cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Basilar stroke from a persistent hypoglossal artery

Occlusion of the basilar artery can be treated with endovascular thrombectomy, although the results have not been well studied. Persistent fetal cerebrovascular anatomy can lead to unusual presentation of carotid atherosclerotic disease and can be a barrier to successful mechanical thrombectomy if not recognized. This case presents a rare persistent carotico–basilar anastomosis which resulted in basilar occlusion via the persistent hypoglossal artery and coincident absence of contralateral vertebral arterial access due to a left vertebral artery terminating in the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Preoperative recognition of this anatomy afforded by review of cross-sectional imaging was critical to success during this emergent procedure.
Numerical Modeling of a Jet Ignition Direct Injection (JI DI) LPG Engine

The paper presents indirectly validated simulations of the operation of a LPG engine fitted with Direct Injection (DI) and Jet Ignition (JI). It is demonstrated that the engine may have diesel like efficiencies and load control by quantity of fuel injected. As the liquid propane quickly evaporates after injection in the main chamber, the main chamber mixture may be much closer to stoichiometry than a diesel for a better specific power at low engine speeds. This design also works at the high engine speeds impossible for the diesel, as combustion within the main chamber is controlled by the turbulent mixing rather than the vaporization and diffusion processes of the injected fuel of the diesel.
Fields of conflict: A political ecology approach to land and social transformation in the colonial Andes (Cuzco, Peru)

Abstract This paper presents a political ecological framework for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis to examine changes in agricultural land in ancient and early historical contexts. It raises several issues pertinent to archaeological epistemology and science, with a particular focus on the limitations of using fixed data categories to examine fluid environmental processes and ecological relationships. The paper draws on political ecological theories that define land as a social process, moving beyond economic conceptions of agricultural land that rest on productive capacity and phenomenological theories that examine the physical environment in terms of cultural perception. It combines qualitative (archival) and quantitative (archaeological) data in a GIS methodology to address how linked changes in physical land attributes and labor routines can affect regional ecologies and foment social conflict. In empirical terms, the paper traces changes from maize to wheat fields during Spanish colonization (ca. 1533-1670) in Ollantaytambo, Peru, a monumental Inca town near the capital of their empire. It reveals how ecological transformations that occurred during this century–widespread deaths throughout, abandonment of Inca fields, and introduction of European biota–in part framed conflicts between Andean people and the colonial regime, and also empowered local farmers to claim land in previously undeveloped areas.
Understanding the Role of Climate Characteristics in Drought Propagation

In this study, we use numerical experiments with a simple water balance model to understand the roles of key climate characteristics in hydrologic drought propagation and the consequence of human responses to drought events under different climates. The experiments use climate inputs from a range of places with a hypothetical catchment of fixed properties to study drought propagation under different climates. Three drought propagation mechanisms are identified that produce hydrologic droughts with differing characteristics. The first mechanism involves seasonal groundwater recharge cycles, which persist during low rainfall periods, resulting in shorter hydrologic droughts compared to meteorological droughts. The second is characterized by seasonal groundwater recharge cycles that are suppressed during low rainfall periods, resulting in longer hydrologic droughts than meteorological droughts. The third is exemplified by a lack of seasonality in groundwater recharge and a strong control of precipitation over groundwater recharge, resulting in hydrologic droughts of similar duration as meteorological droughts. The roles of seasonality, climate aridity, and timing of precipitation in producing these different drought propagation mechanisms are studied. The timing of precipitation is found to have the most significant impact. Furthermore, modeling experiments are performed to understand the role of climate in the interaction between short and long time-scale human activities in response to droughts and the effect of the common practice of groundwater pumping during drought events on long-term groundwater depletion. Interestingly, climates with high interannual variability of precipitation are found to be associated with less groundwater depletion than the climates with low interannual variability.
Light-emitting diodes of colloidal quantum dots and nanorod heterostructures for future emissive displays

Tunable, narrow-linewidth photoluminescence with nearly ideal quantum yields and solution processability make colloidal quantum dots (QDs) a unique class of emitters for a variety of applications including light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Wide color gamut and high color saturation that can be achieved with QDs along with recent advances in QD-LEDs motivate their use as large-area, patternable electroluminescent materials especially in displays. In this review, critical issues in performance and long-term stability of QD-LEDs, Cd-free compositions necessary for practical applications, lower-symmetry heterostructures that impart new capabilities, and unconventional fabrication approaches are discussed. As the current CdSe-based QD-LEDs approach their performance limits, emerging nanorod heterostructures, as exemplified by the double heterojunction nanorods (DHNRs), can extend efficiencies beyond these limits. Furthermore, enhancements in device lifetime and light detection/photovoltaic capabilities using the same high-performance DHNR-LEDs can allow exciting prospects for novel emissive displays. Such multifunctional LEDs that can be solution-processed into large-area, mulitcolor pixel arrays may fundamentally alter how we perceive, interact with and utilize display devices.
Asymmetric Induction via a Helically Chiral Anion: Enantioselective Pentacarboxycyclopentadiene Brønsted Acid-Catalyzed Inverse-Electron-Demand Diels–Alder Cycloaddition of Oxocarbenium Ions

