cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures: A Survey of Hand Surgeons.

Background Length of immobilization after operative fixation of unstable distal radius fractures and management in elderly patients is an area of debate. Purpose The purpose of this study is to delineate common practices of fellowship-trained hand surgeons and how they compare with current evidence-based protocols. Methods Surveys were distributed to American Society for Surgery of the Hand members on preferred methods of fixation, postoperative immobilization, and variations in treatment of elderly patients with unstable distal radius fractures. Responses were analyzed in comparison to a literature review. Subgroups were compared with regard to training, practice type, and years in practice. Results Four-hundred eighty-five surveys were analyzed. Volar fixed-angle plating was the most common choice of fixation (84.7%). Patients are most often immobilized for 1 to 2 weeks (40.0%) with range of motion (ROM) therapy begun most commonly between 1 and 4 weeks (47.2%). The majority of surgeons do not treat fractures differently in patients more than 65 years old. Physicians with more than 20 years of experience were significantly more likely to begin wrist ROM sooner with volar plating versus other fixation techniques compared with physicians with less than 20 years of experience (40.7% vs. 34.2%, respectively). Also, physicians in academic-only practices were more likely to immobilize patients for a shorter time after volar plating compared with those in privademics. Conclusion Volar fixed-angle plating is the dominant fixation method for unstable distal radius fractures among fellowship-trained hand surgeons. Elderly patients are not treated more conservatively and rigid immobilization after operative fixation remains the treatment of choice despite current evidence-based protocols.
Effect of Acetyl- l -carnitine Used for Protection of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury on Acute Kidney Changes in Male and Female Rats

Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is a common cause of brain injury in infants. Acute kidney injury frequently occurs after birth asphyxia and is associated with adverse outcome. Treatment with acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) after HI protects brain and improves outcome. Rat pups underwent carotid ligation and 75 min hypoxia on postnatal day 7 to determine effects of HI on kidney which is understudied in this model. HI + ALCAR pups were treated at 0, 4 and 24 h after HI. The organic cation/carnitine transporter 2 (OCTN2), transports ALCAR and functions to reabsorb carnitine and acylcarnitines from urine. At 24 h after injury OCTN2 levels were significantly decreased in kidney from HI pups, 0.80 ± 0.04 (mean ± SEM, p < 0.01), compared to sham controls 1.03 ± 0.04, and HI + ALCAR pups 1.11 ± 0.06. The effect of HI on the level of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) was determined since kidney has high energy requirements. At 24 h after HI, kidney PDH/β-actin ratios were significantly lower in HI pups, 0.98 ± 0.05 (mean ± SEM, p < 0.05), compared to sham controls 1.16 ± 0.06, and HI + ALCAR pups 1.24 ± 0.03, p < 0.01. Treatment of pups with ALCAR after HI prevented the decrease in renal OCTN2 and PDH levels at 24 h after injury. Protection of PDH and OCTN2 after HI would improve energy metabolism in kidney, maintain tissue carnitine levels and overall carnitine homeostasis which is essential for neonatal health.
Ecological Water Stress under Projected Climate Change across Hydroclimate Gradients in the North-Central United States

AbstractWater balance influences the distribution, abundance, and diversity of plant species across Earth’s terrestrial system. In this study, we examine changes in the water balance and, consequen...
Association of Opioids With Incisional Ocular Surgery.

Importance Opioid abuse has been declared a public health emergency. Currently, little is known about the association between opioids and ocular surgery. Objective To characterize rates of filled opioid prescriptions after incisional ocular surgeries. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study included patients with incisional ocular surgeries within a large national US insurer’s administrative medical claims database. All incisional ocular surgeries from January 2000 through December 2016 were evaluated. An opioid prescription was eligible if it occurred from 1 day before to 7 days after a surgery. Any surgery on a patient who was younger than 18 years, had more than 30 consecutive days of an opioid prescription in the prior 6 months, or had less than 6 months of data in the database prior to surgery was excluded. Data analysis occurred from May 2018 through November 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures The rate of opioid prescriptions filled for all incisional ocular surgeries from 2000 through 2016. Primary analysis looked at the rate of filled opioid prescriptions for each ophthalmic subspecialty surgery over time. Secondary analysis assessed which patient or surgical characteristics (ie, age, sex, race/ethnicity, geographic locations, yearly income, educational level, and type of eye surgery) were associated with filling an opioid prescription. Multivariate logistic regression using generalized estimating equations was used to determine odds ratios (ORs) of filling an opioid prescription. Results A total of 2 407 962 incisional ocular surgeries were included, of which 45 776 (1.90%) were associated with an opioid prescription. The rate of filled opioid prescriptions varied considerably over time, with the lowest rate occurring in the 2000-2001 cohort year (671 of 45 776 [1.24%]) and the highest in 2014 (5559 of 45 776 [2.51%]). An increasing trend was seen over the course of the study (2000-2001: 671 of 45 776 [1.24%]; 2016: 5851 of 45 776 [2.07%];P Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest the rate of filled opioid prescriptions are increasing for all types of incisional ocular surgery over time. Given the ongoing national opioid epidemic, understanding patterns of use can help in reversing the epidemic.
Widespread hematite at high latitudes of the Moon

