cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adoption of a dedicated multidisciplinary team is associated with improved survival in acute pulmonary embolism

Acute pulmonary embolism remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Benefit of recently developed multidisciplinary PE response teams (PERT) with higher utilization of advanced therapies has not been established. To evaluate patient-centered outcomes and cost-effectiveness of a multidisciplinary PERT we performed a retrospective analysis of 554 patients with acute PE at the university of Virginia between July 2014 and June 2015 (pre-PERT era) and between April 2017 through October 2018 (PERT era). Six-month survival, hospital length-of-stay (LOS), type of PE therapy, and in-hospital bleeding were assessed upon collected data. 317 consecutive patients were treated for acute PE during an 18-month period following institution of a multidisciplinary PE program; for 120 patients PERT was activated (PA), the remaining 197 patients with acute PE were considered as a separate, contemporary group (NPA). The historical, comparator cohort (PP) was composed of 237 patients. These 3 groups were similar in terms of baseline demographics, comorbidities and risk, as assessed by the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI). Patients in the historical cohort demonstrated worsened survival when compared with patients treated during the PERT era. During the PERT era no statistically significant difference in survival was observed in the PA group when compared to the NPA group despite significantly higher severity of illness among PA patients. Hospital LOS was not different in the PA group when compared to either the NPA or PP group. Hospital costs did not differ among the 3 cohorts. 30-day re-admission rates were significantly lower during the PERT era. Rates of advanced therapies were significantly higher during the PERT era (9.1% vs. 2%) and were concentrated in the PA group (21.7% vs. 1.5%) without any significant rise in in-hospital bleeding complications. At our institution, all-cause mortality in patients with acute PE has significantly and durably decreased with the adoption of a PERT program without incurring additional hospital costs or protracting hospital LOS. Our data suggest that the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach at some institutions may provide benefit to select patients with acute PE.
A Retrospective Analysis of Blood Lead Levels in Newly Arrived Immigrant Children, Miami-Dade County, Florida, 2013-2016.

OBJECTIVE The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) recommendation for blood lead level (BLL) screening of refugee children is to test new arrivals aged 6 months to 16 years. No such recommendations exist for testing immigrant children. Our objective was to provide evidence in support of creating lower age-specific guidelines for BLL screening for newly arrived immigrant populations to reduce the burden of unnecessary BLL testing. METHODS We conducted a 3-year (2013-2016) retrospective analysis of BLLs of 1349 newly arrived immigrant children, adolescents, and young adults aged 3-19 who visited the University of Miami Pediatric Mobile Clinic in Miami, Florida. We obtained capillary samples and confirmed values >5 μg/dL via venous sample. The primary outcome was BLL in μg/dL. The main predictor variable was age. We further adjusted regression models by poverty level, sex, and ethnicity. RESULTS Of 15 patients with a BLL that warranted further workup and a lead level of concern, 9 were aged 3-5 and 6 were aged 6-11. None of the adolescent and young adult patients aged 12-19 had a lead level of concern. Nearly half of the patients (n = 658, 48.8%) lived in zip codes of middle to high levels of poverty. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence to support the creation of lower age-specific guidelines for BLL screening among newly arrived immigrant children and adolescents. Future studies should elucidate appropriate age ranges for BLL testing based on epidemiologic evidence, such as age and country of origin.
Equity-linked Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefits with dollar cost averaging

Abstract In this paper, we analyze a form of equity-linked Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (GMDB), whose payoff depends on a dollar cost averaging (DCA) style periodic investment in the risky index, with rider premiums paid at regular intervals. This rider is a very natural insurance vehicle for equity-linked variable annuities, and the DCA feature has a tendency to reduce the uncertainty associated with the final payoff, beyond the minimum benefit guaranteed to the beneficiary upon death of the insured. This makes the insurer risk easier to manage as the contract ages. From the policyholder's perspective, the protection is cheaper than a standard GMDB whose payoff depends solely on the risky index value upon death, but still offers the upside potential from an investment made at regular intervals. We derive closed-form valuation formulas under the fairly broad class of exponential Levy models for the risky index, which includes Black-Scholes as a special case. Closed-form valuation is provided by a fundamental link between this contract and a series of Asian options, for which valuation is well established. We provide several valuation strategies, and demonstrate the soundness of the framework.
Effects of the Interaction of Bluegill and Two Species of Tadpoles on Experimental Zooplankton Communities

