cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
VENTILATION TUBE DURATION VERSUS SITE OF PLACEMENT

Background: The duration a ventilation tube remains in the tympanic membrane is thought to be related to the design of the ventilating tube, and to the site of placement of the ventilation tube into the tympanic membrane. Theoretically a ventilating tube placed superiorly should remain longer than one placed inferiorly. Methods: A prospective study was designed to test the hypothesis that ventilation tubes placed into the antero-superior quadrant of the tympanic membrane remained longer than those placed into the antero-inferior quadrant. Results: In 106 children no statistically significant difference in duration was identified using three designs of ventilation tube. Conclusions: Ventilating tubes placed antero-superiorly into the tympanic membrane do not have a longer duration than those placed antero-inferiorly.
Finite-element modeling of nanoindentation for determining the mechanical properties of implanted layers and thin films

The mechanical properties of implanted layers and thin films on dissimilar substrates are difficult to accurately determine. Nanoindentation of the layer provides information, but detailed numerical modeling is required in order to separate the properties of the layer from those of the substrate. We describe here the procedures we have developed to accomplish this modeling with the commercially available finite-element code ABAQUS. Using these techniques, we are able to extract from nanoindentation testing the yield stress, Young`s modulus, and hardness of the layer material, with an absolute accuracy of at least 20%. The procedure is applicable to layers as thin as 50 nm on essentially any substrate, hard or soft. We have used it for materials ranging from ion-implanted layers to thin films of metals and dielectrics formed using plasma-deposition methods. An example is given of 0-implanted Al, a thin, hard layer on a soft substrate.
Thymic cyst simulating multiple cardiovascular abnormalities and presenting with pericarditis and pericardial tamponade

Abstract The clinical and operative findings in a 50 year old patient with a huge thymic cyst are presented. Pericardial effusion with tamponade occurred in association with the cyst, and tussive syncope and a reversible systolic murmur over the outflow tract were noted. Removal of the cyst corrected the murmur and electrocardiographic abnormalities and relieved all symptoms.
Effects of litter size, age of young, and parity on foster mother behaviour in Rattus norvegicus.

Abstract Maternal behaviour in the presence of newborn pups is determined by the age and size of the litter independent of parity of the mother, previous experience with different sized litters, and the number of days after delivery the measurements are taken. After fostering 10-day-old young, maternal behaviour is influenced by the age and size of the litter and also by the mother's previous experience with different sized litters.
Genetic counseling communication with an African American BRCA1 kindred

We studied communication in genetic counseling sessions conducted with an African American, Breast Cancer 1, Early Onset (BRCA1) kindred in the USA. The Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) was used to code and compare two sessions of 46 participants (26 females and 20 males) before and after they underwent genetic testing. Three certified genetic counselors and one medical geneticist conducted the sessions. When compared to pre-test communication, most of the providers' post-test communication was devoted to the provision of biomedical information (including screening recommendations) with fewer questions and psychosocial statements. Clients contributed a similar proportion to the total session dialogue in pre- and post-test sessions (40%). A larger proportion of their post-test session was devoted to indicating receptiveness to provider information than in the pre-test session. We found when providers were informing clients that they were BRCA1 mutation carriers, they provided more biomedical and psychosocial information and asked more psychosocial questions than when talking with non-carriers. This study provides the first description of genetic counseling communication for pre- and post-test BRCA1 sessions with African American individuals.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: prevention and therapy.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy of the liver and occurs most often in the setting of chronic liver disease. The most common acquired causes for this are chronic viral hepatitis infections (mostly HBV and HCV), and alcohol. Other causes include nonalcoholic fatty liver disease–related nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, and biliary diseases. In addition, certain heritable diseases like hemochromatosis and α-1-antitrypsin deficiency can also lead to HCC. Therefore, prevention of HCC can be achieved by preventing and controlling these problems. For treatment, curative modalities are surgical resection and liver transplantation. However, most patients are not candidates for these surgical maneuvers, and outcomes are poor. New therapeutic developments have brought some improvement with both local and systemic disease control.
Morphology, fertility and classification of productive soils on serpentinized peridotite in California (U.S.A.)

Abstract Most soils in humid climates decrease in fertility as weathering releases plant nutrients from their parent materials and the nutrients are leached away. Young soils on peridotite, however, have low productivity which increases as weathering and leaching remove Mg, Ni, and Co. This is illustrated by comparing a Xerochrept and a more weathered and leached Haplohumult from the Klamath Mountains. All exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios are 1.0 in the Humult. The ratio of total Ni and Co to total Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn are all lower in the Humult. The Dunning timber site index (height of conifers at 300 years) increases 24% from shallow to deep Ochrepts, attributed to increases in available water capacity (AWC). It increases another 27% from deep Ochrepts to deep Humults with relatively small increases in AWC. Therefore, increased productivity from the Ochrepts to the Humults appears to be due more to increased fertility than to increased AWC. The timber site index increases another 10% from the Humult to a Humox (tentative classification) in the Sierra Nevada, but it is uncertain whether this increase is due to increase in AWC or in fertility. None of these soils on peridotite are completely accommodated in the Soil Taxonomy. The Ochrepts fit well to the subgroup, the Humult to the suborder, and the Humox fits only to the order level.
Mutations in rpoD that increase expression of genes in the mal regulon of Escherichia coli K-12