An enantioselective catalytic inverse-electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction of salicylaldehyde acetal-derived oxocarbenium ions and vinyl ethers to generate 2,4-dioxychromanes is described. Chiral pentacarboxycyclopentadiene (PCCP) acids are found to be effective for a variety of substrates. Computational and X-ray crystallographic analyses support the unique hypothesis that an anion with point-chirality-induced helical chirality dictates the absolute sense of stereochemistry in this reaction.
Fabrication of a glancing-angle-deposited distributed polarization rotator for ultraviolet applications

Glancing-angle–deposited thin films are used to fabricate half-wave plates in a 1-D striped geometry, forming alternating regions of linearly polarized light on a single 100-mm-diam substrate. MgO is selected for fabricating the birefringent films for use in vacuum, based on its formation of isolated columns that avoid potential tensile-stress failure of the porous film. While large-area tests have shown high defect densities for fluences 2 , small-spot laser-damage testing has shown resistance to fluences up to 30 J/cm 2 (351-nm, 5-ns pulse). An amorphous silica film is investigated to match the optical thickness in the intermediate regions in an effort to fabricate a polarizationcontrol device to reduce focal-point modulation (“beam smoothing”) in high-intensity laser systems. Ongoing efforts to improve the laser-damage threshold and minimize optical losses caused by scatter are essential to realizing a practical device. Scalability of the process to meter-scale substrates is also explored.
How effectively do managed care organizations influence prescribing and dispensing decisions

OBJECTIVE To examine the extent to which managed care organizations (MCOs) use formularies, therapeutic interchange, and prior approval and to determine how effectively these tools influence prescribing and dispensing decisions. RESEARCH DESIGN Literature review. PATIENTS AND METHODS Studies relating to effectiveness were identified through a comprehensive literature review using the MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts databases. Only peer-reviewed studies done in outpatient settings were included. Studies measuring extent of use were taken primarily from published and widely available marketing research reports. RESULTS Closed formularies were found to be effective in decreasing the utilization, but not necessarily the cost, of prescription drugs. Just under half of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and 10% of employer-sponsored health plans use closed formularies. Prior approval programs have been shown to reduce use of target drugs and drug costs in a small number of drug classes. Nearly all HMOs and most employer-sponsored health plans use prior approval programs. How extensively the programs are used is not reported. About half of HMOs and employer-sponsored health plans use therapeutic interchange. Voluntary programs have been shown to be successful in staff-model HMOs. Mandatory, but not voluntary, programs have been shown to be successful in independent practice association-model HMOs. CONCLUSION The literature indicates that most MCOs have had limited success using formularies, therapeutic interchange, and prior approval to influence prescribing and dispensing decisions. Although these tools have been effective in some situations, their impact has been limited by their low rate of utilization.
Linear analysis of megastructures

In structural analysis of linear elastic bodies made up of thin members, one is able to solve the field equations in terms of forces and displacements at discrete points in the body. In this way the problem can be reduced to the solution of a linear system of equations. This system may have either the form $$ Kx = P $$ (16.1) where K = stiffness matrix, P = joint force vector, x = joint displacement vector or $$ B\sigma + \Delta = 0 $$ (16.2) where B = flexibility matrix, Δ = primary displacement vector, σ = redundant force vector. One refers to (16.1) as the displacement (stiffness) method and to (16.2) as the force (flexibility) method. The former approach is preferred for conventional computational purposes, since the unknown joint displacements may be readily identified and equation (16.1) has a clear physical interpretation. Equation (16.1) enforces equilibrium. By contrast, equation (16.2) enforces compatibility, i.e., removes the discontinuities Δ associated with a set of redundant forces σ. For megastructures, both systems are very large and one therefore looks for approximating systems with much smaller number of equations.
Emergency Management of Dog and Cat Bite Wounds

Most dog and cat bite injuries are minor wounds that require only local wound care as well a patient evaluation for tetanus and rabies postexposure immunoprophylaxis. For larger wounds, primary or delayed primary closure can be performed safely where indicated. When antimicrobial agents are necessary, inexpensive penicillins or cephalosporins are adequate for initial therapy. Large-scale, prospective, controlled clinical studies are needed to define further the role of prophylactic antimicrobial therapy for uninfected wounds.
Mine ventilation thermodynamics

Many of the world’s practising mine ventilation engineers—perhaps, even, the majority—perform their duties very successfully on the basis of relationships that assume incompressible flow. Some of those engineers may question the need to concern themselves with the more detailed concepts and analyses of thermodynamics. There are, at least, two responses to that query.
P-007 Intracranial pressure changes 3 months post venous sinus stenting for patients with IIH

