cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Driving-Related Cognitive Performance in Older Adults with Pharmacologically Treated Cardiovascular Disease

The objective of this study was to determine if older drivers with pharmacologically treated hypertension and/or heart disease demonstrate impaired performance on established driving related cognitive measures. Data regarding self-reported demographic variables (i.e., age, sex, race, income, mental and physical health diagnoses, and prescription drug use) and performance on driving-related measures of cognitive function (i.e., Trail Making Test B; and Useful Field of View (UFOV® subtest 2) were gathered from 865 licensed drivers. No group cognitive performance differences were found among the treated hypertensives and the healthy control group, thus underscoring the importance of effective hypertension management. However, older adults with pharmacologically treated heart disease demonstrated poorer performance than older adults without heart disease on Trails B and UFOV® subtest 2. Although it is generally agreed that assessment and early intervention with regard to heart disease risk factors (i.e., cholesterol, tobacco smoking, obesity, etc.) beneficially affect physical health, the current results also indicate that addressing such risk factors prior to the development of heart disease may benefit cognitive function, as well.
The effect of chloride ions on the cracking behavior of U/7.5 wt % Nb/2.5 wt% Zr and U/4.5 wt % Nb

Abstract The effect of chloride ions on the stress corrosion cracking behavior of U/7.5 wt% Nb/2.5 wt% Zr and U/4.5 wt% Nb has been investigated utilizing a fracture mechanics approach to study the rate of crack propagation. The tests have shown that chloride ion concentration strongly affects both the crack velocity and the fracture mode. The threshold stress intensities for stress corrosion crack propagation for both alloys have been determined in aqueous solutions containing − . The threshold stress intensity for the U/7.5 wt% Nb/2.5 wt% Zr alloy in the − solution is 15 ksi·in 1 2 while in the 50 ppm Cl − solution it is less than 5 ksi·in 1 2 . The binary alloy has essentially the same stress intensity threshold in both solutions, 14 to 17 ksi·in 1 2 . At the highest chloride levels tested (500 ppm) stress corrosion cracking was observed without the application of stress. This was attributed to corrosion product wedging.
Modeling of femtosecond laser-induced non-equilibrium deformation in metal films

This paper extends the dual-hyperbolic two temperature (Numer. Heat Transfer Part A 40 (2001) 1) and hot-electron blast (J. Exp. Theor. Phys. 88 (1999) 84) models to investigate the deformation in metal films subjected to ultrashort laser heating. A new set of fully coupled, transient thermoelasticity equations is derived based on the assumption of uniaxial strain but three-dimensional stress. Two potential material removal mechanisms, thermal (melting) and non-thermal (high stress), are identified. Numerical results show that the non-thermal damage could be a dominating mechanism in ultrashort laser-material ablation. The major driving force for the non-thermal damage is the so-called hot-electron blast force, which is generated by non-equilibrium hot electrons. It is also found that for gold films thicker than 200 nm, a thin layer of material near the heated surface could be removed, as experimentally observed (Opt. Cummun. 129 (1996) 134; J. Appl. Phys. 85 (1999) 6803). On the other hand, damage could initiate from the middle region and then extend over the entire film for a gold film of 50 nm in thickness or thinner.
Commercial Vehicle Driver Family Issues Assessment

The dissatisfaction of truck drivers associated with issues related to the family is examined. This dissatisfaction is seen as a major reason for high turnover rates in the trucking industry. The nature of commercial vehicle driver work and family environments is more clearly defined through mail survey questions asked of both the driver and their spouse/partner. Specific questions in the survey address work concerns, family concerns, decision making, informational needs, communication, and leisure time. Methods to apply this information to programs of intervention and support useful to commercial vehicle companies are identified. Results indicated that family-related information would help support drivers and their families. In addition, a literature review discusses job characteristics of drivers, describes stressors for the families, and identifies possible coping skills and intervention methods.
Neuroimaging Informatics Tools and Resources Clearinghouse (NITRC) Resource Announcement

