cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Joint inference in information extraction

The goal of information extraction is to extract database records from text or semi-structured sources. Traditionally, information extraction proceeds by first segmenting each candidate record separately, and then merging records that refer to the same entities. While computationally efficient, this approach is suboptimal, because it ignores the fact that segmenting one candidate record can help to segment similar ones. For example, resolving a well-segmented field with a less-clear one can disambiguate the latter's boundaries. In this paper we propose a joint approach to information extraction, where segmentation of all records and entity resolution are performed together in a single integrated inference process. While a number of previous authors have taken steps in this direction (eg., Pasula et al. (2003), Wellner et al. (2004)), to our knowledge this is the first fully joint approach. In experiments on the CiteSeer and Cora citation matching datasets, joint inference improved accuracy, and our approach outperformed previous ones. Further, by using Markov logic and the existing algorithms for it, our solution consisted mainly of writing the appropriate logical formulas, and required much less engineering than previous ones.
Shooting it Out with Pistol Pete: Wild West Baltimore Politics

This paper chronicles the 2011 Baltimore City Primary Election, focusing specifically on the race for City Council in the 9th District. Through television portrayals such as HBO’s The Wire, West Baltimore has long been perceived as an example of urban decline. Such neighborhoods – rife with violent crime, drug addiction, poverty, struggling schools, low educational attainment, unemployment, voter apathy and low turnout – are the culmination of years of disinvestment as well as political and economic neglect. As a political scientist in West Baltimore, it has been fascinating to witness the current vestiges of machine politics. While political machines have been assumed to be all but dead, observations of Baltimore demonstrate the contrary. This is exemplified in the appointment of William “Pete” Welch to the Council despite previous handgun and campaign finance violations. While machines are not dead, their remaining influence continues to shape politics in important ways. To understand this process through a political experiment, I was also a candidate for the 9th District City Council seat. As an actor, one can engage in participant observation and gain a firsthand vantage point not typically associated with political science.
Crystal Structure and Conformation of a Bilirubin Ester

Crystal structures determined for three bilirubin analogs with gem-dimethyl groups at C(10) are reported, including the first X-ray structure of a bilirubin dimethyl ester. Conformation-determining torsion angles and key hydrogen bond distances and angles were compared to those from molecular dynamics calculations. Like other rubins, the component dipyrrinones of the three compounds were found to adopt the syn conformation, with Z-configuration double bonds at C(4) and C(15) and bis-lactam tautomeric structures of the end rings. No large differences in bond lengths and bond angles at C(10) were found, and the crystal structures of the two 10,10-dimethyl rubin acids showed considerable similarity to that of bilirubin: both pigments adopt a folded, intramolecularly hydrogen bonded ridge-tile conformation stabilized by six hydrogen bonds, with an interplanar angle in ridge-tile of ∼98° and ∼86°. In contrast, the dimethyl ester is intermolecularly hydrogen bonded in the crystal. Each molecule of the ester has its two syn-Z-dipyrrinones rotated into a conformation syn to the gem-dimethyl group, whereas in the acids they are anti.
Modeling 3-D wave propagation and finite slip for the 1998 Balleny Islands earthquake

We simulate surface waves in a 3-D Earth model using a spectral element method for existing kinematic source models of the M_W 8.1, 25 March 1998 Balleny Islands earthquake. The 3-D model incorporates lateral variations in the crust and mantle on the basis of models Crust2.0 and S20RTS. Our objective is to investigate the fit of the observed and simulated long-period surface waves in the hope of improving on the existing source models. We modify a body wave model determined by Henry et al. (2000) to improve the fit of long-period surface waveforms. We demonstrate that adding a smooth component of slip extending over a fault that connects the two subevents determined by Henry et al. (2000), without invoking slip on multiple fault planes or on unconnected fault patches, provides reasonable fits to long-period surface waves as well as body waves.
Exceptional sequences of eigenfunctions for hyperbolic manifolds

Examples are given of hyperbolic manifolds in every dimension at least five which support sequences of eigenfunctions for the Laplacian whose L∞-norms grow as a power of the eigenvalue while their L 2 -norms are one.
Organometallic chemical vapor deposition of strontium titanate

SrTiO3 thin films were deposited by low‐pressure organometallic chemical vapor deposition. Titanium isopropoxide, Sr(dipivaloylmethanate)2, oxygen, and water vapor were used as reactants, and argon was used as a carrier gas. Growth rates ranging from 0.3 to 4.5 μm/h were obtained on (0001) sapphire substrates at 600–850 °C. Highly textured SrTiO3 films with a [111] orientation were obtained at a growth temperature of 800 °C. The growth parameters which influenced the composition, phase stability, morphology, and texture of the thin films were examined.
Long-term results after endoscopic pancreatic stent placement without pancreatic papillotomy in acute recurrent pancreatitis due to pancreas divisum.