Objective We report the CSF opening pressure measurements obtained before and after venous sinus stenting in 50 patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. Methods The CSF opening pressure was measured with a spinal tap 3 months before and 3 months after treatment. All data was prospectively collected and included patient demographics, weight (kg), body-mass index (BMI), acetazolamide daily dosage (mg), procedural details, complications, venous sinus pressures (mm Hg), trans-stenotic pressure gradient (mm Hg), transverse sinus symmetry, and type of venous sinus stenosis. Results The average pre-treatment CSF-OP was 37 cm water (range: 25–77) and the average post-treatment CSF-OP pressure was 20.2 cm water (range: 10–36), with an average reduction of 16.8 cm water (p Conclusions In summary, we provided evidence that there is significant decrease in CSF-OP pressure in IIH patients 3 months after VSS, independent of acetazolamide usage or weight loss. Disclosures A. Patsalides: None. C. Oliveira: None. M. Dinkin: None.
Spread the Green Word: A Social Community Perspective Into Environmentally Sustainable Behavior:

Engagement in proenvironmental behavior can be understood in part by considering how individuals operate as members of social communities and are influenced by these communities. In the present wor...
Pelvic MRI in the diagnosis and staging of pelvic endometriosis: added value of structured reporting and expertise.

To compare the diagnostic characteristics of routine-read (RR), structured-reported read (SR), and structured expert-read pelvic (SER) MRI for staging of pelvic endometriosis in a tertiary care academic center. Of 530 patients with endometriosis (2013–2018), 59/530 (11.1%) were staged surgically and underwent pelvic MRI. Radiology reports were considered RR; MRI studies were independently reassessed by SR and SER. Involvement was recorded by compartment [anterior (AC), middle (MC), posterior (PC), adnexal (AX), and other (OC)]. Diagnostic discrepancy between review methods was assessed with McNemar’s test. Interobserver agreement was assessed using Cohen’s unweighted kappa. Of 295 compartments in 59 women (mean age = 38.8 years; range 20–69), 147/295 (49.8%) had confirmed endometriosis. Overall sensitivity: RR = 42.9%; SR = 86.4%; SER = 74.2%. SR’s increased sensitivity was significant for PC (p 0.05). Overall specificity: RR = 95.3%; SR = 45.9%; SER = 81.8%. SER specificity was no different than RR for PC or AX (p > 0.5). RR sensitivity relied heavily on detection of AX involvement, whereas SR and SER showed additional sites of disease while maintaining comparable specificity for SER. Overall agreement between SR and SER was fair [k = 0.342 (95% CI 0.25, 0.44)]. Even at a tertiary care academic center, SER outperforms both SR and RR in the assessment of pelvic endometriosis. Although lack of expertise may negatively impact specificity, use of structured reporting is significantly more sensitive than RR. Therefore, its use can be of assistance in surgical planning and patient counseling.
Survival correlation of immune response in human cancers.

Background: The clinical benefit of immune response is largely unknown. We systematically explored the correlation of immune response with patient outcome in human cancers. Results: The global immune gene signature was primarily located on the plasma membrane with a high gene density at 6p21 and 1q23-1q24. Immune responses varied with a wide range in human cancers. A total of 11 cancer types exhibited significant correlation of immune response with overall survival. Higher immune response was significantly associated with longer overall survival in 7 types and with shorter overall survival in 4 types. In addition, 11 cancer types exhibited significant correlation of immune response with progression-free interval. Higher immune response was significantly associated with longer progression-free interval in 7 types and with shorter progression-free interval in 4 types. Methods: The Ingenuity Knowledge Base and human genome assembly GRCh38 were used to annotate the immune gene signature by cellular components and genomic coordinates, respectively. We devised an mRNA-based metric of pre-existing immune conditions by using the gene signature, and calculated the metric for 10,062 The Cancer Genome Atlas tumor samples across 32 different cancer types. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the overall survival and progression-free interval differences between dichotomic groups stratified by the median metric for each cancer type. Conclusions: Immune responses have different impacts on patient outcome in different human cancers. Prospective verification is needed before the findings can be applied for clinical trial development.
An indispensable role for dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) in adipogenesis

Emerging evidence indicates that proper mitochondrial dynamics is critical for adipocyte differentiation and functional thermogenic capacity. We found that mitochondrial fission protein dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) is highly expressed in brown adipose tissue compared to white adipose tissue and their levels increase during brown adipocyte differentiation. Our results reveal that the inhibition of DRP1 using Mdivi-1 mitigates adipocyte differentiation and differentiation-associated mitochondrial biogenesis. We found that DRP1 is essential for the induction of the early phase of adipogenic transcriptional program. Intriguingly, inhibition of DRP1 is dispensable following the induction of adipogenesis and adipogenesis-associated mitochondrial biogenesis. Together, we demonstrate that DRP1 in the preadipocytes plays an essential role in brown and beige adipogenesis.
A Gravity Model for Navigation Close to Asteroids and Comets

