cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A sufficiency technique in calculus of variations using Caratheodory's equivalent problems approach

Abstract This paper presents a new and simple technique for a certain class of variational problems which includes many of the important problems of mathematical physics, e.g., the Brachistochrone, geodesies, and minimal surface of revolution problems. The technique uses Caratheodory's equivalent problems approach but combines two equivalent problems at the same time to get the sufficiency and uniqueness results. It does not use any of the classical sufficiency conditions such as the Weierstrass condition. The equations that we are led to by this new approach turn out to be the Hamilton-Jacobi and Euler-Lagrange equations for the problem, but here we have not had to use any of the classical Hamilton-Jacobi theory nor derivations to get its results (e.g., orthogonality of the extremals to the wave fronts) for this class of problems. The cases for one and n dependent variables are presented and illustrated. Implications and generalizations of the method are discussed.
Plant Signaling: Notes from the Underground

New studies combining genetic and grafting approaches in Arabidopsis provide evidence that a carotenoid derivative is a novel plant signaling molecule through which roots can influence shoot branching and leaf development.
Phylogeny of the malarial genus Plasmodium, derived from rRNA gene sequences

Abstract Malaria is among mankind's worst scourges, affecting many millions of people, particularly in the tropics. Human malaria is caused by several species of Plasmodium, a parasitic protozoan. We analyze the small subunit rRNA gene sequences of 11 Plasmodium species, including three parasitic to humans, to infer their evolutionary relationships. Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent of the human species, is closely related to Plasmodium reichenowi, which is parasitic to chimpanzee. The estimated time of divergence of these two Plasmodium species is consistent with the time of divergence (6-10 million years ago) between the human and chimpanzee lineages. The falciparum-reichenowi clade is only remotely related to two other human parasites, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium vivax, which are also only remotely related to each other. Thus, the parasitic associations of the Plasmodium species with their human hosts are phylogenetically independent. The remote phylogenetic relationship between the two bird parasites, Plasmodium gallinaceum and Plasmodium lophurae, and any of the human parasites provides no support for the hypothesis that infection by Plasmodium falciparum is a recent acquisition of humans, possibly coincident with the onset of agriculture.
A content analysis of CESNET-L e-mail messages: directions for information delivery in higher education

This study examined the content of email messages to the listserv “CESNET-L” in order to identify trends, common themes, and “hot topics;” to clarify its purpose; and to offer suggestions for the future of CESNET-L and similar email lists in higher education. CESNET-L is an unmoderated listserv mostly used by counselor educators and doctoral students in counselor education. This study examined all 9,197 email submissions between January, 2005 and December, 2008. Using an inductive approach, six researchers generated a list of 20 superordinate and 17 subordinate categories. After achieving high interrater agreement on a random sample of emails, two teams of two researchers found that the vast majority of the 9,197 emails were represented by the categories of Resource Request and Recommendations, Personal Communication, Program Development, and Employment Opportunities. It was also found that many of the categories were similar to categories in content analyses of other email lists that served faculty and related professionals. After examining the categories of the content analysis, a discussion is offered concerning whether the needs of faculty and others are best advanced through a listserv. The article concludes by making suggestions for the development of a designated website that could have multiple functions and increase the ease of knowledge and information sharing with faculty and related professionals.
Timing attacks on PIN input devices

Keypads are commonly used to enter personal identification numbers (PIN) which are intended to authenticate a user based on what they know. A number of those keypads such as ATM inputs and door keypads provide an audio feedback to the user for each button pressed. Such audio feedback are observable from a modest distance. We are looking at quantifying the information leaking from delays between acoustic feedback pulses. Preliminary experiments suggest that by using a Hidden Markov Model, it might be possible to substantially narrow the search space. A subsequent brute force search on the reduced search space could be possible with- out triggering alerts, lockouts or other mechanisms design to thwart plain brute force attempts.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and transmission electron diffraction studies of oriented cadmium iodide prepared in a Langmuir-Blodgett template

Abstract Oriented CdI 2 has been prepared in a deposited Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film by the reaction of gaseous HI with a 20-layer LB film of cadmium arachidate. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform IR spectroscopy shows that the conversion goes to completion, while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the HI-exposed cadmium arachidate film reveals a Cd:I ratio consistent with the CdI 2 stoichiometry. Electron diffraction shows that the CdI 2 is oriented exclusively with its [001] axis normal to the LB film basal plane and for domains ranging up to several microns has a preferred alignment about the [001] axis. The results suggest that the organic template plays a role in orienting the CdI 2 within the LB plane and that some degree of lattice matching exists between the LB template and the (001) face of CdI 2 . The oriented synthesis described here is in contrast with previous attempts at template-directed syntheses using deposited LB films which have resulted in the mediation of particle size only and not particle orientation. The difference here may be that CdI 2 has a layered structure in the bulk, crystalline phase which complements the LB film structure.
Sol-gel synthesis of highly dispersed cobalt nanoparticles on silica thin films

