cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Price Change Attribution During the Settlement Window

This paper proposes a novel and simple measure for evaluating trader impact on prices during the settlement period of price-taking derivative contracts, which we call the Price Change Attribution (PCA). We discuss how to calculate this measure, and demonstrate how it could be used to inform an analysis of whether a trader potentially engaged in manipulative conduct. We also discuss potential shortfalls and extensions from this measure, and demonstrate how it evolves over time for a sample of traders and products.
Speech Development Between 30 and 119 Months in Typical Children II: Articulation Rate Growth Curves

Purpose We aimed to develop normative growth curves for articulation rate during sentence repetition for typically developing children. Our primary goal was the development of quantile/percentile g...
2022 SIGCSE board election

Every three years SIGCSE holds elections for seven positions on the Executive Board overseeing the organization, namely Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and three At-Large members. The previous SIGCSE Chair serves on each Executive Board as the Immediate Past Chair. A description of each position is found in the SIGCSE by-laws: https://sigcse.org/policies/bylaws.html.
Closing the Invisible Hand: A Rehabilitation of Tatonnement Dynamics

Arguments are made that, for a typical economy, with many goods and consumers, classical tatonnement dynamics results in a unique, globally stable equilibrium.
Evolution in eruptive style of the 2018 eruption of Veniaminof volcano, Alaska, reflected in groundmass textures and remote sensing

Variable eruptive style and explosivity is common in basaltic to basaltic andesite volcanoes but can have uncertain origins. Veniaminof volcano in the Alaska-Aleutian arc is a frequently active open-vent center, regularly producing Strombolian eruptions and small lava flows from an intracaldera cone within an intracaldera ice cap. The September–December 2018 eruption of Veniaminof evolved in explosivity over time. The eruption was documented with frequent satellite observations, syn- and post-eruption structure-from-motion photo surveys, and post-eruption sampling of lava flows and tephra preserved in the syn-eruption snowpack. Lava flows with a total volume of ~ 6 × 106 m3 flowed down the cone flanks into the ice cap, overthickening at ice marginal flow fronts. Smaller tephra deposits were estimated at ~ 1–2 × 106 m3 dense rock equivalent, with almost half of this volume deposited directly on the eruptive cone itself. Erupted products were basaltic andesite, and composition (54 ± 0.7 wt% bulk rock, 58 ± 0.7 wt% glass SiO2), sideromelane microlite crystallinity (20–30%), and microlite number density (plagioclase 6.4 ± 2.6 × 105 n/mm3) did not change significantly over the eruption suggesting a similar magma source and ascent rate. We defined tephra componentry with groundmass microcrystalline textures using backscatter electron images. The componentry of tephra groundmass showed significant increases in tachylite grains, defined here by the presence of dendritic interstitial nanolites, corresponding to increasing seismic tremor and periods of increased ash emissions. We suggest that these componentry changes reflect increasing undercooled zones on the conduit margins that increased brittle shearing, fragmentation, and ultimately ash emissions.
Fusion of Vehicle Weight and Activity Data for Improved Vehicle Emission Modeling

Vehicle weight is one of several factors that affect vehicle emissions. Vehicle weight is especially important when modeling emissions from heavy-duty trucks (HDTs). The motor vehicle emission simulator (MOVES) model provides a way to account for vehicle weight during the construction of vehicle emissions inventories. To date, vehicle weight has not received much attention, although reliable vehicle weight data have become increasingly available in the past several years with the deployment of weigh-in-motion (WIM) technology. This study developed a method for fusing vehicle weight data from WIM stations and traffic data from vehicle detector stations (VDS) to obtain HDT activity data for input in MOVES as vehicle operating mode distributions. The study identified trucks recorded by a WIM station that were likely to travel over a VDS during a specified time period. The measured weight data of the trucks were fused with the second-by-second speed and acceleration values in truck trajectories that were crea...
Lattice and spin dynamics of γ-Ce

Inelastic-neutron-scattering techniques have been used to study the lattice dynamics and magnetic scattering of fcc ..gamma..-Ce. The phonon dispersion curves at room temperature were determined along the (100), (110), (111), and (0xi1) symmetry directions. Comparison of the measured dispersion curves with those of Th show that the spectrum of ..gamma..-Ce is in general softer than one would expect by taking into account the differences in mass, interatomic spacing, and melting temperatures of these elements. This relative softening of the phonon frequencies is more pronounced for the phonon branches whose slopes in the elastic limit involve the elastic constants c/sub 11/ and c/sub 12/ which determine the bulk modulus of the element. Thus it seems that premonitory effects of the ..gamma.. ..-->.. ..cap alpha.. transition are present in the room-temperature dispersion curves of ..gamma..-Ce. The elastic constants and lattice specific heat were evaluated by a standard Born--von Karman analysis. We find that the values of c/sub 11/ and c/sub 44/ are comparable, which is extraordinary for an fcc metal. As a result the shear moduli c/sub 44/ and 1/2(c/sub 11/-c/sub 12/) differ by almost a factor of 3 which implies large anisotropy with regard to the propagation of elastic waves. Constant-Qmore » scans performed at reciprocal-lattice points, where the one-phonon contribution to the scattering vanishes, show unambiguously that there is no well-defined low-energy crystal-field excitation in ..gamma..-Ce. The magnetic scattering follows quite well the 4f magnetic form factor of Ce/sup 3 +/. Assuming a relaxational form for the imaginary part of the generalized susceptibility, the spin relaxation energy hGAMMA is found to be approximately 4 THz.« less
Settlements: The Limits of Same-Case Enforcement