Abstract Background: There is no consensus regarding the appropriate endoscopic treatment for acute recurrent pancreatitis associated with pancreas divisum. Endoscopic papillotomy of the minor papilla appears to yield improvement in most cases, but optimal depth and height have not been defined. Methods: Endoscopic pancreatic stent placement after minor papilla dilation was performed in 25 patients with pancreas divisum and acute recurrent pancreatitis. Five patients drank alcohol daily; no other cause of pancreatitis was detected. After adequate dilation, a transpapillary pancreatic stent (5F to 7F, 5 to 7 cm) was inserted over a guidewire into the dorsal duct. The stent was replaced twice, after 2- to 3-month intervals. Results: While stents were in place, no further episodes of pancreatitis occurred in 23 patients. However, dorsal duct changes of unknown clinical significance were seen in 21 cases. At mean follow-up of 24 months (range 3 to 70 months) after stent removal, 19 (76%) remained symptom free. Pancreatitis recurred in 6 patients during the follow-up after final stent removal; no further pancreatitis occurred in 2 of 3 who underwent repeat stent insertion. Complications in the series were minimal. Conclusion: Endoscopic pancreatic stent placement after minor papilla and dorsal duct dilation, without endoscopic papillotomy, provided safe and effective endoscopic treatment in patients with pancreas divisum and acute recurrent pancreatitis. (Gastrointest Endosc 2000;52:9-14.)
Effectiveness of Bacteria and Yeasts from Apple Orchards as Biological Control Agents of Apple Scab

Abstract A total of 931 bacteria and yeasts were isolated from soil and different apple tissues collected in abandoned and commercial orchards. Ninety-two isolates that exhibited in vitro antibiosis and 268 that did not (total 360) were tested for their ability to suppress scab (caused by Venturia inaequalis ) on apple seedlings in the greenhouse. Thirty-two isolates completely inhibited germination of conidia of V. inaequalis in vitro and 106 significantly reduced the amount of apple scab that formed on apple seedlings when they were applied 24 h before inoculation with V. inaequalis. No correlation existed between in vitro antibiosis and ability to suppress scab on seedlings; however, one isolate that was identified as an isolate of Pseudomonas syringae (isolate 508) prevented conidial germination and effectively suppressed scab to a level comparable to the fungicide captan. When compared to pathogenic isolates of P. syringae that were isolated from various crops, 508 suppressed scab to a greater extent except in one case.
Present Expectations in Cardiac Transplantation

Abstract The clinical introduction of cyclosporine has resulted in increased enthusiasm for cardiac transplantation. Since July, 1983, 61 patients (50 male and 11 female) have undergone orthotopic cardiac transplantation for cardiomyopathy (48 patients), ischemic heart disease (11), or congenital heart disease (2). Mean age was 39 years (range, 1.5 to 57 years). Median hospital stay was 26 days (range, 4 to 60 days). Maintenance immunosuppression consisted primarily of prednisone and cyclosporine; it was modified in 9 patients because of a pre-existing clinical condition. The incidence of rejection was 0.44 episode/patient-month within 3 months of cardiac transplantation and 0.10 episode/patient-month subsequently. The incidence of infection was 0.05 episode/patient-month. Major side effects of cyclosporine included renal dysfunction (63%) and hypertension (61%). No recipient required dialysis for renal dysfunction. Ten patients died (rejection, 4; infection, 3; carcinoma, 1; lymphoma, 1; and pulmonary hemorrhage, 1); actuarial survival at 1 and 2 years was 84 ± 6% and 76 ± 8%, respectively. Patient follow-up (cumulative, 719 patient-months) revealed that 96% of recipients were rehabilitated and 50% had returned to work. With increasing understanding of cyclosporine immunosuppression, recipients can continue to look forward to an extended life with nearly complete rehabilitation.
Strong association between west african rainfall and u.s. Landfall of intense hurricanes.

Intense hurricanes occurred much more frequently during the period spanning the late 1940s through the late 1960s than during the 1970s and 1980s, except for 1988 and 1989. Seasonal and multidecadal variations of intense hurricane activity are closely linked to seasonal and multidecadal variations of summer rainfall amounts in the Western Sahel region of West Africa. The multidecadal nature of West African precipitation variations and their association with variations of intense Atlantic hurricane activity can be observed in data going back nearly a century. The apparent recent breaking of the 18-year Sahel drought during 1988 and 1989 suggests that the incidence of intense hurricanes making landfall on the U.S. coast and in the Caribbean basin will likely increase during the 1990s and early years of the 21st century to levels of activity notably greater than were observed during the 1970s and 1980s.
Soil water deficits and asparagus: II. Bud size and subsequent spear growth

Abstract Soil moisture stress in one year may negatively affect spear growth in the following year. We tested this hypothesis by applying soil water potentials (SWP) of −0.05, −0.3, or −0.5 MPa to asparagus plants and evaluated the effects of prior SWP history on bud size and spear growth assessed under ideal growing conditions. Total and viable bud numbers decreased linearly as SWP decreased. Although bud diameter within a bud cluster was variable, in general, as SWP decreased bud diameter decreased. SWP history had no effect on harvested spear number though total spear weight was less in the −0.3 MPa SWP than in the −0.05 or −0.5 MPa. Spear elongation rates were similar for all SWP and averaged 0.029 mm/h. Spear diameter distributions were significantly affected by SWP history. Chi-square test for the −0.05, −0.3, and −0.5 MPa were 6.6, 12.0, and 23.4, respectively, with increasing values indicating a departure from the expected distribution of spear diameters. Results indicate that SWP near field capacity are needed for optimum asparagus spear size and yield.
Feedback Control of Decoherence in Quantum Mechanical Systems