In an effort to promote the enhancement, adoption, distribution, and evolution of neuroimaging informatics tools and resources, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Blueprint for Neuroscience Research has launched the Neuroimaging Informatics Tools and Resources Clearinghouse (NITRC) available at http://www.nitrc.org/. The NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research is a cooperative effort among the NIH Office of the Director and 15 NIH Institutes and Centers that support neuroscience research. “The goal of the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research is to provide scientists with new tools, resources, and training opportunities through collaborations and pooled resources,” said NIH Director Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. in the initial press release for NITRC. “By building upon significant investments already made in the informatics area, the Neuroimaging Informatics Tools and Resources Clearinghouse will provide a coordinated, coherent resource for the neuroimaging research community.” A discussion of the broad spectrum of NIH Neuroinformatics offerings was provided in (Huerta et al. 2006). Building upon prior tool registry experience (Kennedy and Haselgrove 2006), NITRC was designed to facilitate the adoption of tools and resources by providing access, information, and forums to enable interaction between the resource–user community and associated resource developers. Many neuroimaging tools and databases are underutilized because they are neither user-friendly nor easily adoptable and are very often not well documented or advertised. NITRC facilitates finding and comparing neuroimaging resources for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and related structural analyses—including popular tools as well as those that only a few researchers are utilizing. Currently there are ninety-seven tools posted on NITRC, and this number increases weekly. NITRC collects standardized information about tools, making the task of finding and comparing resources very easy for the user. For example, information on development status, topic, intended audience, operating system, and several other categories are displayed for most tools. This information will assist researchers in finding the right fMRI tool or resource that will support their work. NITRC users also have a role in improving the tools available on the Web site. NITRC provides ongoing opportunities for public comment and reviews regarding particular neuroimaging informatics tools and resources in order to guide development and enhance their use by the neuroimaging research community. NITRC also provides a supportive venue for community-based projects and collaboration among research laboratories and universities, and offers several community features, such as forums, that Neuroinform (2009) 7:55–56 DOI 10.1007/s12021-008-9036-8
Work function control of hole-selective polymer/ITO anode contacts: an electrochemical doping study

We present a novel method for electrodeposition of ultra-thin films of poly-3-hexylthiophene (e-P3HT) on chemically modified indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrodes, to produce a hole-selective contact with an easily tuned work function (Φ), as demonstrated by a combination of spectroelectrochemistry and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS). Selective contacts for optimized charge injection have become essential components for both thin film organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Electrochemically doped e-P3HT thin films, using counter ions such as PF6− do not suffer from stability issues associated with more “acidic” polymer layers (e.g. PEDOT:PSS). By controlling the oxidation state of the e-P3HT film via electrochemical doping we control the charge density within the film, resulting in an increase in work function with an increase in degree of oxidation. The method of electrochemical formation and doping of the e-P3HT film, using either constant potential step (CA) versus pulsed-potential step (PPS) protocols, has a significant secondary impact on the work function, as a result of the interface dipole effects from entrapment of these counter ions in the near-surface region of the polymer film. These results have significance for the performance of both OLEDs and OPVs built on these doped e-P3HT layers.
Perceptions of Fair Pay and the Gender Wage Gap

The present research examined the extent to which the wage gap between men and women is perceived as “fair”. Based on research on distributive justice behavior, it was hypothesized that recommendations of fair pay would depend on the employee's gender and on occupational gender-linkage and that female respondents would recommend a lower fair pay than male respondents. Results indicated that perceptions of fair pay were influenced by the employee's gender, but only in the moderate-status occupations where lower pay was perceived as fair for female employees compared to gender-unspecified employees. Similar fair pay recommendations were made for occupations irrespective of their gender-linkage. As predicted, female respondents recommended a lower fair pay than male respondents. Implications of the findings for future research are discussed in terms of subtle, rather than blatant forms of gender wage discrimination that are attributable to the concentration of females in moderate-status occupations and to the weaker connection between work and pay among females than among males.
Allethrin interactions with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel

Interactions of the synthetic pyrethroid allethrin with the nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor/channel were studied in membranes from Torpedo electric organ. Allethrin did not inhibit binding of [3H]ACh to the receptor sites, but inhibited noncompetitively binding of [3H] perhydrohistrionicotoxin ([3H]H12−HTX) to the ionic channel sites in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition constant (Ki) of [3H]H12−HTX binding in absence of receptor agonists was 30 μM, while in presence of 100 μM carbamylcholine it was 4 μM. This inhibitory effect of allethrin had a negative temperature coefficient. The high affinity binding of allethrin to the channel sites of the nicotinic ACh-receptor may be indicative of a postsynaptic site of action for pyrethroids, in addition to their known action on the sodium channel.
NEWSPAPER AND BUSINESS ENDORSEMENTS IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS: A Test of the Conventional Wisdom

: The more decentralized is authority in a city, the greater is the opportunity for unofficial institutions, especially civic associations, labor and business organizations, and newspapers to exert influence ….[N]ewspapers play a particularly important part in the electoral processes of nonpartisan cities, especially those so large that candidates cannot become known to the electorate through direct personal contacts (Banfield & Wilson, 1963, p.324).
A Battle for Hearts and Minds: Turenne and Louis XIV

A commemorative fan marking the death of Turenne in 1675 is striking for its presentation of the general’s dead body. In addition to the fan, I consider Turenne as eulogized by Flechier, along with depictions of the death of Louis XIV by Dangeau, Saint-Simon, and in the official autopsy report. The experience of death disrupts the classical ideal. Playing out tensions between the body, the mind, and the soul, representations of death complicate Descartes’s binarism and, in particular, the philosopher’s concept of the mechanical body.
A Platinum(II) Extended Linear Chain Material That Selectively Uptakes Benzene

cis-Bis(isopropyl isocyanide)dicyanoplatinum(II), PtII(CN-i-C3H7)2(CN)2, has been synthesized, and its solid-state characteristics have been investigated. X-ray crystallographic data show that PtII...
Demise of a vital resource