Hematite (Fe2O3) is a common oxidization product on Earth, Mars, and some asteroids. Although oxidizing processes have been speculated to operate on the lunar surface and form ferric iron-bearing minerals, unambiguous detections of ferric minerals forming under highly reducing conditions on the Moon have remained elusive. Our analyses of the Moon Mineralogy Mapper data show that hematite, a ferric mineral, is present at high latitudes on the Moon, mostly associated with east- and equator-facing sides of topographic highs, and is more prevalent on the nearside than the farside. Oxygen delivered from Earth's upper atmosphere could be the major oxidant that forms lunar hematite. Hematite at craters of different ages may have preserved the oxygen isotopes of Earth's atmosphere in the past billions of years. Future oxygen isotope measurements can test our hypothesis and may help reveal the evolution of Earth's atmosphere.
Thermophilic Bacteria and Bacteriophages

Publisher Summary This chapter emphasizes on thermophilic bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus and to the bacteriophages, which attack these organisms. The chapter considers three main groups of bacteria that include (1) strict or obligate thermophiles, these organisms show optimal growth at 65°–70°, and do not grow below 40°–42°; (2) facultative thermophiles, which have a maximum temperature for growth between 50° and 65°, and are capable of growth at room temperature; and (3) thermotolerant organisms, which have a maximum growth temperature of 45°–50° and also grow at room temperature. Thermophiles are isolated from soils of both temperate and tropical regions, air, salt, fresh water, from foods and grain, raw, pasteurized milk, and in faeces of man and domestic animals. As the incubation temperature for a thermophile is increased, there is an increase in the growth requirements of the particular organism under study. A thermophilic phage isolated from sewage-polluted river water exhibited an optimum temperature for lytic activity of about 50°, and had the ability to lyse its host at 57°–58°. The thermostability of the phage largely depends on the suspending fluid. In phosphate buffer or distilled water, the heat resistance is found to be less than when the phage is in broth or gelatin solution.
Radiation tolerant mixed signal microcontroller for Martian surface applications

We are developing a radiation tolerant, mixed-signal microcontroller for applications exposed to the Martian surface thermal environment. The part can be used for spacecraft/rover engineering data collection, parameter monitoring, and fault detection at the sensor and needs minimal external support circuits. The 8-bit microcontroller includes timer resources, three serial communications ports, a 16-bit programmable digital interface, an 8-level interrupt controller, and I/sup 2/C master/slave bus interface. Mixed signal peripherals include a 16-channel, 10-bit successive approximation A/D converter, 10-bit D/A converter, programmable gain amplifier, and voltage reference. All memory interfaces use a 13-bit wide two-bit error detection, single-bit error correction code for each byte. There is an internal 512 /spl times/ 13 bit scratchpad static random access memory and 2 Ki /spl times/ 13 bit electrically erasable programmable read only memory.
Truth Commissions and Other Investigative Bodies

This chapter provides an overview of countries' experience with truth commissions and other investigative bodies. It contains a description of each commission's work and how it has been received by various parts of society. It concludes by offering some observations on how different attributes of a commission and the environment in which it operates can shape what impact they have on transitional and post-conflict societies.
Statistical properties of one-dimensional chaotic signals

Signals arising out of nonlinear dynamical systems are compelling models for a wide range of phenomena. We develop several properties of signals obtained from Markov maps, an important family of such systems, and present analytical techniques for computing their statistics. Among other results, we demonstrate that all Markov maps produce signals with rational spectra, and can therefore be viewed as "chaotic ARMA processes". Finally, we demonstrate how Markov maps can approximate to arbitrary precision any of a broad class of chaotic maps and their statistics.
Automatic simulation of IED measurements for substation data integration studies

With the deregulation and restructuring of utility industry, many substation automation applications are being developed. These applications need to be tested for their accuracy and reliability. In cases when physical testing in substations is difficult, it is desirable to have a software tool to simulate the intelligent electronic device (IED) measurements in substations. This paper presents the design of such a software application that can be used to generate substation IED measurements in fault and/or switching scenarios. The software structure and input/output interfaces are provided, as well as their implementation details. Two examples of simulation results are included in the paper. This software application serves as a handy tool for substation automation related studies.
The Role of Frontal Cortical and Medial-Temporal Lobe Brain Areas in Learning a Bayesian Prior Belief on Reversals.