Cobalt nanoparticles were synthesized on silica thin films by heat treating Co/silica films spun on thermally oxidized Si substrates. The as-deposited films were calcined in vacuum (∼0.03 Torr) for 2 h at 500 °C, followed by reduction in hydrogen at 650 °C for up to 15 h. The reduction process is characterized as one of time-dependent evolution of nanoparticles in both physical appearance and phase nature, eventually leading to the formation of well-dispersed Co nanoparticles, as ascertained by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Slow conversion of Co ions into metallic Co observed in this study is ascribed to the absence of a Co3O4 phase that forms predominantly during calcination in air. Atomic force microscopy revealed a marked increase in the surface roughness of the film due to the development of nanoparticles. A distinct duplex-layer structure was observed in the reduced film, which consisted of the upper layer laden with nanoparticles and the lower layer essentially particle-free. The growth of the upper layer appears to be controlled by the upward diffusion of Co2+ in the film during the reduction process.
Nanostructure of palygorskite/sepiolite in Texas caliche: Possible bacterial origin

In a caliche from west Texas, watermelon-shaped calcite crystals are coated with fibers of palygorskite/sepiolite clay, which also extend out into pore spaces as spiky filaments. Some filaments are smooth and capped by ovoid 30–100nm beads. Other filaments are made of rosary-like chains of beads. These objects are seen both in gold-coated and carbon-coated samples, thus are not artifacts. We suggest that these minute features were cells of nannobacteria (dwarf forms) that precipitated the clay filaments, in a similar manner as larger bacteria that accumulate clay minerals on their negatively-charged cell walls.
Search and Seizure, Racial Profiling, and Traffic Stops: A Disparate Impact Framework

In response to nationwide attention to the issue of racial profiling, numerous law enforcement agencies have reexamined their policies and collected data on the racial demographics of motorists stopped and searched by police. This article advocates a “disparate impact” framework for understanding the relationship between race and searches and seizures. Using data on the Washington State Patrol, analysis indicates that disparities in the proportions of racial minorities searched by the Patrol are likely not the result of intentional or purposeful discrimination. Additionally, factors such as age, sex, time of day, and the number of violations that motivated the stop affect the likelihood of a search.
Transport Properties of Alumina Nanofluids

Recent studies have showed that nanofluids have significantly greater thermal conductivity compared to their base fluids. Large surface area to volume ratio and certain effects of Brownian motion of nanoparticles are believed to be the main factors for the significant increase in the thermal conductivity of nanofluids. In this thesis, all the three transport properties, namely, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity and viscosity were studied for Alumina nanofluid (Aluminum oxide nanoparticles in water). Experiments were performed both as a function of volumetric concentration (3 – 8%) and temperature (2°C – 50°C). Alumina nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 36 nm were dispersed in water. Transient hot wire method as described by Nagaska and Nagashima for electrically conducting fluids was used to test the thermal conductivity. In this work, an insulated platinum wire of 0.003 inches diameter was used as the hot wire for the thermal conductivity experiments. Initial calibration was performed using de-ionized water and the resulting data was within 2.5% of standard thermal conductivity values for water. The thermal conductivity of alumina nanofluid increased with both increase in temperature and concentration. A maximum thermal conductivity of 0.7351 W/mK was recorded for an 8.47% volume concentration of alumina nanoparticles at 46.6°C, the effective thermal conductivity at this concentration and temperature was observed to be 1.1501, which translates to an increase in thermal conductivity by 22% when compared to water at room temperature. Alumina being a good conductor of electricity, alumina nanofluid displays an increasing trend in electrical conductivity as volumetric concentration increases. A microprocessor based conductivity/TDS meter was used to perform the electrical conductivity experiments. After carefully calibrating the conductivity meters glass probe with platinum tip, using a standard potassium chloride solution, readings were taken at various volumetric concentrations. A 3457.1% increase in the electrical conductivity was measured for a meager 1.44% volumetric concentration of alumina nanoparticles in water. The highest value of electrical conductivity: 314 μS/cm was recorded for a volumetric concentration of 8.47%. For measuring the kinematic viscosity of alumina nanofluid, a standard kinematic viscometer with constant temperature bath was used. Calibrated capillary viscometers were used to measure flow under gravity at precisely controlled temperatures. The capillary viscometers were calibrated with de-ionized water at different temperatures, and the resulting kinematic viscosity values were found to be within 3% of the standard published values. An increase of 35.5% in the kinematic viscosity was observed for an 8.47% volumetric concentration of alumina nanoparticles in water. The maximum kinematic viscosity of alumina nanofluid: 2.90142 mm2 /s, was obtained at 0°C for an 8.47% volumetric concentration of alumina nanoparticles.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Substituted Imidazothiazoles as Inhibitors of Viral Polymerase