This paper outlines the recent work on control of Decoherence in Open Quantum systems using systems and control techniques and the corresponding theoretical results obtained.
Atherosclerotic renovascular disease among hypertensive adults

Purpose This report describes the change in atherosclerotic renovascular disease (AS-RVD) among hypertensive adults referred for renal duplex sonography (RDS) scan. Methods From Oct 1993 through July 2008, 20,994 patients had RDS at our center. A total of 434 hypertensive patients with two or more RDS exams without intervention comprised the study cohort. Patient demographics (blood pressures, medications, serum creatinine levels, and data from RDS) were collected. Analyses of longitudinal changes in Doppler scan parameters, blood pressures, and renal function were performed by fitting linear growth-curve models. After confirming the linearity of change in Doppler scan parameters among patients with variable number of studies, estimates of mean slopes were calculated using maximum likelihood techniques. For changes in renal function, quadratic growth curves were required to describe longitudinal change. Results A total of 434 subjects (212 men [49%] and 222 women [51%]; mean age, 64.6 ± 12.2 years) provided 1351 studies (mean, 3.2 ± 2.4; range, 2 to 18) for 863 kidneys over a mean follow-up of 34.4 ± 25.1 months. At baseline, 20.6% of kidneys demonstrated hemodynamically significant stenosis. On follow-up, 72 kidneys (9.1%) demonstrated anatomic progression of disease. A total of 54 kidneys (6.9%) progressed to significant stenosis and 18 (2.3%) progressed to occlusion. Controlling for progression of disease, baseline renal artery status demonstrated a strong association with baseline kidney length ( P = .0006). Significant annualized change in renal length was observed (cm change/year ± standard error of the mean [SEM]: 0.042 ± 0.011; P = .0002) among both kidneys with and without critical disease at baseline, however, decline in length was significantly greater among kidneys exhibiting progression of renovascular disease (−0.152 ± 0.028 cm/year; comparison of slopes between groups P = .0005). In the absence of progression, the presence or absence of critical renal artery stenosis at baseline did not affect the rate of decline in renal length. Fitted models for the natural log transform of serum creatinine demonstrated a significant increase during follow-up ( P Conclusion A total of 32% of hypertensive adults referred for RDS demonstrated hemodynamically significant renal artery stenosis. Regardless of the presence or absence of baseline disease, a small percentage of patients demonstrated anatomic progression of AS-RVD. A total of 9.1% demonstrated anatomic progression and 2.3% progressed to occlusion. Although anatomic progression of AS-RVD was associated with an increased rate of decline in renal length, progression did not predict a decline in excretory renal function. Intervention for AS-RVD should be selective and reserved for strict indications.
Teaching Bioinformatics in Concert

Can biology students without programming skills solve problems that require computational solutions? They can if they learn to cooperate effectively with computer science students. The goal of the in-concert teaching approach is to introduce biology students to computational thinking by engaging them in collaborative projects structured around the software development process. Our approach emphasizes development of interdisciplinary communication and collaboration skills for both life science and computer science students.
Gender comparisons in weight training for collegiate sports

This paper examines one of the factors popularly believed to have discouraged young women from participating in collegiate sports: the fear that their physiques may become unattractive due to the regimen of physical training, such as weight lifting, required in such sports. Based on a study of all the athletes at a private university in the western USA, we found that in comparison with males, female athletes did express greater concern. However, in spite of that fear, they are more rigorous than their male counterparts in weight training. Physical training may have different meanings for the two sexes. Regression analyses, supplemented with qualitative data, show that, for the women, the most important motivation for physical training appears to be the enjoyment that they receive from having a strong body. Among the male athletes, the closest to being a significant factor is that they view weight training as a means to attain a masculine image. It appears that the psychological pathways to physicality for male and female may be quite different. They run against the traditional directions on instrumental and expressive orientations.
Angiotensinogen genotype and plasma volume in nulligravid women