The sigma subunits of eubacterial RNA polymerases determine the site selectivity of initiation of transcription at promoters. Mutations in rpoD, the gene that encodes sigma 70, the major sigma factor in Escherichia coli, should be useful in determining the molecular details of the process of transcription initiation. However, such mutations are likely to be deleterious or lethal, since sigma70 is an essential gene product. We designed a system for the rapid isolation and fine structure mapping of mutations in rpoD, which allows selection of mutations that would otherwise be deleterious to the cell. We used this system to isolate a new class of mutations in rpoD, mutations that relieve the requirement for CAP-cAMP for initiation at promoters in the mal regulon. These mutations, which we designate rpoD(Mal) mutations, occur in two clusters in the rpoD gene within regions previously suggested by amino acid sequence comparisons to be important for sigma structure or function. We cannot distinguish whether the rpoD(Mal) mutations affect mal expression by altering interaction between RNA polymerase and mal promoters or between RNA polymerase and the accessory transcription factor MalT. However, the effects of the mutations on activator-independent transcription from the lac promoter (4 rpoD(Mal) mutations decrease CAP-independent expression of the lac promoter in vivo) suggest that the regions of sigma identified by our mutations may be directly involved in promoter recognition.
Sunspots, currency substitution, and inflationary finance

Abstract This paper explores some issues surrounding inflationary finance of government deficits in a two-country world with currency substitution. Each country's monetary policy is assumed to be subordinate to fiscal policy. Private agents, knowing that the monetary authorities cannot commit themselves to fixed policy rules, substitute among the two monies. Each monetary authority is then forced to accomodate the actions of the fiscal authorities and private agents by setting monetary growth rates consistent with their decisions. This framework offers some interesting insights into the behavior of nominal exchange rates and their co-movements with relative money supplies and government deficits.
Invasive aspergillosis of the maxilla in an immunocompromised patient

Patients who are immunocompromised have a high susceptibility to infection, which can be fatal. Studies have shown that patients receiving chemotherapeutic and adjunctive medications have inhibited inflammatory response to microbes, particularly those increasing the potential for the development of invasive infection. Aspergillus is a fungus often found in the atmosphere. Colonization of Aspergillus in the upper respiratory tract is common. In the immunocompromised patient, Aspergillus flavus is found to be the most frequent fungus cultured in the maxillary sinus. Because of the depressed immunologic state of the patient, A. flavus can differentiate into hyphal forms producing toxins that destroy epithelial tissues. Penetration of Aspergillus into connective and vascular tissue produces thrombosis and ultimately necrosis of hard and soft tissue.
An Incremental Approach to Computational Physics Education

In Bradley University's physics department, the author has developed an incremental approach to computational physics instruction. It interweaves modern computational techniques with traditional aspects of upper-level classical mechanics and thermodynamics courses, building from simple to more complex concepts and assignments. By directly programming and controlling all aspects of their computer applications, students can best grasp computational principles
Stereoselective synthesis of all individual isomers of β-methyl-2′,6′-dimethylphenylalanine

Abstract Asymmetric synthesis of all four isomers of β-methyl-2′,6′-dimethylphenylalanine was accomplished with complete stereoselectivities and high yields by using the Evans-like auxiliary 4-phenyl-oxazolidinone as a chiral auxiliary and as a chiral resolution reagent.
An IBM 370 BC mode simulator for a first course in operating systems

An IBM 370 basic control mode simulator was developed as an outgrowth of student projects in an operating systems course over several semesters. The programming was performed in Assembler language to enhance performance and allow for online symbolic access to simulated hardware components.The design of the simulator along with the organization of a typical instruction interpretation subroutine is described. A simple program execution using the IBM TSO facility is included to illustrate the manner in which students interact with the system. Finally the design for a typical operating system undertaken as a team project is presented.
Rapid arrayed filter production using the `ORCA' robot

By adapting a commercially available, general purpose laboratory robot, it is possible to produce high-density gridded hybridization filters of clone colonies or DNA products. We are using this system to produce 60–90,8 x 12 cm filters in an 8-hour day, each containing 3,456 clones arranged in 96, 6 x 6 grids.
Effect of polycythemia on gastric secretion

Vagally innervated and denervated gastric pouches were constructed in normal mongrel dogs. After control secretions were obtained, the animals were made polycythemic by the administration of packed washed canine red blood cells. During polycythemia the quantitative daily output of acid either decreased or remained near control levels. The animals responded in a quantitatively similar manner to histamine and feeding tests before, during, and after polycythemia. Factors other than a hypersecretion of gastric juice in the formation of peptic ulcers are discussed.
Enkephalin in the goldfish retina