Summary: This application claims imidazothiazoles analogues for the treatment and prevention of viral infections, particularly HCV. Compounds described herein are inhibitors of HCV polymerase. Important Compound Classes:
Poly(glycolic acid) fiber-reinforced bioabsorbable composites with improved interfacial properties

Bioabsorbable composites, designed for use as rigid tissue scaffolds, were fabricated by reinforcing free radically cured poly(D,L-lactide) fumarate matrices with absorbable poly(glycolic acid) fibers. To investigate the benefits of an improved fiber/matrix interphase, fiber pretreatments were employed including surface-etching by exposure to mild acidic conditions and incorporation of 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane as a coupling agent. SEM of composite fracture surfaces showed that fiber pretreatment yielded improved wetting and encapsulation of the fibers by the matrix resin. The composites fabricated with poly(glycolic acid) fibers which were acid-etched and pretreated with the coupling agent showed an average 41% increase in tensile strength; a representative sample displayed an increase from 73.9 MPa to 105.5 MPa, compared to the composite made from untreated fibers.
Calcium Carbonate Storage in Amorphous Form and Its Template-Induced Crystallization†

Calcium carbonate crystallization in organisms often occurs through the transformation from the amorphous precursor. It is believed that the amorphous phase could be temporarily stabilized and stored, until its templated transition to the crystalline form is induced. Here we develop a bioinspired crystallization strategy that is based on the above mechanism. Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) spherulitic particles are induced to form on a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of hydroxyl-terminated alkanethiols on a gold surface. The ACC can then be stored in a dry atmosphere as a reservoir for ions and be induced to crystallize on command by the introduction of water and a secondary surface that is functionalized with carboxylic acid-terminated SAM. This secondary surface acts as a template for oriented and patterned nucleation. Various oriented crystalline arrays and micropatterned films are formed. We also show that the ACC phase can be doped with foreign ions (e.g., magnesium) and organic molecules (e.g., dye...
Resistivity and induced polarization monitoring of salt transport under natural hydraulic gradients

We demonstrate the use of resistivity/induced polarization (IP) monitoring of salt transport under natural hydraulic loads. Electrical monitoring of saline tracer transport during forced injection has been demonstrated previously. Detection of tracer transport under natural hydraulic loading is difficult because neither the hydraulic load nor the tracer resistivity can be controlled. In one study, we identify the electrical response to salt transport in a dynamic beach environment. Resistivity/IP imaging resolved the structure of the saltwater‐freshwater interface and evidence for tide‐induced groundwater transport. Resistivity increases in the near surface and at depth, upbeach of the high‐tide mark, accompanied by tidal transgression. We attribute this to desaturation and decreasing salinity in the near surface and to decreasing salinity at depth, despite tidal transgression. Monitoring of groundwater levels indicates a phase lag between the tide level and groundwater level, supporting the electrical da...
Radio Observation of the Electromagnetic Emission from Warm Clouds

Microdischarges observable at 30 and 50 Mcy/sec appear from within cumulus clouds in an early stage of their development whether the temperatures within the clouds are above or below 0°C. Laboratory observations of radio emission from colliding drops may provide information on the physics of clouds in the atmospheres of this and other planets.
Change in intrathoracic impedance measures during acute decompensated heart failure admission: results from the Diagnostic Data for Discharge in Heart Failure Patients (3D-HF) Pilot Study.

Abstract Background Despite the high number of admissions for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), there are no specific criteria for discharge readiness. A number of patients have implantable devices that might provide data to assist in determining readiness for discharge. Methods and Results The 3D-HF (Diagnostic Data for Discharge in Heart Failure Patients) study was a prospective observational pilot study enrolling HF patients with Optivol-capable cardiac devices within 48 hours of a hospital admission characterized by worsening HF symptoms. The primary end point was the difference in times from admission to 50% improvement in impedance and to when patient was medically ready for discharge. The nonparametric sign test was used to determine if the difference was significant. A total of 20 subjects were enrolled over a 24-month period. The median ADHF length of stay was 7 days. Of the 20 subjects, 18 achieved the intrathoracic impedance improvement threshold before discharge. The time to reach the threshold for improvement was 2.5 days (interquartile range 2.0–6.0). The difference between days to 50% impedance and days to provider’s discharge decision was 3.0 ( P = .0072). Conclusions Intrathoracic impedance changes were evident over a short duration in the majority of patients admitted for ADHF and may be a potential criterion for discharge readiness.
Studies on Rift Valley fever in some African murids ( Rodentia : Muridae )

Brains, spleens and livers of 2214 murids, 27 shrews and 7 dormice, trapped at 7 sites in Rhodesia, were tested in 277 pools for the presence of Rift Valley Fever virus. There were no isolations of Rift Valley Fever, but 69 isolations of an unidentified virus were obtained. Sixteen out of 867 sera had low-titre haemagglutination-inhibition activity against Rift Valley Fever antigen, but only one out of 1260 sera had neutralizing antibody. The evidence suggests that murids fail to encounter infection in nature and are unlikely to play a role in circulation and dissemination of Rift Valley Fever virus. Four out of seven widely distributed species of muried, Rhabdomys pumilio, Saccostomys campestris, Aethomys chrysophilus and Lemniscomys griselda, were shown to be capable of circulating amounts of virus likely to be infective for mosquitoes.
Chronopharmacologic individualized and group assessment of outcomes in antihypertensive drug trials

