cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
La sintaxis de la predicación no verbal en maya yucateco

The objective of this paper is to fill a void in the formal syntactic literature on Mayan languages by proposing a syntactic structure for clauses with non-verbal predicates in Yucatec Maya. The paper attempts to integrate the rich descriptions of non-verbal predicate constructions found in more functionally-oriented accounts (Lehmann 2002 [1998]; Verhoeven 2007; Vapnarsky 2013) with insights from the generative literature on argument licensing and clause structure in Mayan languages (Coon 2016 for an overview) as well as small clauses (Citko 2011 for an overview). I conclude that non-verbal sentences in Yucatec are matrix small clauses embedded under an Infl node, which is the locus for finiteness/stative aspect rather than tense morphology. This simple structure, coupled with independently motivated operations that have been proposed for small clauses and argument licensing/word order in Mayan languages, is able to account for a range of properties of these sentences that improves upon previous accounts developed in Armstrong (2010), Pye (2011) and Coon (2014). Original received: 2016/07/13Review sent to author: 2016/11/11Accepted: 2017/05/03
Lactational performance of Holstein dairy cows fed 3 concentrations of full-fat corn dried distillers grains with solubles

ABSTRACT Our objective was to evaluate production performance of lactating Holstein dairy cows fed 3 different dietary concentrations of full-fat dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS; 13.6% fat, DM basis). Thirty cows were fed 0, 10, and 20% DDGS DM as a TMR in a 3 × 3 crossover. Cows were stratified into groups of 10 by parity and DIM and fed each of 3 diets in three 28-d periods. Based on our prior research, we hypothesized that feeding 20% DDGS (DM basis) would negatively influence production and feed efficiency of dairy cattle. Effect of DDGS on DMI was inconsistent; the control and 20% DDGS diets were equivalent and the DMI of cows fed 10% DDGS was lower than both. Milk yield was not affected by treatment, but there was a linear depression in milk fat percentage, milk yield, and yield of 3.5% FCM and energy-corrected milk (ECM) with increasing DDGS in the diet. Both protein and lactose percentages increased when cows were fed DDGS; neither protein nor lactose yield, however, was affected. Protein efficiency, a measure of the use of dietary protein for milk protein synthesis, decreased for cows fed 20% DDGS, possibly resulting from differing amounts of metabolizable lysine. All 3 measures of energetic efficiency [ECM/DMI, kg of ECM/NEl intake (Mcal), and GE of milk produced (Mcal)/NEl caloric intake (Mcal)] decreased when cows were fed 20% DDGS but not when cows were fed 10% DDGS. These results indicate that, with the exception of an approximate loss of milk fat by 0.5 percentage points, full-fat DDGS used in this study can be effectively fed at 10% without a loss in production performance when compared with a control diet not containing DDGS. Feeding the full-fat DDGS at 20%, however, is not advisable.
Evolving the N-terminal Domain of Pyrrolysyl-tRNA Synthetase for Improved Incorporation of Noncanonical Amino Acids

By evolving the N-terminal domain of Methanosarcina mazei pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS) that directly interacts with tRNAPyl , a mutant clone displaying improved amber-suppression efficiency for the genetic incorporation of Nϵ -(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-l-lysine threefold more than the wild type was identified. The identified mutations were R19H/H29R/T122S. Direct transfer of these mutations to two other PylRS mutants that were previously evolved for the genetic incorporation of Nϵ -acetyl-l-lysine and Nϵ -(4-azidobenzoxycarbonyl)-l-δ,ϵ-dehydrolysine also improved the incorporation efficiency of these two noncanonical amino acids. As the three identified mutations were found in the N-terminal domain of PylRS that was separated from its catalytic domain for charging tRNAPyl with a noncanonical amino acid, they could potentially be introduced to all other PylRS mutants to improve the incorporation efficiency of their corresponding noncanonical amino acids. Therefore, it represents a general strategy to optimize the pyrrolysine incorporation system-based noncanonical amino-acid mutagenesis.
The Relationship of Leadership Style and CEO Values to Ethical Practices in Organizations

This study analyzes the relationship between CEO values, leadership style and ethical practices in organizations. The ethical practices of formal statement of ethics and diversity training are included in the study, as well as four categories of values based on Rokeach's (1973) typology including personal, social, competency-based and morality-based. Results indicate that all four types of values are positively and significantly related to transformational leadership, with transactional leadership positively related to morality-based and personal values, and laissez-faire leadership negatively related to competency-based values. When size of company and values are controlled, transformational leadership explains a significant amount of change in formal statement of ethics, and transactional leadership explains a significant amount of change in diversity training.
Spirituality and Religious Participation in Later Life