Can civil litigants enforce settlements resolving their actions before the very trial judges who presided over those actions? And, are such same case enforcements always subject to similar guidelines in federal and state trial courts? This short paper answers these questions, responding not always and no. The paper employs Director of Insurance v. A and A Midwest Rebuilders, Inc., 891 N.E.2d 500 (Ill.App.2d 2008) to explore the limits of same case enforcement authority and the differences in federal and state practices. The state appellate court correctly distinguished federal court precedents that focused on distinctions between dismissals with and without prejudice. It instead looked to distinctions between judgment enforcement and judgment modification. Unfortunately, the court in A and A also sanctioned same case enforcement where the earlier dismissal was made "pursuant to the terms" of a settlement that was not made part of the record. While relying on Lynch v. Samatamason Inc., 279 F.3d 487 (7th Cir. 2002), the Illinois state court did not follow the "standard practice" suggested in Lynch. Under Lynch, upon settlement subject to possible same case enforcement, the trial judge normally should call in the court reporter and dictate the terms of an oral agreement, or should place a written agreement on the record. As well, the judge should make sure all parties consent. Further, the court in A and A failed to address the public record nature of some civil case settlements, discussed in Jessup v. Luther, 277 F.3d 926 (7th Cir. 2002), cited by the A and A court. Not all civil case settlements are subject to same case enforcement. Final judgments should clearly reflect when settlement enforcement jurisdiction is retained. When same case enforcement is possible, trial judges should follow public access limits imposed by both First Amendment and common law decisions. Further, judges and lawyers should recognize that settlement enforcement guidelines may differ in federal and state courts.
Beyond digital incunabula: modeling the next generation of digital libraries

This paper describes several incunabular assumptions that impose upon early digital libraries the limitations drawn from print, and argues for a design strategy aimed at providing customization and personalization services that go beyond the limiting models of print distribution, based on services and experiments developed for the Greco-Roman collections in the Perseus Digital Library. Three features fundamentally characterize a successful digital library design: finer granularity of collection objects, automated processes, and decentralized community contributions.
Transport and Urban Growth in Preindustrial Europe: Implications for Archaeology

Archaeologists, geographers, and economists recognize a vital linkage between transport conditions and urban development. Archaeologists attribute aspects of the Mesoamerican urban tradition to the limiting effects of inefficient transport. The relationship between transport and population growth is evaluated here. A large sample of preindustrial European cities with known populations is categorized according to the navigability of their waterways, and their growth is monitored over three centuries. Median population sizes were consistently lower among landlocked cities than among seaports and cities on rivers. Effects of population stasis was more pronounced among landlocked cities. Capital cities appeared able to stretch population limits in each category, but not to elude them. The applicability of the model to prehistoric urban development is discussed, as are potential problems that would be encountered.
Ultrastructure of the Heart

The sections in this article are: 1 Shape, Motion, and Force Vectors 2 The Extracellular Matrix 2.1 Collagen Weave 2.2 Transverse (T)-Tubules 3 Interior Supporting Networks 3.1 Microtubules 3.2 Intermediate Filament Network 3.3 Sarcolemmal Associations 3.4 Titin Filament Network 4 The Myofilament Bundles and Associated Structures 5 The Dynamic Z-Band Lattice 5.1 Contractile and Elastic Components in Relation to the Z-Band 5.2 Protein Composition 5.3 Perturbed States of the Z-Band 5.4 Functional States of the Z-Band 6 Summary
Masitinib mesylate for metastatic and non-resectable canine cutaneous mast cell tumours

Masitinib mesylate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of gross, non-metastatic grade II and III canine mast cell tumours (MCTs). This study evaluated the use of masitinib as a frontline and rescue agent for metastatic and non-metastatic canine MCTs. Identification of toxicities and prognostic factors in these dogs was of secondary interest. Twenty-six dogs were included in this study. The overall response rate to masitinib was 50%. The median survival time for dogs that responded to masitinib was 630 days versus 137 days for dogs that did not respond (P = 0.0033). Toxicity was recorded in 61.5% of treated dogs, but the majority of adverse events were mild and self-limiting. Response to masitinib, not tumour grade, stage or location, was the most significant prognostic factor for survival in dogs with MCTs.
A parallel balance scheme for banded linear systems

A parallel algorithm is proposed for the solution of narrow banded non-symmetric linear systems. The linear system is partitioned into blocks of rows with a small number of unknowns common to multiple blocks. Our technique yields a reduced system defined only on these common unknowns which can then be solved by a direct or iterative method. A projection based extension to this approach is also proposed for computing the reduced system implicitly, which gives rise to an inner–outer iteration method. In addition, the product of a vector with the reduced system matrix can be computed efficiently on a multiprocessor by concurrent projections onto subspaces of block rows. Scalable implementations of the algorithm can be devized for hierarchical parallel architectures by exploiting the two-level parallelism inherent in the method. Our experiments indicate that the proposed algorithm is a robust and competitive alternative to existing methods, particularly for difficult problems with strong indefinite symmetric part. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional characterization of the HveA homolog specified by African green monkey kidney cells with a herpes simplex virus expressing the green fluorescence protein.