Chronobiologic methods are illustrated for the individualized assessment of the patient's response to antihypertensive medication. In addition to the 24-h mean from blood pressure profiles obtained by ambulatory monitoring, specific endpoints serve as gauges of treatment efficacy. These endpoints include the circadian amplitude, a measure of predictable extent of change within 24 h, and hyperbaric (or hypertensive) indices of excess or load. The latter indices assess the duration and amount of blood pressure excess by comparison to critical thresholds. In view of the large circadian variation characterizing blood pressure, the usual time-invariant limits of 140/90 mm Hg (systolic/diastolic) are replaced by time-specific 90% prediction limits derived from data of clinically healthy peers. >
Circadian misalignment and health

Circadian rhythms are near 24-h patterns of physiology and behaviour that are present independent of external cues including hormones, body temperature, mood, and sleep propensity. The term ‘ circadian misalignment ’ describes a variety of circumstances, such as inappropriately timed sleep and wake, misalignment of sleep/wake with feeding rhythms, or misaligned central and peripheral rhythms. The predominance of early research focused on misalignment of sleep to the biological night. However, discovery of clock genes and the presence of peripheral circadian oscillators have expanded the defi nitions of misalignment. Experimental studies conducted in animal models and humans have provided evidence of potential mechanisms that link misalignment to negative outcomes. These include dysregulation of feeding behaviours, changes in appetite stimulating hormones, glucose metabolism and mood. This review has two foci: (1) to describe how circadian misalignment has been defi ned and evaluated in laboratory and fi eld experiments, and (2) to describe evidence linking different types of circadian misalignment to increased risk for physical (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer) and psychiatric (depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, attention defi cit) disorders. This review will describe the role of circadian misalignment as a risk factor for disease in the general population and in clinical populations, including circadian rhythm sleep disorders and psychiatric disorders.
Antidepressant-like effects and basal immobility depend on age and serotonin transporter genotype

Monoamine uptake inhibitors are common treatments for depression; however, the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs varies widely. Two factors that are commonly linked to clinical outcome are age and serotonin transporter (SERT) genotype. Mouse models provide powerful tools to study consequences of age and genotype on antidepressant-like efficacy; however, to date, systematic studies of this nature are lacking. Here, we used the tail suspension test (TST), a preclinical assay for antidepressant efficacy, to gain insight into age and SERT genotype dependency of immobility time in the TST under control conditions (saline injection) and in response to the tricyclic antidepressant, desipramine (DMI). Immobility after saline injection in juvenile, adolescent, adult, mature adult and middle-aged mice (postnatal days 21, 28, 90, 210 and 300, respectively) significantly increased with age; however, the rate of increase was slower for SERT null (-/-) mice than for wild-type (+/+) or heterozygote (+/-) mice. Desipramine reduced immobility across ages and SERT genotypes. Middle-aged, but not adult, SERT(-/-) mice were significantly more sensitive to DMI than age-matched SERT(+/+) or SERT(+/-) mice. Desipramine was less potent in middle-aged SERT(+/+) and SERT(+/-) mice than in adult SERT(+/+) or SERT(+/-) mice. Regardless of age, DMI's maximal effects were greater in SERT(-/-) mice than in SERT(+/+) or SERT(+/-) mice. These results show that immobility time in the TST varies as a function of age and SERT genotype, underscoring the utility of the TST as a potential model to examine age- and SERT genotype-dependent influences on antidepressant response.
Jean Gerson after Constance: ‘Via Media et Regia’ as a Revision of the Ockhamist Covenant

Few issues have received as much attention and achieved as little consensus among historians of late medieval theology during the past several generations as the debate over the character of "nominalism." One thrust of the research from this debate has focused on the theological dimensions of this scholastic tradition: building on the work of Erich Hochstetter, Paul Vignaux, and others, Heiko Oberman discussed this development in the North American arena of scholarship by describing theological concerns as "the inner core of nominalism."' Oberman portrayed "Ockhamism" as the "main stream of the [nominalist] tradition," characterizing it as a "school" of theologians including William of Ockham (d. 1349) and Gabriel Biel (d. 1495) at its boundaries and Jean Gerson (d. 1429) at its midpoint.2 Gerson's inclusion in this so-called "Ockham-Biel circle" was significant not only as a chronological convenience but because of his prominence as theologian and churchman in his day and because of the continuing influence of his theology during the century following his death, a period characterized with only slight exaggeration as "le siecle de Gerson."3 But does Gerson belong to such a "school," if such a term adequately designates this "loose configuration of theologians," as William Courtenay
Intramedullary Fixation of Displaced Distal Radius Fractures: A Preliminary Report

