cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biventricular Shocking Leads Improve Defibrillation Efficacy

Biventricular Shocking Leads:Introduction: A single lead active can configuration has been widely used in patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Occasionally, however, such a defibrillation lead configuration may not achieve adequate defibrillation threshold (DFT). The purpose of this study was to determine whether addition of a left ventricular (LV) lead can improve defibrillation efficacy. Methods and Results: Three transvenous defibrillation leads (8.3-French with a 5-cm long unipolar coil) were placed in the right ventricle (RV), LV, and superior vena cava (SVC), along with an active can (92 cm2) in the left subpectoral area. The DFT stored energy of seven combinations of these defibrillation leads were compared in a pig ventricular fibrillation model using a biphasic defibrillation waveform (125 μF, 6.5/3.5 msec). A biventricular leads active can configuration in which the RV and LV leads were of the same polarity reduced the DFT stored energy by approximately 35% when compared to a single RV lead active can configuration (9.6 ± 3.0 J vs 15.0 ± 7.2 J, respectively, P = 0.02). Moreover, adding a SVC lead further reduced the DFT energy (8.4 ± 3.3 J). Conclusion: A biventricular leads active can configuration can significantly improve defibrillation efficacy as compared to a single lead active can configuration. In such a defibrillation lead configuration, the polarity of RV and LV leads should be the same.
Biological co-adaptation of morphological and composition traits contributes to mechanical functionality and skeletal fragility.

A path analysis was conducted to determine whether functional interactions exist among morphological, compositional, and microstructural traits for young adult human tibias. Data provided evidence that bone traits are co-adapted during ontogeny so that the sets of traits together satisfy physiological loading demands. However, certain sets of traits are expected to perform poorly under extreme load conditions. Introduction: Previous data from inbred mouse strains suggested that biological processes within bone co-adapt morphological and compositional traits during ontogeny to satisfy physiological loading demands. Similar work in young adult humans showed that cortical tissue from slender tibias was stiffer, less ductile, and more susceptible to accumulating damage. Here we tested whether the relationships among morphology and tissue level mechanical properties were the result of biological processes that co-adapt physical traits, similar to those observed for the mouse skeleton. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional morphology, bone slenderness (Tt.Ar/Le), and tissue level mechanical properties were measured from tibias from 14 female (22–46 yr old) and 17 male (17–46 yr old) donors. Physical bone traits measured included tissue density, ash content, water content, porosity, and the area fractions of osteonal, interstitial, and circumferential lamellar tissues. Bivariate relationships among traits were determined using linear regression analysis. A path analysis was conducted to test the hypothesis that Tt.Ar/Le is functionally related to mineralization (ash content) and the proportion of total area occupied by cortical bone. Results: Ash content correlated negatively with several traits including Tt.Ar/Le and marrow area, indicating that slender bones were constructed of tissue with higher mineralization. Path analysis revealed that slender tibias were compensated by higher mineralization and a greater area fraction of bone. Conclusions: The results suggest that bone adapts by varying the relative amount of cortical bone within the diaphysis and by varying matrix composition. This co-adaptation is expected to lead to a particular set of traits that is sufficiently stiff and strong to support daily loads. However, increases in mineralization result in a more brittle and damageable material that would be expected to perform poorly under extreme load conditions. Therefore, focusing attention on sets of traits and the relationship among traits may advance our understanding of how genetic and environmental factors influence bone fragility.
Media coverage and issue visibility: State legislative responses to school bullying

Abstract Dealing with the schoolyard bully is an age-old problem; however, legislators have only recently tackled it at the state level. This study examines the adoption of anti-bullying policies from the policy diffusion and innovation perspective with an emphasis on the role of print media coverage. The study contributes to the policy diffusion literature by examining both national and local media coverage as conduits for diffusion and adds to the expanding views of the diffusion process beyond the traditional geographic proximity argument. Further, it provides the first examination of an emerging policy area important to education policy scholars. The findings show issue saliency via national media coverage drives policy adoption beyond any geographic proximity.
Determination of lead in rocks by radiometric isotope dilution and substoichiometric extraction