We cloned the gene specified by African monkey kidney cells (Vero) that codes for the homolog of the herpes virus entry mediator (HveA) specified by HeLa cells. The primary sequence of the monkey HveA (HveAs) differed significantly from HveA. Single amino acid differences were distributed throughout the amino and carboxyl terminal portions of the HveAs in comparison with the HveA, whereas certain regions were highly conserved. The predicted membrane spanning domains of the two receptors differed substantially due to insertions and deletions of short amino acid sequences. The ability of HveAs to mediate HSV virus entry was tested in a series of experiments using the recombinant virus KOS/EGFP, which constitutively expressed the enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) and Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) transformed with the HveAs gene. The KOS/EGFP virus was constructed by inserting an EGFP gene cassette within the intergenic region between the UL53 (gK) and UL54 (ICP27) genes. The KOS/EGFP virus formed viral plaques and replicated as well as the wild-type KOS virus. HveAs-transformed CHO cells constitutively expressing HveAs mediated herpesvirus entry efficiently, whereas cells transformed with the HveAs gene in the noncoding orientation did not mediate virus entry. A genetically engineered protein composed of the amino-terminal portion of the HveAs protein fused to the heavy chain of mouse IgG immunoglobulin as well as mouse antibodies raised against HveAs blocked virus entry into HveAs-transformed CHO cells. Thus, HveAs is the functional homolog of HveA.
Head start: program and legislative update

EAD START is a federally funded child development program created to assist lowincome families. This article will give a brief overview about Head Start, its requirements, and its eligibility criteria. Recent legislative changes as well as strategies to assist pediatric nurses in working with their local Head Start program will also be discussed. Society has long been aware that a child's early preschool years are critical to growth and development and a successful transition to adult life. Several factors can adversely affect this process, but probably none as greatly as poor health and environmental limitations. Results of standardized testing have consistently shown an educational performance gap between children of low-income households as compared with those from more privileged backgrounds (Argetsinger, 1999). In an effort to provide some measure of equal opportunity for children who may be at risk, certain advocates for children and families in the 1960s sought ways to level the playing field for lowincome children by developing a program called Head Start.
Abstract 1233: A triad of Brk, HER2 and STAT3 in regulating epithelial and mesenchymal transition and survival of breast cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Breast tumor kinase (Brk) is a nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinase recently shown to be coexpressed with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) at high levels in tumor specimens from patients with invasive ductal breast cancer. Brk is associated with HER2 in breast cancer cells and can directly phosphorylate signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 (STAT3). However, the biological functions of these interactions remain largely unknown. In current study, we developed a subline from HER2-transfected MCF7 breast cancer cells through in vivo selection in nude mice. Overexpression of HER2 led to a higher level of Brk in MCF7 cells and the in vivo selection resulted in a subline with markedly enhanced epithelial and mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and markedly increased migration potential. We named the subline cells EMT1. Both the EMT phenotype and survival of the EMT1 cells heavily depend on Brk, because knockdown of Brk through RNA interference reversed the EMT phenotype, reduced cell migration potential and induced cell death via apoptosis in the EMT1 cells. We further found that the level of activation-specific phosphorylated STAT3 was markedly increased in the EMT1 cells compared with control vector-transfected or HER2-transfected MCF7 cells. Knockdown of Brk significantly reduced the level of STAT3 phosphorylation in the EMT1 cells. Overexpression of a constitutively active STAT3 counteracted Brk knockdown-induced inhibition of cell migration potential and Brk knockdown-induced apoptosis in the EMT1 cells. Together, these preliminary findings support a new paradigm for regulating breast cancer cell EMT and survival that involves interaction and coordination between Brk, HER2, and STAT3. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1233. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1233
Addition sets in a finite group

Abstract Addition sets with parameters ( υ , k , λ , α ) are defined in a finite group G of order υ, where α: G → G is a homomorphism or anti-homomorphism. It is shown that addition sets in a finite group have similar properties to that of ( υ , k , λ , g ) cyclic addition sets. The case α = I , where I : G → G is the identity automorphism, is studied and it is shown that no ( υ , k , λ , I ) group addition sets exist in an Abelian group of order υ, where ether υ is odd, υ ≡2 (mod 4), or in certain cases when υ≡0 (mod 4). Many examples of group addition sets in both Abelian and non-Abelian groups are provided.
Novel 3D Pharmacophore of α-MSH/γ-MSH Hybrids Leads to Selective Human MC1R and MC3R Analogues†