Objective: To determine if nonpregnant plasma volume is altered in women who are homozygous for the T 235 coding angiotensinogen allele, which predisposes women to an increased risk of preeclampsia. Methods: We measured plasma volume by Evans blue dilution and analyzed it as a function of angiotensinogen genotype in 15 nulligravid women during midfollicular phase of 26 menstrual cycles. Eleven women were evaluated during two cycles, and four women were evaluated in one cycle. Fourteen women were white, and one was Asian. No subjects had illnesses or were taking medication. The range of body mass index (BMI [kg/m2]) was 20.2–31.0. Plasma volume (mL) was reported as plasma volume divided by BMI to control for variations in body sizes. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance with post hoc testing using Fisher least significant difference test for multiple comparisons (P < .05 accepted for significance). Results: Angiotensinogen genotype analysis showed five women homozygous for M 235, three women homozygous for T 235, and seven women who were heterozygous (MT 235). T 235 homozygotes had significantly lower plasma volume divided by BMI compared with women who were homozygous for M 235 and women who were heterozygous for MT 235 (mean + standard deviation [SD] [71.2 + 8.8, 86.6 + 5.2, 95.8 + 15.6, respectively, P < .05]). There was a tendency toward higher plasma volume in heterozygote MT 235 compared with homozygote M 235 carriers, but it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: We conclude that the homozygous T 235 coding angiotensinogen genotype is associated with reduced plasma volume in nulligravid women during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle compared with M 235 homozygotes and heterozygotes. This association of the T 235 coding genotype might contribute to fetal growth restriction in preeclampsia.
Myocardial hypertrophy and ventricular performance in the absence of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Abstract Ventricular performance and myocardial hypertrophy were studied in maturing spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and normotensive Kyoto-Wistar (WKY) rats from 4 through 24 weeks of age. The development of hypertension in the SH rat was prevented by treatment of the newborn rat with nerve growth factor antiserum (NGFAS). NGFAS treatment had no effect on the blood pressure of WKY rats. The hearts of 1-day- and 2-week-old SH and WKY rats were also examined for evidence of hypertrophy. Cardiac indices of SH rats, regardless of NGFAS treatment, were similar to those of WKY rats until 12 weeks of age at which time they became significantly lower. Stroke indices of both SH groups were lower than those of the WKY groups at all ages studied. Heart rates, however, were significantly higher in the SH rats during the early hypertensive phase but later declined to control levels. NGFAS treatment, despite its effects on hypertension, did not prevent the development of myocardial hypertrophy. Left ventricular hypertrophy was found in SH rats from age 1 day to 24 weeks regardless of NGFAS treatment. In SH rats 1 day to 8 weeks of age right ventricualr hypertrophy was also noted. Thus myocardial hypertrophy is present in SH rats before or very early in the course of the development of hypertension and when hypertension is prevented by peripheral immunosympathectomy. These data support our earlier conclusion that the development of myocardial hypertrophy is independent of elevated blood pressure and suggest that myocardial hypertrophy may be a manifestation of an underlying myocardial abnormality which could account for the hemodynamic alterations found in SH rats.
Bilobectomy for bronchogenic carcinoma.

Abstract During a 12-year period, bilobectomy was performed on 166 patients for the treatment of primary lung carcinoma: 108 patients (65%) underwent right upper and middle lobectomy, while 58 patients (35%) underwent right middle and lower lobectomy. Indications for bilobectomy were tumor extending across a fissure (45%), absent fissure (21%), endobronchial tumor (14%), extrinsic tumor or nodal invasion of bronchus intermedius (10%), and vascular invasion (5%). Thirty-one patients (19%) suffered 41 perioperative complications, and 7 patients (4.2%) died. Upper and middle lobectomies were not associated with a significantly different morbidity ( p > 0.10) or mortality ( p > 0.10) when compared with middle and lower lobectomy. The postoperative chest roentgenograms of all patients demonstrated ipsilateral volume loss, and 31 patients were found to have asymptomatic hydropneumothoraces, which cleared during the follow-up period. Late complications occurred in 4 patients (2%) and included two empyemas, one bronchopleural fistula, and one superficial wound infection. These results indicate that bilobectomy is associated with morbidity and mortality that lie between those currently reported for lobectomy and pneumonectomy.
Hemoglobin derivatives of the zooparasitic nematode Anisakis physeteris and the sperm whale host.

Abstract Hemoglobin is present in Anisakis physeteris perienteric fluid and methods are described for extraction and partial purification of the pigment. Absorption spectra for the principal derivatives of hemoglobin of A. physeteris, Physeter catadon , sperm whale, and Baleenoptera physalus , fin whale, were examined. These spectra were compared with those of myoglobin derivatives of sperm and baleen whales. The hemoglobins of the nematode, sperm and baleen whale and the myoglobins of both whales showed resistance to deoxygenation by vacuum for 3 hr. After this period a slight shift in the absorption peaks was observed except for the sperm and baleen whale oxymyoglobin solutions. Hemoglobins of all zooparasitic nematodes studied show similarities in spectroscopic properties. In the presence of Na 2 S 2 O 4 at 20 °C, pH 7.0, Anisakis perienteric fluid hemoglobin deoxygenated instantly, whereas the hemoglobin of the related Ascaris more slowly: t 50 at pH 5.5, 16 °C = 440 sec and t 50 at pH 9.0, 16 °C = 220 sec (Davenport, H. E. (1949), Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series B 136 , 255–270). The velocity of oxidative conversion of oxyhemoglobins to methemoglobins in the presence of K 3 Fe(CN) 6 was measured for the fractions from Anisakis .
Evaluation of solitary waves as a mechanism for oil transport in poroelastic media: A case study of the South Eugene Island field, Gulf of Mexico basin