Spirituality Spiritual awareness develops through relationships with one’s inner self, others, nature, the universe, and ultimate reality, whatever a person understands this to be. Spirituality is the manifestation of the search for significance and purpose in life. Spirituality is an integrative, holistic component of life that can touch on physical, cognitive, emotional, and relational aspects. In the human services, spirituality is generally viewed as a larger domain that may or may not encompass religion.
Illustrating Non-Constant Marginal Cost of Capital and the Interdependency of Independent Projects

The simple mechanics of capital budgeting decision techniques are complicated by presence of mutual exclusion, project contingencies, differing risk levels, and unequal lives. This paper examines another such complexity virtually ignored by financial management textbooks but present in virtually all capital budgeting scenarios: project interdependency caused by a non-constant marginal cost of capital (MCC) schedule, a cost schedule representing the reality for business firms. Any capital budgeting decision method using the cost of capital as an input is affected. An example of this complexity is presented in this paper. An expositional exercise concerning the role of cashflow pattern and scale differences in creating differences in total net present value for a capital budgeting decision is presented as well. Finally, an explanation of the isolated role of the non-constant MCC is presented and a proof offered in the paper's appendix.
Vortices and Antivortices

In this chapter we consider the coexistence of vortices (strings) and antivortices (antistrings) in an Abelian gauge theory. In §11.1, we introduce the gauge field model and state our main existence theorems. In §11.2, we calculate various components of the energy-momentum tensor and reduce the equations of motion into a self-dual system and boil the problem down to a nonlinear elliptic equation with sources through an integration of the Einstein equations. In §11.3, we prove the existence of a unique solution for the elliptic equation governing vortices, in absence of gravity, and, we prove the existence of a solution for the equation governing strings. In §11.4, we calculate the precise value of the quantized energy, and total curvature, of a solution possessing M vortices (strings) and N antivortices (antistrings) and observe the roles played by these two different types of vortices (strings), energetically. In §11.5, we consider the problem over a closed Riemann surface.
Honduras in early postclassic mesoamerica

Social groups in Honduras played a key role in regional developments between a.d. 800 and 1100, acting as the pivot in long-distance networks extending west as far as Tula, north to Chichen Itza, and south to Costa Rica. Understanding the role of Honduran settlements at this time has been obstructed by the lack of well-dated contexts from this period and the associated uncertainty about the development of the key Honduran ceramic type, Las Vegas Polychrome. This paper offers a definition of the distinctive features that characterize Las Vegas Polychrome, reviewing evidence supporting earlier dates than traditionally suggested for this type, as early as the emergence of any white-slipped polychrome in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It summarizes evidence for a suite of luxuries consumed in conjunction with Las Vegas Polychrome, and points to the products most likely produced in Honduras for exchange with partners who provided these. Finally, the article considers the ideological, social, and political implications of changes in Honduran settlements where the new pottery was used.
Mapping projections of molecularly defined dopamine neuron subtypes using intersectional genetic approaches

Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons have diverse functions that can in part be explained by their heterogeneity. Although molecularly distinct subtypes of DA neurons have been identified by single-cell gene expression profiling, fundamental features such as their projection patterns have not been elucidated. Progress in this regard has been hindered by the lack of genetic tools for studying DA neuron subtypes. Here we develop intersectional genetic labeling strategies, based on combinatorial gene expression, to map the projections of molecularly defined DA neuron subtypes. We reveal distinct genetically defined dopaminergic pathways arising from the substantia nigra pars compacta and from the ventral tegmental area that innervate specific regions of the caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens and amygdala. Together, the genetic toolbox and DA neuron subtype projections presented here constitute a resource that will accelerate the investigation of this clinically significant neurotransmitter system.
Cardiac Surgery Trainees as "Skin-to-Skin" Operating Surgeons: Midterm Outcomes.

Background We have previously demonstrated that cardiac surgery trainees can safely perform operations “skin-to-skin” with adequate attending surgeon supervision. Methods We used 100 consecutive cases (82 coronary artery bypass grafts, 9 aortic valve replacements, 7 coronary artery bypass grafts plus aortic valve replacements, 2 others) performed by residents (group R) to match 1:1 by procedure to nonconsecutive cases done by a single attending surgeon (group A) from July 2014 to October 2016. Patients were stratified based on whether the attending surgeon or trainee performed every critical step of the operation skin-to-skin. Outcomes included death, major morbidity, and readmission. Results Patients in the two groups were similar with respect to demographic characteristics and comorbidities. The median follow-up time for patients in this study was 28 months (interquartile range: 23 to 35 months). There were seven deaths (3.5%; four in group A, three in group R, p = 0.7). Of the 43 patients (21.5%) who were readmitted during the study term, 27 patients (13.5%) were readmitted for causes related to the operation (11 in group A, 16 in group R, p = 0.02). The most common reasons for readmissions related to the operation were chest pain (n = 11), pleural effusion that required drainage (n = 8), pneumonia (n = 4), and unstable angina that required percutaneous coronary intervention (n = 3). No statistically significant differences were found in reasons for readmission between group A and group R. Conclusions The equivalence of postoperative outcomes previously demonstrated at 30 days persists at midterm follow-up. Our data indicate that trainees can be educated in operative cardiac surgery under the current paradigm without sacrificing outcome quality. It is reasonable to expect academic programs to continue providing trainees with experience as primary operating surgeons.
The impact of foreign and domestic remittance types and senders on education outcomes