1. Enkephalin-like immunoreactive amacrine cells were visualized using the highly sensitive avidin-biotin method. The somas of these cells were situated in the inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers. Enkephalin-stained processes were observed in layers 1, 3, and 5 of the inner plexiform layer. 2. The biosynthesis of sulfur-containing compounds in the goldfish retina was studied by means of a pulse-chase incubation with35S-methionine. A35S-labeled compound, which comigrated with authentic Met5-enkephalin on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was synthesized and was bound competitively by antibodies to enkephalin and by opiate receptors. This compound was tentatively identified as “Met5-enkephalin.” 3. The newly synthesized35S-Met5-enkephalin was released upon depolarization of the retina with a high K+ concentration. This K+-stimulated release was greatly suppressed by 5 mM Co2+, suggesting that the release was Ca2+ dependent. 4. Using a double-label technique, enkephalin immunoreactivity andγ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) uptake were colocalized to some amacrine cells, whereas others labeled only for enkephalin or GABA. 5. The possible significance of enkephalin-GABA interactions is also discussed.
Design of heterogeneous clamped circular plates with specified fundamental natural frequency

The titled problem is solved by the aid of the semi-inverse formulation. At the first glance, a surprising demand is posed: Design a radially heterogeneous polar orthotropic circular plate whose fundamental mode shape coalesces with the static deflection of a homogeneous circular plate of the same radius and thickness under uniformly distributed load. Compatible polynomial variations of the radial and circumferential flexural rigidities are introduced. It turns out that these are infinite amount of polar orthotropic circular plates that solve the posed semi-inverse problem, depending on the free parameter represented by one of the coefficients in variation of flexural rigidities. This allows to provide an unique solution to the titled problem: there is a single plate that possesses the specified fundamental natural frequency.
Effect of additives on stability of etoposide in PLGA microspheres.

The purpose of this article was to determine the shelf life of etoposide in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres prepared with and without additives (i.e., tricaprin and isopropyl myristic acid ester [IPM]). The microspheres were prepared by a single-emulsion solvent extraction technique with and without 25% w/w additive. The batches of microspheres were subjected to an accelerated stability study at two elevated temperatures (70 degrees C and 80 degrees C or 80 degrees C and 90 degrees C). Samples were taken at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days for estimation of drug content by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The drug stability in the microspheres was determined by plotting the log percentage drug remaining versus time to obtain the degradation rate constant k of etoposide at the measured temperature. This degradation rate constant was then used in the Arrhenius equation to obtain the activation energy of etoposide, which was utilized to determine the shelf life of the microspheres at room temperature. The results showed that all three microsphere formulations had good long-term stability at room temperature (6.62-8.86 years at 25 degrees C). The plain microspheres were shown to possess a shelf life of 6.62 years, and the IPM and tricaprin were the most stable with shelf lives of 8.25 and 8.86 years, respectively.
Observation of a Significantly Reduced 1JC-H Coupling Constant in an Agostic f-Element Complex: X-ray Crystal Structure of (ArO)Sm[(μ-OAr)(μ-Me)AlMe2]2 (Ar = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3)

Reaction of [Sm(OAr)3]2 with 4 equiv of trimethylaluminum leads to formation of the bis-trimethylaluminum adduct (ArO)Sm[(μ-OAr)(μ-Me)AlMe2]2, which exhibits very short Sm−C(bridging) distances of 2.620(5) and 2.632(5) A. A reduced 1JC-H coupling constant of 106 Hz and a low ν(C−H) stretch in the solution and solid-state IR spectrum are indicative of a strong agostic Sm···H−C interaction in solution.
CDTT: Compiler-generated data-triggered threads

This paper presents CDTT, a compiler framework that takes C/C++ code and automatically generates a binary that eliminates dynamically redundant code without programmer intervention. It does so by exploiting underlying hardware or software support for the data-triggered threads (DTT) programming and execution model. With the help of idempotence analysis and inter-procedural name dependence analysis, CDTT identifies potential code regions and composes support thread functions that execute as soon as live-in data changes. CDTT can also use profile data to target the elimination of redundant computation. The compiled binary running on top of a software runtime system can achieve nearly the same level of performance as careful hand-coded modifications in most benchmarks. CDTT improves the performance of serial C SPEC benchmarks by as much as 57% (average 11%) on a Nehalem processor.
Neoliberal Niagara? Examining the Political History of Fish Consumption Advisories in New York State