Fish predation can structure zooplankton communities; however, the impacts of other organisms on zooplankton communities, alone or interacting with fish predation, are less known. We used two mesocosm experiments to study the impacts of Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and tadpoles on temperate zooplankton communities, one with American Toad tadpoles (Anaxyrus americanus) and the other with Bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus). In both experiments Daphnia (a larger bodied cladoceran) were virtually eliminated and rotifers were more abundant with Bluegill. Bluegill slightly reduced cyclopoid copepods in the American Toad experiment but not significantly, whereas cyclopoid copepods were more abundant with Bluegill in the Bullfrog experiment. Bosmina (a smaller bodied cladoceran) in the Bullfrog experiment were more abundant when Bluegill were absent, but there was no significant effect of Bluegill in the American Toad experiment. Tadpoles in general had no effect on our zooplankton communities. Our experiments confirm the influence of Bluegill on zooplankton communities, whereas tadpoles of the two anuran species had no widespread effects on zooplankton.
LWIR Dual-Comb Spectroscopy Using Time-Domain Etalon Calibration

We demonstrate a technique for improving performance in dual-comb spectroscopy when utilizing sources based on difference frequency generation without stabilization of the offset frequency by utilizing an etalon to recalibrate time-domain data in post-processing.
Embodied Attention: Integrating the Body and Senses to Act in the World

Research on spatial attention traditionally focuses on how it is influenced by the location of objects within the visual environment and by expectations about those objects. However, a primary function of spatial attention is to plan physical actions. When events occur in the world, visual information needs to be gathered and integrated with current body position to help prepare effective responses to these events. Further, current actions can subsequently influence future deployments of attention. Thus, spatial attention must be considered within the context of bodily actions. Here, we review research demonstrating that one’s own body and actions and the actions of others can affect spatial attention mechanisms, influencing the prioritization of functional space near the body and governing the deployment of attention. This work emphasizes a need for an embodied theory of spatial attention and a more dynamic neural model of attention, attention that adjusts to meet the affordances of the body and of the current environment and, at the same time, the perceiver’s goals.
Sedative-, Hypnotic-, or Anxiolytic-Related Disorders

This chapter discusses sedative-, hypnotic, and anxiolytic-related disorders, with a focus on benzodiazepines, the most widely used drugs of the sedative-hypnotic class. Those who are originally prescribed these medications for primary psychiatric disorders and those who obtain these agents illicitly are among those who can develop a use disorder. In this chapter, the pharmacological properties of the benzodiazepines will be discussed, specifically in terms of how they contribute to clinical and side effects, as well as the development of tolerance, intoxication, and withdrawal. The clinical vignette will illustrate the signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine use disorder and how to manage withdrawal and discontinuation of benzodiazepines in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Having an understanding of how to both prescribe and taper benzodiazepines is key to preventing benzodiazepine dependence and poor outcomes.
Imaging the Chest Following Radiation Therapy

External beam radiation therapy is used in the treatment of pulmonary, mediastinal, and chest wall malignancies, including primarily lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, and lymphoma. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy, surgery, or both, for either palliation or cure. The lung is the primary dose-limiting structure in the chest, and radiation-induced lung injury resulting in pneumonitis, fibrosis, or both markedly limits the total dose of radiation that can be safely administered. Additionally, radiation pneumonitis can be one of the most severe complications of total body radiation therapy. Imaging plays a central role in the follow-up of patients treated for lung carcinoma. The imaging features of radiation-induced lung injury can be fairly specific, and recognition of these findings can aid in distinguishing recurrent neoplasm or infection from radiation pneumonitis or radiation fibrosis.
Clinical Assessment of the Patient with Pulmonary Disease

Great care should be taken to elicit a history of cough. Many patients do not readily admit to coughing or may be unaware of its importance. Coughing is considered apart of a “normal” daily life by some individuals. Worsening of a chronic cough may be a clue to the development of new disease. The most common causes of cough are Smoking Asthma Respiratory infection Lung cancer
Characterization of Xylose Uptake in the Yeasts Pichia heedii and Pichia stipitis.