Migration and remittances are very important for Nepal, yet the country continues to be plagued by low financial development. Increases in human capital investments, such as enrollment of school‐aged children, are a possible gain from the country's labor movements, which can be leveraged further through an understanding of the microeconomic processes involved. This study examines how remittances from both household and nonhousehold members affect school enrollment rates for children in Nepalese families. We analyze the positive and negative impacts of migration and remittances separately and consider both the type and location of the remittance sender using the Nepal Living Standards Survey (NLSS‐III) of 9,335 school‐aged children. We find enrollment more associated with an exogenous process and use this to estimate marginal effects in which remittances significantly increase children's school enrollment by about 2% points in most cases. These results suggest policymakers should encourage domestic migration (which allows proximity between senders and recipients of remittances as well as less family disruption).
Strengthening Linkages Between Public Health and Health Care in Nebraska.

Introduction Effective collaboration between public health and the health care system is essential for connecting medical and community health-related resources and improving population health. We investigated the linkages between local health departments and primary care clinics in Nebraska. Methods We conducted a mixed-method study by using semistructured in-person and telephone interviews and surveys in 2017 and 2018 with directors of 19 Nebraska local health departments. Interviews and surveys assessed activities and programs that health departments implemented or planned with clinics in their jurisdictions. Barriers, benefits, and opportunities for building the linkages were identified. Results Strong linkages existed between local health departments and primary care clinics. Linkages focused on the control and prevention of chronic diseases and on traditional public health programs, including screening for cancer and other chronic diseases, vaccinations, worksite wellness programs, home visits, clinic and medication assistance referrals, health message development, electronic health records data analyses, staff education, and improvements in policies and procedures. The most frequently reported barrier was funding, and the most frequently reported benefit was patient behavior change. The opportunity most frequently reported was chronic disease health coaching. Conclusion Extensive linkages exist between Nebraska local health departments and the health care systems in their areas. Additional funding, effective workforce management, community needs assessments, and program evaluation can support joint initiatives to address community health priorities.
A Case for Using Genomics and a Bioinformatics Pipeline to Develop Sensitive and Species-Specific PCR-Based Diagnostics for Soil-Transmitted Helminths.

ABSTRACT The balance of expense and ease of use vs specificity and sensitivity in diagnostic assays for helminth disease is an important consideration, with expense and ease often winning out in endemic areas where funds and sophisticated equipment may be scarce. In this review we argue that molecular diagnostics, specifically new assays that have been developed with the aid of next generation sequence data and robust bioinformatic tools, more than make up for their expense with the benefit of a clear and precise assessment of the situation on the ground. Elimination efforts associated with the London Declaration and the World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 Roadmap have resulted in areas of low disease incidence and reduced infection burdens. An accurate assessment of infection levels is critical for determining where and when the programs can be successfully ended. Thus, more sensitive assays are needed in locations where elimination efforts are approaching a successful conclusion. While microscopy or more general PCR targets have a role to play, they can mislead and cause study results to be confounded. Hyper-specific qPCR assays enable a more definitive assessment of the situation in the field, as well as of shifting dynamics and emerging diseases.
Fundamentals of minimally invasive spine surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is a set of techniques and procedures that aims to minimize local tissue damage while achieving the same goals of traditional open surgery. In this article, we will provide a brief synopsis of the current state of MISS including its advantages over open surgery and its limitations. We will also describe basic techniques and essential tools needed to perform MISS effectively. As such, we have identified six interrelated fundamental principles to achieve success in MISS. They are the six Ts: Target, Technology, Technique, Training/Teaching, Testing, and Talent.
The Effectiveness of Palate Re-Repair for Treating Velopharyngeal Insufficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background:Palate re-repair has been proposed as an effective treatment for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) with a low risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The authors conducted a systematic r...
The economics of a pediatric surgical ICU.