Reversal learning has been extensively studied across species as a task that indexes the ability to flexibly make and reverse deterministic stimulus–reward associations. Although various brain lesions have been found to affect performance on this task, the behavioral processes affected by these lesions have not yet been determined. This task includes at least two kinds of learning. First, subjects have to learn and reverse stimulus–reward associations in each block of trials. Second, subjects become more proficient at reversing choice preferences as they experience more reversals. We have developed a Bayesian approach to separately characterize these two learning processes. Reversal of choice behavior within each block is driven by a combination of evidence that a reversal has occurred, and a prior belief in reversals that evolves with experience across blocks. We applied the approach to behavior obtained from 89 macaques, comprising 12 lesion groups and a control group. We found that animals from all of the groups reversed more quickly as they experienced more reversals, and correspondingly they updated their prior beliefs about reversals at the same rate. However, the initial values of the priors that the various groups of animals brought to the task differed significantly, and it was these initial priors that led to the differences in behavior. Thus, by taking a Bayesian approach we find that variability in reversal-learning performance attributable to different neural systems is primarily driven by different prior beliefs about reversals that each group brings to the task. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The ability to use prior knowledge to adapt choice behavior is critical for flexible decision making. Reversal learning is often studied as a form of flexible decision making. However, prior studies have not identified which brain regions are important for the formation and use of prior beliefs to guide choice behavior. Here we develop a Bayesian approach that formally characterizes learning set as a concept, and we show that, in macaque monkeys, the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex have a role in establishing an initial belief about the stability of the reward environment.
Situational Performance Constraints and Task Characteristics: Their Relationship to Motivation and Satisfaction

Peters and O'Connor (1980) have argued that the presence of situational performance constraints reduces motivation to perform, with an accompanying decrease in satisfaction. They have also argued that the presence of these constraints limits the influence of other motivational strategies designed to improve motivation and satisfaction. This survey research provides partial support for these hypotheses. The perceived existence of high constraints was found to be significantly related to negative affective reactions. However, the existence of high constraints failed to limit the effects of task scope on these outcomes. The indirect effect of constraints appeared to be more a function of whether respondents felt personally in control of relevant outcomes rather than merely a function of the perceived existence of constraints. Finally, as Peters and O'Connor have suggested, the perceived existence of constraints masked the influence of a relevant individual difference variable in this sample: As predicted, gr...
Piezoelectric fields in quantum wires

The piezoelectric effect in zincblende and wurtzite nanowires based on the full piezoelectric tensor following the continuum model has been studied analytically. Theoretical results present comparisons between piezoelectric potentials generated in wurtzite and zincblende nanowires which will serve as a guide for the proper design of future nanostructures in order to achieve maximum piezo-energy.
Syndrome-Testability Can be Achieved by Circuit Modification

In [1] and [2] Savir developed many facets of syndrome-testing (checking the number of minterms realized by a circuit against the number realized by a fault-free version of that circuit) and presented evidence showing that syndrome-testing can be used in many practical circuits to detect all single faults. In some cases, where syndrome-testing did not detect all single stuck-at-faults, Savir showed that by the addition of a small number of additional "control" inputs and gates one would get a function which is syndrome-testable for all single stuck-at faults, and yet which realizes the original function when the "control" inputs are fed appropriate values. However, he left open the question of whether one could always modify a circuit to achieve syndrome-testability. In this correspondence we show that a combinatorial circuit can always be modified to produce a single-fault, syndrome-testable circuit.
Resonant enhanced multiphoton ionization studies in atomic oxygen.

In this paper we analyze two-photon-resonant three-photon ionization of atomic oxygen via the 2${\mathit{p}}^{3}$${(}^{4}$S\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})${\mathit{np}}^{3}$${\mathit{P}}_{0}$,1,2, and the 2${\mathit{p}}^{3}$${(}^{4}$S\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{})nf $^{3}$${\mathit{F}}_{2}$,3,4 states. The various atomic parameters required for calculating the resonant enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) probabilities are obtained using quantum-defect theory. The infinite sums over nonresonant states are truncated at a finite number of terms. Our calculated two-photon excitation cross sections agree well with the results of other recent calculations and of experimental measurements. The photoionization cross section is calculated for various electron kinetic energies. The REMPI dynamics is analyzed by solving the density-matrix equations. This framework consistently takes into account the effects of saturation and ac Stark shifts. REMPI probability is seen to be quite sensitive to the initial detuning, the intensity, and the particular resonant state accessed. The photoionization cross sections also imply that due to the rapid falloff of the cross section, two-color REMPI schemes with a lower-frequency ionizing photon would increase the effective REMPI probability.
Supershielding: Confinement of Magnetic Fields

In open-shield systems, we have derived current conditions that lead to remarkable magnetic-field confinement, which we call ``supershielding.'' The freedom to vary both primary and shield currents is important in solving the conditions. Solutions leading to very effective shielding are illustrated by the simple system of two parallel flat strips. Generalizations include other geometries, internal shielding, and electric-field confinement. An industrial coil design serves as a reference for practical issues. We discuss mathematical limits, via a ``seesaw'' approach, to ``perfect shielding.''
Use of a wake-integral method for computational drag analysis

The primary issue of interest in this study is the accurate and reliable calculation of induced drag. This interest developed as a consequence of an effort to numerically simulate an experimental investigation designed to study the effect some innovative configurational arrangements on induced drag. To predict the induced drag for the configurations studied, a wake-integral method was used.
Estimating Density Using Precision Satellite Orbits from Multiple Satellites