Abstract A rapid procedure is described for the determination of lead in rocks by an isotope-dilution substoichiometric method. After the sample has been digested with acid in the presence of 210 Pb tracer, the lead is separated by dithizone extractions. After the lead has been back-extracted into aqueous solution, it is reacted with a substoichiometric amount of EDTA. Excess of unreacted lead is removed by extraction with dithizone in carbon tetrachloride, and the specific activity of the aqueous complex is determined by counting 210 Pb. The standard deviation of the method is less than 10 % for replicate determinations of lead in several U.S. Geological Survey standard rocks. The agreement with literature values indicates that the method is accurate.
Thermally Stimulated Current Spectroscopy of Carbon-Doped GaN Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Deep traps in semi-insulating (SI) or high-resistivity C-doped GaN grown by metal-organic chemical-phase deposition or molecular-beam epitaxy have been studied by thermally stimulated current (TSC) spectroscopy. Incorporation of carbon in GaN introduces C N acceptors, resulting in compensation and formation of SI-GaN; however, as [C] increases in the GaN samples, both resistivity and activation energy of the dark current decrease. In the GaN samples with low [C], we find at least six TSC traps: B (0.61 eV), B x (0.50 eV), C1 (0.44 eV), C (0.32 eV), D (0.23 eV), and E (0.16 eV), all of which are very similar to electron traps typically found in n-type GaN by deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). However, in the GaN sample with the highest [C], both traps E and B are suppressed, and instead, trap B x appears. Based on DLTS studies of electron-irradiated and plasma-etched GaN samples, we believe that traps E, D and C are related to V N , and that trap B is probably related to V Ga , in the form of complexes such as V Ga -O N . As [C] increases, C Ga donors become more favorable, and the transition of trap B to trap B x may suggest that C Ga related complexes are forming. In comparison with lightly C-doped GaN, heavily C-doped GaN sample exhibits very strong PPC at 83 K. We show that the PPC in both cases can be simply explained by the thermal emission of carriers from shallower traps.
OUTER COARSE FIBERS OF THE MAMMALIAN SPERM TAIL--AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDY.

This paper describes comparative fine structure of the human, rat, and rabbit sperm tail with particular reference to the coarse fibers. Some of the sections of the human sperm tail reveal a variable number of supernumerary coarse fibers in addition to the usual number of nine. In the rabbit, some of the coarse fibers seem to be connected with each other by short processes. In the three species under consideration, certain differences in the composition of the coarse fibers have been noticed.
Biochemical differentiation of a murine ganglioneuroblastoma in tissue culture

Abstract A cell line derived from a murine ganglioneuroblastoma has been established in tissue culture. The highly refractile cells have round bodies and develop small processes. Their division time is 36 h under the conditions used. When the cells are grown to high densities, the acetyl cholinesterase activity increases four-fold, and is not affected by nerve growth factor. The behavior of this cell line was compared with C-1300, a murine neuroblastoma that has been cultured in many laboratories. These studies reveal three common features of the two tumors: (1) morphologic appearance in vitro does not correlate with appearance in vivo; (2) both tumors retain the ability to differentiate under appropriate conditions; and (3) biochemical differentiation can be expressed independent of morphology.
The ‘well control’ artefact in case/control studies of specific psychiatric disorders

An appropriate choice of controls in case/control studies of specific psychiatric disorders is crucial for valid risk-factor assessment. One suggested approach to control-group selection, the use of a well control group, is the focus of this paper. While using well controls has intuitive appeal, this paper shows that such a procedure can lead to ambiguous and biased results.
Lead toxicity as an etiology for abdominal pain in the emergency department.

Abstract Background Abdominal pain is an uncommon presentation of lead toxicity in the emergency department (ED). However, making the diagnosis is important in avoiding unnecessary testing and the long-term sequelae of lead toxicity. Objectives To illustrate possible presentations of abdominal pain secondary to lead toxicity and highlight the importance of taking a thorough patient history. Case Report We report 2 patients who presented to the ED with abdominal pain and underwent extensive evaluations that did not reveal an etiology. At follow-up visits, their occupational histories revealed possible lead exposures from working for a bullet-recycling company. Tests revealed that each patient had extremely high lead levels and they were both treated for lead toxicity. Their abdominal pain resolved as their lead levels decreased. Conclusion These cases demonstrate a rare but significant cause of abdominal pain in the ED. Although history-taking in the ED is necessarily brief, these cases underscore the importance of obtaining an occupational history.
Chloroplast Signaling: Retrograde Regulation Revelations

Developing chloroplasts are able to communicate their status to the nucleus and regulate expression of genes whose products are needed for photosynthesis. Heme is revealed to be a signaling molecule for this retrograde communication.
β-Hydroxy acyl-CoA inhibition of mitochondrial ATP production

beta-Hydroxypalmitoyl-CoA and beta-hydroxystearoyl-CoA were synthesized, purified and quantitated. beta-Hydroxypalmitoyl-CoA and beta-hydroxystearoyl-CoA instantly and reversibly inhibited oxidative phosphorylation by rabbit heart mitochondria oxidizing pyruvate. [8-14C]ADP uptake studies showed that the beta-hydroxy acyl-CoA species linearly inhibited the adenine nucleotide translocase system. Free beta-hydroxy fatty acids at comparable concentrations (0.005 mM) did not affect ADP uptake or state III respiration.
Planktonic Foraminifera: Selective solution and the lysocline