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to describe quality and financial economic principles that form the foundation for complex care delivery systems for the critically ill pediatric surgical population. Recent findings Advances in neonatology along with innovation in surgical techniques in children led to the need to care for more complex postoperative surgical patients. Several studies have demonstrated improved outcomes in specialized pediatric centers. Furthermore, there is some evidence to suggest that there is overall financial benefit with decreased costs and more efficient resource use to pediatric subspecialty critical care. Summary As more becomes known regarding the impact of specialized ICU environments, pediatric surgical critical care, and pediatric surgical ICUs have the potential to improve the value of care delivered to these complex patients. Well-designed, prospective, observational studies are needed to assist in defining appropriate outcome and quality measures to inform the development of these specialized units. Currently, there are a variety of models used in children's hospitals to care for critically ill surgical patients. This represents a tremendous opportunity for a collaborative, multidisciplinary effort amongst pediatric medical and surgical intensivists.
Boosting performance for software defined networks from traffic engineering perspective

Abstract Paths selection algorithms and rate adaptation objective functions are usually studied separately. In contrast, this paper evaluates some traffic engineering (TE) systems for software defined networking obtained by combining path selection techniques with average delay and load balancing, the two most popular TE objective functions. Based on TE simulation results, the best TE system suitable for software defined networks is a system where the paths are calculated using an oblivious routing model and its adaptation rate calculated using an average delay objective function. Thus, we propose the RACKE+AD system combining path sets computed using Racke’s oblivious routing and a traffic splitting objective function using average delay. This model outperforms current state-of-the-art models, maximizes throughput, achieves better network resource utilization, and minimizes delay. The proposed system outperformed SMORE and SWAN by 4.2% and 9.6% respectively, achieving 27% better utilization and delivering 34% more traffic with 50% less latency compared with both systems on a GEANT network.
Modern Moral Reasoning and Emerging Trends in Constitutional and Other Rights Decisionmaking Around the World

Moral reasoning refers to an effort to identify how persons ought to behave and what ought to be. Sometimes in philosophy this has been referred to as a search for “the good.” Of course, ideas on what is good have differed from one society to another and have changed from time to time within individual societies. At all times, however, the question of the morality of “egotism” or “self-interest” has been central to the debate. Explicit acknowledgment of this fact, and the triumph of non-egocentric modes of moral reasoning in the modern world, can help explain current moral and legal reasoning by constitutional courts and other actors around the world. In pursuit of this explanation, this article discusses traditional views on the morality of egocentric versus non-egocentric thought, with non-egocentric thought based on a requirement of giving all individuals equal concern and respect, phrased in religious terms as love of neighbor as thyself. The article then notes the emerging trend among constitutional courts and other actors around the world to adopt the non-egocentric moral principle of equal concern and respect as the basis for moral and legal decisionmaking. This is done in the context of equal protection law, particularly rights of gender equality; autonomy interests, including respect for diverse views as long as they do not trample on the diversity rights of others; economic rights; and review of government criminal and administrative action. Finally, the article discusses the modern explication for the rationality of adopting non-egocentric thought as the basis for moral reasoning.
Family Connections and the Latino Health Paradox: Exploring the Mediating Role of Loneliness in the Relationships Between the Latina/o Cultural Value of Familism and Health

This study aims to understand Latina/o health from a social relationships perspective. Specifically, a major goal of the study is to explain how despite disadvantages (e.g., lower income and less e...
Programming High Performance Parallel Machines

Many researchers are working on the problem of providing effective programming paradigms for parallel machines. Much of this research is motivated by the difficulties involved in automatically parallelizing programs that were initially written with a sequential machine model in mind. Another major motivation for the research is to provide models that are more flexible so that both the programmer and the compiler can best utilize the capabilities of a target machine. Such models may exhibit explicit and/or implicit parallelism, and offer a shared or distributed model of memory (or may offer no memory model at all). No matter what features the models exhibit, the key is that all such models take into account the potential parallel nature of a computation, so as not to constrain the execution of a program written within the model to necessarily be sequential. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to convince users to change their programming model without convincing them that the benefits of learning a new paradigm, such as potential performance gains and greater productivity, greatly outweigh the difficulties involved in changing the way they look at solving their problems.
Similarity solutions of some two-space-dimensional nonlinear wave evolution equations

Similarity reductions of the two-space-dimensional versions of the Korteweg-de Vries, modified Korteweg-de Vries, Benjamin-Davis-Ono, and nonlinear Schroedinger equations are presented, and some solutions of the reduced equations are discussed. Exact dispersive solutions of the two-dimensional Korteweg-de Vries equation are obtained, and the similarity solution of this equation is shown to be reducible to the second Painleve transcendent.
Singular Disks, Part II. Nonlogarithmic Case

We assume here that c = 1; a, b satisfy (9.0.1)−(9.0.3). We use G = Γ p ′ /Γ p to denote the logarithmic derivative of the (Morita) p-adic gamma function discussed in Chapter 21. We again assume that μ a , μb, μc, lie in [0, p − 1].
Linear Dynamic Systems

This chapter contains sections titled: Chapter Focus Dynamic System Models Continuous Linear Systems and Their Solutions Discrete Linear Systems and Their Solutions Observability of Linear Dynamic System Models Summary Problems
Identification of a vibrational frequency corresponding to H-atom translocation in hypericin.