Abstract Hydrocarbons in shallow reservoirs of the Eugene Island 330 field in the Gulf of Mexico basin are thought to have migrated rapidly along low permeability sediments of the Red fault zone as discrete pressure pulses from source rocks at depths of about 4.5 km. The aim of this research was to evaluate the hypothesis that these pressure pulses represent solitary waves by investigating the mechanics of solitary wave formation and motion and wave oil transport capability. A two-dimensional numerical model of Eugene Island minibasin formation predicted overpressures at the hydrocarbon source depth to increase at an average rate of 30 Pa/yr, reaching 52 MPa by the present day and oil velocities of 10 −12 m/yr, far too low for kilometer scale oil transport to fill shallow Plio-Pleistocene reservoirs within the 3.6 million year minibasin history. Calculations from a separate one-dimensional model that used the pressure generation rate from the two-dimensional model showed that solitary waves could only form and migrate within sediments that have very low permeabilities between 10 −25 and 10 −24 m 2 and that are highly overpressured to 91–93% of lithostatic pressure. Solitary waves were found to have a maximum pore volume of 10 5 m 3 , to travel a maximum distance of 1–2 km, and to have a maximum velocity of 10 −3 m/yr. Based on these results, solitary waves are unlikely to have transported oil to the shallowest reservoirs in the Eugene Island field in a poroelastic fault gouge rheology at the pressure generation rates likely to have been caused by disequilibrium compaction and hydrocarbon generation. However, solitary waves could perhaps be important agents for oil transport in other locations where reservoirs are closer to the source rocks, where the pore space is occupied by more than one fluid, or where sudden fracturing of overpressured hydrocarbon source sediments would allow the solitary waves to propagate as shock waves.
Cytoplasmic progestin receptors in female guinea pig brain and their relationship to refractoriness in expression of female sexual behavior.

Summary Cytoplasmic progestin receptors were assayed in the hypothalamus-preoptic area-septum and midbrain of ovariectomized guinea pigs given sequential treatment with estradiol benzoate and progesterone. As little as 50 μg of progesterone injected 40 h after estradiol benzoate caused a failure to display lordosis in response to a second progesterone injection 24 h after the first. Both 50 μg and 500 μg of progesterone decreased the concentration of cytoplasmic progestin receptors 24 h later in hypothalamus-preoptic area-septum and midbrain in estrogen-primed, ovariectomized guinea pigs. Therefore, progesterone injections that caused behavioral refractoriness to further stimulation by progesterone also decreased the concentration of availabke cytoplasmic progestin receptors. When progesterone was administered concurrently with 1.6 μg of estradiol benzoate, 500 μg, but not 100 μg suppressed behavioral responsiveness to a second progesterone injection 40 h later. The high dose, but not the low dose, also decreased the concentration of available cytoplasmic progestin receptors 40 h later in both the hypothalamus-preoptic area-septum and midbrain. These findings are consistent with the notion that a decrease in brain progestin receptor concentration is one of the subcellular mechanisms involved in failure of a second dose of progesterone to facilitate lordosis behavior in estrogen-primed animals exposed to a first dose of progesterone 24–40 h earlier.
Interaction of Onset and Duration of Diabetes on the Percent of GAD and IA-2 Antibody–Positive Subjects in the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium Database

OBJECTIVE GAD antibodies (GADA) are more common in type 1 diabetic subjects diagnosed at an older age, whereas insulinoma-antigen 2 antibodies (IA-2A) are more common in subjects with younger onset. The prevalence of both antibodies decreases with longer duration of type 1 diabetes. We evaluated the interaction between age of diagnosis (onset) and duration of diabetes on the percentage of GADA– and IA-2A–positive subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data were used from 5,020 individuals with type 1 diabetes obtained from the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium dataset. The percentages of GADA– and IA-2A–positive subjects were modeled with duration as the continuous independent variable using a modified spline. RESULTS Within the first 5 years from diagnosis, 19.4% of individuals (median age, 13) had neither GADA nor IA-2A, and by 6 to 13 years after diagnosis (median age, 18), 31.7% were antibody-negative. There was no significant interaction between onset of disease and duration of diabetes for IA-2A ( P = 0.30). The interaction was significant for GADA ( P = 0.0002), resulting from differences in subjects diagnosed at or older than age 14. For these individuals, there was no apparent effect of duration of disease on the percentage of GADA–positive subjects within the first 5 years of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Onset and duration of diabetes both have an important effect on antibody status. The interaction of onset and duration on GADA positivity, but not on IA-2A, suggests differences in biology. These data provide a context for clinicians to interpret results of autoantibody testing in clinical practice.
Effects of Prescribed Medications on Cognition and Behavior in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration

A retrospective chart review of 21 patients meeting core clinical criteria for behavioral or aphasic variants of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) was conducted. Data recorded included Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, medications prescribed, and subjective reports of behavioral symptoms from each visit. Behaviors were graded on a scale from 1 to 3 and totaled for each visit. Changes in MMSE and behavior scores between visits 1 month and 6 months apart where a new medication was started were analyzed using a paired t test and were compared between medication classes using an unpaired t test. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) were associated with a decrease in MMSE scores by 1.6 (P = .02) and an increase in total behavior scores by 1.0 (P = .03). Mean MMSE and behavior scores were statistically more improved by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors than AChEIs (P = .04). This data suggest a potential worsening of objective measures of cognitive and behavioral symptoms in FTLD with AChEI treatment.
Observational evidence for velocity convergence toward magnetic neutral lines as a factor in CME initiation

