genes: From sex to money to food: Taming our primal instincts, by Terry Burnham and Jay Phelan. New York: Basic, 2012. Pp. xvii + 297. S/b $16.99. Is evolutionary theory useful in the context of our everyday lives? The newly released second edition of Mean Genes by Terry Burnham and Jay Phelan is written as a Darwinian self-help book for what we all use everyday: our own minds and bodies. The authors begin with the general premise that evolutionary thought can inform all areas of scientific inquiry. In the four sections of the book that follow, they use this assumption to explain the annoying yet constant struggles that persist in our lives. The book draws rationale from evolutionary psychology and behavior to justify our attitudes toward debt, fat, drugs, risk, greed, gender, beauty, infidelity, family, and friends/foes. Each topic is framed as a problem we confront in day-to-day life, documented with evidence from published anthropological, behavioral, and psychological scientific literature as well as examples from popular culture and personal anecdotes. Though the title may be reminiscent of Richard Dawkins’ The Selfish Gene (1976), Burnham and Phelan rely less on a strict interpretation of evolutionary theory and more on telling an entertaining narrative to describe and provide resolution for complex, multifaceted problems with which we are all intimately familiar. The first edition of Mean Genes was released over a decade ago. The second edition is supplemented by commentary at the beginning of each section as well as general reflections in a preface and at the conclusion. These additions discuss the contemporary social and cultural context of the book. For example, the preface to “Thin Wallets and Fat Bodies” includes updated 2010 statistics for incidence of obesity in the United States to document the continued relevance of their arguments since the first edition (p. 15). The companion website at www.meangenes.org offers a “Notes and cited research section” with footnotes for the sometimes vague or oblique