WHY SHOULDWE CARE? Active follow-up of patients after cardiothoracic surgery is costly, and the advent of restrictions on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act made it even more difficult and costly for less yield. Thus, alternatives for at least vital status have been sought. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Death Index (NDI) is one such source. However, it requires a proposal, initiation and setup fees, as well as transfer of protected health information for processing at the CDC, with a variable cost per patient per year, depending on how accurate amatch is specified. For even modest-sized studies, this can amount to many tens of thousands of dollars. In contrast to the NDI, the SSDMF has been a publicly distributed resource for vital status. Centers write their own queries against the file, with no need for external requests or transfer of patient data. Numerous publications in many medical fields have used the SSDMF, usually calling it the ‘‘Social Security Death Index’’ (SSDI). The Society of Thoracic Surgeons has linked its database to the SSDMF to ascertain 30-day and longer mortality information; the Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group has used it to study the association of perioperative transfusions and longterm survival after cardiac surgery and of risk factors after cardiac valve surgery; Emory University investigators have used it to study survival after hybrid coronary revascularization and impact of body mass index on mortality; Northwestern University surgeons have studied perioperative statin therapy and survival; the Cardiopulmonary Research Science and Technology Institute has used it to study reliability of risk algorithms in predicting mortality after aortic valve replacement; and we at Cleveland Clinic have routinely used it to supplement active follow-up for
Heat loss characteristics of the ELCAP residential sample

Abstract The fundamental purpose of this study is to analyze heat loss characteristics of the End-Use Load and Consumer Assessment Program (ELCAP) samples of residential buildings and compare these results in a regional context. The two basic objectives of the analysis are to determine the distribution of insulation levels and heat loss potential among the various building components in existing homes as a function of construction vintage and climate zone, and to calculate theoretical residential heat loss potentials for use in subsequent analyses. The vintage and climate zone dimensions explored in this analysis are of particular interest in testing the extent to which the sample supports the general perception that newer houses and houses in colder climates tend to be better insulated than older houses and houses in warmer climates. The distributions of overall heat loss potential and insulation levels, for the houses as a whole and for the houses excluding the foundation, are examined. The effects of house size, shape, and foundation type on these distributions are also examined. Similarly, the distributions of effective insulation levels for each building envelope component are developed. The sample weighted average heat loss potential for each envelope component is also determined by climate zone, to provide information about the relative heat loss through components that are the targets of energy conservation retrofit programs. A principal result of this analysis is the information that home insulation levels are primarily related to vintage rather than climate severity, at both the whole house and component levels. The sole exception to this trend is windows, which exhibit a trend in climate zone but not vitage. The general trend toward vintage as a determinant of thermal integrity of residences may be the consequence of a lack of climatically appropriate energy standards. This illustrates that the lost opportunities for achieving an energy-efficient housing population can be large in the face of a tendency to build to common practices that are not adapted to particular climates. It should also be noted that the historical trend toward larger homes does result in higher thermal conductance, but this is more than compensated by the trend toward increased insulation levels. The homes built to the Model Conservation Standards clearly exceed the historical trends when they are viewed as representative of the next decade of construction.
Dislocation of the testis as a delayed presentation of scrotal trauma

Traumatic dislocation of the testis is a rare event in which the full extent of the dislocation is present immediately following the initial trauma. We present a case in which the testicular dislocation progressed over a period of four days following the initial scrotal trauma.
Theory of finite-size effects and vortex penetration in small Josephson junctions.

We present a study of finite-size effects in a small Josephson junction. Explicit expressions for the total magnetic field have been found for the case of the Meissner state and for that of an ordered array of Abrikosov vortices penetrating the electrodes. We have determined how the behavior of the critical current [ital I][sub [ital c]] as a function of the strength of an external magnetic field depends on the ratio [ital L]/[lambda][sub [ital x]] of the width of the junction to the appropriate London penetration length. For small [ital L]/[lambda][sub [ital x]] in particular, significant deviations from the familiar Fraunhofer pattern are found in a number of situations. We find that, in general, for the same field strength, because of an interesting cancellation property of the Josephson phase gradient, vortex penetration tends to increase the critical current. Moreover, for suitable vortex configurations [ital I][sub [ital c]] is found to be determined by the magnetization and to actually increase with the field. The relevance of our results for junctions made out of high-temperature superconductors is discussed.
Turbidity current flow out of channels and its contribution to constructing the Continental Slope

We combine analysis of shallow seismic data from industry grade 3D volumes with results from physical models that resolve channel-to-overbank sedimentation by turbidity currents to explore how regional surfaces are constructed by unconfined flows. Depositional patterns measured from seismic and laboratory data are used to define properties of proximal versus distal overbank sedimentation. Both data sets reveal a significant drop in variability of depositional thickness associated with the transition to distal sedimentation. This drop in standard deviation is a useful metric for defining the transition from levee to distal overbank deposits.
Finite-Element Reliability Analysis of Structures Subjected to Fire