The kinetics of xylose uptake were investigated in the efficient xylose fermenter Pichia stipitis and in the more readily genetically manipulated, strictly respiratory yeast Pichia heedii. Both yeasts demonstrated more than one xylose uptake system, differing in substrate affinity. The Km of high-affinity xylose uptake in both organisms was similar to that of the efficient high-affinity glucose uptake system of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In P. heedii, low-affinity xylose uptake was enhanced with growth on 2% but not 0.05% xylose and high-affinity uptake was reduced. In contrast to glucose uptake, xylose uptake in P. heedii was inhibited by dinitrophenol. Dinitrophenol inhibited both glucose and xylose uptake by P. stipitis. Glucose uptake was not inhibited by a 100-fold molar excess of xylose in P. heedii. It is suggested that xylose uptake in P. heedii is via a carrier system(s) distinct from those for glucose uptake.
Conflicts and rebellion during adolescence.

During the years from 10 to 18 the youngster is confronted with a series of problems for which he has to find solutions suitable and acceptable to himself, to his parents, and to society. He can find the solutions and adjust his life pattern either in a gradual, smooth and comfortable way or in stormy forward bouts and retreats: this will determine his life during adolescence. The nature and suitability of the solutions and his acceptance of them as his way of life will determine his integration into adult society. Advancement to high school requires adjustment from one teacher to several, from a prearranged curriculum to some choice of subject, from day to day assignments to projects extending over weeks, requiring responsibility for planning that are now to be assumed by the student rather than the teacher. The youngster becomes concerned about his career and begins to understand the connection between his present schooling and future life plans. His thoughts about his choice of profession still vacillate between an immature wish for gratification of immediate desires (he wants to be a taxi driver because he likes to ride in cars) and a more mature ability to postpone gratification and engage in long-range planning. He learns to consider his interests, abilities, opportunities, and ultimate returns from his work and begins to favor them over the immediate returns. His plans and his ability to carry them out will depend upon his emotional maturity. He is in need of guidance to assist him with his decisions, and to supplement his partially matured conscience, self-control and super-ego.
Foreword: Reflections on our Founding

Law Journals have been under heavy criticism for as long as we can remember. The criticisms come from all quarters, including judges, law professors, and even commentators at large. In an address at the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference almost a decade ago, for example, Chief Justice Roberts complained about the “disconnect between the academy and the profession.”1 More pointedly, he continued, “[p]ick up a copy of any law review that you see, and the first article is likely to be, you know, the influence of Immanuel Kant on evidentiary approaches in 18th Century Bulgaria, or something, which I’m sure was of great interest to the academic that wrote it, but isn’t of much help to the bar.”2 Similarly, law professors have developed what Lawrence Friedman calls “a literature of invective” against law reviews.3 Adam Liptak summarized one line of criticism with a question: “[W]hy are law reviews, the primary repositories of legal scholarship, edited by law students?”4 As far back as 1936, Fred Rodell famously complained that “the law reviews will keep right on turning out stuff that is not fit to read, on subjects that are not worth the bother of writing about them.”5 The criticisms have not abated.6 More recently, Jim Lindgren wrote that “[o]ur scholarly journals are in the hands of incompetents.”7 Judge Posner has similarly argued that “[g]iven the handicaps of ignorance, immaturity, inexperience, and inadequate incentives, the wonder is not that law reviews leave much to be desired as scholarly journals, but that they aren’t much worse
Critical voltage transition logic: an ultrafast CMOS logic family

The authors present a new kind of CMOS logic circuit that has a different structure and different operation mechanism compared to the existing logic circuits. Its unique delay propagation characteristic makes it much faster than the conventional CMOS logic gate. Gate outputs are preconditioned to a voltage level between V/sub dd/ and V/sub ss/ using a new clocking scheme and circuit design. They give a buffer design example which is about 6.5 times faster than the conventional buffer. The total energy consumed by the new circuit structure is slightly more than conventional CMOS domino logic; however the energy-delay product is smaller.
(S)‐N‐Trifluoromethylsulfonyl‐2‐isopropylaziridine

[196520-85-1] C6H10F3NO2S (MW 217.21) InChI = 1S/C6H10F3NO2S/c1-4(2)5-3-10(5)13(11,12)6(7,8)9/h4-5H,3H2,1-2H3/t5-,10?/m1/s1 InChIKey = UKCBHEBTYNCWDW-UYBGKAFVSA-N (reagent used as a chiral sulfonamide precursor in a wide array of reactions) Physical Data: bp 186 °C; d 1.41 g cm−3. Solubility: soluble in most organic solvents. Form Supplied in: colorless liquid; not commercially available. It is freshly prepared by treatment of (S)-valinol with triflic anhydride and triethylamine1 at −78 °C. Purification: it is quite unstable and is therefore used directly without further purification. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: store under a nitrogen atmosphere and refrigerate. Decomposes on prolonged exposure to air.
The effect of chronic benzodiazepines exposure on body weight in rats.