Abstract Pacific Ocean waters appear to be undersaturated with calcium carbonate at all depths except in the uppermost few hundred meters. This leads to continuous destruction of almost all calcareous sediment exposed on the Pacific Ocean floor. Samples derived from sediment and from plankton were exposed for four months on a taut wire buoy in the central Pacific, in order to assess the effects of solution on foraminiferal death assemblages. The rate of destruction varied for different species and for different variants within species. Sediment assemblages therefore should tend to become enriched with resistant (non-spinose) species and with opaque (usually thick-shelled), zero and negative forms, i.e., specimens with small terminal chambers. Results obtained by laboratory experiments compare well with those obtained from the solution experiments in the field. The distribution of resistant forms in surface sediment samples from the East Pacific Rise shows that there exists a level of rapid solution increase (lysocline) in this area. The surface of the lysocline is at approximately 4,000 m depth in the tropics on the western side of the East Pacific Rise. The lysocline surface slopes upward toward Antarctica and toward South America and apparently becomes less well defined in high latitudes and near the continent. The calcium carbonate compensation depth results from a balance of rates of solution and of rates of supply of calcareous matter and usually lies well below the lysocline. The existence of a lysocline implies an associated oxygen minimum roof, and is bound to both active bottom water production and excess calcite supply by planktonic organisms.
PANEL: research and development issues in software reliability engineering

Research activities in software reliability engineering have been vigorous in the past 20 years. Numerous statistical models have been proposed in the literature for the prediction and estimation of software reliability, and many research efforts and paradigms have been conducted for the design and engineering of reliable software. However, there seems to be a gap in between the achievements of software reliability research and the results from software reliability practice. We keep on hearing troublesome software projects, horrible software failures, and misconceptions in software reliability applications.
Writing critical race theory and method: a composite counterstory on the experiences of black teachers in New Orleans post-Katrina

Using a critical race theory lens, the authors propose a way of writing race research using composite counterstories. Drawing on data from a yearlong study of school rebuilding in the time period immediately after Hurricane Katrina devastated the City of New Orleans, the authors examine the experiences of African-American educators in the school rebuilding efforts. Cook and Dixson look specifically at how composite counterstories speak back to racialized constructions of black educators that justified their post-Katrina displacement and usher in an era of school reform in which New Orleans is described as “ground zero” for the expansion of charter schools, the disempowerment of teachers’ unions, and the re-organization of teacher preparation. Given the context of the research, the authors argue that researchers should consider how composite counterstories facilitate racial research and ensure the protection of research participants.
Real-Time Automatic Tuning of Noise Suppression Algorithms for Cochlear Implant Applications

The performance of cochlear implants deteriorates in noisy environments compared to quiet conditions. This paper presents an adaptive cochlear implant system, which is capable of classifying the background noise environment in real time for the purpose of adjusting or tuning its noise suppression algorithm to that environment. The tuning is done automatically with no user intervention. Five objective quality measures are used to show the superiority of this adaptive system compared to a conventional fixed noise-suppression system. Steps taken to achieve the real-time implementation of the entire system, incorporating both the cochlear implant speech processing and the background noise suppression, on a portable PDA research platform are presented along with the timing results.
Hippocampal nAChRs mediate nicotine withdrawal-related learning deficits.

Abstract Nicotine modulation of learning may contribute to its abuse liability. The role of hippocampal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the effects of acute, chronic and withdrawal from chronic nicotine on learning was assessed via intrahippocampal drug infusion in mice. Acute dorsal hippocampal nicotine infusion enhanced contextual fear conditioning. Conversely, chronic intrahippocampal infusion of a matched dose had no effect, and withdrawal from chronic infusion impaired learning. Thus, hippocampal functional adaptation, evidenced by learning deficits during abstinence, occurs with the transition from acute to chronic nicotine exposure. To investigate which hippocampal nAChRs mediate these adaptations, C57BL/6, β2 nAChR subunit knockout (KO), and wildtype (WT) mice treated chronically with systemic nicotine received intrahippocampal dihydro-β-erythroidine (a high affinity nAChR antagonist). Intrahippocampal dihydro-β-erythroidine precipitated learning deficits in all but the KO mice. Therefore, the action of nicotine at hippocampal β2⁎ nAChRs mediates adaptations in hippocampal function that underlie withdrawal deficits in contextual fear conditioning.
The solvent extraction of zinc(II) with aliphatic monocarboxylic acids

Abstract Extractions of 10 -3 -10 -7 M zinc from aqueous 0.1 M sodium perchlorate solutions into organic media (benzene, chloroform, 4-methyl-2-pentanone) with the aid of 1-10-carbon aliphatic monocarboxylic acids and 1-aminobutane have been studied. Extraction is increased by increases in acid molecular weight, acid concentration, pH, and 1-aminobutane concentration. The extractions are independent of zinc concentration. Detailed studies on the hexanoic-acid systems have led to identifications of possible aqueous and organic species and to the calculation of some equilibrium constants.
Homograft Antigens: Isolation of Fractions of Normal Cells which retain Activity after Freeze-drying

IN previous reports1, we have described the isolation from splenic and lymph node cells of homograft antigens which required immediate bioassay, because they lost antigenic activity rapidly on standing and were almost totally inactivated by simple freezing or by freeze-drying. These early preparations, however, afforded materials which enabled us to develop an assay procedure and to examine some of the properties of antigenic fractions. In the course of these examinations, newer methods of antigen preparation were devised, based on the isolation of subcellular fractions from sucrose solutions. Brent et al.2, Manson et al.3 and Davies4 have recently reported the preparation of transplant antigens from sources and by methods that diifer from those described below.
The Southwest Research Institute ultraviolet reflectance chamber (SwURC): a far ultraviolet reflectometer