AbstractA reliability-based design methodology is urgently needed in the fire resistant design of structures to ensure adequate reliability in the face of uncertainty. This paper presents the application of the analytical reliability methods, namely the first-order reliability method (FORM) and second-order reliability method (SORM), to the design of structures subjected to fire. In particular, the FORM and SORM algorithms are implemented in a sequentially coupled thermal-structural finite-element model. A protected steel column exposed to natural fire is presented as an example. In comparison to Latin hypercube sampling (LHS), the analytical reliability method yields sufficient accuracy and provides a significant saving in computational expense. Discrepancies between the analytical methods and LHS are analyzed in depth, and it is shown that the parametric fire model produces a response surface that is highly nonlinear. Despite differences between the FORM and LHS solutions, the utilization of FORM is rec...
Encephalomyeloneuritis simulating Guillain‐Barré syndrome

A patient with encephalomyeloneuritis (EMN) had clinical and laboratory features consistent with severe acute inflammatory polyneuropathy (Guillain-Barrk syndrome). CNS involvement was suggested clinically only by transient downbeat nystagmus and by contraction of tensor fascia lata on plantar stimulation. Postmortem examination revealed pathologic changes typical of EMN without systemic neoplasm. Clinical manifestations of the profound central pathology were largely obscured by severe radiculoneuropathy. Pathologic verification of clinically diagnosed inflammatory polyneuropathy is unusual, and CNS disease, therefore, may be more frequent than appreciated, especially in clinical "variants. "
Carrot or stick in motor learning

A study shows that reward and punishment have distinct influences on motor adaptation. Punishing mistakes accelerates adaptation, whereas rewarding good behavior improves retention.
Carbonate control of H 2 and CH 4 production in serpentinization systems at elevated P-Ts

[1] Serpentinization of forsteritic olivine results in the inorganic synthesis of molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) in ultramafic hydrothermal systems (e.g., mid-ocean ridge and forearc environments). Inorganic carbon in those hydrothermal systems may react with H 2 to produce methane (CH 4 ) and other hydrocarbons or react with dissolved metal ions to form carbonate minerals. Here, we report serpentinization experiments at 200°C and 300 bar demonstrating Fe 2+ being incorporated into carbonates more rapidly than Fe 2+ oxidation (and concomitant H 2 formation) leading to diminished yields of H 2 and H 2 -dependent CH 4 . In addition, carbonate formation is temporally fast in carbonate oversaturated fluids. Our results demonstrate that carbonate chemistry ultimately modulates the abiotic synthesis of both H 2 and CH 4 in hydrothermal ultramafic systems and that ultramafic systems present great potential for CO 2 -mineral sequestration.
Career Dynamics [Wireless Investor]

A goal of this column is to help readers to achieve a level of wealth that will fund a comfortable retirement. The core strategies are as follows: save regularly, via automatic payroll deduction, in plans that defer or avoid taxes; save at least 10% (and preferably more) of your gross income; accept market returns; minimize investment expenses.
Precision placement of heteroepitaxial semiconductor quantum dots

Abstract We describe two new approaches to the patterning of Si(1 0 0) surfaces for controlled nucleation of heteroepitaxial Ge semiconductor clusters. In the first method, a Ga + -focused ion beam in situ to the growth chamber is used to create local regions of enhanced Ga + concentration and surface topography. It is shown that at low ion doses (∼10 14 cm −2 ), implanted Ga causes local nucleation of Ge clusters upon the implanted region. At higher doses (≥10 15 cm −2 ), a complex surface topography localizes nucleation of Ge clusters. This approach can be used to seed complex patterns of Ge clusters with diameters of tens of nanometers and positional accuracy of sub-100 nm. The second method employs self-assembly of complex strain-stabilized “quantum quadruplet” and “quantum fortress” structures, whereby cooperative island nucleation around shallow strain-relieving pits is identified during Ge x Si 1− x /Si(1 0 0) heteroepitaxy. These configurations are kinetically limited structures that exist over a range of compositions, growth temperatures, and growth rates, but which are destabilized by strain relaxation (e.g. by the introduction of misfit dislocations) and by growth conditions which provide high adatom surface mobilities. Both methods have broad potential application to nanoelectronic device architectures.
Effect of bath and specimen temperature on the thermal stress resistance of brittle ceramics subjected to thermal quenching

The effect of specimen and bath temperature on the failure of brittle ceramics in a thermal quench experiment was studied by quenching glass and alumina rods in water and silicon oil baths at different temperatures. The results were discussed in terms of the variation of heat transfer coefficient of the quenching media and the change in material properties as a function of temperature. It was found that the usual assumption of constant heat transfer coefficient and material properties may lead to considerable errors in the quantitative interpretation of the results of thermal quench experiments. Effective values for the film coefficient of heat transfer for water and oil baths were estimated as a function of film temperature from thermal quench data. Recommendations were made for the selection of quenching media and for the procedure to be followed in reporting the results.
Clinical Outcome and Management of Ureteral Obstruction Secondary to Gastric Cancer