The classical gravity model used for planetary navigation is a harmonic expansion of Legendre polynomials and associated functions. The harmonic expansion diverges when the orbital radius is less than that of the Brillouin sphere. An alternative method for computing gravitational acceleration is described, and shape models of a brick and the asteroid Eros are used as examples. Computation is reduced to a surface integral by first analytically integrating with respect to r, assuming constant density. The result is evaluated far more rapidly. Results are compared to those generated from a polyhedron model and to those generated from a classical harmonic expansion.
COVID-19 and aging, a tale of two pandemics

As a physician scientist caring for older adults in New York City during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I reflect on my experiences, the stark contrast in resource availability between hospitals and nursing homes, and the scientific opportunities and challenges for aging research.
Shoulder and elbow requirements during sagittal reach as a result of changing anthropometry throughout pregnancy.

Abstract During pregnancy, anthropometric and physiological changes can result in difficulty reaching for and lifting everyday objects. The aims of this study were to determine the changes in sagittal plane anterior reach space (SPARS) and shoulder/elbow strength requirements throughout pregnancy. Seventeen participants were tested through a longitudinal observational cohort study between 16 and 36 weeks gestation in four-week intervals. A 25% decrease in SPARS was observed at the L3-4 torso height. Combined with arm mass increases, shoulder and elbow moment requirements at the minimum and maximum static reach distances significantly increased. However, inverse dynamics analysis determined that mass gains in the arm alone only minimally impact dynamic shoulder moments. Additionally, torso flexion increases throughout pregnancy demonstrates that women are attempting to compensate for decreased SPARS, possibly indicating the additional perceptual importance of reach space in accommodations for pregnant workers.
The Italian coffee triangle: From Brazilian colonos to Ethiopian colonialisti

This article investigates the history of coffee culture across three continents during the Fascist ventennio (1922–45.) By using the novel framework of coffee, from the bean in the field to the machine in the caffe, it connects interwar histories that previously have been explored independently. Specifically, it examines the transnational economics of coffee bean trade routes and the colonial imagery of coffee advertising to argue that caffes emerged as key sites for promoting the Fascist imperial projects in East Africa – an architectural and artistic legacy that remains in place today. Ultimately, this trajectory broadens the way that we understand how food and farming became politicised during the Fascist period. By untangling the interwar trade of beans and bodies between Italy, Brazil, and Ethiopia, this article brings to light an untold story of caffeinated imperial aggression and resistance.
Long-term opioid therapy tapering: Trends from 2014 to 2018 in a Midwestern State.

Abstract Background The 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain (Guideline hereafter) emphasized tapering patients from long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) when the harms outweigh the benefits. Methods To examine tapering from LTOT before and after the Guideline release, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults with high-dose LTOT (mean of >50 Morphine Milligram Equivalents [MME]/day) from 2014 to 2018 from one Midwest state's Health Information Exchange. We identified tapering (dose reductions in mean MME/day greater than 15%, 30%, 50%) and rapid discontinuation episodes (reduction to zero MME/day) over a 6-month follow-up period relative to a 3-month baseline period. We used segmented regressions to estimate outcomes adjusted for time trends and relevant state laws limiting opioid prescribing. Results The Guideline release was associated with statistically significant immediate increase in the patient likelihood of experiencing tapering (15%: 1.8% point [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–2.6; 30%: 1.4% point, 95% CI: 0.7–2.2; 50%: 0.8% point, 95% CI: 0.2–1.4) and rapid discontinuation episodes (0.006% point, 95% CI: 0.001–0.01). After the Guideline release, the patient likelihood of tapering increased over time (15%: 0.4% point/month, 95% CI: 0.3–0.5; 30%: 0.3% point/month, 95% CI:0.2–0.4; 50%: 0.3% point/month, 95% CI: 0.2–0.3; rapid discontinuation: 0.01% point/month, 95% CI: 0.007–0.01). Tapering and rapid discontinuation trends was similar among gender and race categories. Conclusion The Guideline may be a useful tool in altering opioid prescribing practices, particularly for patients on shorter durations of LTOT.
Asset Allocation by Analogy or Analysis: Better Inputs for Better Allocations

We outline how to use historical analogies or macroeconomic models to generate inputs for mean-variance optimizations. Additionally, we present an alternative framework for thinking about "efficient" portfolios. Our framework focuses on selecting from amongst return distributions instead of selecting a "point" on an efficient frontier.
Physical parameter optimization in swarms of ultra-low complexity agents