We designed and assembled a highly capable UV reflectometer chamber and data acquisition system to provide bidirectional scattering data of various surfaces and materials. This chamber was initially conceived to create laboratory-based UV reflectance measurements of water frost on lunar soil/regolith simulants, to support interpretation of UV reflectance data from the Lyman Alpha Mapping Project (“LAMP”) instrument on-board the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft. A deuterium lamp illuminates surfaces and materials at a fixed 45° incident beam angle over the 115 to 200 nm range via a monochromator, while a photomultiplier tube detector is scanned to cover emission angles -85° to +85° (with a gap from -60° to -30°, due to the detector blocking the incident beam). Liquid nitrogen cools the material/sample mount when desired. The chamber can be configured to test a wide range of samples and materials using sample trays and holders. Test surfaces to date include aluminum mirrors, water ice, reflectance standards, and frozen mixtures of water and lunar soil/regolith stimulant. Future UV measurements planned include Apollo lunar samples, meteorite samples, other ices, minerals, and optical surfaces. Since this chamber may well be able to provide useful research data for groups outside Southwest Research Institute, we plan to take requests from and collaborate with others in the UV and surface reflection research community.
Can We Subtype Alcoholism? A Latent Class Analysis of Data from Relatives of Alcoholics in a Multicenter Family Study of Alcoholism

We attempted to identify distinctive subtypes of alcoholics using latent class analysis with data from 2551 relatives of alcoholic pro-bands, all participants in the Collaborative Study of the Genetics of Alcoholism. Latent class analysis is a multivariate technique using cross-classified data to identify unobserved (“latent”) classes that explain the relationships among observed variables. Data on 37 lifetime symptoms of alcohol dependence from 1360 female and 1191 male relatives were analyzed, with a 4 class solution selected as the best fitting among the 2 through 6 class solutions that were examined. We observed the following classes: class 1, nonproblem drinkers (39.6% male, 50% female); class 2, mild alcoholics (persistent desire to stop, tolerance, and blackouts) (31.8% male, 28.7% female); class 3, moderate alcoholics (social, health, and emotional problems) (18.9% male, 14.6% female); and class 4, severely alfected alcoholics (withdrawal, inability to stop drinking, craving, health, and emotional problems) (9.7% male, 6.7% female). There was little evidence for the construct of alcohol abuse; endorsement probabilities for abuse symptoms (e.g., arrests and DWIs) were very low for all classes, whereas hazardous use was common among men in class 1. In addition to those in class 3 and class 4, a majority of men in class 2 qualified for DSM-Ill-R alcohol dependence, suggesting a bimodal distribution of drinkers and alcoholics, with little nondependent problem drinking among men in this high-risk sample. We conclude that, in this sample, alcoholism is not differentiated by symptom profiles but rather lies on a continuum of severity, with the possible exception of withdrawal, which characterized only class 4 individuals.
SU-E-T-623: Delivery of 3D Conformal Proton-Therapy Fields at Extended Source- To-Axis Distances

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetric properties of proton dose distributions delivered at extended source-to-skin distances (SSD). Methods: Radiation was delivered with a gantry-mounted proton double scattering system (Proteus 230, IBA). This system has a maximum field diameter of 24 cm at isocenter and a nominal source-to-axis distance of 230 cm. Dose was measured at nominal SSD as well as at -10, +10, +25, +50, +75, and +100 cm for several range and modulation width combinations. Depth dose distributions were measured with a multi-layer ionization chamber (MLIC), and lateral dose distributions with a 2D ionization chamber array as well as with a diode in a water phantom. Results: The maximum field diameter was found to increase from 24.0 cm at nominal SSD to 29.1 cm and 33.3 cm at +50 cm and +100 cm respectively. Field flatness remained below 3% for all SSD. Tilt in the spread-out Bragg peak depth dose distribution increased with SSD up to 0.4 %-per-g/cm2 at +100 cm. The measured range decreased with 1.1x10-3 g/cm2 per centimeter shift in SSD due to proton energy loss in air, very close to the theoretically calculated value of 1.06x10-3 g/cm3. The output and dose rate decrease with the inverse ofmore » the SSD squared as expected. Conclusion: Extending the SSD up to 100 cm increases the maximum field diameter from 24.0 cm to 33.3 cm while the dose uniformity remains acceptable.« less
Complications of Chronic Cyclitis

Follow-up examinations, ranging from four to more than 20 years, were performed on 100 patients with chronic cyclitis whose ages at onset were from 4 to 58 years. Cataracts were found in 42% of eyes and macular disease secondary to macular edema in 28% of eyes. Band keratopathy, glaucoma, retinal detachment, retinoschisis, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal hemorrhage, and vessels leaving the disk margin were also noted. The complications resulting in decreased vision in chronic cyclitis were macular edema in active cases and macular degenerative changes in the late inactive stages. Of all eyes with final visual acuity of 6/12 (20/40) or less, 74% had permanent, late macular changes secondary to earlier cystoid macular edema. Vitreous opacities or cells, or both, caused decreased visual acuity in the early active stages of chronic cyclitis but were not major factors in the ultimate visual prognosis in the late inactive stages. At the final examination, vitreous opacities caused a visual loss in only 9% of the eyes that had visual acuity of 6/12 (20/40) or less. It was difficult to determine whether corticosteroids caused cataract formation and glaucoma.
A factor analytic study of the relation between the speed of visual perception and the language abilities of deaf adolescents.