Abstract Using time-resolved infrared spectroscopy, ab initio quantum mechanical calculations and synthetic organic chemistry a region in the infrared spectrum of triplet hypericin has been found between 1400 and 1500 cm−1 corresponding to the translocation of the hydrogen atom between the enol and the keto oxygens, O···H···O. This result is discussed in the context of the photophysics of hypericin and of eventual measurements to observe directly the excited-state H-atom transfer.
On high-energy elastic scattering of protons by nuclei☆

Abstract The two coupled channel formalism for high energy elastic scattering [1] is extended to include spin and isospin effects. For a spin and isospin zero nucleus these manifest themselves by additional spin-orbit terms in the potentials. Explicit formulas for these potentials are obtained in terms of the fully spin and isospin dependent nucleon-nucleon scattering amplitude, the ground state nuclear form factor and the state dependent correlation functions. The coupling potential except for a small term arising from double spin and isospin flip process involving nuclear excitation depends only upon the pair correlations. Numerical calculations are performed for the elastic scattering of 1 GeV protons incident on 4 He. Various phenomenological dynamical two-body correlations as well as correlations generated from the Reid soft-core and Tabakin potentials in an approximate Brueckner-Hartree-Fock calculation are considered. The angular distribution beyond its first diffraction minimum as well as the polarization in the same angular range are shown to be sensitive to these correlations. However, the present accuracy of the experimental data and the lack of knowledge of the nucleon-nucleon scattering amplitude prevent any definitive conclusion about their nature.
Photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration: a candid appraisal.

N APRIL 2000, THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION approved photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (Visudyne) for the treatment of predominantly classic choroidal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Soon afterward, Visudyne became the first line of treatment for eligible cases of neovascular AMD. However, with time, the benefits of this treatment have been disappointing, leading to renewed interest in alternative, potentially more efficacious therapies. Photodynamic therapy is a concept that was first discussed in the early 1900s. Although originally conceived as an oncology treatment to occlude tumor vasculature, photodynamic therapy appeared applicable to ophthalmology, owing to the accessibility of the retina to directed light exposure. In this treatment, a photosensitizer with a specific absorbance profile is administered, followed by exposure of the photosensitizer to an appropriate wavelength of light that elevates the photosensitizer to a higher energy state creating a cascade of photochemical events. For choroidal neovascularization, verteporfin (6 mg/m) is infused intravenously over a 10-minute period, and 5 minutes later, the lesion is exposed to a 689 nm light dose of 50 J/cm for 83 seconds. With this protocol, the laser excites the photosensitizer, which then is thought to generate singlet oxygen and reactive oxygen intermediates that damage cellular structures. Specifically, preclinical studies in experimental animals demonstrated that verteporfin selectively occluded experimentally induced choroidal neovascularization with minimal associated effects to surrounding normal tissues.
Size-dependent fracture mode transition in copper nanowires.

In situ uni-axial tensile tests of single-crystalline copper nanowires are performed using a micromechanical device inside a scanning electron microscope chamber. The single-crystalline copper nanowires are synthesized by solvothermal processes, and the growth direction along the wire axis is the orientation as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) selected area diffraction (SAD) analysis. The fracture strengths of copper nanowires are found to be much higher than that of bulk copper. More interestingly, both ductile and brittle-like fracture modes are found in the same batch of fabricated nanowires, and the fracture modes appear to be dependent on the diameters of tested nanowires. From the analysis of fracture surfaces, sample morphologies and corresponding stress-strain curves, the competition between deformation and fracture mechanisms controlled by initial defects density and by the probability of dislocation interactions is attributed to this intriguing size-dependent fracture mode transition.
Design of insulation for small machines

INSULATION systems for small rotating machines largely have been designed by empirically applying past experience of the industry. In general, very high factors of safety are employed and exact design of the insulation for the stresses involved have not been important.
Transport and Partitioning of Lead in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum)

ABSTRACTLead (Pb) contamination in soils is a serious concern because it can be taken up by crops and then transferred through the food chain, posing a potential risk to human health. Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) are important crop species known to accumulate heavy metals in their tissues. This study aimed at understanding the transport and accumulation of Pb in these two species and the risk associated with consumption of these foods, which would help us in mitigating accumulation of Pb in edible tissues. The plants were grown at different Pb concentrations for the entire life cycle, and the partitioning of the metal to different tissues was examined. The results showed that plant species differ widely in their ability to transport and accumulate Pb in different tissues. In B. juncea, there was significant accumulation of Pb in both siliques and seeds, whereas most of the Pb in wheat was concentrated in the vegetative tissues and less to the flag leaf and reproductive ti...
Perceived Dangerousness of Recreational Drugs.