Background The clinical outcome of ureteral obstruction secondary to gastric cancer remains unclear. The present study was designed to evaluate the clinical outcome and predictive factors of survival in patients with ureteral obstruction secondary to gastric cancer.
Mineral recorders of pegmatite internal evolution: REE contents of tourmaline from the Bob Ingersoll pegmatite, South Dakota

Trace rare earth elements (REE) have been determined by radiochemical neutron activation analysis for tourmaline samples from an internally zoned, rare-element, granitic pegmatite, located in the Black Hills, South Dakota. The Total REE concentrations range from 40 ppm-0.2 ppm, and are highest in tourmaline from the exomorphic halo (country rock) and pegmatite border zone. Chondrite-normalized patterns are highly fractionated from light REE to heavy REE; and REE concentrations decrease in tourmaline from the outer wall zone and first intermediate zone, through the inner wall zone and third intermediate zone, to lowest levels in the pegmatite core. The REEs, as recorded by tourmaline, appear to behave compatibly in this pegmatite system due to early crystallization of apatite and other possible REE-sink minerals. The large range of REE concentrations and differences in slopes of chondrite-normalized patterns probably also reflect significant changes in the structural state of the pegmatite melt, caused by changes in pH/sub 2/O and other volatiles (B, F, P) as crystallization progressed. Tourmaline samples that appear to have been fluid-derived are HREE-depleted relative to coexisting silicate-melt-derived tourmaline. Tourmaline does not exhibit any strong preference for specific REEs, rather its REE content appears to reflect the REE content of the mediummore » from which the tourmaline crystallized.« less
The influence of age and gender on radial height

Radial height was measured on carefully standardized posteroanterior x-ray films of the wrist in 25 male and 25 female patients. The range of radial height (10 to 18 mm) was the same for both male and female patients, with slightly different means for each sex. In females the mean was at the upper limit of the previously reported range, whereas in males the mean was outside the reported range. Our results suggest that previously published measurements underestimate radial height. Inasmuch as radial height may be used in planning management of distal radial fractures, it is important to redefine these measurements. We also believe that the wide range of normal makes comparison with a noninjured contralateral wrist essential for accurate assessment of radial shortening in each individual patient.
An in-situ X-ray scattering study during uniaxial stretching of ionic liquid/ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene blends

Abstract An ionic liquid (IL) 1-docosanyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide was incorporated into ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and formed IL/UHMWPE blends by solution mixing. The structure evolution of these blends during uniaxial stretching was followed by in-situ synchrotron wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques. During deformation at room temperature, deformation-induced phase transformation from orthorhombic to monoclinic phase was observed in both IL/UHMWPE blends and neat UHMWPE. The elongation-to-break ratios of IL/UHMWPE blends were found to increase by 2–3 times compared with that of pure UHMWPE, while the tensile strength remained about the same. In contrast, during deformation at high temperature (120 °C), no phase transformation was observed. However, the blend samples showed much better toughness, higher crystal orientation and higher tilting extent of lamellar structure at high strains.
Generating Phosphinidene−N-Methylimidazole Adducts under Mild Conditions

The nucleophilic attack of N-methylimidazole at the bridge phosphorus of a 7-phosphanorbornadiene pentacarbonylmolybdenum complex induces the collapse of the bridge. According to DFT calculations, the resulting zwitterion displays a very long and weak P−Mo bond. The excess of N-methylimidazole thus appears to be able to displace the phosphinidene from its molybdenum complex. The final result is a phosphinidene−N-methylimidazole adduct whose structure has also been computed. When applied to the phenyl derivative at 40 °C in toluene, this reaction effectively generates the [PhP] adduct, which decomposes to give essentially Ph4P4 and Ph5P5. At 80 °C, PhPH2 is also produced. In the presence of CCl4 the phosphinidene adduct inserts into the C−Cl bond to give PhP(Cl)CCl3.
Is the Anterior Intertrigonal Distance Increased in Patients With Mitral Regurgitation Due to Leaflet Prolapse