Fish consumption advisories (FCAs), or voluntary state recommendations for foraging and consuming fish from compromised waters, place the onus of negotiating contaminated environments squarely upon individuals who consume local fish. As a result, peoples who eat fish caught from local waters for reasons of food insecurity, cultural practice, or religious practice are ignored, producing environmental inequalities. This paper examines the political history of FCAs in a specific geographical context, New York State, in order to assess the explicit environmental governance frameworks through which these inequalities are generated. It demonstrates that FCA policy is principally an outgrowth of a conservation movement geared towards support for recreational anglers and not those who fish for subsistence. However, conservationism is not the only governance framework at work, as this paper also demonstrates that commercialized processes of neoliberal environmental governance substantially mediate scientific data that inform FCA recommendations. In this way this study illustrates how multiple frameworks—conservationist, neoliberal, or other—can, and often do, intertwine to construct environmental policies.
Antibody responses of remission leukemia patients receiving active specific and nonspecific immunotherapy

A solid-phase radioimmunoassay was utilized to evaluate the antibody response of 21 acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) patients to active specific immunotherapy with either pooled allogeneic AML blast cells or leukemia-associated antigen (LAA), admixed with BCG cell-wall skeleton (CWS). Five of 13 patients treated with LAA had a significant antibody response to LAA after immunotherapy. Antibody response correlated with an increased remission duration (159+ vs. 75+ weeks) and an increased survival (164+ vs. 98+ weeks). Two of eight patients treated with cells responded to LAA, and three patients had initially high anti-LAA antibody levels. In the total study, eight of 11 patients surviving longer than 2 1/2 years and six of seven patients maintaining a complete remission longer than 2 years were antibody responders. Neither protocol induced significant antibody to a normal spleen extract, BCG-CWS, or a measles recall antigen. However, five of seven patients with initially high levels of antibody to BCG (following weekly BCG scarification) were long-term survivors. These data suggest that the humoral immune response to immunotherapeutic agents may be a useful parameter for monitoring immunotherapy of AML patients.
The thermodynamics of FePdN austenite

Abstract A gas-solid equilibration technique has been used to study the dependence upon temperature and Pd-concentration of the equilibrium between N2-gas and Fe-Pd-N f.c.c. solid solutions. The temperature range studied was 1315–1538 K and the composition range 0–8 at.% Pd. In all cases the N-composition of the solid phase was less than 5 × 10−4 At.%. The partial thermodynamic functions of the N-atoms in the ternary austenite were deduced from the measured isobars and analyzed using a simple statistical model.
Optimal Electrode Configurations for External Cardiac Pacing and Defibrillation: An Inhomogeneous Study

We have developed an inhomogeneous two-dimensional finite element computer model of the human torso, and have used it to study electrode performance in defibrillation and external cardiac pacing. Gross individual organ effects were assessed first for different electrode configurations by creating models which included one organ at a time, and comparing the results to those obtained with a homogeneous body. Electrode placement on the body was varied in order to determine, within the limitations of the model, optimal electrode configurations for external cardiac pacing and defibrillation. Finally, the electrical and geometric parameters of a previously proposed plate electrode design were optimized for the selected external pacing position. It was found that organs of extreme resistivity, close to the body surface, and within the direct current path between two electrodes, tended to have dominant effects on the surface current density distributions. The optimum pacing position is to place the driven electrode directly over the heart and the receiving electrode on the left lateral chest wall. For defibrillation, the driven electrode is moved to the right of the sternum.
Effect of Solvent Quality on the Diffusion of Polystyrene Latex Spheres in Solutions of Poly(methyl methacrylate)

Dynamic light scattering has been used to study the diffusion of polystyrene (PS) latex spheres (≈0.2 μm radius) in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) solutions at 25 °C. The weight-average molecular weight of the PMMA was 350 000. The sign and magnitude of the deviations from the Stokes−Einstein (SE) equation varied dramatically with solvent quality. Positive deviations from SE behavior (ηDsphere/η0D0 > 1) were observed in good solvents for PMMA, such as dimethylformamide (DMF) and tetrahydrofuran (THF). We argue that these positive deviations are a result of a layer of solution locally surrounding the latex spheres that is rich in solvent and deficient in PMMA. This “depletion layer” is likely caused by a combination of entropic repulsion between the matrix PMMA and the latex spheres, and most importantly the immiscibility of PMMA and PS. A negative deviation (ηDsphere/η0D0 < 1) by almost of factor of 3 from the SE equation was observed in a dioxane−water mixed solvent, which is a ϑ-solvent for PMMA at 25...
Trade-offs in designing a mobile infrared scene projector