To further evaluate elements that could contribute to the 3D topographical structure of gamma-MSH, we have systematically designed a group of linear gamma-MSH analogues and evaluated their biological activities: without a N-terminal acetyl, with and without a C-terminal amide, with Nle(3), with l- or d-Phe(6) or d-Nal(2')(6), and with d-Trp(8) or d-Nal(2')(8). It was found that changing the C-terminal acid in gamma-MSH to an amide and replacing Met with Nle leads to increased binding affinities at all four subtypes of melanocortin receptors (10-100 fold). Substitution of Trp(8) with d-Nal(2')(8) and Phe(6) with d-Phe(6) in gamma-MSH-NH(2) forms a selective antagonist for the hMC3R, whereas, substitution of Phe(6) with d-Nal(2')(6) and replacing Trp(8) with d-Trp(8) at gamma-MSH-NH(2) yields a selective partial agonist for the hMC1R. Finally, substitution of His(5) with Pro(5) and Trp(8) with d-Nal(2')(8) in gamma-MSH-NH(2) leads to a highly potent and selective agonist for the hMC1R. Molecular modeling showed that, at the C-terminal of Nle(3)-gamma-MSH-NH(2), there is a reverse-turn-like structure, suggesting that there might be a secondary binding site involved in ligand-receptor interaction for gamma-MSH analogues that may explain the enhanced binding affinities of the Nle(3)-gamma-MSH-NH(2) analogues. Our results indicate that increasing the hydrophobicity and replacing Phe(6) and Trp(8) with bulkier aromatic amino acid residues is very important for selectivity of alpha-MSH/gamma-MSH hybrids for hMCRs.
Substance P enhances desensitization of the nicotinic response in bovine chromaffin cells but enhances secretion upon removal.

: A fundamental process in neurosecretion is desensitization, or a declining response to a stimulus. The response of chromaffin cells to continuous nicotinic stimulation, secretion of catecholamines, desensitizes within a few minutes. The neuropeptide substance P (SP) has been reported to prevent desensitization in culture dish experiments and to enhance desensitization in patch clamp studies. In the present study, these contradictory responses have been demonstrated and the apparent contradictions resolved. We have measured catecholamine secretion by on-line electrochemical detection in a constant-pressure flow system. Isolated chromaffin cells cultured on quartz plates were stimulated with the nicotinic agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP) in the presence and absence of SP. SP inhibited secretion and increased the rate of desensitization compared with stimulation by DMPP alone. However, when the cells were stimulated a second time with DMPP alone immediately after 5-min stimulation with SP + DMPP, the rate of desensitization was markedly lower than the control. Removal of SP after a desensitizing stimulation with SP + DMPP caused a slow secondary release of catecholamine in response to the continued stimulation with DMPP. The kinetic analysis of the secretory response shows that the primary response to SP is enhanced desensitization, but that upon removal of SP the response to DMPP desensitizes less rapidly. We suggest that SP protects some receptors from nicotinic desensitization while holding them in an inactive state, and that upon removal of SP these receptors can slowly respond to DMPP.
Effect of ACD blood prime on plasma calcium and magnesium.

Abstract The changes in the total plasma calcium, ionized calcium, total magnesium, and ionized magnesium during cardiopulmonary bypass were measured in 38 patients in whom acid citrate dextrose (ACD) preserved blood was used in the pump-oxygenator prime. The ionized calcium was measured directly using a calcium ion electrode. It was found that reconstitution of ACD blood with 10% calcium chloride in an amount equivalent to 8 ml. per unit of ACD blood resulted in a normal ionized calcium level in the plasma. There was severe depression of the ionized magnesium when ACD blood was used in the pump-oxygenator prime; however, addition of 10% magnesium sulfate in an amount of 3 ml. per unit of ACD blood returned the ionized magnesium to the normal range.
The vibrational spectra of methyltrichlorogermane

Abstract The infrared and Raman spectra of methyltrichlorogermane have been recorded and the eleven active fundamental vibrations of this C3ν molecule are assigned. The frequency of the inactive torsional vibration, ν6, is estimated to be 134 cm−1 from the first overtone band. The height of the barrier hindering internal rotation was calculated to have a value of 1300 cal/mole.
Efficient solution of Lyapunov equation for matrix autoregressive models and its application to the inverse Levinson problem

A novel efficient method for solving the discrete Lyapunov equation is presented, for the case where a matrix autoregressive model is assumed. This leads to an efficient procedure for solving the inverse Levinson problem, namely - constructing ladder realizations for given AR models (rather than for given covariance sequences). The method is based on a recently described method of inverting matrices that are sums of block-Toeplitz and block-Hankel matrices. The procedure is then shown to yield a stability test for the given autoregressive model.
Lessons From the Learning Classroom

This article describes an experience I had as a new professor the first year after receiving my Ph.D. An experiment with an innovative teaching method quickly deteriorated into a disaster. This article describes the emotional toll exacted on me, why my experiment failed, and how it prompted me to develop a personal philosophy of principle-based teaching.
What is so great about nighttime VIIRS data for the detection and characterization of combustion sources