Background Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) leads to progressive enlargement of left ventricular dimensions and, consequently, the mitral valve (MV) annulus. Data from animal and cadaver studies suggest that the mitral annulus may dilate asymmetrically in certain conditions, which may influence the choice of valve repair technique. Although it is generally accepted that the posterior mitral annulus dilates in patients with severe MR due to leaflet prolapse, the stability of the anterior intertrigonal distance has not yet been demonstrated in humans. Methods We obtained real-time, three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiographic images of the MV in 44 patients: 29 patients scheduled to undergo MV repair for severe MR due to leaflet prolapse (MV disease group) and 15 normal outpatients undergoing evaluation for various reasons (control group). Mitral valve repair was performed by median sternotomy or minimally invasively using thoracoscopic or robotic assistance. All patients underwent implantation of a standard-length flexible 63-mm posterior annuloplasty band at the time of mitral repair and we obtained postoperative 3D images for 11 patients after separation from bypass. Mitral annular dimensions were measured throughout the cardiac cycle using reconstructive analysis software (QLAB MVQ Version 6.0; Phillips, Bothell, WA). Results The mean patient age was 60 years; 30 were men. The mean ejection fraction was 0.61 and was similar between the two groups (p = 0.16). In patients with MR due to leaflet prolapse, posterior annular length and total annular circumference were significantly larger than in control patients (p Conclusions Although the posterior mitral annulus is enlarged in patients with significant MR due to degenerative leaflet prolapse, there is no evidence that the intertrigonal distance is abnormal in these patients. Our data support the conclusion that posterior annular reduction with a flexible device at the time of mitral valve repair is important, and that altering the anterior intertrigonal portion of the mitral annulus is unnecessary.
Multispectral color acquisition and display using commodity hardware

For consumer imaging applications, multi-spectral color refers to capturing and displaying images in more than three primary colors in order to achieve color gamuts significantly larger than those produced by RGB devices. In this paper, we describe the building of both a multi-camera recording system and multi-projector display system using off-the-shelf components that, unlike existing multi-camera/projector systems that rely on expensive and time consuming optical alignment of camera/projector views, relies upon the virtual alignment of views performed in software. Once images are properly aligned, the described systems represent recording/display platforms that scale linearly in cost with the number of color primaries where new colors are added by simply attaching more devices. In this paper, we illustrate frames of the color video produced using a five camera system as well as an image of the aligned six projectors of the display system.
On assessing verbal stimulus hierarchies1

Typical word-association procedures result in verbal response hierarchies for a specific stimulus word. The problem of assessing corresponding stimulus hierarchies is discussed Three approaches are entertained: obtaining associations to all of the words in the dictionary, clerical cross-indexing of existing response-hierarchy data, and obtaining backward associations which are then used in forward association. A comparison of data obtainable by the last two methods is presented.
On the dynamo generation of flux ropes in the Venus ionosphere

Small scale magnetic field structures or 'flux ropes' observed in the ionosphere of Venus can be interpreted as the result of a kinematic dynamo process acting on weak seed fields. The seed fields result from the prevailing downward convection of magnetic flux from the vicinity of the ionopause, while small scale fluctuations in the velocity of the ionospheric plasma, which can be caused by collisional coupling to gravity waves in the neutral atmosphere, provide the mechanism by which the field is twisted and redistributed into features of similar scale. This mechanism naturally explains some of the average properties of flux ropes such as the variation of their characteristics with altitude and solar zenith angle. It also elucidates the relationship between the large scale and small scale ionospheric magnetic fields.
Overexpression of interleukin-2 by a recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 attenuates pathogenicity and enhances antiviral immunity.

The expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been implicated in the modulation of the outcome of ocular infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1); however, its effects remain controversial. To clarify the role of IL-2, we constructed a recombinant HSV-1 (HSV-IL-2) that expresses two copies of the murine IL-2 gene under the control of the latency-associated transcript (LAT) promoter of HSV-1 in a LAT-negative virus. In tissue culture, the replication of the HSV-IL-2 was 100-fold lower than that of the wild-type virus at a low multiplicity of infection (MOI). Addition of recombinant anti-IL-2 polyclonal antibody markedly enhanced HSV-IL-2 replication in tissue culture. In the 7-day period after ocular infection of BALB/c mice, the replication of HSV-IL-2 was significantly lower than that of wild-type virus in tear cultures, whole eyes, and brain, but was equivalent to wild-type replication in the trigeminal ganglia. Ocular challenge of BALB/c mice with HSV-IL-2 alone, at an MOI that resulted in only 13% survival when parental virus was used, was associated with 90% survival. This decrease in virulence was further shown to be attributable to the expression of IL-2 by coinfection of mice with HSV-IL-2 and the parental virus. This resulted in a decrease in virulence of the parental virus (5% survival when administered alone versus 50% survival on coinfection with HSV-IL-2). The survival of HSV-IL-2-infected mice was compromised by depletion of either IL-2, CD4+, or CD8+ T cells (50% survival) and abolished completely by depletion of both T-cell subtypes. Moreover, depletion of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, or both increased the titers of HSV-IL-2 in the tears, eyes, trigeminal ganglia, and brains of infected mice, so that titers were equivalent to or higher than that of the parental virus. These results suggest that IL-2 expression by recombinant HSV-1 reduces virulence and that depletion of IL-2 or T cells increases virulence in HSV-1-infected mice.
Maternal immunization to protect the mother and neonate

The concept of maternal immunization to protect the mother against vaccine-preventable disease and the neonate against illness for the first 3–6 months of life is one that is simple, straightforward and safe. Neonatal immunization is largely unsuccessful due to immaturity of the infant’s immune system. Therefore, appropriate maternal immunization and passive transferred antibodies to the fetus can protect the neonate until infant vaccination is more efficacious.
Tetrahymena POT1a Regulates Telomere Length and Prevents Activation of a Cell Cycle Checkpoint