Abstract Changes in body weight (BW) in female rats treated for 5 weeks (wk) with weekly subcutaneous implantation of silastic capsules containing different benzodiazepines (BZs): diazepam (DZ) 90, 180, 360 and 540 mg wk −1 ; nordiazepam (ND) 600 mg wk −1 ; oxazepam (OX) 600 mg wk −1 and flunitrazepam (FN) 540 mg wk −1 and in male rats exposed to DZ (540 mg wk −1 ) were evaluated herein. Rats (female and male) implanted with empty capsules served as controls. The BW gain was significantly higher in male than in female rats (both DZ-treated and controls). The BW gain increased with increasing doses of DZ but slowed with time of exposure. In comparison to control rats, the BW gain was significantly higher in DZ- (540 mg wk −1 ) and OX- but not in ND- and FN-treated female rats. However, the differences between BZs were not of statistical significance. In rats exposed to empty capsules (male, female); DZ (male); ND and OX (female) the BW gain increased with time (1–4 wk) while in rats exposed to DZ and FN (female) the BW stabilised within 2 wk. Acute injection of the central BZ receptor antagonist, flumazenil (40 mg kg −1 , i.v., 5th wk of chronic exposure), tended to inhibit the time-related BW gain in rats exposed to empty capsules (male, female), DZ (male), ND and OX (female) but did not affect the BW in DZ- (540 mg wk −1 ) and FN-exposed rats (female) where BW stabilised prior to FLU injection. Repeated administration of flumazenil (30 mg kg −1 wk −1 , i.p.) did not affect the BW gain in DZ- and ND-treated female rats. The present data indicate that different BZs have different effects on BW gain in the rat suggesting that different subtypes of BZ receptors are involved.
Spin-3/2 baryons from an anisotropic lattice QCD action

The mass spectrum of baryons in the spin-3/2 sector is computed in quenched lattice QCD using a tadpole-improved anisotropic action. Both isospin 1/2 and 3/2 (the traditional decuplet) are considered, as well as members that contain strange quarks. States with positive and negative parities are isolated by parity projection, while states with spin-3/2 and spin-1/2 are separated by spin projection. The extent to which spin projection is needed is examined. The issue of optimal interpolating field is also investigated. The results are discussed in relation to previous calculations and experiment.
Air pollution and blood markers of cardiovascular risk.

Recent studies have linked air pollution to tens of thousands of premature cardiovascular deaths per year. The mechanisms of such associations remain unclear. In this study we examine the association between blood markers of cardiovascular risk and air pollution in a national sample of the U.S. population. Air pollution concentrations were merged to subjects in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) in the United States, and the association with fibrinogen levels and counts of platelets and white blood cells were examined. The subjects in NHANES III are a representative sample of the U.S. population. Regressions controlled for age, race, sex, body mass index, current smoking, and number of cigarettes per day. The complex survey design was dealt with using mixed models with a random sampling site effect. In single-pollutant models, PM(10) (particulate matter with a mass median aerodynamic diameter less than 10 microm) was associated with all three outcomes (p< 0.05): Sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) was significantly associated only with white cell counts, nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)) with platelet counts and fibrinogen, and ozone with none of the outcomes. In two-pollutant models, PM(10) remained a significant predictor of white cell counts controlling for SO(2) but not vice versa. PM(10) was marginally significant in a model for platelet counts with NO(2), and the sign of the NO(2) coefficient was reversed. These results were stable with control for indoor exposures (wood stoves, environmental tobacco smoke, gas stoves, fireplaces), dietary risk factors (saturated fat, alcohol, caffeine intake, n-3 fatty acids), and serum cholesterol. The magnitude of the effects are modest [e.g., 13 microg/dL fibrinogen for an interquartile range (IQR) change in PM(subscript)10(/subscript), 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.6-22.1 mg/dL]. However, the odds ratio of being in the top 10% of fibrinogen for the same IQR change was 1.77 (95% CI 1.26-2.49). These effects provide considerable biologic plausibility to the mortality studies. PM(10), but not gaseous air pollutants, is associated with blood markers of cardiovascular risk, and this may explain epidemiologic associations with early deaths.
Encyclopedia of Percussion