Thirty-nine deaf adolescents from two state residential schools for the deaf were administered five visual perceptualtest measures (22 scores) and three language measures (10 scores) to determine w...
A Remarkable Low-Mass X-Ray Binary within 0.1 Parsecs of the Galactic Center

Recent X-ray and radio observations by Muno et al. and Bower et al. have identified a transient low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) located only 0.1 pc in projection from the Galactic center, CXOGC J174540.0-290031. In this paper, we report the detailed analysis of X-ray and infrared observations of the transient and its surroundings. Chandra observations detect the source at a flux of FX = 2 × 10-12 ergs cm-2 s-1 (2-8 keV). After accounting for absorption both in the interstellar medium (ISM) and in material local to the source, the implied luminosity of the source is only LX = 4 × 1034 ergs s-1 (2-8 keV; D = 8 kpc). However, the diffuse X-ray emission near the source also brightened by a factor of 2. The enhanced diffuse X-ray emission lies on top of a known ridge of dust and ionized gas that is visible in infrared images. We interpret the X-ray emission as scattered flux from the outburst and determine that the peak luminosity of CXOGC J174540.0-290031 was LX 2 × 1036 ergs s-1. We suggest that the relatively small observed flux results from the fact that the system is observed nearly edge-on, so that the accretion disk intercepts most of the flux emitted along our line of sight. We compare the inferred peak X-ray luminosity to that of the radio jet. The ratio of the X-ray to radio luminosities, LX/LR 104, is considerably smaller than in other known LMXBs (105). This is probably because the jets are radiating with unusually high efficiency at the point where they impact the surrounding ISM. This hypothesis is supported by a comparison with mid-infrared images of the surrounding dust. Finally, we find that the minimum power required to produce the jet, Ljet ~ 1037 ergs s-1, is comparable to the inferred peak X-ray luminosity. This is the most direct evidence yet obtained that LMXBs accreting at low rates release about half of their energy as jets.
Theoretical and experimental study of the dynamic behavior of a nonlinear Fabry-Perot interferrometer

We have studied theoretically and experimentally the dynamic behavior of a nonlinear Fabry-Perot interferrometer filled with a Kerr medium. The Fabry-Perot responses ranging from extremely transient to quasi-steady-state in various modes of operation are considered. The experimental results are in excellent agreement with theory. It is shown that the quasi-steady-state operation requires not only a medium response time much smaller than the cavity round-trip time, but also a characteristic time of the input intensity variation several hundred times larger than the cavity round-trip time. Even in the quasi-steady-state limit, optical switching is often featured by overshoot and ringing after switching. The switching speed is limited by the cavity buildup time.
Whack-a-Mole: The Price We Pay For Expecting Perfection

By David Marx, Published by By Your Side Studios, 2200 West Spring Creek Parkway, Suite A, Plano, TX 75023. 214 p. Price $24.95. When my husband and I decided to become a one-income family to raise our four young children, I was amazed when he requested the job of “stay-at-home dad.” I had
Emulsifying activity in thermophilic and extremely thermophilic microorganisms

Thermophilic and extremely thermophilic enrichments from several different environments produced cell-associated emulsifiers as did several pure cultures ofArchaea. The bioemulsifiers were effective over a wide range of pH, at NaCl concentrations up to 200 g L−1, and at temperatures up to 80°C. The emulsifying activity in cell-free extracts ofMethanobacterium thermoautotrophicum was a cell-associated protein with a molecular weight greater than 5000 Da. This emulsifier formed viscous emulsions, but did not reduce the surface tension of water or the interfacial tension between water and hexadecane. The emulsifier had the greatest activity with alkanes with carbon numbers greater than 10. The characteristics of the bioemulsifier fromM. thermoautotrophicum makes it suitable for use in saline or thermophilic oil reservoirs as a mobility control agent or in well-bore clean up processes.
Powder data for buckminsterfullerene, C60

X-ray powder diffraction data for buckminsterfullerene, C60 are reported. The crystal structure is a face-centered cubic unit cell with a = 14.165 (1) A. The reference intensity ratio (I/Icor) is 2.20.
The Impact of the Source and Sequence of Information in Primary Equity Offerings