Purpose This study presents the preliminary experience of using an intramedullary nail for fixation of primarily extra-articular fractures and “simple” intra-articular fractures of the distal radius in 10 patients. This article will review the surgical technique, indications, and complications. Methods Ten patients (average age 55) with AO Type A and C distal radius fractures had fixation of the fracture with an intramedullary nail (Micronail, Wright Medical Technologies, Arlington, TN) with an average follow-up of 21 months (12–28 months). Results At final follow-up, the average volar tilt was dorsal angulation of 2.2° (range, +10° to −20°), radial inclination was 24.1° (range, 20–34°), radial height was 12.1 mm (range, 11–14 mm), and ulnar variance was −0.6 mm (range, +2 to −2 mm). All cases maintained reduction of the fracture between immediate postoperative and final radiographs, except for 2 cases that had a loss of volar tilt by greater than 5°, both in AO Type A3 fractures. Range of motion included wrist flexion of 67° (range, 45–90°), wrist extension of 71° (range, 45–80°), supination of 82° (range, 70–90°), pronation of 85° (range, 75–90°), radial deviation of 23° (range, 10–30°), and ulnar deviation of 38° (range, 15–45°). Grip strength of the injured limb relative to the uninjured limb was 91%. According to the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the results were 8 excellent, 1 good, and 1 poor. The average DASH score was 8.1 (range, 0–57). There were 2 cases of transient superficial radial sensory neuritis and 3 cases of screw penetration into the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), 1 leading to symptomatic late DRUJ arthritis. There were no cases of infection, tendon injury, hardware failure or removal. Conclusions Our preliminary report finds that using the intramedullary nail in the treatment of displaced distal radius fractures can result in good functional outcome, but a high incidence of complications. We did not experience any long-term soft tissue problems. The indication for using the intramedullary nail should continue to be limited to extra-articular and simple intra-articular distal radius fractures until additional data can be obtained. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
The total synthesis of chilenine: Novel constructions of cyclic enamides

Abstract Tungsten hexacarbonyl or rhodium(II) acetate mediated reductive coupling of a dithiolane or 2,3-diphenyl-N-aziridinohydrazone respectively with a regioselectively activated unsymmetrical dimethoxyphthalimide provides the key step in a total synthesis of the isoindolobenzazepine alkaloid chilenine ( 1 ).
Human apolipoprotein E4 targeted replacement in mice reveals increased susceptibility to sleep disruption and intermittent hypoxia

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) and sleep fragmentation (SF) are major manifestations of sleep apnea, a frequent condition in aging humans. Sleep perturbations are frequent in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may underlie the progression of disease. We hypothesized that acute short-term IH, SF, and their combination (IH+SF) may reveal unique susceptibility in sleep integrity in a murine model of AD. The effects of acute IH, SF, and IH+SF on sleep architecture, delta power, sleep latency, and core body temperature were assessed in adult male human ApoE4-targeted replacement mice (hApoE4) and wild-type (WT) controls. Slow wave sleep (SWS) was significantly reduced, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was almost abolished during acute exposure to IH alone and IH+SF for 6 h in hApoE4, with milder effects in WT controls. Decreased delta power during SWS did not show postexposure rebound in hApoE4 unlike WT controls. IH and IH+SF induced hypothermia, which was more prominent in hApoE4 than WT controls. Mice subjected to SF also showed sleep deficits but without hypothermia. hApoE4 mice, unlike WT controls, exhibited increased sleep propensity, especially following IH and IH+SF, suggesting limited ability for sleep recovery in hApoE4 mice. These findings substantiate the potential impact of IH and SF in modulating sleep architecture and sleep homeostasis including maintenance of body temperature. Furthermore, the increased susceptibility and limited recovery ability of hApoE4 mice to sleep apnea suggests that early recognition and treatment of the latter in AD patients may restrict the progression and clinical manifestations of this frequent neurodegenerative disorder.
Experiments on the Physical Mechanism of Heat Transfer Augmentation by Freestream Turbulence at a Cylinder Stagnation Point