This article examines atmospheric densities estimated using precision orbit ephemerides (POE) from several satellites including CHAMP, GRACE, and TerraSAR-X. The results of the calibration of atmospheric densities along the CHAMP and GRACE-A orbits derived using POEs with those derived using accelerometers are compared for various levels of solar and geomagnetic activity to examine the consistency in calibration between the two satellites. Densities from CHAMP and GRACE are compared when GRACE is orbiting nearly directly above CHAMP. In addition, the densities derived simultaneously from CHAMP, GRACE-A, and TerraSAR-X are compared to the Jacchia 1971 and NRLMSISE-00 model densities to observe altitude effects and consistency in the offsets from the empirical models among all three satellites.
Treatment and survival study in the C57BL/6J-APCMin/+ (Min) mouse with R-flurbiprofen

Our previous studies with the mouse model of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), C57BL/6J-APCMin/+ or Min mouse, demonstrated the optimal dose for adenoma reduction with R-flurbiprofen was 10 mg/kg/day as an undivided dose. Divided doses exhibited no increased efficaciousness. This study examines 10 mg/kg R-flurbiprofen daily (qd) on survival as well as a second daily (q.o.d.) schedule and compares it with sulindac sulfone. The q.o.d. Schedule at 10 mg/kg was equally efficacious as qd treatment at the same dose. For the q.o.d. Group, tumor number decreased similarly (p < 0.01); while body weight gain (p < 0.01), hematocrit and average tumor area (both, p < 0.05) were improved compared with qd treatment. Treatment with R-flurbiprofen (10 mg/kg/day) increased survival significantly (p = 0.0004, log-rank) compared to vehicle treated animals. Major biological endpoints (hematocrit, weight gain, tumor number, average and total area[99% reduction]) were significantly improved in treated animals (p < 0.01). Sulindac sulfone treatment (50 mg/kg/day) of the Min mouse produced no significant biological benefit. The dose schedule study suggests that for tumor reduction it is necessary to attain a threshold drug-level but not necessarily sustain it over 24 hrs (pharmacodynamic t1/2 ⪢ pharmacokinetic t1/2). During the period of administration R-flurbiprofen dramatically prolongs survival for the mouse model of the human disease, FAP.
Protein kinase C translocation in human blood platelets

Abstract Protein kinase C (PKC) activity and translocation in response to the phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate (PMA), serotonin (5-HT) and thrombin was assessed in human platelets. Stimulation with PMA and 5-HT for 10 minutes or thrombin for 1 minute elicited platelet PKC translocation from cytosol to membrane. The catecholamines, norepinephrine or epinephrine at 10 μM concentrations did not induce redistribution of platelet PKC. Serotonin (0.5–100 μM) and the specific 5-HT 2 receptor agonist, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) (10–100 μM) but not the 5-HT 1A or 5-HT 1B agonists, (±) 8-hydroxy-dipropylamino-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) or 5-methoxy-3-3- (1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridin) 1H-indole succinate (RU 24969) induced dose-dependent PKC translocations. Serotonin-evoked PKC translocation was blocked by selective 5-HT 2 receptor antagonists, ketanserin and spiroperidol. These results suggest that, in human platelets, PMA, thrombin and 5-HT can elicit PKC translocation from cytosol to membrane. Serotonin-induced PKC translocation in platelets is mediated via 5-HT 2 receptors.
Quasiperiodic plasmonic concentrators for enhanced light absorption in ultra-thin film solar cells

This report will demonstrate broadband, wide-angle, and polarization-insensitive absorption enhancement in ultra-thin films resting on metal substrates that have been etched with arrays of shallow sub-wavelength cylindrical holes. Absorption enhancement will be studied as a function of array geometry, with particular emphasis given to quasiperiodic arrays (a class of deterministic aperiodic arrays that were originally developed to tessellate 2-D planes with regular polygons). Through simulations and experimental data, it was found that absorption enhancement is heavily dependent on the rotational symmetry of the pattern of holes, as well as the inter-hole distance.
Body-oriented therapy as an adjunct to psychotherapy in childhood abuse recovery: A case study

Abstract Women with childhood abuse histories often experience chronic physical and psychological distress. Increasingly, survivors seek body-oriented therapy during recovery, yet body therapies are not typically incorporated as adjunctive treatment to psychological care. The purpose of this study was to examine quantitative and qualitative effects of body-oriented therapy as an adjunct to psychotherapy for a woman with a childhood history of physical and sexual abuse. The design is a descriptive, single case study utilizing pre- and post-self-report measures; methods are multi-modal including interview, written questionnaire, and standardized psychological questionnaires. Pre-to-post results included significant improvement of PTSD status, improvement on all psychological indicators, and improvement on all endorsed physical symptoms except fatigue. Mood states improved steadily across the intervention; qualitative results revealed the positive impact of body-oriented therapy on feelings of safety, emotional connection, and psychotherapeutic progress.
Promotion of C3H/10T1/2 morphological transformation by polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxin isomers