Empirical studies of the announcement effects of equity offerings have generally defined the event date as the earlier of the SEC registration date or the first mention in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the implicit assumption being that the two types of announcements are equally informative. This study examines whether the source of the event announcement might influence a study's results and whether subsequent announcements from other sources elicit a market reaction. Specifically, this paper investigates whether Dow Jones News Wire (DJNW) announcements that differ in timing from either of these information events elicit a market response and, more important, whether impacts from the DJNW announcements alter the validity of the widely used methodology. The results of the paper indicate that, for issues that are not mentioned in the WSJ Index, there is a negative and significant return on the registration date. However, no matter whether the registration occurs before or after its mention on the DJNW, the share price reaction is greater from mention on the DJNW than at registration. This finding leads to the conclusion that the DJNW should be used as the event date and that press coverage
Effect of Thorazine (Chlorpromazine) on Collagen Metabolism

IN the course of an investigation of the effect of partial body X-irradiation on collagen metabolism we used thorazine (chlorpromazine) as an aid in immobilizing rats1. We found quite unexpectedly that the incorporation of carbon-14-labelled amino-acids into collagen was markedly suppressed during the first month, and considerably enhanced 2–4 months after the injection of the drugs. The effect of thorazine on collagen metabolism was observed in all tissues, but was most pronounced in bone collagen. Because of the involvement of bone collagen, we feel that our findings should be brought to the attention of clinicians who may be treating fracture cases with, among other drugs, thorazine, a drug which may impair the healing process.
Thermal decomposition of han-based liquid propellants

Abstract Measurements were made by FTIR spectroscopy to identify the thermal decomposition products of HAN, solid TEAN, and XM46 at atmospheric pressure in a nitrogen environment. The major detected decomposition species of HAN-water solutions were H2O, N2O, NO, NO2, and HNO3. The decomposition process was characterized by the following events: 1) an induction period followed by H2O evaporation, 2) the rapid evolution of N2O, NO, and HNO3, which supported a fast occurrence of proton transfer, and 3) the formation of NO2, most likely from HNO3, in the later stage of the decomposition. Solid HAN had the same decomposition products that were identified in aqueous HAN. However, the induction times of solid HAN were longer than those of HAN-water solutions at low initial set temperatures, perhaps because of a strong ion association. Solid TEAN produced IR-active decomposition species including H2O, NO, CO2, CO, N2O, and NO2. In XM46, a sequential decomposition of HAN and TEAN was revealed. Evaporation of H2O was followed by HAN dominated decomposition, producing N2O, NO, and HNO3. In the later stage, TEAN reactions became dominant to form CO2 and additional NO. Because of the interaction between HAN and TEAN in XM46, the evolution rate of the species that were related to HAN decomposition decreased compared with that of 9 M HAN, although the HAN concentration in XM46 is nearly 9 M. Because the induction times of XM46 were similar to those of 9 M HAN, it was conjectured that the initial detection of species in XM46 was governed mainly by the HAN decomposition, which occurred in the early stage of the XM46 decomposition.
INTERFERENCE, MIXING, AND ANGULAR CORRELATIONS IN DECAYS OF BOSON RESONANCES.

Two new features of boson resonances are discussed. (1) Interference and mixing in decays of different bosons having common decay channels, and (2) competition between partial-wave amplitudes when more than one is allowed. Several examples are considered. Interference between ${f}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}K\overline{K}$ and ${{A}_{2}}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}K\overline{K}$ is discussed. The axial-vector nonets are discussed in detail, as well as the application to higher-spin resonances.
Detecting The Pose Of Rigid Objects : A Comparison Of Paradigms

The geometric constraints available in the structure of rigid objects can easily be exploited by matching algorithms for both object recog-nition and localization. Two matching paradigms; --pose clustering, hypothesize and test are discussed and compared with respect to accuracy, computational cost, and operation in noisy and multiple object environments. Each paradigm offers certain relative advantages and implies a certain computer architecture. All algorithms in each category ultimately depend on adequate detection of primitive features and may encounter large increases in computation time in going from a single object to a multiple object environment.
Simplified pulmonary vein isolation: Are we there yet?

Since the observation by Haissaguerre et al that triggers of atrial fibrillation (AF) mapped to the pulmonary veins (PVs), circumferential PV isolation has become the cornerstone of most AF ablation strategies. As efforts have been made to improve the efficacy and safety of PV isolation, there also has been a push to simplify the circumferential ablation process in order to reduce the learning curve and expedite this time-consuming procedure. The ongoing challenge of the catheter-based ablation procedure remains: How can we best deliver a complex lesion set in a beating heart? As with all procedures, the answer lies in the interplay of the operator’s skills and the available tools. For many years, the only available technology for ablation involved a focal catheter, delivering unipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy between the catheter tip and a surface patch electrode. The first major technological improvement in AF ablation involved saline irrigation of the focal RF catheter. By reducing the temperature at the electrode-tissue interface, irrigation reduced the incidence of char formation and simultaneously enabled higher power delivery. Despite the advent of steerable sheaths, a high level of manual skill is still required for precise point-to-point movement of the focal ablation catheter in order to achieve a truly contiguous lesion set, which remains a time-consuming procedure. Given the approximately circular shape of the PV ostia, more recent ablation platforms have logically been built with circumferential energy delivery. Of the balloon-based ablation platforms, the high-intensity focused ultrasound balloon has been largely abandoned owing to safety concerns. The laser balloon continues to undergo clinical evaluation in the United States. As a true single-shot PV isolation tool, the cryoballoon has achieved widespread use in recent years, with efficacy and safety data comparable to those of focal RF ablation. Other variations of this theme have combined the circular mapping catheter and the focal ablation catheter into 1 tool, obviating the need for a second transseptal catheter. Furthermore, since energy delivery to each circumferential electrode is individually controlled, these platforms allow the choice of
Performance bounds on micro-Doppler estimation and adaptive waveform design using OFDM signals