Current test and evaluation methods are not adequate for fully assessing the operational performance of imaging infrared sensors while they are installed on the weapon system platform. The use of infrared (IR) scene projection in test and evaluation will augment and redefine test methodologies currently being used to test and evaluate forward looking infrared (FLIR) and imaging IR sensors. The Mobile Infrared Scene Projector (MIRSP) projects accurate, dynamic, and realistic IR imagery into the entrance aperture of the sensor, such that the sensor would perceive and respond to the imagery as it would to the real-world scenario. The MIRSP domain of application includes development, analysis, integration, exploitation, training, and test and evaluation of ground and aviation based imaging IR sensors/subsystems/systems. This applies to FLIR systems, imaging IR missile seekers/guidance sections, as well as non-imaging thermal sensors. The MIRSP Phase I, 'pathfinder' has evolved from other scene projector systems, such as the Flight Motion Simulator Infrared Scene Projector (FIRSP) and the Dynamic Infrared Scene Projector (DIRSP). Both of these projector systems were designed for laboratory test and evaluation use rather than field test and evaluation use. This paper will detail the MIRSP design to include trade-off analysis performed at the system/subsystem levels. The MIRSP Phase II will provide the capability to test and evaluate various electro-optical sensors on weapon platform. The MIRSP Phase I and II will be advancing current IR scene projector technologies by exploring other technologies such as mobility/transportability, packaging, sensors, and scene generation.
Magnetic properties of some first-series transition metal chloroarsenates and a chlorophosphate having flat and twisted zigzag chain structures.

Abstract The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility of some planar zigzag (Co 2 (AsO 4 )Cl and Cu 2 (AsO 4 )Cl) and twisted U-shaped (Fe 2 (PO 4 )Cl) chains is reported. The compounds show complex AF behavior. Co 2 (AsO 4 )Cl exhibits distinct maxima in X ′ M at 33.8, 106.4 and 139.3 K, Fe 2 (PO 4 )Cl at ≈ 5, 7.8 and 61.9 K, and Cu 2 (AsO 4 )Cl at 7.8 and 31.1 K.
Effect of immunoglobulin variable region structure on C3b and C4b deposition

Many of the biological activities of immunoglobulins, including interaction with the complement system, are attributed to the structure of the heavy chain constant domains. However, previous studies indicated that immune complexes formed with independently derived isotype-matched pairs of monoclonal antibodies vary with respect to their capacity to activate complement and to serve as targets for C3b and C4b deposition. The goal of the present study was to provide a structural basis for explaining how variable domains influence C3b and C4b deposition on immunoglobulins. Heavy and light chain variable domains from a pair of IgG2a antibodies previously shown to differ in terms of complement activation and C3b and C4b deposition were cloned and sequenced. The two clones utilize distinct heavy and light variable region genes and the translated amino acid sequence reveals several residues that could serve as potential targets for complement deposition which differs between the two antibodies. Molecular modeling suggests that many of the relevant differences between the two antibodies are located in solvent exposed portions of the heavy and light chain variable domains and that some of the relevant sites are located within the complementarity determining regions. Differences in antibody affinity do not provide an explanation for the previously observed role of variable domains on interactions with the complement system. These data suggest that sequence variations within solvent-exposed variable domain residues may play a key role in C3b and C4b deposition on immunoglobulins.
Observations of the Ultraviolet-Bright Star in 47 Tucanae with the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope

The ultraviolet-bright star "BS" in the globular cluster 47 Tuc (NGC 104) was observed with the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (HUT) during the Astro-2 Space Shuttle mission in 1995 March. The resulting spectrum extends from 912 to 1840 A with a resolution of about 3 A. It has numerous absorption features, but no emission features other than terrestrial airglow lines. We have fitted the data with Kurucz stellar atmosphere models using a χ2 minimization technique. The Kurucz model that best fits the observed spectrum has Teff = 11,000 K, log g = 2.5, and [M/H] = -1.0; however, it overpredicts the flux in the sub-Lyβ region by nearly a factor of 3. Kurucz line profiles fitted to the star's Hδ Balmer line yield log g = 2.0. Assuming a distance of 4.6 ± 1.0 kpc, we estimate the stellar luminosity to be log L/L☉ = 3.07 ± 0.20. These atmospheric parameters place the star on the Schonberner post-asymptotic giant branch (AGB) evolutionary tracks. We measure the equivalent widths of the star's absorption lines and find them consistent with the abundances of cluster giant-branch and AGB stars. We conclude that BS in 47 Tuc is a cluster member and that non-LTE effects and nonsolar abundance ratios not included in the Kurucz models are important in this star.
Vibrational frequencies and structural determination of cyanosulfur pentafluoride

Abstract The vibrational frequencies and corresponding normal mode assignments of cyanosulfur pentafluoride are examined theoretically using the gaussian 03 set of quantum chemistry codes. All normal modes were successfully assigned to one of five types of motion predicted by a group theoretical analysis (C N stretch, S–F stretch, S–C stretch, S–F bend, and S–C N bend) utilizing the C4v symmetry of the molecule. Molecular orbitals and bonding are examined.
Paratylenchus Marylandicus, N. Sp. (Nematoda: Criconematidae) Associated With Roots of Pine