The Suomi National Polar Partnership (SNPP) is a satellite operated jointly by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The primary imaging sensor on SNPP is the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). Among imaging meteorological satellite sensors the VIIRS is unique in collecting visible, near-infrared and short-wave infrared spectral radiances at night. With sunlight eliminated, these spectral bands make it possible to observe the radiant emissions from gas flares, biomass burning, industrial sites and volcanoes worldwide every 24 hours. With multispectral detections it is possible to model the blackbody emission curve (also known as a Planck curve), which can then be used to estimate the temperature of the source, size of the source (m 2 ), radiative heat intensity (W/m 2 ), radiant heat (MW). This is a substantial advance over satellite fire products based on detection in a single spectral band.
Comparison of Oxalate Oxidase Enzyme Electrodes for Urinary Oxalate Determinations

Abstract Enzyme electrodes for oxalate were constructed by immobilizing oxalate oxidase enzyme (E, C, 1,2,3,4) on both potentiometric carbon dioxide and amperometric hydrogen peroxide sensors. These systems were optimized, and the response characteristics of the two biosensors examined in a comparison study. Areas investigated include linear range, calibration curve slope, response time, limit of detection, and lifetime. Selectivity studies were carried out with the system and showed no measurable response to millimolar levels of various L-amino acids, metal ions or ascorbic acid. This comparison was extended into the choice of an optimal sensor for urinary oxalate determinations with minimal sample pretreatment. The peroxide sensor performed best in urine samples, allowing for the 1:40 dilution necessary to minimize the effect of any interferents present. At this or greater dilution, the recovery of standard additions of oxalate averaged 95.5%, with an average relative standard deviation of 4.9%. The sys...
The adoption of new adjuvant radiation therapy modalities among Medicare beneficiaries with breast cancer: clinical correlates and cost implications.

Purpose New radiation therapy modalities have broadened treatment options for older women with breast cancer, but it is unclear how clinical factors, geographic region, and physician preference affect the choice of radiation therapy modality. Methods and Materials We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database to identify women diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer from 1998 to 2007 who underwent breast-conserving surgery. We assessed the temporal trends in, and costs of, the adoption of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and brachytherapy. Using hierarchical logistic regression, we evaluated the relationship between the use of these new modalities and patient and regional characteristics. Results Of 35,060 patients, 69.9% received conventional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Although overall radiation therapy use remained constant, the use of IMRT increased from 0.0% to 12.6% from 1998 to 2007, and brachytherapy increased from 0.7% to 9.0%. The statistical variation in brachytherapy use attributable to the radiation oncologist and geographic region was 41.4% and 9.5%, respectively (for IMRT: 23.8% and 22.1%, respectively). Women undergoing treatment at a free-standing radiation facility were significantly more likely to receive IMRT than were women treated at a hospital-based facility (odds ratio for IMRT vs EBRT: 3.89 [95% confidence interval, 2.78-5.45]). No such association was seen for brachytherapy. The median radiation therapy cost per treated patient increased from $5389 in 2001 to $8539 in 2007. Conclusions IMRT and brachytherapy use increased substantially from 1998 to 2007; overall, radiation therapy costs increased by more than 50%. Radiation oncologists played an important role in treatment choice for both types of radiation therapy, whereas geographic region played a bigger role in the use of IMRT than brachytherapy.
Impact of managed care on the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

In the era of managed care, it has been necessary to develop new and innovative treatment strategies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. This article examines our experience providing cardiovascular services to a large health maintenance organization (HMO). The focus of this article is on our development and implementation of a systematic approach to the management of atrial fibrillation (AFib), encouraging the active participation of the family practice and internal medicine physicians. With >22 geographically diverse satellite clinics, the standardization of treatment of a common disease such as AFib is both challenging and difficult. The first objective for Baylor Cardiology was to adapt to such a system and provide an efficient and flexible schedule encouraging communication with the primary care doctor. A telephone consultation service was instituted to provide instant cardiology consultation. The HMO organizational structure allowed us to implement standardized procedures and clinical approaches. Guidelines were implemented to address all practical clinical issues in AFib such as: (1) the necessity for hospitalization; (2) baseline noninvasive studies; and (3) standardization of protime and international normalized ratio (INR) measurements between all the satellite clinics. Also, algorithms for the selection of antiarrhythmic drugs for maintenance of sinus rhythm and rate control are presented.
Vitamin C status of a campus population: college students get a C minus.