We analyze the performance of a wideband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal in estimating the micro-Doppler frequency of a target having multiple rotating scatterers (e.g., rotor blades of a helicopter, propellers of a submarine). The presence of rotating scatterers introduces Doppler frequency modulation in the received signal by generating sidebands about the transmitted frequencies. This is called the micro-Doppler effects. The use of a frequency-diverse OFDM signal in this context enables us to independently analyze the micro-Doppler characteristics with respect to a set of orthogonal subcarrier frequencies. Therefore, to characterize the accuracy of micro-Doppler frequency estimation, we compute the Cram´er-Rao Bound (CRB) on the angular-velocity estimate of the target while considering the scatterer responses as deterministic but unknown nuisance parameters. Additionally, to improve the accuracy of the estimation procedure, we formulate and solve an optimization problem by minimizing the CRB on the angular-velocity estimate with respect to the transmitting OFDM spectral coefficients. We present several numerical examples to demonstrate the CRB variations at different values of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the number of OFDM subcarriers. The CRB values not only decrease with the increase in the SNR values, but also reduce as we increase the number of subcarriers implying the significance of frequency-diverse OFDM waveforms. The improvement in estimation accuracy due to the adaptive waveform design is also numerically analyzed. Interestingly, we find that the relative decrease in the CRBs on the angular-velocity estimate is more pronounced for larger number of OFDM subcarriers.
Nutritional support in head injury

Nutritional support is imperative to the recovery of head-injury patients. Hypermetabolism and hypercatabolism place this patient population at increased risk for weight loss, muscle wasting, and malnutrition. Nutrition management may be further complicated by alterations in gastrointestinal motility. Resting energy expenditure should be measured using indirect calorimetry and protein status measured using urine urea nitrogen. Providing early enteral nutrition within 72 hours of injury may decrease infection rates and overall complications. Establishing standards of practice and nutrition protocols will assure patients receive optimal nutrition assessment and intervention in a timely manner.
Discrete and continuous joint coupling relationships in uninjured recreational runners.

Abstract Background Abnormal joint coupling is thought to be related to overuse injuries in runners. However, researchers do not yet know what constitutes normal joint coupling during running, which makes abnormal coupling difficult to define. Methods Lower extremity kinematics were collected from 40 recreational runners during stance. Joint coupling methods were applied and, for each method, means and both within- and between-subject variability were calculated. The 95% confidence interval was used to compare differences across coupling relationships and periods of stance. Findings Timing between rearfoot eversion, tibial internal rotation, and knee flexion were relatively synchronous while relationships involving knee internal rotation were more asynchronous. The excursion ratios showed that every 2° of rearfoot eversion was coupled with 1° of both tibial internal rotation and knee internal rotation. Vector coding results showed that just beyond maximum loading, all joint coupling relationships resulted in relatively equal amounts of motion, while the within-subject variability was similar throughout stance. The continuous relative phase results showed that the most out-of-phase coupling occurred in the periods around heel-strike and toe-off while the most in-phase coupling occurred in the period just beyond maximum loading of the leg. The continuous relative phase within-subject variability was greatest at the periods around heel-strike and toe-off and smallest just beyond maximum loading. Interpretation With a better understanding of joint coupling in uninjured runners, these data will help to serve as a reference for future studies investigating the relationship between running injuries and abnormal joint coupling.
Radiolysis of polyisobutene. Part I. Yields of fractures, double bonds, and gas

Purified polyisobutene with approximately a random molecular weight distribution and a number-average molecular weight of 3.5 × 105 was irradiated in vacuo at about 25°C. with 4 M.e.v. electrons. The degradation of the polymer was studied by osmometry and viscometry and the G (fracture) value determined as 4.1. The G value for total unsaturation was determined as 5.3 by a chemical method suitable for olefins branched in the vicinity of the double bond. Little or no internal unsaturation was detected by ozonolysis of the irradiated polymer. Hydrogen and methane were formed with G values of 1.3–1.6 and 0.8–0.5, respectively. At doses greater than about 10 Mrad all the above G values decreased. The G value for isobutene formation (≤ 0.1) remained approximately constant up to a dose of at least 150 Mrad. On lowering the temperature of irradiation to −196°C. the yield of fractures was markedly decreased while the yield of hydrogen plus methane was scarcely affected. This is interpreted as evidence that the degradation reaction is due predominantly to the direct fracture of carbon–carbon bonds rather than to any reaction associated with gas formation. The observed ratio of double bonds to fractures is shown to be consistent with this interpretation.
Sound attenuation in metals: Reformulation of Pippard theory to include microscopic band structure and scattering