In Study One, a sample of 230 college students were asked to estimate the abuse potential and lethality of commonly used recreational drugs, both licit and illicit. In Study Two, a sample of 103 degreed nurses were asked to estimate the lethality of the same recreational drugs. The findings indicate that the illicit drugs under consideration are perceived as presenting the greatest danger to the user and that dangers attributed to the use of licit recreational drugs are generally minimized. Perception of danger was found to be unaffected by exposure to reported drug education programs. Results are discussed in terms of public health implications.
Meridional eddy sensible heat fluxes in the extremes of the Pacific/North American teleconnection pattern

Abstract The geographical distribution of meridional eddy sensible heat transport in the extremes of the Pacific/North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern is examined and compared to heat transport occurring in conjunction with other regional teleconnections. The heat fluxes are estimated using 700-mb air temperatures and geostrophic winds during 12 winter months when the PNA index reaches its highest values (large-amplitude standing ridge and trough pattern over North America) and during 12 months when it is lowest (relatively zonal flow across the continent). The standing wave fluxes are generally largest in the positive PNA phase, especially across latitudes 45°–55°N, although the flux between 60°–75°N is not as great as in the negative phase, when poleward heat transport is strong over northern Canada and near Iceland. The largest spatial heat flux variations in the extremes of the PNA occur in areas with long-term climatological flux maxima and relatively large long-term standard deviations. These ...
Current concepts of morphology of amorphous polymers— II. Degree of local order and overall chain conformation☆

Abstract After a brief discussion on our earlier electron microscopyrresults of amorphous polymers and the results obtained by others in recent years from small angle neutron scattering and optical anisotropy measurements, it is concluded that there appears to be general agreement concerning the presence of local order and the overall statistical behaviour of macromolecules. The remainder of the discussion is on the most recent DRDR studies of a wide variety of amorphous polymers including monocrystallizable aPS, crystallizable PET and its liquid crystalline copolymer 40 PET/60 PHB, PC, NR melt, PE melt and amorphotized PE. It is shown that DRDFs, when analyzed properly and in detail, e.g. by means of application of the paracrystalline lattice theory, can provide information about (1) the origin of the DRDF peaks, (2) the extent of local order, and (3) the effects of additional ordering by annealing, chain stiffening and intermolecular crosslinking.
Negative base encoding in optical linear algebra processors

In the digital multiplication by analog convolution algorithm, the bits of two encoded numbers are convolved to form the product of the two numbers in mixed binary representation; this output can be easily converted to binary. Attention is presently given to negative base encoding, treating base -2 initially, and then showing that the negative base system can be readily extended to any radix. In general, negative base encoding in optical linear algebra processors represents a more efficient technique than either sign magnitude or 2's complement encoding, when the additions of digitally encoded products are performed in parallel.
Does isotretinoin increase the risk of depression

Question: In patients with acne vulgaris, does treatment with isotretinoin increase the risk of depression? Design: A case-crossover study was performed among subjects who received 1 or more isotretinoin prescriptions from 1984 through 2003. Setting: Data were obtained from the Regie de l’Assurance Maladie du Quebec (RAMQ) and Quebec’s hospital discharge (Med-Echo) administrative databases. Patients: Cases were defined as those with a first diagnosis or hospitalization for depression (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes 296.2, 298.0, 300.4, 309.0, 309.1, and 311) during the study period (1984-2003) and those who filled a prescription for an antidepressant in the 30 days following their diagnosis or hospitalization. The index date was the calendar date of the diagnosis or hospitalization for depression. Cases were covered by the RAMQ drug plan and had 1 or more acne diagnoses in the 12 months prior to the index date. Those who received an antidepressant in the 12 months prior to the index date were excluded. Intervention: Exposure to isotretinoin in a 5-month risk period immediately prior to the index date was compared with a 5-month control period. Outcome: Relative risks along with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Results: Of the 30 496 subjects in the initial cohort, 126 (0.4%) cases met inclusion criteria. The crude relative risk for those exposed to isotretinoin was 2.00 (95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 3.89). After adjusting for potential time-dependent confounders, the relative risk for those exposed to isotretinoin was 2.68 (95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 6.48). Conclusions: This is the first controlled study to find a statistically significant association between isotretinoin and depression. Because depression could have serious consequences, close monitoring of isotretinoin users is indicated. Comment
Imaging of muscle injuries

Although skeletal muscle is the single largest tissue in the body, there is little written about it in the radiologic literature. Indirect muscle injuries, also called strains or tears, are common in athletics, and knowing the morphology and physiology of the muscle-tendon unit is the key to the understanding of these injuries. Eccentric muscle activation produces more tension within the muscle than when it is activated concentrically, making it more susceptible to tearing. Injuries involving the muscle belly tend to occur near the myotendinous junction. In adolescents, the weakest link in the muscle-tendon-bone complex is the apophysis. Traditionally, plain radiography has been the main diagnostic modality for evaluation of these injuries; however, with the advent of MRI it has become much easier to diagnose injuries primarily affecting the soft tissues. This article reviews the anatomy and physiology of the muscle-tendon unit as they relate to indirect muscle injuries. Examples of common muscle injuries are illustrated.
AnF-space with trivial dual where the Krein-Milman theorem holds