PREFACE CONTRIBUTORS ALPHABETIZED PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS - A TO Z DICTIONARY OF PERCUSSION TERMS AS FOUND IN THE SYMPHONIC REPERTORIE GLOSSARY OF PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS AND TERMS IN: ENGLISH, GERMAN, FRENCH AND ITALIAN PICTURES OF PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS PERCUSSION PERSONALITIES: A. SYMOHONIC ORCHESTRA PERCUSSION SECTION B. PERCUSSION INSTRUCTORS C. DRUM SET PLAYERS D. VIBRAPHONE PLAYERS E. LATIN PERCUSSION PLAYERS INDEX OF ARTICLES: BASLE DRUM PUBLISHED METHOD BOOKS FOR PERCUSSION PRE-1960 BASS DRUM PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS OF BRASIL THE HISTORY AND MANUFACTURE OF CALFSKIN HEADS CASTANETS CYMBALS HISTORY OF THE DRUM SET ELECTRONIC PERCUSSION THE PERCUSSIVE ARTS SOCIETY - A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE JANISSARY MUSIC KETTLEDRUM LATIN-AMERICAN PERCUSSION MULTIPLE PERCUSSION PERCUSSION AND DANCE PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES HISTORY AND DEVELOPEMENT OF THE PLASTIC DRUM HEAD THE ROPE TENSIONED DRUM IN AMERICA SNARE DRUM STEEL BAND/PAN TAMBOURIN PROVENCAL TAMBOURINE TRIANGLE VIBRAPHONE-VIBRAHARP-VIBES XYLOPHONE THE MARIMBA IN MEXICO AND RELATED AREAS
A large distributed control system using Ada in fusion research

Construction of the National Ignition Facility laser at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory features a large distributed control system constructed using object-oriented software engineering techniques. Control of 60,000 devices is effected using a network of some 500 computers that run software written in Ada and communicating through CORBA. The project has completed its final design review; implementation of the first of five planned increments will be delivered at the end of fiscal year 1998. Preliminary measures of the distributed controls performance confirm the design decisions reported in this paper, and the measurement and supporting simulation of full system performance continue.
Observation of coupled cyclotron-plasmonlo phonon modes in InSb for sample configurations ranging from Faraday to Voigt

Abstract In an external magnetic field the coupled plasmon-LO phonon modes interact with the single-particle cyclotron modes to produce, in general, three modes which are i.r. active for all sample configurations except the Faraday configuration. In normal-incidence experiments on a thin sample of n -InSb, we have observed the shift in position of the coupled-mode resonance absorption lines as the magnetic field is tilted in steps from the Faraday to the Voigt configuration. We also observed the magnetic field dependence of the intensity and width of the absorption lines which are related to the electron and LO phonon strengths of the modes. Calculations of transmittance and reflectance are in good qualitative agreement with the experimental observations.
Interfacial reactions during soldering with lead-tin eutectic and lead (Pb)-free, tin-rich solders

The use of lead (Pb)-containing solders for the interconnections of microelectronic subsystem assembly and packaging has become an environmental issue. Extensive research and development activities for replacing Pb-containing solders with environmentally safe Pb-free solders are in progress in electronic industries, universities, and national laboratories. One key technical issue recognized with the Pb-free, Sn-rich solders is a need to develop a good barrier metallurgy to control the interfacial reactions, namely, dissolution of the base metal(s) and concurrent formation of intermetallics at the soldering interfaces. In this study, the interfacial reactions of Cu and Ni metallizaton with several Pb-free and Pb-containing solders are investigated. The dissolution kinetics of the base metal(s) as well as the growth kinetics of the intermetallics are discussed.
Far-infrared spectroscopy of the DR 21 star formation region