Abstract Pippard's theory is written in Boltzmann equation form which allows both band effects and microscopic scattering to be included. A new formulation of deformation potential theory is an essential ingredient. Numerical calculations are given for Cu, using realistic electron and phonon eigenstates and the rigid-muffin-tin model for electron-phonon coupling. The calculations cover the crossover from hydrodynamic to quantum regimes, and show satisfactory agreement with experiment.
Effect of external constraint on the index of myocardial performance in a canine model of left ventricular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: With left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, it is not clear how alterations in external constraint influence the index of myocardial performance (IMP). We have previously demonstrated that pericardial constraint is a factor in the production of the restrictive filling pattern. We hypothesized that altering pericardial constraint by changing intracardiac volume or removing the pericardium would produce similar directional changes in LV ejection time (LVET) and isovolumic relaxation time (IRT) resulting in minimal IMP changes. METHODS: We studied 13 canines with chronic moderate LV dysfunction. LV pressures, transmitral and transaortic Doppler were obtained prior to and following pericardiectomy (PECT) with alterations of intracardiac volume, using inferior vena caval occlusion (IVCO) and volume loading. RESULTS: With an intact pericardium, IVCO reduced LV size, LV end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and increased deceleration time (all P < 0.05) but did not affect IMP. Volume loading increased LV size, LVEDP, and shortened deceleration time (all P < 0.05). LVET and IRT lengthened (P < 0.05), and IMP declined (0.58 +/- 0.24 to 0.52 +/- 0.13, P < 0.05). Following PECT, IVCO reduced LV volumes and LVEDP (P < 0.05), but did not change IMP. Volume loading increased LV size, stroke volume, and LVEDP (all P < 0.05). IMP declined (0.57 +/- 0.13 vs 0.51 +/- 0.14, P < 0.05) due to an increase in both LVET and IRT (P < 0.05). Comparison of stages prior to and following PECT revealed an increased LVET and stroke volume (P < 0.05) but a similar IMP. CONCLUSION: Increases in intracardiac volume associated with elevated LVEDP resulted in reduced IMPs. Pericardiectomy increases LV volumes, stroke volume, and LVET but did not influence IMP.
New strategy for preparing thin gold films on modified glass surfaces by electroless deposition

This paper describes a new strategy for fabricating continuous gold films based on the self-assembly of the gold colloid monolayer on a poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)-modified glass slide, followed by electroless plating. Hydroxylamine-mediated reduction was proven as an excellent route to enlargement of immobilized nanoparticles on polymer-coated glass substrates in comparison to formaldehyde-mediated reduction. Au colloidal surface-catalyzed reduction of Au3+ by hydroxylamine exhibited very fast kinetics as monitored and confirmed by UV−vis spectroscopy in real time. The nanoscale morphology of the gold film was dependent on the initial coverage of gold nanoparticles and thermal annealing. Atomic force micrographs further revealed that enlarged particles were neither spherical nor cyclindrical, but highly complex in shape. The gold film thickness and its corresponding surface roughness could be easily controlled by setting the electroless deposition time. X-ray diffraction certified uniformity o...
Enhanced anorexigenic signaling in lean obesity resistant syndecan-3 null mice

Abstract Obesity is associated with increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and several types of cancers. The hypothalamus is a region of the brain critical in the regulation of body weight. One of the critical and best studied hypothalamic circuits is comprised of the melanocortinergic orexigenic agouti-related protein (AgRP) and anorexigenic α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) neurons. These neurons project axons to the same hypothalamic target neurons and balance each other's activity leading to body weight regulation. We previously showed that the brain proteoglycan syndecan-3 regulates feeding behavior and body weight, and syndecan-3 null (SDC-3 −/− ) mice are lean and obesity resistant. Here we show that the melanocortin agonist Melanotan II (MTII) potently suppresses food intake and activates the hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei (PVN) in SDC-3 −/− mice based on c-fos immunoreactivity. Interestingly, we determined that the AgRP neuropeptide is reduced in the PVN of SDC-3 −/− mice compared to wild type mice. In contrast, neuropeptide Y, coexpressed in the AgRP neuron, is not differentially expressed nor is the counteracting neuropeptide α-MSH. These findings are unprecedented and indicate that AgRP protein localization can be selectively regulated within the hypothalamus resulting in altered neuropeptide response and tone.
Evaluation of women with chronic voiding discomfort

Many investigators have focused on the female urethral syndrome and its causes. The origin remains enigmatic, but the benign course of this condition is well established. We evaluated 105 patients with urethral syndrome and analyzed the necessity for a complex urologic workup. The lack of significant findings on these studies suggests that the cost effectiveness of radiographic and invasive studies cannot justify their continued use.