Paratylenchus marylandicus wird als neue Art von Pinus virginiana beschrieben und abgebildet Das Weibchen unterscheidet sich von P. aciculus durch die Korpergrosse, durch das Vorhandensein lateraler Vulvahautchen, die bei P. aciculus fehlen, durch seinen mehr nach hinten gelegenen Exkretionsporus und durch das Vorhandensein von 4 Seitenlinien. Das Mannchen von P. marylandicus besitzt einen kurzen gedrungenen Schwanz mit einer deutlich konischen Spitze und eine Anschwellung im Korper nahe den Spicula.
Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and etiology of congestive heart failure in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and etiology of congestive heart failure (CHF) in older adults. METHODS: Published reports relevant to the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and etiology of CHF were systematically reviewed. Studies involving older adults and more recent studies were emphasized. RESULTS: More than 75% of patients with CHF in the United States are older than 65 years of age, and CHF is the leading cause of hospitalization in older adults. CHF is also a major cause of chronic disability, and annual expenditures for CHF currently exceed $10 billion. In addition, both the incidence and prevalence of CHF are increasing, largely as a result of the aging of the population. Older adults are predisposed to developing CHF as a result of age-related changes in the cardiovascular system and the high prevalence of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease in this age group. Although the fundamental pathophysiology of CHF is similar in younger and older patients, older individuals are more prone to develop CHF in the setting of preserved left ventricular systolic function. This syndrome, referred to as diastolic heart failure, accounts for up to 50% of all cases of CHF in adults more than 65 years of age. Coronary heart disease and hypertension are the most common etiologies of CHF in older adults, and they often coexist. Valvular heart disease, especially aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation, are also common in older adults, whereas nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy occur less frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Congestive heart failure is a major public health problem in the United States today as a result of its high and increasing prevalence in the older population as well as its substantial impact on healthcare costs and quality of life. There is an urgent need to develop more effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of CHF in older individuals.
Ingestion of male haemolymph and mating propensity of female sagebrush crickets: no evidence of a male-derived antiaphrodisiac

Abstract Male sagebrush crickets, Cyphoderris strepitans , offer an unusual nuptial food gift to females during copulation: females feed on the hindwings of males and ingest haemolymph seeping from the wounds they inflict. Previous work has shown that females prevented from wing feeding during initial copulations are more receptive to subsequent matings than females permitted to wing feed. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that hormonal substances contained in the haemolymph of males, and ingested by females during copulation, function to decrease female receptivity to further matings. We tested this hypothesis by providing females, experimentally prevented from wing feeding, with male-derived haemolymph or appropriate control substances (female-derived haemolymph or cricket Ringer's solution), and recording their propensity to mate (in 1999) or remate (in 2000). Female mating propensity was not affected by ingestion of male haemolymph in either experiment. Although these results are inconsistent with the male manipulation hypothesis, it is possible that putative receptivity-inhibiting substances are sequestered in the integument of males' hindwings, rather than contained in male haemolymph per se. Alternatively, both the results of the present study and those of previous studies are consistent with the hypothesis that wing feeding leads simply to satiation of females, and thereby diminishes their motivation to seek out additional matings. Copyright 2003 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Molecular dynamics test of the Brownian description of Na+ motion in water

The present paper provides the results of molecular dynamics calculations on a Na(+) ion in aqueous solution. Attention is given to the sodium-oxygen and sodium-hydrogen radial distribution functions, the velocity autocorrelation function for the Na(+) ion, the autocorrelation function of the force on the stationary ion, and the accuracy of Brownian motion assumptions which are basic to hydrodynamic models of ion dyanmics in solution. It is pointed out that the presented calculations provide accurate data for testing theories of ion dynamics in solution. The conducted tests show that it is feasible to calculate Brownian friction constants for ions in aqueous solutions. It is found that for Na(+) under the considered conditions the Brownian mobility is in error by only 60 percent.
Change in Novel Filtration Markers and Risk of ESRD

Background Chronic kidney disease progression is a risk factor for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). A 57% decline in creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR cr ) is an established surrogate outcome for ESRD in clinical trials, and a 30% decrease recently has been proposed as a surrogate end point. However, it is unclear whether change in novel filtration marker levels provides additional information for ESRD risk to change in eGFR cr . Study Design Cohort study. Setting & Participants Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study participants from 4 US communities. Predictors Percent change in levels of filtration markers (eGFR cr , cystatin C−based eGFR [eGFR cys ], the inverse of β 2 -microglobulin concentration [1/B2M]) over a 6-year period. Outcome Incident ESRD. Measurements Cox proportional hazards regression with adjustment for demographics, kidney disease risk factors, and first measurement of eGFR cr . Results During a median follow-up of 13 years, there were 142 incident ESRD cases. In adjusted analysis, declines > 30% in eGFR cr , eGFR cys , and 1/B2M were associated significantly with ESRD compared with stable concentrations of filtration markers (HRs of 19.96 [95% CI, 11.73-33.96], 16.67 [95% CI, 10.27-27.06], and 22.53 [95% CI, 13.20-38.43], respectively). Using the average of declines in the 3 markers, >30% decline conferred higher ESRD risk than that for eGFR cr alone (HR, 31.97 [95% CI, 19.40-52.70; P =0.03] vs eGFR cr ). Limitations Measurement error could influence estimation of change in filtration marker levels. Conclusions A >30% decline in kidney function assessed using novel filtration markers is associated strongly with ESRD, suggesting the potential utility of measuring change in cystatin C and B2M levels in settings in which improved outcome ascertainment is needed, such as clinical trials.
Credible assignments can improve efficiency in laboratory public goods games