We show that in certain non-locally convex Orlicz function spacesL ϕ with trivial dual every compact convex set is locally convex and hence the Krein-Milman theorem holds. This complements the example constructed by Roberts of a compact convex set without extreme points inL p (0<p<1) and answers a question raised by Shapiro.
Radiation sensitivity of filamentous Escherichia coli

Abstract Filamentous forms of Escherichia coli B have been irradiated with 250 kV X-rays or 2652 A ultraviolet. The ability of the filaments to form visible colonies was used as the assay for survival. The survival curves for the filaments were “single-hit” for any length filament with either X-rays ultraviolet. The relative radiation sensitivity to either of these radiations increased in proportion to the filament length.
Indigenous Professional Development Workers in Haiti

ABSTRACT Indigenous development professionals in southern Haiti occupy an intermediary position between actors and institutions of the international development industry and the rural peasant beneficiaries of development projects and programs. Educated and trained as agronomists or development technicians, these professionals facilitate the transmission of northern development standards and ideologies to southern subjectivities. By first situating Haitian development into greater post-structural understandings of how the global south is produced, these agents of globalization will be oriented as rural intellectuals in the Gramscian sense. In the rural communes surrounding the city of Les Cayes in southern rural Haiti, indigenous professionals have a place in the social field that characterizes localized development practice, which itself is located in larger regimes of power and representation that typify development processes around the world. These frequently urban-based professional agents carry wester...
Hyponatremia: pathophysiology and treatment, a pediatric perspective

Hyponatremia is the most commonly observed electrolyte abnormality in hospitalized children. The most serious consequences of hyponatremia and its treatment involve the central nervous system (CNS). Important factors determining the development of clinical symptomatology include: the rate of fall in serum sodium, and the severity and duration of hyponatremia. Acute hyponatremia is associated with increased brain water resulting in varying grades of encephalopathy whereas the osmoregulatory mechanism allows normalization of CNS water content in chronic hyponatremia. It is recommended that the therapy for hyponatremia be initiated on the basis of the presence or absence of symptoms. An increase of 4–6 mmol/l in serum sodium over 10–15 min is recommended in symptomatic patients. Rapid correction of chronic hyponatremia may result in osmotic dehydration syndrome and therefore should be avoided.
MO‐E‐204B‐04: Interventional Fluoroscopy Procedure Skin Dose Assessment Using DICOM Dose Structured Reports

Purpose: Patient skin injury due to radiation exposure during interventional fluoroscopy procedures is a concern. The FDA has recommended dose be monitored, along with the dose distribution on the patient's skin. Modern fluoroscopy equipment provides a readout of the accumulated reference point air kerma. However, this parameter is a poor estimate of localized skin dose since it does not take into account beam movement. Acquisition information needed to calculate skin dose can be recorded as a DICOM Dose Structured Report (Dose SR), which has recently become available on new fluoroscopy equipment. We have developed a system that uses the Dose SR to produce a skin dose map, along with determination of the peak skin dose. Method and Materials: The Dose SR provides data for each irradiation event (fluoroscopy footswitch or acquisition): kerma‐area‐product, reference point air kerma, C‐arm angulation and table position. Using the position of the patient on the table, backscatter and table attenuation, the air kerma to 1‐cm2 regions on the patient's surface is calculated. The patient surface is approximated as a mathematical model using SolidWorks simulation software, with model size varied based on patient parameters. Results: The method was validated using a Siemens Axiom Artis angiography system. Measurements made with an ionization chamber and lucite phantom were compared to calculated skin dose values for a range of C‐arm angles, table positions and exposure levels. Errors ranged from 2–10% with higher errors corresponding to increased C‐arm angulation. Conclusion: A system has been developed to estimate skin dose and generate skin dose maps from an interventional procedure Dose SR. The system allows for a more precise determination of localized skin dose and assists with planning appropriate entry ports for future procedures to minimize skin injury. Application to any vendor platform providing a Dose SR is possible.
Geomorphic Effects of Mosses in a Low-Order Stream in Fairfax County, Virginia

Local conditions play an important role in determining the effects of riparian vegetation on stream bank stability. In environments where trees have limited success in stabilizing stream banks, non-vascular plants, especially mosses, may provide alternative protection. Although mosses lack root structure, they are well adapted to saturated conditions and a thick tree canopy. This project evaluated the rate of bank erosion and effectiveness of mosses as a factor in reducing bank erosion in Thompson Creek, Virginia. The Thompson Creek watershed is dominated by non-cohesive sandy strata and a thick canopy cover. The thick canopy cover provides shade to stream banks, while the sandy non-cohesive bank materials make those banks susceptible to erosion. Field surveys were conducted to record stream bank erosion and changes in moss patches over time. A variety of techniques, including repeat photography, erosion pins, visual observations, and measurements of channel morphology, were used in field surveys. The exp...
MIT 35-GHz cyclotron autoresonance maser amplifier