Physical agents (such as wheeled vehicles, UAVs, hovercraft, etc.) with simple control systems are often sensitive to changes in their physical design and control parameters. As such, it is crucial to evaluate the agent's control systems together with the agent's physical implementation. This can consequently lead to an explosion in the parameter space to be considered.In this paper we investigate the use of swarms of ultra-low complexity agents, and address the issue of finding workable physical agent parameters. We describe a technique for reducing the dimensionality of the search space by performing evaluation tasks that can be used to predict near-optimal parameter values for agents in related multi-agent tasks. We validate our approach on an example task, and demonstrate that this technique can greatly reduce the computational resources required to design a multi-agent system.
The School Principal: Visionary Leadership and Competent Management

Part One: Schools and Principals 1. Complex Nature of Schools 2. Principal Roles and Responsibilities 3. Effective Schools for All Students Part Two: Leadership Expectations 4. Principal Behavior and Instructional Leadership 5. Organizing and Evaluating Instructional Programs 6. Building and Maintaining Relationships Part Three: Managerial Responsibilities 7. Managing Material Resources 8. Managing Human Resources 9. Managing Pupil Services 10. Providing a Safe School Environment Part Four: Vital Aspects of Practice 11. Problem Solving and Decision Making 12. Collaborative Efforts for School Improvement 13. Commitment to Being a School Administrator
Formal verification in Intel CPU design

Summary form only given. This article relates a success story: formal verification of floating-point operations implemented in hardware, using a combination of model checking (symbolic trajectory evaluation) and higher-order logic theorem proving. Our tools and methods have been applied to a number of design projects, including the Pentium (R) 4 processor. In designing the Pentium 4 formal verification was indispensable, capturing several extremely subtle bugs that eluded simulation. Any of these could have resulted in an FDIV-like recall. It explains the tools and technologies we used, the lessons we learned, and next challenges we face.
Hot-carrier reliability of bipolar transistors

A study of bipolar degradation over a range of stress and measurement conditions is presented. It is shown that the excess base current, Delta I/sub B/, varies in a power-law manner with J/sub C/, I/sub R/, and t. The I/sub R/ dependence results from a significant nonlocal effect in electron temperature that occurs at the periphery of the emitter due to the narrow depletion width. A quasistatic model of the degradation, suitable for SPICE circuit simulation, is presented and used to simulate the degradation of a BiCMOS inverter and differential pair circuit. The simulation of an advanced BiCMOS process indicates a degradation in the low-to-high propagation delay of 7% and 300 K and 3% at 110 K after 10 years of operation with C/sub L/=2 pf and V/sub CC/=5.5 V. For emitter-coupled pair circuits, the base current degradation can create a voltage drop across the base resistance, resulting in an additional offset voltage component. With the modeling methodology presented, one can predict the effect of varying the emitter-extrinsic-base junction doping profile on circuit reliability. >
The zebrafish Nodal signal Squint functions as a morphogen

Secreted morphogens induce distinct cellular responses in a concentration-dependent manner and act directly at a distance. The existence of morphogens during mesoderm induction and patterning in vertebrates has been highly controversial, and it remains unknown whether endogenous mesoderm inducers act directly as morphogens, function locally or act through relay mechanisms. Here we test the morphogen properties of Cyclops and Squint-two Nodal-related transforming growth factor-beta signals required for mesoderm formation and patterning in zebrafish. Whereas different levels of both Squint and Cyclops can induce different downstream genes, we find that only Squint can function directly at a distance. These results indicate that Squint acts as a secreted morphogen that does not require a relay mechanism.
Compound 21 ameliorates type 2 diabetes in Zucker diabetic fatty rats by islet preservation (1108.13)

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Compound 21 (C21), a nonpeptide AT2R agonist, on type 2 diabetes in Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats. Rats received C21 infusion (0.3 mg/ra...
Model-based face image coding using spherical harmonics

A model-based image coding technique combines image processing, computer vision and computer graphics techniques to achieve higher coding efficiency. Traditional model-based image coding techniques encode the motion in an image sequence as changes of model parameters, thus very low bit rates can be achieved for video coding. We present a novel method to improve coding efficiency of face images. The key idea is to use a spherical harmonic representation of illumination and a generic face geometric model to encode the variation of appearance produced by diffuse reflection. We show that this method improves coding efficiency. This method is complementary to other model-based image coding techniques.
New And Forgotten Dreams In Database Research

In last year’s ICDE panel in New Orleans [l], we examined the question of whether database research is able to provide leadership to database industries. There was a consensus that with the maturing of the field, we should now focus on new areas where we can leverage off our rich experience in database research. The question of what problem to work on next has always been a difficult one to answer and we suspect that it will not get easier. Even then, it will be rewarding to examine the question of how the successful and not so successful threads of research came into being and what caught our fancy and why. Specifically, we will seek the perspective of the panelists on the following questions:
Naming Reaction Times to Tachistoscopically Presented Pictures: Some Evidence of Right Hemisphere Encoding

The present study measured naming reaction times by normal subjects to unilaterally presented picture stimuli. Significant differences in picture-naming reaction time did not exist between left and right visual-field stimulations. The right hemisphere in the intact brain is capable of generating a verbal label for pictured stimuli. A psychological model suggests that a possible processing synergy between the two hemispheres may be tied to spatial processing and elementary linguistics.
Simplified David Reimplantation With Reduction of Anular Size and Creation of Artificial Sinuses