Abstract Diet and the vitamin C status of two samples of college students were examined. Nonsmoking participants were recruited from a campus population during the fall and winter months. The prevalence of vitamin C deficiency (plasma vitamin C concentrations less than 11 μmol/L) ranged from 1% to 2% in the sampled campus populations. Marginal vitamin C status (plasma vitamin C concentrations from 11 to less than 28 μmol/L) was observed in 12% of the fall sample and 16% in the winter sample. Participants with marginal vitamin C status consumed significantly fewer servings of fruits and vegetables daily than participants with adequate vitamin C status. Marginal vitamin C status, which is even more pronounced in smokers, has been associated with fatigue and increased severity of respiratory tract infections. Because the vitamin C status of many college students, both smokers and nonsmokers, may be inadequate, health promotion or wellness programs for all students should emphasize the importance of adequate ...
Small retinal hemorrhages as the only sign of an intracranial aneurysm

Purpose To report a woman with two small circumpapillary and nerve fiber layer hemorrhages found on routine examination. Methods Case report. The patient had a history of severe headache 2 weeks previously but no other symptoms or signs. Result Magnetic resonance imaging showed an intracranial aneurysm. Conclusions This potentially lethal abnormality should be considered with small unexplained retinal hemorrhages, even when the neurologic examination is normal. A history of recent headache should be sought.
Approximate singular values of the fractional difference and summation operators

Abstract We obtain sharp bounds on the singular values of the fractional difference and summation operators on R n . These bounds allow us to establish that the convergence rates of the distributions of the singular values of these operators are O(1/ n ). Since the fractional difference operator of order α is associated with the Toeplitz matrix with Fisher–Hartwig symbol (2 − 2 cos u ) α , α > 0, we are able to obtain similar bounds on the eigenvalues of this Toeplitz matrix and a similar result on the convergence rate of the distribution of its eigenvalues.
The effect of intravenously administered digoxin and ouabain on the systemic venous pressure of patients with congestive heart failure

Abstract 1. 1. When administered intravenously in single therapeutic doses, digoxin and ouabain induced rapid improvement in the circulatory dynamics of patients with congestive heart failure. 2. 2. A rapid fall of the elevated venous pressure was the most striking and constant effect produced. It had the following characteristics: 2.1. a. Onset of effect: ouabain, 3 to 11 minutes, digoxin, 5 to 22 minutes. 2.2. b. Major effect: ouabain, 35 to 56 minutes, digoxin, 45 minutes to 3 hours. 2.3. c. It was associated with, but not dependent on, slowing of the ventricular rate when the cardiac mechanism was auricular fibrillation. 2.4. d. It was unaccompanied by a change in ventricular rate when the cardiac mechanism was normal. 2.5. e. It preceded the onset of diuresis, which at times was rapidly initiated. 2.6. f. Its pattern did not depend on the initial level of venous pressure or the degree of congestive heart failure. 2.7. g. It bore no relationship to changes in the electrocardiogram. 2.8. h. Its duration was relatively short, except in those patients whose cardiac reserve was sufficient to maintain circulatory compensation once it was re-established. 3. 3. Compared molecule for molecule, ouabain induced effects more rapidly than digoxin. 4. 4. Large doses of these two glycosides at times induced toxic complications. The intermediate doses were free of these effects and therapeutically just as effective.
Randomization using packaged programs

The problem of implementation of a randomization in controlled clinical trials is briefly discussed. A computer procedure is proposed and illustrated with simple programs using BMDP, SAS, and SPSS.
Seeking Legitimacy: The Professionalization of Life Coaching

This article uses life coaching as a case study for understanding the attempts of one occupational group to define their work as a profession and themselves as professional people. Life coaches' efforts to legitimate their work are examined within the context of the economic downturn and exemplify an emerging employment trend in the American labor market: college-educated workers pursuing non-standard work as independent contractors in personalized service occupations. Using in-depth interviews with life coaches, I focus on the collective and individual strategies workers use in their attempts to carve out new occupational jurisdictions for their services and bolster their professional status. I explore how gender shapes life coaches' experiences and professionalization tactics; further, I predict that these gendered processes will ultimately influence the trajectory of the life coaching industry more generally. My findings highlight the complexity of current employment relations and offer empirical insights into the study of work, occupations, and gender.
The nonlinear oblique derivative problem for quasilinear elliptic equations

On considere des problemes aux valeurs limites pour une equation elliptique quasilineaire d'ordre 2 Qu=0 dans Ω, ou Ω est un domaine borne de R n , n≥2 et Q est donne sur C 2 (Ω) par: Qu(x)=a ij (x, u(x), Du(x)) D ij u(x)+a(x, u(x), Du(x))
Determinants of White Matter Hyperintensity Burden Differ at the Extremes of Ages of Ischemic Stroke Onset