Studies of a cyclotron autoresonance maser (CARM) are presented. The measurements are carried out at a frequency of 35 GHz using a mildly relativistic electron beam (1. 5 MeV 300 A 40 ns) generated by a field emission electron gun. Perpendicular energy is imparted to the electrons by means of a bifilar helical wiggler. Amplification measurements give a small signal growth rate of approximately 65 dB/m. The saturated power output is ''-''-33 MW and the corresponding electronic efficiency is ''-7.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Test of the Black Subculture of Violence Thesis: A Research Note

We use data from the General Social Survey (1983 to 1991) to test Wolfgang and Ferracuti's hypothesis that violent values are widespread among African-Americans. Contrary to the expectations of the black subculture of violence thesis, our analyses indicate that white males are significantly more likely than blacks to express violent tendencies in defensive situations and that there is no significant difference between white and black males in offensive situations, ceteris paribus. Thus, we have rejected, within the limitations of our data, the hypothesis that a unique subculture of violence exists among the general population of African-Americans in the United States. (Abstract Adapted from Source: Criminology, 1997. Copyright © 1997 by the American Society of Criminology) Subculture of Violence Theory African American Offender African American Violence African American Adult African American Juvenile Adult Offender Adult Violence Juvenile Offender Juvenile Violence Black-White Comparison Caucasian Adult Caucasian Juvenile Caucasian Offender Caucasian Violence Violence Causes Violence Incidence and Prevalence Violence Rates 07-06
Antidepressant and depressogenic drugs lack consistent effects on hamster circadian rhythms

Abstract The circadian wheel-running rhythm of golden hamsters was monitored during chronic oral treatment with four antidepressants and two potentially depressogenic agents. Desmethylimipramine shortened the circadian period (τ) by 0.1 hour. In contrast, clorgyline lengthened τ by 0.1 hour and delayed light-synchronized wheel-running rhythms by 1.4 hour. Phenelzine, fluoxetine, clonidine, and propranolol did not significantly alter light-entrained phase or free-running period over a range of doses. Other rhythm parameters were also unaffected by antidepressant or depressogenic drugs. These data suggest that mood-altering drugs do not consistently influence circadian rhythms in the hamster.
Linking of vortex rings

THE topology of vortex lines, which trace the local vorticity in a fluid flow just as streamlines trace the velocity, is important in attempts to understand, describe and control flows in various applications. Changes in this topology may, for example, affect mixing in flows, and may be significant for the dynamics of turbulence. In particular, the behaviour of closed loops of vortex lines (vortex rings) has been studied ever since Kelvin's 'vortex atom' theory, and contributed to Tait's development of the topological theory of knots. Several recent experimental and computational studiesl–9 have explored the 'reconnection' of initially distinct vortex rings; particularly elegant are Schatzle's10 experiments in which two vortex rings, inclined towards one another, go through two reconnections, after which two new rings, comprising half of each of the originals, emerge. Here we describe three-dimensional numerical simulations which establish a simple mechanism by which the linking of two vortex rings may be achieved starting from an unlinked initial state. Appropriate initial states were identified by simulating the unlinking of two initially linked vortex rings and then reversing the vorticity of the final state and running the simulation backwards. This computational procedure sheds light on why, both in experiment and simulation, linking is not always achieved from an arbitrary initial configuration of unlinked vortex rings set on a collision course.
The left atrial myocardium: Naturally “wired” for arrhythmogenicity?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disturbance, and an estimated 2.5 million people are afflicted with the disease in the United States. Epidemiologic studies indicate AF prevalence will double in the next 25 years, attributable in part to the growing proportion of the elderly in the general population as well as to other risk factors such as obesity and sleep apnea. Given the worryingly high statistics of AF incidence, investigations aimed at understanding AF pathophysiology are urgently warranted. Persistent and long-standing persistent forms of AF are well known to have complex pathophysiology. In this regard, although the thoracic veins are recognized as possible sources of the trigger and could as well serve as the substrate for the rapid electrical excitation, it is commonly accepted that such rapid electrical activity results in significant remodeling of atrial myocardium, thereby perpetuating the AF. Nevertheless, a number of experimental and clinical findings raise the possibility that the left atrium, specifically regions around the posterior wall and the roof of the chamber, have inherent properties that favor reentrant excitation. If this is indeed the case, delineating such “circuits” histoanatomically is important because tissues therein could serve as potential targets for ablation.