Background The David reimplantation procedure is the preferred method of preserving tricuspid aortic valves during aortic root replacement. We report the results of a simplified approach to the David valve-sparing root reimplantation. Methods Of 234 patients who underwent David reimplantation or some modification thereof, 129 operated on from January 2001 to June 2008 formed a consecutive single-surgeon series for midterm evaluation. Aortic anulus-left ventricular outflow tract and proximal tube graft size were reduced over a Hegar dilator to mean normal diameter based on body surface area, in the process creating neo-sinuses to accommodate cusp opening. Sixty-one patients (47%) had Marfan syndrome. Mean body surface area was 2.1 ± 0.27 m 2 . Preoperative aortic regurgitation grade was 1+ or less in 46%, 2+ in 26%, 3+ in 24%, and 4+ in 4.3%. Results Left ventricular outflow tract sizing by Hegar dilator was 17 mm in 9.5% of patients, 19 mm in 18%, 21 mm in 56%, and 23 mm in 16%. Fifty-five (43%) had concomitant cusp repair. Postoperative aortic regurgitation grade was 0 in 98%, and none of the remaining had greater than 2+ AR. Postoperative mean aortic gradient was 9.0 ± 3.5 mm Hg. No patient had intraoperative abandonment of the repair, and there were no postoperative deaths or strokes. Five-year survival was 99%, and 4 patients (3%) required late valve replacement. Conclusions A simple modification of the David operation, reducing anular size, and creating neo-sinuses preserves the aortic valve, eliminates aortic regurgitation, avoids aortic stenosis, and has favorable midterm results.
THE DNA BINDING SPECIFICITY OF ENGRAILED HOMEODOMAIN

The engrailed gene of Drosophila melanogaster is an integral member of the highly complex cascade which results in a fully developed fruitfly. The gene product of engrailed contains a homeodomain which is responsible for DNA binding via a helix-turn-helix motif. The crystal structure of this 60 amino acid residue domain complexed to DNA is analogous to structures of other homeodomain-DNA complexes, consistent with the high degree of sequence conservation within both protein and DNA. Despite the high degree of homology, homeodomains do exhibit distinct preferences for certain DNA sequences. Such specificity may be at least partly responsible for the interactions necessary for normal development. Using the hydroxyl radical as a chemical probe, we have examined complexes of Engrailed homeodomain with several DNA sequences to determine the protein's binding specificity in solution. We find that Engrailed forms a single, specific complex with a unique DNA binding site which is analogous to the complex seen in the co-crystal structure. In contrast, our chemical probe experiments show that the binding site of Engrailed that was determined by in vitro selection and that also was present in the co-crystal structure contains two possible binding sites. Modification of the sequence of this site to yield single binding sites removes the ambiguity, and results in two different, well-behaved Engrailed-DNA complexes. Our results underscore the utility of chemical probe experiments for defining the variety of modes of interaction of proteins with DNA that can occur in solution, but that might not be apparent in a crystal structure.
Estimating the Thermal Properties of a Calorimeter Using Hierarchical Bayesian Inference With MCMC

The accurate determination of the specific heat by placing of a sample in a bath of liquid and measuring the temperature change of the bath and the sample is dependent upon estimation of the heat lost to or gained from the calorimeter. This heat transfer is a complex function of the thermal characteristics of the calorimeter, the initial and ambient conditions, and the convective heat transfer between the bath and the calorimeter walls. This paper describes the estimation of the heat transfer and the determination of the uncertainties in the computed sample specific heat by using Bayesian inference.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The macroscopic appearance of colorectal polyps.

The macroscopic (10 to 30 times magnification) surface features of 187 colonic lesions are described. The lesions were studied using a dissecting microscope and a 1% trypan blue solution as a contrast agent. Using five criteria, lesions were evaluated for the presence or absence of adenoma, the type of adenoma present, the presence of dysplasia or carcinoma-in-situ, and the presence of invasive carcinoma. The technique has proven to be a rapid, sensitive, and relatively specific means of separating tumors in the adenoma—carcinoma sequence from nonadenomatous lesions (sensitivity, 99%, specificity 90%). The technique is accurate in differentiating tubular, tubulovillous, and villous lesions. It is suggested that areas of dysplasia (sensitivity 100%, specificity 93%), carcinoma-in-situ, and microinvasive carcinoma may also be differentiated, but need further investigation. The present study suggests that the macroscopic architecture of the various lesions in the adenoma—carcinoma sequence is unique and may be used diagnostically. These preliminary findings need to be confirmed in a prospective double-blind study, and to be adapted to use in colonoscopic and radiologic diagnosis.
An examination of trait measures of interpersonal competence