Far-IR line and continuum observations of the DR 21 star formation region are presented. It is shown that the extended emission in the 63 micron forbidden O I, 35 micron forbidden Si II, and 158 micron forbidden C II lines is most likely produced in dense, warm photodissociation regions on the surfaces of atomic and molecular clumps of size smaller than 0.6 pc. The gas temperatures in these photoelectrically heated, predominantly atomic layers are 250-500 K and are maintained by FUV fluxes 10,000 or more times the average interstellar radiation field. Gas densities in the surface layers are in the range 10,000-50,000/cu cm. The gas phase abundance of Si(+) is inferred to be about 5 x 10 to the -6th relative to hydrogen, or about 0.15 of its solar abundance. The mass of atomic gas is at least 200 solar masses.
Hemorrhage and intracranial hypertension in combination increase cerebral production of thromboxane A2.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS To determine the effects of reduced cerebral perfusion pressures produced by hemorrhage alone or in combination with intracranial hypertension on thromboxane A2 (TxA2) production, we undertook a randomized study in 38 anesthetized, mongrel dogs. Animals were subjected to 30 mins of hemorrhagic shock with normal (group 1) or increased (group 2) intracranial pressure (ICP). Group 1 animals (n = 22) were hemorrhaged to reduce cerebral perfusion pressure to 40 mm Hg for 30 mins. In group 2 (n = 16), cerebral perfusion pressure was reduced by the combination of less severe hypotension and intracranial hypertension (20 mm Hg). Cerebral and systemic hemodynamic measurements were recorded, including cerebral blood flow (sagittal sinus outflow method); ICP; cerebral perfusion pressure; and arterial and cerebral venous concentrations of TxB2 (double-antibody radioimmunoassay technique), the major metabolite of TxA2. Data were obtained at baseline and at the beginning and end of the 30-min shock period. RESULTS Hemorrhagic shock significantly (p less than .05) decreased cerebral blood flow in both groups. At the beginning of the shock period, cerebral blood flow was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (p less than .05) and venous-arterial differences in TxB2 increased significantly (p less than .05) in group 2, but not in group 1. At the end of the 30-min shock period, venous-arterial levels of TxB2 remained significantly (p less than .05) higher in group 2. CONCLUSIONS Increased cerebral production of TxA2 during hypotension accompanied by intracranial hypertension may contribute to the severity of neural damage produced by the combination of head trauma and shock.
Aortic Root Replacement with a Composite Valved Conduit

Currently there are several operative techniques in use aroundtheworldtoaddressaorticrootpathologicproblems. These include valve-sparing aortic root replacement, stentless porcine aortic root replacement, pulmonary autograft root replacement, and composite valved graft conduits (CVG) housed with either a mechanical or in some cases a bioprosthetic valve. The CVG root replacement is the most time tested of all options and was first described by Bentall and DeBono in 1968. 1 Since then there have been many published series that have extended out beyond 20 years that demonstrate the efficacy of this approach. The indications for aortic root replacement include aneurysmal disease, aortic dissection when the primary tear occurs in the aortic root or with concomitant aortic valve disease or aneurysmal disease, and invasive aortic valve endocarditis that involves the aortic root. Most commonly aortic root replacement is performed for aneurysmal disease that stems from a degenerative process or is secondary to a genetic abnormality that predisposes to proximal aortic dilation as in Marfan syndrome, Loeys‐Dietz syndrome, Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome vascular-type (type IV), familial aortic aneurysm or dissection syndromes, and aneurysm associated with bicuspid aortic valve. Abnormal aortic root and ascending aortic dimensions have been determined based on patient age and body size. Accrual of large amounts of echocardiographic and crosssectional imaging data from normal individuals has allowed the development of regression formulas and nomograms to define abnormal aortic dilation. For example, an individual 18 to 40 years old will have an average aortic diameter at the sinus level equal to 0.97 (1.12 BSA [m 2 ]) (cm). The upper limit of normal is 2.1 cm/m 2 for the sinus segment in most adults. The aorta is pathologically dilated if its diameter exceedsthenormforagivenageandbodysurfacearea(BSA). Itisdefinedasananeurysmifitsdiameteris50%greaterthan the norm. There remains some debate as to what the indication for operative intervention should be based on maximal orthogonal diameter alone without consideration of other clinical factors like aortic valve pathologic complications. Clearly, there are cohorts of patients with aortic root and ascending aortic aneurysms that are at higher risk of an aortic catastrophe (dissection, disruption, or sudden death) than others, like patients with a bona fide connective tissue disorder or family history of aortic dissection. Moreover, surgeon experience with aortic root replacement operations varies widely. Highvolumecentershavetendedtogeneratethebestresults,
Observational Studies of Statins in Systolic Heart Failure

This article reviews the results of observational statin use in clinical trials of patients who have systolic heart failure, in post-myocardial infarction with left ventricular dysfunction, and in cardiac device trials. This article shows a consistent benefit of statins on mortality (approximately 25%) in heart failure patients of both ischemic and nonischemic etiology. The benefit is not altered by concomitant heart failure medications or device therapy. The benefit of statins in heart failure is being investigated in large prospective trials in a broad range of heart failure patients.
INS aided by an acoustic wireless sensor network and magnetometer