One of the major challenges of space weather research and modeling is the identification of the mechanism(s) for coronal mass ejections (CMEs). A leading candidate tested in several recent numerical simulations is photospheric magnetic flux cancellation by velocity convergence toward the neutral line of an active region having sheared or twisted magnetic fields. These attributes have been assumed in various combinations in modeling studies, but little observational work has been done that demonstrates their presence. In this paper, we show observational evidence that this process is at work in two different types of repetitively eruptive active regions in late 1996 and early 1997. The horizontal velocity field is obtained by applying Local Correlation Tracking (LCT) technique to sequences of photospheric line-of-sight magnetograms.
Mapping active dopants in single silicon nanowires using off-axis electron holography.

We demonstrate that state-of-the-art off-axis electron holography can be used to map active dopants in silicon nanowires as thin as 60 nm with 10 nm spatial resolution. Experiment and simulation demonstrate that doping concentrations of 1019 and 1020 cm−3 can be measured with a detection threshold of 1018 cm−3 with respect to intrinsic silicon. Comparison of experimental data and simulations allows an estimation of the charge density at the wire-oxide interface of −1 × 1012 electron charges cm−2. Off-axis electron holography thus offers unique capabilities for a detailed analysis of active dopant concentrations in nanostructures.
HIGH-INTENSITY NEGATIVE ION SOURCES

The production of beams of negative deuterium ions was studied with two ion sources with geometries that could be employed in a cyclotron. The negative ions were extracted directly from the arc in a direction normal to the magnetic field without using a charge-exohange medium. With a high gas pressure in the arc and an arc current of 5 amp, a 2-ma beam of D/sup -/ ions was obtained. (auth)
A simple integrating device for the routine statistical analysis of recorded data

The exorbitant amount of labor involved in the routine statistical analysis of recorded data can be reduced considerably by the use of a simple integrating mechanism. For thermistor measurements of temperature in particular, a series of ten electric clocks controlled by contacts on a 50-pole commutator, each of whose poles is equivalent to a temperature change of 0.5°C, indicates the time that the temperature has remained within any of ten successive 0.5°C intervals. Two calculations are all that are then required to obtain the mean and standard deviation of the original record. The maximum response delay of the equipment is about four seconds for temperature changes up to 5°C. Sample statistical analyses are presented.
MMP7 Is Required to Mediate Cell Invasion and Tumor Formation upon Plakophilin3 Loss

Plakophilin3 (PKP3) loss results in increased transformation in multiple cell lines in vitro and increased tumor formation in vivo. A microarray analysis performed in the PKP3 knockdown clones, identified an inflammation associated gene signature in cell lines derived from stratified epithelia as opposed to cell lines derived from simple epithelia. However, in contrast to the inflammation associated gene signature, the expression of MMP7 was increased upon PKP3 knockdown in all the cell lines tested. Using vector driven RNA interference, it was demonstrated that MMP7 was required for in-vitro cell migration and invasion and tumor formation in vivo. The increase in MMP7 levels was due to the increase in levels of the Phosphatase of Regenerating Liver3 (PRL3), which is observed upon PKP3 loss. The results suggest that MMP7 over-expression may be one of the mechanisms by which PKP3 loss leads to increased cell invasion and tumor formation.
Laboratory Analysis of Momentum-Induced Chokes in Free Surface Flow

The laboratory exercise described herein allows undergraduate fluid mechanics students to observe and perform experiments on an interesting and pertinent free surface flow phenomenon. A momentum-induced choke is created when lateral inflow enters a hydraulically steep channel at a volumetric rate that is sufficient to induce a choke condition. The choke condition creates a hydraulic jump that may move upstream and drown the channel inlet section. This situation can occur at inlets in storm sewer systems. The project requires students to derive an analytical equation giving the critical lateral inflow rate as a function of approach flow conditions. They also perform a series of flume experiments that produce empirical data for comparison with the theoretical equation.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The integrated intensity of the nitric oxide fundamental band

Abstract The integrated intensity of the NO fundamental at 1875 cm -1 has been measured by the Wilson-Wells method. The intensity of this band was found to be 135±5 atm -1 cm -2 (S.T.P.), in good agreement with the intensity found by other experimental methods.
Silicone based artificial skin for humanoid facial expressions

Artificial skin materials were synthesized using platinum-cured silicone elastomeric material (Reynolds Advanced Materials Inc.) as the base consisting of mainly polyorganosiloxanes, amorphous silica and platinum-siloxane complex compounds. Systematic incorporation of porosity in this material was found to lower the force required to deform the skin in axial direction. In this study, we utilized foaming agents comprising of sodium bicarbonate and dilute form of acetic acid for modifying the polymeric chain and introducing the porosity. Experimental determination of functional relationship between the concentration of foaming agent, slacker and non-reactive silicone fluid and that of force - deformation behavior was conducted. Tensile testing of material showed a local parabolic relationship between the concentrations of foaming agents used (per milliliter of siloxane compound) and strain. This data can be used to optimize the amount of additives in platinum cured silicone to obtain desired force - displacement characteristics. Addition of "silicone thinner" and "slacker" showed a monotonically increasing strain behavior. A mathematical model was developed to arrive at the performance metrics of artificial skin.
Africans and Racism in The new Millennium