Abstract This paper reports an experiment investigating how assignments improve economic efficiency in a modified version of the standard voluntary-contributions mechanism. The experiment uses a non-binding message that makes common information assignments in the repeated game. A credible assignment is one actually followed by the participants. It turns out to be difficult to credibly assign the symmetric efficient outcome in four person cohorts, but we did discover one assignment that was credible in the last match of the evolutionary repeated game.
A study of the 6Li(p,n)6Be reaction by the neutron threshold technique

Abstract The reaction 6 Li(p,n) 6 Be has been studied by slow-neutron detection, with particular attention to the 6 Be ground state threshold. The detector response was calculated by a Monte Carlo technique and verified with a measurement of the 7 Li(α,n) 10 B threshold. An analysis of the shape of the 6 Be threshold indicated that both s- and p-wave neutrons contribute significantly to the reaction. The results depend on what mode of decay is assumed for the ground state of 6 Be. If a two-stage process is assumed, with either an alpha particle and an unbound diproton or 5 Li and a proton as intermediate state, the width is found to be 95±28 keV and the Q -value obtained for the 6 Li(p,n) 6 Be reaction is −5074±13 keV. It was not possible to detertmine which process is predominant. No higher thresholds in the slow neutron yield up to 4 MeV of excitation in 6 Be were observed. The data above the ground state threshold are consistent with a broad excited state of 6 Be or with the occurrence of other neutron-producing reactions.
THE HISTORY OF SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE

Social work as a profession grew chiefly out of the development of social welfare policies and programs in the United States, Europe, and Muslim countries. Judeo-Christian and Muslim practices and beliefs underlie many of the early attempts to provide help to the poor, the sick, widows, orphans, the “insane” and “imbeciles” (as those with problems of mental illness and developmental disability used to be called) and the elderly. This history begins with a discussion of the development of social welfare in Middle Eastern and European countries and then moves to the transfer of social welfare policies and practices to the New World of the American colonies. We then discuss the transition from the work of government officials and “people of good will,” who both helped and regulated those who were needy, to the creation of the profession of social work as we know it today. Two thousand years before the birth of Christ, a ruler of Babylonia named Hammurabi madetheprotectionofwidowsandorphansanessentialpartofhiscode.TheAncientGreeks and Romans were similarly concerned about helping the needy. The Roman statesman Cicero (106‐43 b.c.) described man as a social animal who should “cooperate with and assist his fellow men.” From Cicero we get the scripture that it is more blessed to give than to receive. As the social welfare historian Walter Trattner notes, “the words ‘philanthropy’ and ‘charity’ and the concepts for which they stand B love of mankind, love of humanity, brotherhood B are of Greek and Latin origin” (Trattner, 1999, pp. 1‐2). The Arab world has also contributed to charitable traditions. Islamic thought draws a distinction between social justice and charity. The faith has a strong tradition of social reform, based on the Prophet Muhammad’s advocacy on behalf of women, children, and the disadvantaged. This tradition is operationalized through the requirement that all Muslims who are financially able shall contribute 2.5% of their net wealth each year for support of the needy. This practice, called zakah, is not considered to be charity but rather an act of social justice through the redistribution of wealth. Any contributions in addition are seen as charity, or sadaqa, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. The Koran lists eight categories of uses to which charitable contributions can be put: aid to the poor, the needy, those who collect the contributions, “those whose hearts must be reconciled,” debtors, wayfarers, the redemption of captives, and “for God’s cause” (Al-Krenawi & Graham, 2000; Augustine, 2002; Canda & Furman, 1999, pp. 137‐138; Stillman, 1975). Social historian Walter Trattner emphasizes the importance of Jewish tradition in the development of modern philanthropy. Ancient Jewish doctrines, he notes, teach the duty of giving and “equally important, the right of those in need to receive.” Throughout the
Runoff Elections in Georgia

Runoff elections have received little scholarly attention. This paper begins to fill this void by exploring the accuracy of three popular myths concerning the impact of runoffs. The "leader loses" myth states that the primary leader usually loses the runoff. The "incumbent loses" myth warns that if an incumbent is forced into a runoff, the challenger will win the nomination. The "minority disadvantage" myth is a special case of the leader loses myth and claims that minorities who obtain primary pluralities lose runoffs. Data from 215 Georgia runoffs held between 1965 and 1982 are used to explore the myths. The myths bear little relationship to general patterns. While selected well-known cases conform to the myths, the myths are inaccurate more often than they are correct. The success of primary leaders in runoffs is related to the margin enjoyed by the leader in the primary and to conditions associated with incumbency.
HIV infection and AIDS in adolescents: An update of the position of the Society for Adolescent Medicine