The POT1/TEBP telomere proteins are a group of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-binding proteins that have long been assumed to protect the G overhang on the telomeric 3′ strand. We have found that the Tetrahymena thermophila genome contains two POT1 gene homologs, POT1a and POT1b. The POT1a gene is essential, but POT1b is not. We have generated a conditional POT1a cell line and shown that POT1a depletion results in a monster cell phenotype and growth arrest. However, G-overhang structure is essentially unchanged, indicating that POT1a is not required for overhang protection. In contrast, POT1a is required for telomere length regulation. After POT1a depletion, most telomeres elongate by 400 to 500 bp, but some increase by up to 10 kb. This elongation occurs in the absence of further cell division. The growth arrest caused by POT1a depletion can be reversed by reexpression of POT1a or addition of caffeine. Thus, POT1a is required to prevent a cell cycle checkpoint that is most likely mediated by ATM or ATR (ATM and ATR are protein kinases of the PI-3 protein kinase-like family). Our findings indicate that the essential function of POT1a is to prevent a catastrophic DNA damage response. This response may be activated when nontelomeric ssDNA-binding proteins bind and protect the G overhang.
Hessian Fly-Associated Bacteria: Transmission, Essentiality, and Composition.

Plant-feeding insects have been recently found to use microbes to manipulate host plant physiology and morphology. Gall midges are one of the largest groups of insects that manipulate host plants extensively. Hessian fly (HF, Mayetiola destructor) is an important pest of wheat and a model system for studying gall midges. To examine the role of bacteria in parasitism, a systematic analysis of bacteria associated with HF was performed for the first time. Diverse bacteria were found in different developmental HF stages. Fluorescent in situ hybridization detected a bacteriocyte-like structure in developing eggs. Bacterial DNA was also detected in eggs by PCR using primers targeted to different bacterial groups. These results indicated that HF hosted different types of bacteria that were maternally transmitted to the next generation. Eliminating bacteria from the insect with antibiotics resulted in high mortality of HF larvae, indicating that symbiotic bacteria are essential for the insect to survive on wheat seedlings. A preliminary survey identified various types of bacteria associated with different HF stages, including the genera Enterobacter, Pantoea, Stenotrophomonas, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Ochrobactrum, Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Nitrosomonas, Arcanobacterium, Microbacterium, Paenibacillus, and Klebsiella. Similar bacteria were also found specifically in HF-infested susceptible wheat, suggesting that HF larvae had either transmitted bacteria into plant tissue or brought secondary infection of bacteria to the wheat host. The bacteria associated with wheat seedlings may play an essential role in the wheat-HF interaction.
Usefulness of fluoxetine hydrochloride for prevention of resistant upright tilt induced syncope

Recurrent vasovagally mediated episodes of hypotension and bradycardia are a common cause of recurrent syncope that can be identified by head-upright tilt table testing. Although the use of beta blockers, transdermal scopolamine, disopyramide, and fludrocortisone may be helpful in preventing further episodes, some patients are intolerant of or respond poorly to each of these agents. Following anecdotal observations, we investigated the utility of fluoxetine (a serotonin re-uptake antagonist) in preventing head-upright tilt induced hypotension/bradycardia in patients unresponsive to or intolerant of standard therapy. Sixteen patients (7 men and 9 women, mean age 42 +/- 21 years) with recurrent syncope and positive head-upright tilt studies (refractory to normal therapy) were placed on fluoxetine and restudied 5-6 weeks afterward. Three patients were intolerant of the medication. Of the 13 patients who underwent repeat tilt studies, seven patients (53% of the patients retested or 44% of the total group) were rendered tilt table negative, and, over a mean follow-up period of 19 +/- 9 months, have remained asymptomatic. We conclude that fluoxetine may be an effective therapy in patients with recurrent vasovagally mediated syncope refractory to other forms of therapy.
Transient response of a corrugated surface

A calculation is presented for the signal scattered by a corrugated surface due to a point source above the surface which transmits a short pulse of high frequency radiation. The analysis is based on the physical optics approximation. This problem is pertainent, although in a much simplified context, to problems of radar sensing of undulating surfaces, such as a swell dominated sea. In particular, this analysis leads to a definition of the criteria applicable to the use of a short pulse radar to sense the dominate wave structure of a sea.
Antithrombin therapy, antiplatelet therapy and percutaneous coronary intervention: rationale and design of the SYNERGY trial

Although low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) have been shown to be equivalent or superior to unfractionated heparin for the management of patients with unstable angina (UA) or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), a number of clinical issues remain. Among them are the safety of bringing patients to the catheterization laboratory and the use of glycoprotein (GP)Ilb/Illa antagonists. The Superior Yield of the New strategy of Enoxaparin, Revascularization and GlYcoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (SYNERGY) trial is a randomized study comparing the safety and efficacy of unfractionated heparin and the LMWH enoxaparin in high-risk, invasively managed UA/NSTEMI patients who are likely to receive GPIIb/IIIa antagonists.
Enhanced correlation discrimination using binary joint transform correlation with feedback