Few of the seventy-five chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin isomers present in the environment have been adequately characterized for their carcinogenic potential. In previous studies we observed that the carcinogenic dioxin isomer 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin promoted cell transformation when continuously applied to C3H/10T1/2 cells initiated by treatment with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). The current study was undertaken to evaluate the response of the C3H/10T1/2 cell transformation system to several other dioxin isomers of known carcinogenic potential. 1,2,3,6,7,8- and 1,2,3,7,8,9-hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (HCDD) (1-1000 nM) and 2,7-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (0.1-20 microM) failed to transform C3H/10T1/2 cells or to initiate transformation in cultures subsequently treated with the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Continuous exposure of MNNG-initiated cultures to 2,7-DCDD (1-5000 nM) produced elevated but not statistically significant numbers of transformed foci at the highest dose tested. 1,2,3,6,7,8- and 1,2,3,7,8,9-HCDD were promoters of transformation when applied at concentrations greater than or equal to 12 and 40 pM, respectively, to C3H/10T1/2 cultures initiated with MNNG. Maximum responses for both HCDD isomers were attained at concentrations between 120 and 400 pM. These studies suggest that the C3H/10T1/2 cell transformation system may provide a relevant in vitro model for the identification and study of carcinogenic dioxin isomers.
Electrochemistry of Lead in Simulated Ground Water Environments

Abstract Lead and lead alloys are used commonly as moisture barriers for underground cables. Lead exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in a variety of environments, but areas of localized attack...
Blocking interactions between HIV-1 integrase and cellular cofactors: an emerging anti-retroviral strategy

HIV-1 integrase (IN) executes the insertion of proviral DNA into the host cell genome, an essential step in the retroviral life cycle. This is a multi-step process that starts in the cytosol and culminates in the nucleus of the infected cell. It is becoming increasingly clear that IN interacts with a wide range of different host-cell proteins throughout the viral life cycle. These cellular cofactors are exploited for various functions, including nuclear import, DNA target-site selection and virion assembly. The disruption of key interactions between IN and direct cellular cofactors affords a novel therapeutic approach for the design and development of new classes of anti-retroviral agents. Here, we will discuss the rationale behind this emerging and promising therapeutic strategy for HIV drug discovery. Our discussion includes the identified IN cellular cofactors, key research developments in the field and the implications this approach will have on the current HIV treatment regimen.
Building a Knowledge Base: A Personal Account:

The social work academy has been of many minds about how best to build a knowledge base that will signal, once and for all, that social work is a profession. We have searched the social sciences for theories ripe for plucking practice principles, directives, and guidelines. We have embarked on the grand project of creating knowledge from within by examining what we do and building theory from that. We have made stabs at the positivist project of objectively evaluating the relative effectiveness of modes of practice with particular clients, vowing to employ only those of demonstrated efficacy. We have searched the minds and hearts of practitioners and clients for an ephemera called practice wisdom. We have boldly jerrybuilt theories for understanding and practice from both familiar and exotic materials. Few of these satisfy. All surely contribute something to the satchel of tools that professional social workers tote, but the grand sweep of a unified theory for practice, so much on our minds only a generat...
The N7/5 Law for Charged Bosons

Non-relativistic bosons interacting with Coulomb forces are unstable, as Dyson showed 20 years ago, in the sense that the ground state energy satisfies E 0 ⪳ − AN 7/5. We prove that 7/5 is the correct power by proving that E 0 ≧ − BN 7/5. For the non-relativistic bosonic, one-component jellium problem, Foldy and Girardcau showed that E 0 ≦ − CN ρ 1/4. This 1/4 law is also validated here by showing that E 0 ⪴ − DN ρ 1/4. These bounds prove that the Bogoliubov type paired wave function correctly predicts the order of magnitude of the energy.
Left ventricular function in acute non-ischaemic mitral regurgitation.

Acute nonischaemic mitral regurgitation (MR) has recently generated considerable interest because of its causal relationship to ruptured chordae tendineae and infective endocarditis, advances in its diagnosis by echo Doppler studies, and its management by afterload reduction and reconstructive surgery. It is fundamentally different from chronic MR because the previously normal, unprepared left ventricle (LV) and lefi atrium (LA) confront a sudden dramatic increase in volume. As the normal-sized left atrium suddently receives a marked regurgitant flow, its pressure rises and is transmitted into the pulmonary capillaries causing pulmonary congestion and oedema. At onset, the LV function is usually well preserved and the pulmonary oederna does not reflect LV failure. In acute MR, the LV empties into the left atrium, thus reducing its radius and its systolic pressure, resulting in a decline in wall tension according to Laplace's law. With a reduction in LV wall tension, there is a marked increme in contractile shortening with marked increase in total LV output. The left ventricle may fail early in acute severe MR because it is forced to clilate rapidly before hypertrophy can occur, whereas in chronic MR both the LV diastolic volume and mass increme proportionately. With chronic persistence of MR, LV dysfunction and failure occur as a manifestation of the ‘cardiomyopathy of overload’[1]. Fortunately because of the low energy cost per unit of work in shortening, m opposed to that used for tension development, there is only a slight increase in myocardial oxygen consumption in acute MR. In patients with LV failure secondary to acute MR, the ejection fraction may be only slightly decremed. The end-systolic dimension is more useful as a predictor of LV function than the ejection fraction. In the management of acute MR, afterload reduction by vasodilators and intra-aortic balloon pump is extremely effective by reducing the impedance to LV ejection, the regurgitant orifice and the regurgitant fraction.
The Problem of the Color Lines: Studies of Racism and Resistance