The Society reaffirms its call for accurate and comprehensive monitoring of HIV infection in youth. The Society endorses efforts to expand knowledge of HIV infection to youth from all countries and recognizes that priorities in this regard need to be based on local needs not externally developed policies. The Society supports research into HIV care and treatment initiatives that are focused on youth. The Society supports expansion of testing and counseling efforts that utilize state-of- the-art techniques and an immediate linkage to comprehensive care for positive or concerned youth. The Society endorses community based HIV/AIDS prevention and education that recognizes the importance of abstinence but that is comprehensive and sensitive to the needs of all adolescents including those who are gay lesbian bisexual transgender or questioning. The Society supports continued research focusing on the antecedents of HIV infection and important preventive tools such as microbicides and vaccines. (excerpt)
Clinically suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Abstract Purpose Patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are at risk for thrombocytopenia including heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of suspected HIT in patients receiving ECMO and unfractionated heparin (UFH). Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective review in adult patients on ECMO. Patients were included if they received ECMO for at least 5 days and concomitant UFH. Results There were 119 patients who met inclusion criteria. Twenty-three patients (19%) had a heparin–platelet factor 4 immunoassay performed. Patients with suspected HIT had a significantly lower platelet count within the first 3 days of ECMO, 69 × 10 9 /L (22-126 × 10 9 /L) vs 87.5 × 10 9 /L (63-149 × 10 9 /L); P = .04. The lowest platelet count on the day of HIT testing was 43 × 10 9 /L (26-73), representing a 71% reduction from baseline. Twenty patients (87%) had an optical density score less than 0.4, and all patients had a score less than 1.0. A functional assay was performed in 7 patients (30%), with only 1 patient having laboratory-confirmed HIT. Conclusions The evaluation of HIT occurred in a small percentage of patients, with HIT rarely being detected. Patients who had heparin–platelet factor 4 immunoassay testing exhibited lower platelet counts with a similar duration of ECMO and UFH exposure.
Plantar flexion influences radiographic measurements of the ankle mortise.

Background: The treatment of ankle fractures often depends on the integrity of the deltoid ligament. Diagnosis of a deltoid ligament tear depends on the measurement of the medial clear space. We sought to evaluate the impact of ankle plantar flexion on the medial clear space. Methods: Mortise radiographs were made for twenty-five healthy volunteers, with the ankle in four positions of plantar flexion (0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°). Four observers measured the medial clear space and the superior clear space on each radiograph. The mean medial clear space at 0° was defined as the control, and the deviation of the medial clear space from the control value was calculated at 15°, 30°, and 45° of plantar flexion. The ratio of the medial clear space to the superior clear space was determined on all radiographs, and ratios that were false-positive for a deltoid ligament injury were identified. Results: Fourteen male and eleven female volunteers were evaluated. The average increase in the medial clear space when ankle plantar flexion was increased from 0° to 45° was 0.38 mm (95% confidence interval, 0.18 to 0.58 mm). This increase was significant (p = 0.005). The average increase in the medial clear space was 0.04 mm when ankle plantar flexion was increased from 0° to 15° and 0.22 mm when it was increased from 0° to 30°. Neither of these changes was significant (p = 0.99 and 0.20). The prevalence of false-positive findings of deltoid injury based on the ratio of the medial clear space to the superior clear space increased as ankle plantar flexion increased, but this increase did not reach significance in our study group (p = 0.18). Conclusions: Plantar flexion of the ankle produces changes in radiographic measurements of the medial clear space. The potential for false-positive findings of deltoid disruption increases with increasing ankle plantar flexion. Clinical Relevance: This study highlights the importance of the ankle being in a neutral position when radiographs are made to measure the medial clear space to assist in the decision of whether to perform nonoperative or operative treatment.
Object-oriented reconfigurable processing for wireless networks

We present an outline of reconfigurable processor technologies and design methods with emphasis on an object-oriented approach and on both full and partial dynamic reconfiguration. A specific, broadly applicable architecture for implementing a software reconfigurable network processor for wireless communication applications is presented; a prototype of which is currently operating in the laboratory. This architecture, with its associated object oriented design methods and partial reconfiguration techniques, enables rapid prototyping and rapid implementation of communications and navigation signal processing functions, provides long-life communications infrastructure and results in dynamic operation within networks with heterogeneous nodes, as well as compatibility with other networks. This work builds upon numerous advances in the commercial industry, as well as military software radio developments, to space-based radios and network processing. The development of such radios and the network processor presented here requires the correct combination of processing methods ("objects") to be defined and appropriate dynamic reconfiguration techniques to be developed as a function of system goals and operating parameters.
A New Reversion Assay for Measuring all Possible Base Pair Substitutions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A TRP5-based reversion system that allows the rates of all possible base pair substitutions to be measured when the TRP5 locus is in both orientations relative to a defined origin of replication has been developed. This system should be useful for a wide variety of mutation and repair studies in yeast.