Given the general excitement over the New Millennium, Femi Ojo-Ade has deemed it fit to re-visit the question of race and color with regards to Africans from the continent and the Diaspora. His intention is to determine whether humanity has made enough progress to belie the late W. E. B. Du Bois’s 1903 statement on the preeminance of racism as a universal problem. The critic uses both written texts and film to assess the experiences of Africans as they encounter Euro-America and search for identity in a global village that has remained primarily Eurocentric. The article’s conclusions challenge all those of African ancestry: In the face of persistent racism, a polarization of Africans along continental and national lines can only hurt the cause of all descendants of Africa, including the African Americans who are being urged to prioritize their citizenship of the United States.
Dosimetric validation of the MCNPX Monte Carlo simulation for radiobiologic studies of megavoltage grid radiotherapy

Purpose: To validate the MCNPX Monte Carlo simulation for radiobiologic studies of megavoltage grid radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: EDR2 films, a scanning water phantom with microionization chamber and MCNPX Monte Carlo code, were used to study the dosimetric characteristics of a commercially available megavoltage grid therapy collimator. The measured dose profiles, ratios between maximum and minimum doses at 1.5 cm depth, and percentage depth dose curve were compared with those obtained in the simulations. The simulated two-dimensional dose profile and the linear-quadratic formalism of cell survival were used to calculate survival statistics of tumor and normal cells for the treatment of melanoma with a list of doses of the fractionated grid therapy. Results: A good agreement between the simulated and measured dose data was found. The therapeutic ratio based on normal cell survival has been defined and calculated for treating both the acute and late responding melanoma tumors. The grid therapy in this study was found to be advantageous for treating the acutely responding tumors, but not for late responding tumors. Conclusions: Monte Carlo technique was demonstrated to be able to provide the dosimetric characteristics for grid therapy. The therapeutic ratio was dependent not only on the single α/β value, but also on the individual α and β values. Acutely responding tumors and radiosensitive normal tissues are more suitable for using the grid therapy.
Acalculous cholecystitis in bone marrow transplant patients

Background. Acalculous cholecystitis (ACC) is an uncommon disorder of the biliary tract, accounting for approximately 6% of acute cholecystitis cases. In this study, cholecystitis was seen in 8 of 770 bone marrow transplant recipients, with ACC occurring in five (63%). Methods. Records of 592 allogenic and 150 autologous BMT patients were reviewed for risk factors associated with ACC. Results. Only the number of blood transfusions administered and the use of total parenteral nutrition were associated with ACC development. ACC occurred in 4 of 42 (9%) allogeneic recipients who required exchange transfusion for ABO incompatibility. ACC developed in one autogolous recipient alongside venoocclusive disease of the liver. There was no association between ACC development and preparative regimen, cyclosporine usage, graft versus host disease, or cytomegalovirus infection. Conclusions. ACC occurs more frequently in patients after ABO incompatible BMT requiring exchange transfusion than in other transplant recipients.
Infrared Absorption of Small NaCl Crystals

Results of recent measurements of the infrared absorption of small NaCl crystals are compared with calculated absorption spectra.
Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (Thymoglobulin), Tacrolimus, and Sirolimus as Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis for Unrelated Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We prospectively evaluated the efficacy of intermediate-dose rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (Thymoglobulin® a total of 4.5 mg/kg given over days −3, −2, and −1) in combination with tacrolimus and sirolimus for the prevention of aGVHD. We enrolled 47 recipients who underwent unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Patients received daily granulocyte colony-stimulating factor starting on day +6 until neutrophil engraftment (median duration, 11 days; range, 9-15 days). Twenty-two patients received HLA 8/8 and 25 received 7/8 matched grafts, respectively. The median follow-up duration was 23.6 months (range, 18.8-27.9 months). The cumulative incidence of grade II to IV aGVHD was 23.4% (95% confidence interval, 12.4-36.3). At 2-year follow-up, the cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality was 31.9%, cumulative incidence of relapse was 24.6%, and cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 33%. Progression-free survival at 1 year was 54%, with a median of 17.7 months. Overall survival at 1 year was 65%, with no median reached. These results suggest that the combination of Thymoglobulin, tacrolimus, and sirolimus in patients undergoing unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is well tolerated and associated with a low incidence and severity of aGVHD and chronic graft-versus-host disease.
Observations and interpretations of the pulsed emission from the Crab pulsar