Background Age is a well-known risk factor for both stroke and increased burden of white matter hyperintensity (WMH), as detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. However, in patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke (IS), WMH volume (WMHv) varies significantly across age groups. We sought to examine the determinants of WMH burden across the ages of stroke onset with the goal to uncover potential age-specific stroke prevention targets. Methods Adult subjects from an ongoing hospital-based cohort study of IS patients with admission brain MRI were categorized as having early ( 75 years), or average (55-75 years) age of stroke onset. WMHv was measured using a previously validated, MRI-based semi-automated method and normalized for linear regression analyses. Results Of 1008 IS subjects, 249 had early-onset stroke (24.7%), and 311 had late-onset stroke (30.9%). In multivariable analysis of WMHv using backward stepwise selection, only age (β = .02, P = .018), hypertension (β = .24, P = .049), and history of tobacco use (β = .38, P = .001) were independently associated with WMHv in patients with early-onset stroke, whereas male sex (β = −.30, P = .007), hyperlipidemia (β = −.27, P = .015), and current alcohol use (β = .23, P = .034) were independently associated with WMHv in patients with late-onset stroke. Conclusions History of tobacco use is a strong independent predictor of WMH burden in patients with early-onset stroke, whereas age is no longer associated with WMHv in IS patients older than 75 years of age. These findings suggest that the major risk factors to target for stroke prevention differ across age groups and may be modifiable.
Mitochondrial network morphology: building an integrative, geometrical view

The morphology of mitochondrial networks is complex and highly varied, yet vital to cell function. The first step toward an integrative understanding of how mitochondrial morphology is generated and regulated is to define the interdependent geometrical features and their dynamics that together generate the morphology of a mitochondrial network within a cell. Distinct aspects of the size, shape, position, and dynamics of mitochondrial networks are described and examples of how these features depend on one another discussed.
Dietary salt reduction in hypertension--what is the evidence and why is it still controversial?

The link between sodium intake and hypertension remains controversial because of inconsistency between early epidemiologic studies, which showed a strong positive relationship between salt intake and blood pressure/incidence of hypertension, and more recent studies, which showed only modest decreases in blood pressure with sodium reduction, particularly in the normotensive population. In addition, there is clinical evidence that sodium is related to target organ damage such as left ventricular hypertrophy and renal disease. Although the evidence available linking sodium intake and blood pressure in the general population is weak, sodium reduction has been shown to be useful in hypertensive patients, particularly salt-sensitive patients. Whether dietary sodium reduction should be recommended for the general population remains questionable because of marginal benefit and the suggestion of possible deleterious effects on cardiovascular outcomes independent of blood pressure. This paper will review the definition and methods used in determining salt sensitivity, the evidence linking sodium intake and target organ damage, and modern studies of salt and blood pressure. Copyright 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company
Differential G-alpha interaction capacities of the GoLoco motifs in Rap GTPase activating proteins

Abstract GoLoco motif proteins act as guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors (GDIs) for G-protein alpha subunits of the adenylyl cyclase-inhibitory (Gαi/o) class. Rap1GAP2 is a newly identified GoLoco motif- and RapGAP domain-containing protein, and thus is considered a potential integrator of heterotrimeric and monomeric GTPase signaling. Primary sequence analysis indicated that the Rap1GAP2 GoLoco motif contains a lysine (Lys-75), rather than an arginine, at the crucial residue responsible for binding the alpha and beta phosphates of GDP and exerting GDI activity. To determine the functional outcome of this sequence variation we conducted a biophysical analysis of the human Rap1GAP2b/c GoLoco motif. We found that human Rap1GAP2b/c was deficient in GDI activity and Gα interaction capability. Mutation of lysine-75 to arginine could not regain functional activity of the Rap1GAP2b/c GoLoco motif. Thus, the Rap1GAP2b/c GoLoco motif can be classed as inactive towards Gα subunits. We also found that the Rap1GAP1a GoLoco motif, which lacks seven N-terminal amino acid residues present in canonical GoLoco motifs, does not interact with Gαi1. In contrast, the GoLoco motif of Rap1GAP1b, which is canonical in primary sequence, was found to interact with Gαi1·GDP.
Formation of doubly charged transition metal–polyether–pyridyl mixed‐ligand complexes by electrospray ionization

The formation of a series of doubly charged pyridyl ngand-polyether-transition metal complexes was studied using electrospray ionization (ESI) methods. Both doubly charged mixed-ligand dimer and trimers were observed. Differences in the electronic structures of the metal ions and the nature of the polyether and pyridyl ligands influence the types of complexes formed. Despite the large differences in the solution binding constants of pyridyl and polyether ligands, mixed-ligand complexes were efficiently formed, suggesting that the ESI process itself may enhance the formation of certain types of complexes that might not be favored in solution. Charge reduction of the metal ion within the mixed-ligand complexes was not observed, although charge reduction of Cu 2+ occurred for the singleligand polyether and pyridyl complexes.
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty: Revision Rates Revisited