Detailed time records of velocity and heat flux were measured near the stagnation point of a cylinder in low-speed air flow. The freestream turbulence was controlled using five different grids positioned to match the characteristics from previous heat flux experiments at NASA Glenn using the same wind tunnel. A hot wire was used to measure the cross-flow velocity at a range of positions in front of the stagnation point. This gave the average velocity and fluctuating component including the turbulence intensity and integral length scale. The heat flux was measured with a Heat Flux Microsensor located on the stagnation line underneath the hot-wire probe. This gave the average heat flux and the fluctuating component simultaneous with the velocity signal, including the heat flux turbulence intensity and the coherence with the velocity. The coherence between the signals allowed identification of the crucial positions for measurement of the integral length scale and turbulence intensity for prediction of the time average surface heat flux. The frequencies corresponded to the most energetic frequencies of the turbulence, indicating the importance of the penetration of the turbulent eddies from the freestream through the boundary layer to the surface. The distance from the surface was slightly less than the local value of length scale, indicating the crucial role of the turbulence in augmenting the heat flux. The resulting predictions of the analytical model matched well with the measured heat transfer augmentation.© 2005 ASME
Rethinking the Psychogenic Model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Somatoform Disorders and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Abstract Explaining the etiology of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) from the psychogenic model is exceedingly unsophisticated, because neurocognitive deficits, neuroanatomical abnormalities, and distortions in cognitive mapping are features of CRPS pathology. More importantly, many people who have developed CRPS have no history of mental illness. The psychogenic model offers comfort to physicians and mental health practitioners (MHPs) who have difficulty understanding pain maintained by newly uncovered neuro inflammatory processes. With increased education about CRPS through a biopsychosocial perspective, both physicians and MHPs can better diagnose, treat, and manage CRPS symptomatology.
Recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the setting of transient neurological symptoms: a case report

First described in Japan, takotsubo cardiomyopathy is increasingly becoming recognized worldwide as a cause of sudden and reversible diminished left ventricular function characterized by left apical ballooning and hyperkinesis of the basal segments, often with symptoms mimicking a myocardial infarction. Associated with physical or emotional stress, its exact pathogenesis has not been established, though evidence supports a neurohumoral etiology. Additionally, recurrence of this condition is rare. In this report, we present a rare case of recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a post-menopausal woman who presented with transient neurological complaints on both occasions. We present a rare case of a 76-year-old Caucasian woman with no history of congestive heart failure who presented to our emergency department twice with transient neurological complaints. On the first occasion, she was found to have transient aphasia which resolved within 24 hours, yet during that period she also developed symptoms of congestive heart failure and was noted to have a new, significantly depressed ejection fraction with apical akinesis and possible apical thrombus. One month after her presentation a repeat echocardiogram revealed complete resolution of all wall motion abnormalities and a return to baseline status. Seven months later she presented with ataxia, was diagnosed with vertebrobasilar insufficiency, and again developed symptoms and echocardiography findings similar to those of her first presentation. Once again, at her one-month follow-up examination, all wall motion abnormalities had completely resolved and her ejection fraction had returned to normal. Though the exact etiology of takotsubo cardiomyopathy is unclear, a neurohumoral mechanism has been proposed. Recurrence of this disorder is rare, though it has been reported in patients with structural brain abnormalities. This report is the first to describe recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a patient with transient neurological symptoms. In our patient, as expected in patients with this condition, complete resolution of all left ventricular abnormalities occurred within a short period of time. It is important for clinicians to be aware of this increasingly recognized syndrome, including its association with recurrence, especially in the clinical setting of neurologic dysfunction.
Low rate of venous thromboembolism after craniotomy for brain tumor using multimodality prophylaxis.

Context Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the most frequent complication following craniotomy for brain tumors. At Brigham and Women’s Hospital, VTE after craniotomy for brain tumor is the leading cause of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) among patients hospitalized for conditions other than VTE. Objective To minimize VTE among patients undergoing craniotomy for brain tumor. Design Randomized, prospective, double-blind clinical trial Setting Brigham and Women’s Hospital Patients One hundred fifty patients undergoing craniotomy for brain tumor randomized to enoxaparin, 40 mg/d, vs heparin, 5,000 U bid, with all patients receiving graduated compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression. Main outcome measures The rate of DVT detected by venous ultrasonography prior to hospital discharge. Results Symptomatic DVT or PE developed in none of the patients. The overall rate of asymptomatic VTE was 9.3%, with no significant difference in the rates between the two prophylaxis groups. Ten of the 14 patients identified with VTE had thrombus limited to the deep veins of the calf. Conclusions Enoxaparin, 40 mg/d, or unfractionated heparin, 5,000 U bid, in combination with graduated compression stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression, and predischarge surveillance venous ultrasonography of the legs, resulted in 150 consecutive patients without symptomatic VTE. The low 9.3% frequency of asymptomatic VTE comprised mostly isolated calf DVT. Therefore, this comprehensive, multimodality approach to VTE prophylaxis achieved excellent efficacy and safety.
Tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance: defining normal in a pediatric population.