HEAO 1 observations of the 18-200 keV pulsed emission from the Crab pulsar show that the systematic variation of spectral slope as a function of pulse shape rises continuously from 4-60 keV to at least 150 keV. This strengthens the claims for the existence of both the emission from the two main pulse peaks, and a separate, interpulse emission connecting the two peaks which contributes 22% of the total pulsed flux in the 15-200 keV range and has a harder spectrum than that of the two pulse peaks. These observations are combined with others from IR to gamma-ray energies. It is concluded that the phase-averaged pulsed spectrum, dominated by the emission from the two pulse peaks, calls for at least three power law components, and that the interpulse emission has a spectrum which is better fitted by either a thin, thermal bremsstrahlung model or a Comptonization model.
States of determination of single cells transplanted between 512-Cell Xenopus embryos

Single cells from 512-cell Xenopus embryos, totally labeled with intracellular horseradish peroxidase, were transplanted orthotopically (from either dorsal or lateral marginal zone) or heterotopically (between these two marginal zones) to unlabeled host embryos at the 512-cell stage. At tailbud stage 23 the locations, numbers, and histotypes of labeled cells were recorded. The transplanted cell had divided many times, giving rise to labeled progeny that expressed a wide range of cell types and were located in several different organs. Locations and cell types of progeny derived from orthotopic grafts to the dorsal marginal zone were different from those derived from grafts to the lateral marginal zone. Single cells grafted heterotopically to either dorsal or lateral positions expressed fates that were appropriate to their final grafted positions, and not to their original positions. We conclude that individual cells of the marginal zone at the 512-cell stage have multiple presumptive fates and have not been committed to any single fate.
Colpocleisis for Advanced Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Objective To characterize our experience with colpocleisis in a urologic setting because it has not been documented broadly in the urologic literature. Methods Retrospective review of demographics, urodynamics, presenting symptoms, complications, and outcomes for patients undergoing colpocleisis from 2001-2010 was performed. A questionnaire including the short forms of the Urinary Distress Inventory and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI-6), and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement was sent to consenting patients. Results Fifty-three patients were identified. Examinations were all POP-Q stage 3 or greater or Baden Walker grade 3 or higher; 73.6% underwent total colpocleisis and 26.4% Le Fort; 60.4% underwent concomitant sling. Complications included 1 patient requiring transfusion, 1 with pulmonary embolus, 1 needing clot evacuation, and 1 requiring intraoperative cystotomy repair. There was no postoperative de novo urgency, no recurrence of prolapse, and no chronic urinary retention. In patients not undergoing urethral sling, stress urinary incontinence persisted in 4 patients and occurred de novo in 1. Mean follow-up was 9.3 months. Twenty-two surveys were returned: 90.9% described their condition as much or very much better on Patient Global Impression of Improvement. The average POPDI-6 score was 9.1. Frequency and urgency were the most common complaints leading to bother on the UDI-6 (33.3%). Most of these responders had a preoperative urge component. Conclusion In a selected patient population, colpocleisis is safe and efficacious. Persistent lower urinary tract symptoms comprise the highest frequency of complaints after colpocleisis, and this must be included in patient counseling. In an aging patient population with expected increase in demand for pelvic floor reconstruction, colpocleisis is a useful approach for the urologist.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF CUTANIOUS VIRAL INFECTIONS

SUMMARY.— The characteristic fine structure of the viruses which infect the skin is demonstrated by several methods of specimen preparation. The older methods of negative staining with phosphotungstate and of fixation of fresh tissue with osmium followed by thin sectioning are compared with a new method of electron microscopy of old tissue sections originally prepared for light microscopy. By using the appropriate technique, a clinical diagnosis can be confirmed in an electron microscopy laboratory using either vesicle fluid, fresh tissue, crusts, or even old formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, stained histological sections. Representative electron micrographs of the pox viruses: molluscum contagiosum, vaccinia, smallpox, milkers' nodules; of herpes simplex; of human papilloma; and of the possible virus of lupus erythematosus are presented.
Black on the block: the politics of race and class in the city, by Mary Pattillo

Black on the block: the politics of race and class in the city, by Mary Pattillo, Chicago, University of Chicago Press, 2007, xii + 388 pp., US$29.00 (cloth), ISBN 9780226649313 Mary Pattillo's new...
Clinical and Economic Lessons from Studies of Coronary Thrombolysis

The era of coronary reperfusion in acute coronary care was made possible by the recognition that acute myocardial infarction is usually due to a ruptured atherosclerotic plaque with associated thrombosis. If the infarct artery becomes occluded, a typical electrocardiographic picture is produced and a wave-front of myocardial necrosis ensues. Reperfusion during the early postinfarction hours can halt this process and preserve myocardial function. Pooled analysis of data in almost 60,000 patients has shown that thrombolysis saves lives relative to no reperfusion therapy. Streptokinase has been the standard thrombolytic agent, but recent data from the GUSTO trial show that tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) given in an accelerated dosing regimen saves one extra patient per hundred treated. The mechanism of benefit of t-PA is improved early and complete restoration of blood flow down the infarct artery. Economic analysis of the GUSTO data shows that t-PA is an "economically attractive" therapeutic technology with a cost-effectiveness ratio of approximately $33,000 per life-year added relative to streptokinase therapy. Because of the growth of managed care and other cost-containment forces, expensive new medical technologies will increasingly need to demonstrate that they produce extra medical benefits in appropriate measure for their extra costs.