Background: Cosmetic rhinoplasty has great potential to change a patient's appearance. It also carries the very real risk of patient dissatisfaction and request for revision. Although there have been many published patient series studying various aspects of rhinoplasty, questions remain regarding revision rates, as well as risk factors for complications, dissatisfaction, and revision. Objectives: The authors investigate the rate of cosmetic rhinoplasty revision at a plastic surgery group practice and identify risk factors for revision. Methods: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for all patients who presented to a single multisurgeon practice for primary rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty, and revision rhinoplasty between 1998 and 2008. Patient demographics, preoperative complaints, preoperative physical examination findings, detailed operative data, and postoperative outcomes were abstracted from the charts. Complication rates, revision rates, and postoperative patient satisfaction were calculated and analyzed for identifiable risk factors. Results: Of 369 consecutive cosmetic rhinoplasties performed during the study period, 279 (72.7%) were conducted with an open approach. The overall complication, dissatisfaction, and revision rates were 7.9%, 15.4%, and 9.8%, respectively. Postoperatively, most patients (87%) were identified by their surgeons as having had successful anatomical correction of their nasal deformity. History of previous nasal operation or facial fracture, lack of anatomical correction, and occurrence of postoperative complications were associated with both revision and dissatisfaction ( P < .05). Failure to address the nasal tip at the time of primary rhinoplasty was associated with a higher level of dissatisfaction. Conclusions: Cosmetic rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging procedures in plastic surgery; however, these data indicate that a high level of patient satisfaction is attainable within a plastic surgery group practice if certain factors are considered. Specifically, surgeons should be aware of risk factors that are potentially associated with dissatisfaction and revision. Level of Evidence: 4 ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Evacuation Modeling From the Control Perspective and Corresponding Sequential-Based Optimal Evacuation Guidance

Most of the emergency alert systems to date can only produce alarm sounds and remind people not to use elevators. Without effective guidance information, it is highly possible that people will rush into certain staircases, which may, however, result in stampedes, crushing, and trampling. To increase people's survivability and mitigate the losses when disasters happen, it is desirable that the future emergency alert system is capable of providing guidance information to people in real time. In this brief, a new scalable evacuation model is proposed from the control perspective. The partial decoupling characteristic of the model leads to a sequential approach in the optimal guidance design so that the computational cost can be significantly reduced as compared with the centralized approach. It is shown that the sequential approach can achieve the same minimum time performance, although the optimal guidance may only be one of the many solutions. Characteristics of the proposed model and the capabilities of the associated optimization methods are illustrated through simulations.
On the poisoning of Co3O4 catalysts by alumina and magnesia

Alumina-doped and magnesia-doped cobaltous-cobaltic oxide, Co3O4, samples of about 8 and 9 cationic percent dopant concentrations, respectively, were prepared and tested for catalytic activity relative to that of the pure cobalt oxide. They were also analyzed by ion scattering spectrometry (ISS), to look for possible surface enrichment of the dopant. The specific catalytic activity of the Al2O3-doped Co3O4 was found to be depressed by a factor of about 4–5, while the MgO-doped Co3O4 was poisoned by a factor of about 8. The ISS spectra clearly indicate that the alumina-doped sample has a surface which is highly enriched in aluminum concentration, relative to the bulk. The ISS results for the Mg-doped sample are difficult to interpret, but at least show that the outermost surface layers are impoverished in cobalt, hence they are probably enriched in magnesium. These experiments were designed to partially test a hypothesis of “poisoning by substrate dissolution,” to account for the fact that Al2O3-supported Co3O4 has a peculiarly low catalytic activity for the oxidation of CO and hydrocarbons compared to pure Co3O4. Similar, though somewhat less striking results are obtained for MgAl2O4-supported Co3O4. Such supported catalysts are generally made by impregnation with aqueous cobalt nitrate, followed by calcination to about 500–600 °C. There is evidence that this temperature is insufficient to produce profound bulk interdiffusion between catalyst and support in the solid state, and that there is a Co3O4 phase left. It was therefore theorized that the decomposing cobalt nitrate, a hot, acidic liquid, might dissolve some of the substrate, thus yielding substrate-doped Co3O4 similar to the doped samples described above. Our results appear to fall short of explaining the peculiarly low activity of Al2O3-supported Co3O4, but are large enough to possibly explain the performance of the MgAl2O4-supported catalyst.
Highly efficient and exact method for parallelization of grid-based algorithms and its implementation in DelPhi.

The Gauss-Seidel method is a standard iterative numerical method widely used to solve a system of equations and, in general, is more efficient comparing to other iterative methods, such as the Jacobi method. However, standard implementation of the Gauss-Seidel method restricts its utilization in parallel computing due to its requirement of using updated neighboring values (i.e., in current iteration) as soon as they are available. Here we report an efficient and exact (not requiring assumptions) method to parallelize iterations and to reduce the computational time as a linear/nearly linear function of the number of CPUs. In contrast to other existing solutions, our method does not require any assumptions and is equally applicable for solving linear and nonlinear equations. This approach is implemented in the DelPhi program, which is a finite difference Poisson-Boltzmann equation solver to model electrostatics in molecular biology. This development makes the iterative procedure on obtaining the electrostatic potential distribution in the parallelized DelPhi several folds faster than that in the serial code. Further we demonstrate the advantages of the new parallelized DelPhi by computing the electrostatic potential and the corresponding energies of large supramolecular structures.
A Steady-State Reaction-Diffusion Problem in a Moving Medium

Abstract We examine a mathematical formulation of the problem of a thin rod held against a source of chemical which diffuses into the rod and reacts with it. The velocity of the rod, which occurs as a coefficient in a coupled system of differential equations, is not known a priori but is to be determined as part of the solution.