Background: The tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is a useful tool in guiding surgical management for patients with recurrent lateral patellar instability. Current recommendations for tibial tubercle transfer are based on TT-TG distance thresholds derived from adult populations. Recurrent patellar instability, however, frequently affects children, but normal and pathological TT-TG values have not been established for pediatric patients. The objectives of this study were to (1) confirm that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements for TT-TG distance in a pediatric population are reliable and reproducible, (2) determine whether the TT-TG distance changes with age, (3) define normal TT-TG distances in a pediatric population, and (4) confirm that a subgroup of pediatric patients with patellar instability have higher TT-TG distances. Methods: Six hundred and eighteen MRIs were retrospectively collected for patients who were nine months to sixteen years old. Each MRI was measured twice in a blinded, randomized manner by each reviewer. Patient age, sex, knee laterality, magnet strength, underlying diagnosis, and pertinent previous surgical treatments were all recorded separately from the measurements. MRIs that were unreadable and those of patients who had previous extensor mechanism surgery, preexisting deformity, or destructive neoplasms were excluded. Results: There was excellent intraobserver and interobserver reliability of TT-TG distance measurements. TT-TG distance was associated with the natural logarithm of age (p < 0.001). A percentile-based growth chart was created to demonstrate this relationship. The median TT-TG distance for patients without patellar instability in this pediatric population was 8.5 mm (mean and 95% confidence interval, 8.6 ± 0.3 mm). Patients with patellar instability had higher TT-TG distances (median, 12.1 mm; p < 0.001). TT-TG distance measured nearly 2 mm less on MRIs performed with a 3-T magnet than on those acquired with a 1.5-T magnet (p < 0.001). Conclusions: TT-TG distance changes with chronologic age in the pediatric population. As such, we developed a percentile-based growth chart in order to better depict normal TT-TG distances in the pediatric population. Like many issues in pediatric orthopaedics, an age-based approach for directing surgical treatment may be more appropriate for skeletally immature individuals with recurrent lateral patellar instability. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Ion currents in ace 4 upstream of POS during opening

Concern that the plasma remaining upstream of the initial region of plasma injection for the plasma opening switch may adversely impact the performance of the switch has motivated investigation of the properties of this residual plasma. Here a model is introduced and calculations performed to compare with Faraday cup measurements (see Fig. 1) of ion currents in the residual plasma during the high voltage pulse following the end of the conduction phase1). This model complements the model for ion currents in the conduction phase reported previously reported2). The calculations are based on the assumption that ions are generated by electron impact ionization of neutrals residing in upstream locations (Fig. 2). The electrons acquire their energy from the switch voltage in the form of an E×B drift in the magnetic field of about seven tesla that exists at the onset of opening.
Mass analyzers for inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry

The use of a time-of-flight mass analyzer for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is examined, with emphasis placed on the attributes of the different instrument geometries that have been employed. The common and contrasting design concepts, operating principles and experimental performance of both orthogonal-acceleration and axial time-of-flight inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers are examined and contrasted.
The Darwin/Gray Correspondence 1857–1869: An Intelligent Discussion about Chance and Design

The nature and place of teleological explanation in evolutionary biology is a central topic, as is the nature and place of chance, randomness, and accident. But these topics are often treated as if they had no connection to each other. This was not always the case. In this paper I explore an intense discussion between Charles Darwin and American botanist Asa Gray, carried on in correspondence and in publications, about the compatibility of chance and teleology in Darwin's theory.
Tribological investigation of zirconium nitride/silver nanocomposite structures

Abstract Nanocomposite films of zirconium nitride/silver were deposited by unbalanced magnetron sputtering on stainless steel SS316 substrates. The structure of the films was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The films were found to form a dense and homogeneous microstructure whereby nanocrystals of Me are distributed evenly throughout the ZrN matrix. The elemental composition was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The mechanical properties of these films were analyzed using an atomic force microscope (AFM) in conjunction with Hysitron Triboscope. The hardness and elastic modulus were found to depend on elemental composition and deposition parameters. Microwear measurements were carried out using positive constant normal loads and the wear tracks were imaged and processed using the ProScan Image Processing software. Reported are values for the friction coefficients, residual depth of indentations, wear volumes, and surface roughness. Finally, the coatings were worn against ball-bearing steel using a ball-on-disk tribotester. A low wear coefficient of 2.1 × 10 − 7 mm 3 /s was obtained for a load of 5 N.
The influence of social capital on strategic choice: An examination of the effects of external and internal network relationships on strategic complexity

Abstract In this research we investigated the direct contributions of social capital via network involvement to the strategic complexity of firms. Specifically, we looked at three network types – trade associations, external personal networks, and internal personal networks – to assess their individual and collective effects on strategic complexity. We empirically tested the relationships in the rural telecommunications industry using a mailed survey to this population's CEOs. We obtained 203 responses (30% response rate). Using Poisson regression, we found that all three network types were positively associated with strategic complexity, which was measured as product portfolio breadth. We also discovered that initial conditions affected strategic outcomes, with larger firms and cooperative ownership associated with greater strategic complexity.
Ultra high-speed, multi-wavelength polarization ompairment characterization technique for pol-muxed optical links

We introduce a technique to monitor the polarization dependent impairments in optical links at tens of MHz speeds. Experimentally, we capture up to 10ps PMD values for 5.8-nm optical bandwidth at 36MHz refresh rates.
International Mortality from Heart Disease: Rates and Trends