The correlation peak intensity in a binary joint transform correlator (JTC) usually decreases as the number of objects in the input scene increases. This problem is solved by incorporating additive feedback in a binary JTC to update the input plane information on the basis of correlation plane information. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Paleohydraulic reconstruction of the largest Glacial Lake Missoula draining(s)

Glacial Lake Missoula (GLM) was the source of Earth’s largest known peak flood discharges onto the Channeled Scabland, northwestern United States. The original studies of GLM were based on geomorphological mapping of lake sediments and shorelines. More recently, studies have emphasized the computational fluid dynamics of downstream megaflood routing and characteristics in the Channeled Scabland and adjacent areas. However, actual details of the lake-draining processes GLM have received little scientific attention. In this paper, we employ two-dimensional hydraulic modelling to understand the paleoflow conditions for different scenarios of draining GLM at its highest stands. Values are calculated for three GLM drainage hydrographs (2.6; 13; 17 � 10 6 m 3 s �1 ) that previous studies had estimated for outlet flows. Consistent with regional mapping and with the original interpretation of fluvial geomorphology by other studies, the modelling shows that lake silt sequences in the gorges of GLM must postdate the most highly energetic outburst events from the lake. This is because the flows generated in the lake by megaflood outflows are sufficiently energetic to erode any accumulated silt deposits. In contrast, the gravels underlying the silts in these zones include boulder-sized clasts, largescale cross stratification, and 70e100 m-high bars forms, all of which indicate very high-energy flood flow conditions. The modelling also shows that the paleohydraulic conditions which developed in the lake basin during the largest megaflood outflows would be capable of accounting for the observed bedrock scour at Rainbow Lake Pass, various “high eddy deposits” (eddy bars of flood gravel) in gorges, and the “giant ripple marks” (subaqueous gravel dunes) that were classically described in the 1940s. Previous studies interpreted the glacial lake silt/rhythmites and related deposits, such as the Ninemile Section, as evidence for numerous fillings and drainings of GLM. Our modelling suggests that these inferred events must have been relatively low in energy and magnitude relative to the earlier outburst(s) that emplaced the flood gravels, subaqueous gravel dunes, and scabland-like erosion surfaces.
Toward a DoD/VA Longitudinal Health Record: Politics and the Policy Landscape

ABSTRACT Policy implications of an interoperable Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Administration (VA) longitudinal health record (LHR) are substantial and far reaching. In this manuscript the authors explore the existing challenges and opportunities, the political landscape, and alternative solutions that have created a favorable environment for legislation and funding to support its development. The authors identify six policy themes emerging from the historic National Forum on the Future of the Defense Health Information System held recently at Georgetown University in Washington DC.
Assessment of the Drug Interaction Risk for Remogliflozin Etabonate, a Sodium-Dependent Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitor: Evidence from In Vitro, Human Mass Balance, and Ketoconazole Interaction Studies

Remogliflozin etabonate is the ester prodrug of remogliflozin, a selective sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor. This work investigated the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of [(14)C]remogliflozin etabonate in humans, as well as the influence of P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes on the disposition of remogliflozin etabonate and its metabolites to understand the risks for drug interactions. After a single oral 402 ± 1.0 mg (106 ± 0.3 μCi) dose, [(14)C]remogliflozin etabonate is rapidly absorbed and extensively metabolized. The area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to infinity [AUC((0-∞))] of plasma radioactivity was approximately 14-fold higher than the sum of the AUC((0-∞)) of remogliflozin etabonate, remogliflozin, and 5-methyl-4-({4-[(1-methylethyl)oxy]phenyl}methyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl-β-d-glucopyranoside (GSK279782), a pharmacologically active N-dealkylated metabolite. Elimination half-lives of total radioactivity, remogliflozin etabonate, and remogliflozin were 6.57, 0.39, and 1.57 h, respectively. Products of remogliflozin etabonate metabolism are eliminated primarily via renal excretion, with 92.8% of the dose recovered in the urine. Three glucuronide metabolites made up the majority of the radioactivity in plasma and represent 67.1% of the dose in urine, with 5-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-4-({4-[(1-methylethyl)oxy]phenyl}methyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl-β-d-glucopyranosiduronic acid (GSK1997711) representing 47.8% of the dose. In vitro studies demonstrated that remogliflozin etabonate and remogliflozin are Pgp substrates, and that CYP3A4 can form GSK279782 directly from remogliflozin. A ketoconazole clinical drug interaction study, along with the human mass balance findings, confirmed that CYP3A4 contributes less than 50% to remogliflozin metabolism, demonstrating that other enzyme pathways (e.g., P450s, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, and glucosidases) make significant contributions to the drug's clearance. Overall, these studies support a low clinical drug interaction risk for remogliflozin etabonate due to the availability of multiple biotransformation pathways.