A model of interpersonal competence is presented consisting of three components: motivation, knowledge, and skill in interaction for both participants in a conversation. The model assumes that the additive combination of these components for both interactants will predict competent outcomes; specifically, communication satisfaction, perceived confirmation, and conversational appropriateness and effectiveness. A total of 496 subjects completed trait measures of these constructs before and after interaction in one of two dyadic situations: acquaintance and task. Results indicate that the context independent measures did not contribute theoretically meaningful amounts of variance to the model. However, the context‐specific measures of skill contributed substantial amounts of variance in all of the predictions. Findings support the conclusion that competence is a context‐specific phenomenon, and requires corresponding theoretical and empirical refinement.
Pulmonary Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Pulmonary disease is a major source of morbidity and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis, manifesting most commonly as interstitial lung disease, airways disease, rheumatoid nodules, and pleural effusions. The diagnostic assessment of respiratory abnormalities is complicated by underlying risk for infection, the use of drugs with known pulmonary toxicity, and the frequency of lung disease related to rheumatoid arthritis itself. Evaluation and management of rheumatoid arthritis-associated pulmonary disease frequently necessitates a multidisciplinary approach.
Geometrical meaning of domain of attraction and optimum robustness in noniterative neural networks

This paper describes the basic N-dimension geometrical meaning of the noniterative neural network and the geometrical derivation of one of the most important properties of this neural network: The optimum robustness in the recognition of the untrained patterns. Based on this concept of optimum robustness, a novel automatic feature extraction system is derived. The predicted optimum robustness and the ultra-fast learning speed of this novel system are then verified experimentally. This paper concentrates at the geometrical derivations of this novel neural system design.
Electrochemical Screening of Organic and Inorganic Inhibitors for the Corrosion of ASTM A-470 Steel in Concentrated Sodium Hydroxide Solution

Abstract The corrosion of ASTM A-470 turbine disk steel in concentrated sodium hydroxide solution (10 mol/kg) containing sodium silicate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium chromate, aniline and some of its derivatives, tannic acid, L-(-)-phenylalanine (aminopropionic acid) and octadecylamine as potential inhibitors has been studied using the potentiodynamic, AC impedance, and Tafel extrapolation techniques. All tests were performed at 115 ± 2 C. The anodic and cathodic polarization data show that aniline and its derivatives, L-(-)-phenylalanine, NaH2PO4, Na2SiO3, and Na2CrO4 inhibit the anodic process, whereas tannic acid inhibits the cathodic reaction. Octadecylamine was found to inhibit both the anodic and cathodic processes. The mechanisms of inhibition for some of these compounds have been inferred from the wide band width frequency dispersions of the interfacial impedance.
In-network experiences with installed OTN switched metro core optical systems

Muxponders, while useful at the access edge, are no longer ideal for metro core network use. OTN switching in the metro core moves muxponders to the access edge, resulting in a more efficient metro core.
The effects of positive versus negative feedback on information-integration category learning.

A number of studies have shown that in category learning, providing feedback about errors allows faster learning than providing feedback about correct responses. However, these previous studies used explicit, rulebased tasks in which the category structures could be separated by a simple rule that was easily verbalized. Here, the results of the first experiment known to compare the efficacy of positive versus negative feedback during information-integration category learning are reported. Information-integration tasks require participants to integrate perceptual information from incommensurable dimensions, and evidence suggests that optimal responding recruits procedural learning. The results show that although nearly all of the full-feedback control participants demonstrated information-integration learning, participants receiving either positive-only or negative-only feedback generally used explicit, rule-based strategies. It thus appears that, unlike rule-based learning, consistent information-integration learning requires full feedback. The theoretical implications of these findings for current models of information-integration learning are discussed.
CVD diamond as an optical material for adverse environments

A status report is presented on the obstacles and current research related to using CVD diamond as an optical material. Problems discussed include properties of CVD carbon deposits, including structure, thermal conductivity and oxidation resistance, which are relevant to the optical uses of diamond; absorption coefficient measurements on CVD diamond in the visible and IR; and a review of various aspects of the synthesis of CVD diamond, including the growth of transparent and translucent diamond, efforts to grow diamond at low substrate temperatures, and approches to reducing the optical scatter of as grown polycrystalline diamond films and windows. Particular attention is given to techniques for reducing optical scatter which involve modifying materials morphologies during the growth process by controlling nucleation density, renucleaton frequency, and/or the orientation of crystal faces at film surfaces; techniques for postdeposition polishing of the surface of CVD diamond films and windows; and optical applications for CVD diamond.
Lean Combustion Limits of a Confined Premixed-Prevaporized Propane Jet