Mortality trends are described for heart disease, its main subgroup coronary heart disease (CHD), and total mortality for men and women 45-64 years of age from 1950 to 1985 in 27 countries. In contrast to the epidemic rise in mortality from CHD prior to the 1960s, the death rate is declining in most industrialized countries except in Eastern Europe where trends remain upward. Mortality from CHD was upwards in 18 countries in the 1970s and in only four countries in the 1980s. Peaks for CHD occurred earlier in women than men. With some exceptions, declines were greater for higher than lower rate countries. In many countries, CHD declines are accompanied by a corresponding downward change in total mortality, which suggests that the declines are real. Although in several countries there is substantial mortality from heart diseases other than CHD, generally there is good correspondence in trends between them over the 35-year period. There is also a trend toward less intercountry variability in death rates and proportionate mortality for CHD. But the North-South high-to-low gradient in Europe continues in 1985, and there remains at least a fourfold difference for men and an eightfold difference for women between the highest and lowest CHD rates. The male/female ratios of the rates, while narrowing in many countries, vary from 3:1 to 6:1 among the 27 countries.
North Pacific Atmospheric and SST Anomalies in 1997: Links to ENSO?

In the summer of 1997, positive sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) extended across the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and into the eastern Bering Sea (EBS). The SSTA in the EBS are at least in part due to atmospheric causes. Anomalously high 925 mb temperatures and 700 mb geopotential heights and low 925 mb relative humidities, and hence decreased low cloud cover, occurred over the region during April to August. This resulted in enhanced warming of the GOA and EBS owing to increased insolation. The anomalous solar heating was particularly great in the EBS from mid-May to mid-July. The pattern of positive 700 mb height anomalies for April to August 1997 is similar to its counterpart formed by compositing the April to August anomalies that occurred
Translation validation of loop optimizations and software pipelining in the TVOC framework: in memory of Amir Pnueli

Translation validation (TV) is the process of proving that the execution of a translator has generated an output that is a correct translation of the input. When applied to optimizing compilers, TV is used to prove that the generated target code is a correct translation of the source program being compiled. This is in contrast to verifying a compiler, i.e. ensuring that the compiler will generate correct target code for every possible source program - which is generally a far more difficult endeavor. This paper reviews the TVOC framework developed by Amir Pnueli and his colleagues for translation validation for optimizing compilers, where the program being compiled undergoes substantional transformation for the purposes of optimization. The paper concludes with a discussion of how recent work on the TV of software pipelining by Tristan & Leroy can be incorporated into the TVOC framework.
Defining 'reasonable medical certainty' in court: what does it mean to medical experts in child abuse cases?

Physicians and others who provide expert testimony in court cases involving alleged child abuse may be instructed to state their conclusions within a 'reasonable medical certainty' (RMC). However, neither judges nor jurors knows what degree of probability constitutes RMC for a given expert, nor whether different experts use different standards to formulate their opinions. We sought to better understand how experts define RMC in the context of court cases. An email survey was sent to members of six list-serves, representing four specialties, whose members testify in child abuse cases. Respondents were asked to define how RMC corresponded to (1) the numerical probability that abuse occurred, (2) the ordinal probability, and (3) how their determinations relate to common legal standards ('preponderance of the evidence', 'clear and convincing', and 'beyond a reasonable doubt'). Participants were also asked how comfortable they were in defining RMC; whether their definition changed according to the charges or type of proceeding; and how they would apply RMC to several hypothetical cases. The 294 list-serve participants who responded included child abuse pediatricians (46%), forensic pathologists (21%), pediatric neurosurgeons (15%), pediatric ophthalmologists (12%), and others (6%). Though 95% of respondents had testified in court, only 45% had received training in the definition of RMC. Only 37% were comfortable defining RMC. Although many responses were highly clustered and paired comparisons showed that 95% of participants' responses were internally consistent, there was variability in respondents' definitions of RMC. There is some variability in how child abuse expert witnesses define and use the term RMC; we provide suggestions about how to more accurately and transparently define RMC to ensure justice in these cases.
The syntacticization of illocutionary forces and the root vs. non-root distinction: Evidence from the sentence-final particle ba in Mandarin

Abstract This paper shows that the Mandarin sentence-final particle ba lexically encodes specific illocutionary forces, which allow ba-tagged sentences to perform specific speech acts. To account for the fact about ba, it is argued that a speech act layer (cf. Haegeman and Hill, 2013 , Hill, 2007 , Ross, 1970 , Speas and Tenny, 2003 ) projected by a functional head carrying a speaker-related feature is needed in the syntax. The paper also shows that ba is restricted in root environments in the sense of Emonds (1970) , which indicates that functional heads encoding specific illocutionary forces cannot be embedded, and proves that the root versus non-root distinction proposed by Emonds (1970) is real despite all the counterexamples from English pointed out by Hopper and Thompson (1973) to reject the distinction.