This essay introduces the special issue, which originates from a two-day symposium on race and transnationalism. It proposes a particular angle from which to consider the following seven articles a...
The Use of Bred Vectors in the NCEP Global 3D Variational Analysis System

The errors in the first-guess (forecast field) of an analysis system vary from day to day, but, as in all current operational data assimilation systems, forecast error covariances are assumed to be constant in time in the NCEP operational three-dimensional variational analysis system (known as a spectral statistical interpolation or SSI). This study focuses on the impact of modifying the error statistics by including effects of the ‘‘errors of the day’’ on the analysis system. An estimate of forecast uncertainty, as defined from the bred growing vectors of the NCEP operational global ensemble forecast, is applied in the NCEP operational SSI analysis system. The growing vectors are used to estimate the spatially and temporally varying degree of uncertainty in the first-guess forecasts used in the analysis. The measure of uncertainty is defined by a ratio of the local amplitude of the growing vectors, relative to a background amplitude measure over a large area. This ratio is used in the SSI system for adjusting the observational error term (giving more weight to observations in regions of larger forecast errors). Preliminary experiments with the low-resolution global system show positive impact of this virtually cost-free method on the quality of the analysis and medium-range weather forecasts, encouraging further tests for operational use. The results of a 45-day parallel run, and a discussion of other methods to take advantage of the knowledge of the day-to-day variation in forecast uncertainties provided by the NCEP ensemble forecast system, are also presented in the paper.
Cell surface expression of 4 beta-galactosyltransferase accompanies rat parotid gland acinar cell transition to growth.

Rat parotid gland acinar cells stimulated to divide by a chronic regimen of isoproterenol demonstrate a dramatic increase in the synthesis of the glycosyltransferase 4β-galactosyltransferase. A plasma membrane localization for much of the increase in 4β-galactosyltransferase was determined by density gradient membrane fractionation. Golgi-enriched fractions showed no increase in specific activity, while plasma membrane activity increased 40-fold. This selective increase at the cell surface was confirmed by immunofluorescence of intact, nonpermeabilized cells from treated glands, using a monospecific antibody prepared against the purified bovine milk transferase. In detergent-permeabilized cells staining of nontreated cells was seen only as groups of perinuclear vesicles, presumed to be Golgi apparatus. In isoproterenol-treated and permcabilized cells both presumptive Golgi and cell surface staining was apparent. Enzyme assays performed on intact cells established that the enzyme's active site was oriented to the exterior of the cells. The transferase could be detected as early as 3 hr after the primary challenge with isoproterenol. Pretrcatment of rats with cycloheximide prevented its appearance.
Latent profiles of PTSD symptoms in women exposed to intimate partner violence

Abstract Background Studies have utilized latent class analysis (LCA) and latent profile analysis (LPA) to examine posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom profiles in a range of populations. Further study is needed to explore symptom profiles among women exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). The current study examined latent symptom profiles in a sample of IPV-exposed women, and explored trauma-related cognitive appraisals associated with these PTSD symptom presentations. Methods An LPA was conducted using cross-sectional data from a non-treatment seeking community sample of women recruited following a police-reported incident of IPV by a male perpetrator (N=229). Multinomial regression analyses determined associations between latent profile membership and trauma-related appraisals. Results The LPA identified five PTSD symptom profiles: Low Symptom (46% of the sample); Low Symptom with High Hypervigilance (17%); Intermediate Symptom (16%); Intermediate Symptom with High Hypervigilance (11%); and High Symptom (10%). Trauma-related appraisals, including fear, alienation, and self-blame, were the strongest independent predictors of PTSD symptom profile membership. Limitations The study focused on female victims of IPV by a male partner, and findings may not generalize to other gender configurations (e.g. same-sex couples, male victims, etc.). The LPA is cross-sectional, and the stability of these profiles over time warrants further study. Conclusions These findings suggest the need for careful consideration of differences among IPV-exposed women within the larger context of PTSD research and clinical intervention. Identifying latent subgroups may provide an empirical basis for practitioners to design and implement PTSD intervention efforts that are tailored to specific symptom profiles.
Photon Statistics of a Single Atom Laser