An experimental study was carried out to determine the effects of jet velocity and confinement on lean premixed-prevaporized propane/air blowout limits. The combustor consisted of a single hole flameholder within a quartz liner. Five flameholder plates and two quartz liners were used. Lean stability limits were mapped for confined propane jet in cylindrical combustor. Three zones of flame stability were observed depending on the liner and jet Reynolds number and the combustor geometry. At low Reynolds number the combustor was jet stabilized. As the Reynolds number was increased the combustor became either recirculation zone stabilized, or for small recirculation zone step sizes, the combustor was wall stabilized. The factors affecting stability seem to be the Reynolds numbers of the liner and inlet jet along with the flameholder step size. Stability was achieved at both laminar and turbulent conditions.
Freehand spatial-angular compounding of photoacoustic images

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is an emerging medical imaging modality that relies on the absorption of optical energy and the subsequent emission of acoustic waves that are detected with a conventional ultrasound probe. PA images are susceptible to background noise artifacts that reduce the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). We investigated spatial-angular compounding of PA images to enhance these image qualities. Spatial-angular compounding was implemented by averaging multiple PA images acquired as an ultrasound probe was rotated about the elevational axis with the laser beam and PA target fixed in the same location. An external tracking system was used to provide the position and orientation (i.e. pose) information of each PA image. Based on this pose information, frames in similar elevational planes were filtered from the acquired image data and compounded using one of two methods. One method registered overlapping signals between frames prior to compounding (using the pose information), while the second method omitted this spatial registration step. These two methods were applied to pre-beamformed RF, beamformed RF, and envelope-detected data, resulting in six different compounding pipelines. Compounded PA images with similar lateral resolution to a single reference image had factors of 1.1 - 1.6, 2.0 - 11.1, and 2.0 - 11.1 improvements in contrast, CNR, and SNR, respectively, when compared to the reference image. These improvements depended on the amount of relative motion between the reference image and the images that were compounded. The inclusion of spatial registration prior to compounding preserved lateral resolution and signal location when the relative rotations about the elevation axis were 3.5° or less for images that were within an elevational distance of 2.5 mm from the reference image, particularly when the method was applied to the enveloped-detected data. Results indicate that spatial-angular compounding has the potential to improve image quality for a variety of photoacoustic imaging applications.
Inferring hemispherical reflectance of the earth's surface for global energy budgets from remotely sensed nadir or directional radiance values

The relationship between directional reflectances spanning the entire reflecting hemisphere and hemispherical reflectance (albedo) and the effect of solar zenith angle and cover type on these relationships were investigated, using the results obtained from NOAA's 7/8 AVHRR ground-level reflectance measurements. Bands 1 (0.58-0.6B microns) and 2 (0.73-1. 1 microns) were used for reflectance measurements of 11 natural vegetation surfaces ranging from bare soils to dense vegetation canopies. The results show that errors in inferring hemispherical reflectance from nadir reflectance can be between 11 and 45 percent for all cover types and solar angles, depending on the viewing angles. A technique is described in which a choice of two specific view angles reduces this error to less than 6 percent for both bands and for all sun angles and cover types.
Utilizing Multidimensional Measures of Race in Education Research: The Case of Teacher Perceptions

Education scholarship on race using quantitative data analysis consists largely of studies on the black-white dichotomy, and more recently, on the experiences of student within conventional racial/ethnic categories (white, Hispanic/Latina/o, Asian, black). Despite substantial shifts in the racial and ethnic composition of American children, studies continue to overlook the diverse racialized experiences for students of Asian and Latina/o descent, the racialization of immigration status, and the educational experiences of Native American students. This study provides one possible strategy for developing multidimensional measures of race using large-scale datasets and demonstrates the utility of multidimensional measures for examining educational inequality, using teacher perceptions of student behavior as a case in point. With data from the first grade wave of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Cohort of 1998-1999, I examine differences in teacher ratings of Externalizing Problem Behaviors and Approaches to Learning across fourteen racialized subgroups at the intersections of race, ethnicity, and immigrant status. Results show substantial subgroup variation in teacher perceptions of problem and learning behaviors, while also highlighting key points of divergence and convergence within conventional racial/ethnic categories.
Theory of polarization and spatial information recovery by modal dispersal and phase conjugation

A general theory of polarization and spatial information recovery by modal dispersal and phase conjugation is presented by means of a coherency matrix formalism. The theory is applied to a system that consists of a multimode modal-scrambling fiber terminated by a conventional phase-conjugate mirror that reflects only one polarization component. The degree of polarization and the signal-to-noise ratio of the reconstructed field are discussed as a function of input-beam launching conditions. Some experimental results are also shown for comparison with the theory.
Plane waves for kaon-nucleus reactions

The plane wave impulse approximation (PWIA) is assessed for K/sup +/ meson inelastic scattering from /sup 16/O by comparison with distorted wave impulse approximation (DWIA) calculations. The K/sup +/-nucleus distortions are directly dertermind from phenomenological K/sup +/-nucleon amplitudes. For E/sub lab/ > or = 50 MeV, use of plane waves enhances the DWIA cross section less than 50%, an effect size comparable to distorted wave calculations with different sets of K/sup +/-nucleon amplitudes.