We consider a laser model consisting of a single four-level or three-level atom, an optical cavity, and an incoherent pump. Results for photon statistics for varying pump levels are obtained using a quantum trajectory algorithm. In particular, we calculate the mean photon number, Fano factor (which is the variance over the mean). We examine that the behavior of the single-atom device as \ensuremath{\beta}, the fraction of spontaneous emission into the lasing mode, is varied. Typical values considered for \ensuremath{\beta} are $0.01l\ensuremath{\beta}l1.0.$ We find that for large enough \ensuremath{\beta}, lasing action, with properties similar to those predicted by semiclassical theories that factorize atom-field correlations and use a small-noise approximation, can occur. Squeezing can occur as \ensuremath{\beta} is increased. There is no evidence of a sharp phase transition from weakly excited thermal light to coherent light at a particular pump power. This is consistent with work on many-atom lasers with \ensuremath{\beta} values in the range considered here. As \ensuremath{\beta} is increased, the output goes from quasithermal light to coherent and finally to squeezed light, progressing into a fully quantum-mechanical regime. We also consider the effects of cavity damping and spontaneous emission rates on these results.
Endostatin's endpoints-Deciphering the endostatin antiangiogenic pathway.

Abstract Up until now, the precise mechanism for endostatin's antiangiogenesis action was not known. In a recent report, Abdollahi et al. (2004) have taken advantage of gene array and proteomic analysis to map the antiangiogenic pathways turned on by endostatin. This study resolves some of the controversies surrounding endostatin's biology, and provides a new direction to help dissect the molecular pathways involved in endostatin's selective tumor antiangiogenic effects.
Calculation of the average energy and the energy distribution function of chemically activated species

Equations for the average energy of chemically activated species are developed, and uncertainties in the various energy quantities involved are discussed. Various approaches to the energy distribution function of chemically activated species are discussed. Trial calculations on methylcyclobutane are presented.
Human malic enzyme: high-frequency polymorphism of the mitochondrial form.

Polymorphic variation of the human mitochondrial malic enzyme was detected in Caucasians and Negroes. The frequencies of the two alleles determining the three mitochondrial malic enzyme phenotypes were 0.69 and 0.31 in the Caucasian sample and 0.82 and 0.18 in the much smaller Negro sample. The distribution of phenotype frequencies among the 85 Caucasian males shows a significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium proportions. Two interconvertible forms of the cytoplasmic malic enzyme are described in human brain tissue, together with one variant in 132 Caucasian individuals.
Monitoring laser-energy coupling to solid materials: plasma-shielding and phase change

Abstract For many laser-material processes, new methods are needed to monitor laser-energy coupling to solid materials. Different methods will be presented which can detect changes in laser-energy coupling due to plasma shielding, phase change, and surface alterations. The techniques used are inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), mechanical stress power (MSP), and photothermal deflection (PTD). This work demonstrates that the onset of plasma shielding can be detected for ns and ps laser interactions with solids, using ICP-AES and MSP, and that the onset of melt at a surface can be detected using PTD.
Cure analysis of unsaturated polyester resins using electron spin resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and rheometry

Abstract The polymerization of unsaturated polyester resins was studied using electron spin resonance (e.s.r.) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.), and Rheometrics dynamic analyser (RDA). The effects of crosslinking and thermoplastic additive on radical concentration and reaction kinetics were investigated. Variables studied included initiator concentration, resin composition and curing temperature. It was found that the radicals formed were very stable and their concentration was much higher than that for the linear polymerizations. From the e.s.r. spectrum, the liquid-solid transition could be identified, which agreed well with the gel time measured by RDA.
Activation of the yeast HO gene by release from multiple negative controls

Abstract Transcription of the yeast HO gene requires five genes, SWI1, 2, 3, 4, 5 . We present evidence that some SWI products activate HO by antagonizing negative regulatory activities encoded by the SIN genes. sin − mutants (defining six genes) were identified because they express HO in the absence of particular SWI products. We argue that SWI5 activates HO by antagonizing SIN3 and that SWI4 activates HO by antagonizing SIN6 . HO is expressed in sin3 − daughter cells, hence we infer that the SIN3 product represses HO in wild-type daughter cells and that SWI5 and SIN3 are responsible for the cell-lineage-dependent expression of HO . HO is transcribed only when all types of repression are absent: in mother cells, where SWI5 antagonizes SIN3 ; in late G1, when SWI4 antagonizes SIN6 ; and in a or α cells, where a1-α2 repression is absent.
Application of Jacobian-free Newton–Krylov with physics-based preconditioning to biogeochemical transport

Abstract Modern multicomponent geochemical transport models require the use of parallel computation for carrying out three-dimensional, field-scale simulations due to extreme memory and processing demands. However, to fully exploit the advanced computational power provided by today’s supercomputers, innovative parallel algorithms are needed. We demonstrate the use of Jacobian-free Newton–Krylov (JFNK) within the Newton–Raphson method to reduce memory and processing requirements on high-performance computers. We also demonstrate the use of physics-based preconditioners, which are often necessary when using JFNK since no explicit Jacobian matrix is ever formed. We apply JFNK to simulate enhanced in situ bioremediation of a NAPL source zone, which entails highly coupled geochemical and biodegradation reactions. The algorithm’s performance is evaluated and compared with conventional solvers and preconditioners. We found that JFNK provided substantial saving in memory (i.e. 30–60%) on problems utilizing up to 512 processors on LANL’s ASCI Q. However, the performance based on wallclock time was less advantageous, coming out on par with conventional techniques. In addition, we illustrate deficiencies in physics-based preconditioner performance for biogeochemical transport problems with components that undergo significant sorption or form a local quasi-stationary state.
Recognition of faces in photographic negative

Recognition of faces from still photographs was measured asa function of whether the faces were presented in positive or in negative during the initial viewing and subsequent recognition procedures. Recognition accuracy was significantly lower when faces were initially viewed in negative, regardless of their mode of presentation during the recognition procedure. The results provide further support for the hypothesis that still photographs of faces are recognized on the basis of properties specific to faces, rather than simply as patterns, and suggest that the information stored during the viewing of faces in negative cannot readily be transformed into its faces-in-positive corollary.
Invariance Theorems in Approximation Theory and their Applications

Let B be a closed linear subspace of a Banach space F and let \(\{T_s\}_{s\in G}\) be a group of continuous linear operators \(T_s:F\to F\), where G is a compact topological group. We prove that if \(f\in F\) is invariant under \(\{T_s\}_{s\in G}\), then under some conditions on f, F, B, and G, there exists an element \(g^*\in B\) of best approximation to f that has the same property. As applications, we compute the bivariate Bernstein constant for \(L_1\) polynomial approximation of \(|x|^{\lambda}\) and solve a Braess problem on the exponential order of decay of the error of polynomial approximation of \(|x-a|^{-{\lambda}}\). Other examples and applications are discussed as well.
New method for shape from focus

A new shape-from-focus method is described which is based on a new concept named Focused Image Surface (FIS). FIS of an object is defined as the surface formed by the set of points at which the object points are focused by a camera lens. According to paraxial-geometric optics, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the shape of an object and the shape of its FIS. Therefore, the problem of shape recovery can be posed as the problem of determining the shape of the FIS. From the shape of FIS the shape of the object is easily obtained. In this paper the shape of the FIS is determined by searching for a shape which maximizes a focus measure. In contrast with previous literature where the focus measure is computed over the planar image detector of the camera, here the focus measure is computed over the FIS. This results in more accurate shape recovery than the traditional methods. Also, using FIS, a more accurate focused image can be reconstructed from a sequence of images than is possible with traditional methods. The new method has been implemented on an actual camera system, and the results of shape recovery and focused image reconstruction are presented.
Xanthine oxidase activities: evidence for two catalytically different types.

Abstract Xanthine dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.37) from mouse small intestine was accompanied by 20% as much xanthine oxidase (EC 1.2.3.2) activity (dehydrogenase-associated oxidase). NAD + and oxygen did not compete as electron acceptors. Upon incubation at 37 °C, the dehydrogenase activity was gradually transformed to oxidase activity. Unexpectedly, the oxidase thus formed (dehydorgenase-derived oxidase) had catalytic properties different from those of the dehydrogenase-associated oxidase. The activation energy for the dehydrogenase-associated oxidase was 20,600 cal/mol, whereas that for the dehydrogenase-derived oxidase was 13,500 cal/mol. The activation energy for the dehydrogenase was 14,000 cal/mol. Between pH 6.4 and 8.5, the activity of the dehydrogenase-associated oxidase was essentially pH independent, whereas the activities of the dehydrogenase-derived oxidase and the dehydrogenase were enhanced with increasing pH. Use of the transformation inhibitor, dithiothreitol, and the protease inhibitor, diisopropylfluorophosphate, showed that these catalytic differences were not the result of partial proteolysis of the enzyme. The data demonstrate the existence of two catalytically different types of mammalian xanthine oxidase activities: A dehydrogenase-associated oxidase and a dehydrogenase-derived oxidase.
X-ray powder diffraction study of poly/carbon monofluoride/, CF/1.12/

Data from X-ray diffraction studies of the poly(carbon monofluoride) with empirical formula CF(1.09-1.15) are reported, and possible intercalation arrangements for the substance are discussed. The data do not conform to true hexagonal symmetry, indicating that the carbon atoms are not coplanar. Each bond angle of carbon is 118.8 deg, and the carbon-carbon distance is 1.47 A. The interlayer distance is 5.76 A. A total absence of (hkl) reflections in the X-ray pattern shows that the separate CF layers are not regularly arranged with respect to one another.
Interests or Institutions: An Inquiry into Congressional-ITC Relations

This essay examines the relationship between Congress and the International Trade Commission (ITC). Using the logic of principal-agent theory, we find that rising constituent pressures on Congress to increase trade protectionism have not led to increased political control over the trade bureaucracy. The essay suggests that the absence of this expected relationship between Congress and the ITC may be explained by the historical circumstances under which Congress originally delegated power. We provisionally argue that delegation in the 1930s established rules and norms which continue to influence the range of remedies to which Congress will turn to aid ailing industries. These rules and norms forestall direct congressional involvement in protectionism, thereby insulating the ITC.