The objective of this paper is to develop the theory for integrating magnetometer measurements with an existing inertial navigation system (INS) aided by an acoustic wireless sensor network. The system without magnetometer measurements provides position information reliably. However, in the absence of dynamic motion the orientation errors are not observable using the sensor network, which only provides position information. The magnetometer provides consistent observability of the orientation. The measurement model needed to estimate the orientation errors using the magnetometer is derived in this paper. This measurement model is integrated with measurements from the acoustic sensor network into a complimentary Kalman filter that is used to estimate the error states of an INS.
Roving for rocks on the red planet: The Mars Pathfinder Mission

Mars is the most Earth-like planet in our solar system. After Earth, it is the only other planet that is capable of supporting life. Recent scientific evidence suggests that life did once exist on Mars and makes the planet a doubly exciting target for exploration. Mars is a unique terrestrial planet. Evidence suggests it underwent major climatic changes and has a geologic record of surface rocks that spans the entire history of the solar system. The geologic record suggests that early climate on Mars was warmer and wetter, and that liquid water—a requirement for life—may have been present. Studying the geological, climatological, and exobiological conditions of Mars may provide the data science needs to address the almost theological question of: “Are we alone in the universe?”
Intractable status epilepticus

Optimal treatment strategies and mortality for prolonged generalized convulsive status epilepticus (SE) remain uncertain. This is especially so in cases in which SE recurs after initial treatment with pentobarbital (“intractable SE”). Two patients exhibited intractable SE for 26 and 56 days. When pentobarbital produced systemic hypotension, a continuous infusion of lorazepam was substituted without hypotension. Both patients survived and recovered adequately to be discharged home. EEG was monitored continuously in both patients. An orderly sequence of electrographic SE stages was seen as SE was terminated or recurred. These findings indicate survival after intractable SE is possible and also suggest lorazepam may be an effective alternative to pentobarbital for treatment of such severe cases.
Climate change adaptation: A study of fuel choice and consumption in the US energy sector

Abstract Using cross-sectional data, this paper estimates a national energy model of fuel choice by both households and firms. Consumers in warmer locations rely relatively more heavily on electricity rather than natural gas, oil, and other fuels. They also use more energy. Climate change will likely increase electricity consumption on cooling but reduce the use of other fuels for heating. On net, American energy expenditures will likely increase, resulting in welfare damages that increase as temperatures rise. For example, if the US warms by 5 °C by 2100, we predict annual welfare losses of $57 billion.
Use of Whitney's edge and face elements for efficient finite element time domain solution of Maxwell's equations

In this paper, a new Finite Element Time Domain (FETD) solution algorithm, that uses Whitney's edge and face elements for the representation of the electric and magnetic fields is presented for the direct solution of Maxwell's equations. The accuracy and computational efficiency of the algorithm are discussed and illustrative numerical results are presented for a cavity problem. The method itself is equally well applicable to open region problems when employed in conjunction with the appropriate absorbing boundary conditions.
The female condom: tool for women's empowerment

International and US experience with the female condom has shown that the device empowers diverse populations of women, helping them negotiate protection with their partners, promoting healthy behaviors, and increasing self-efficacy and sexual confidence and autonomy. This commentary reflects on some approaches that have been taken to study empowerment and makes several observations on the political and scientific initiatives needed to capitalize on this empowerment potential. Women's interest in the female condom indicates a need for more women's barrier methods to be made available. For some women, cultural proscriptions against touching the genitals may create initial hesitancy in trying these methods. But the disposition of regulatory agencies and the attitudes of health care providers has unfortunately exaggerated this reticence, thereby effectively reducing access to these methods. Also, lack of important detail in clinical studies restricts our capacity to introduce the female condom, or similar methods, under optimal conditions. Future trials should prioritize community-based designs and address a range of other critical health and social issues for women. Women's need for HIV/AIDS prevention technologies remains an urgent priority. Both political and scientific efforts are needed to realize the public health potential embodied in the female condom.
Keynote I: The era of heterogeneity: Are we prepared?

Usage models and applications are rapidly changing as a new class of devices (smart phones, smart TVs, etc) and rich cloud computing services (on datacenter servers) enter the marketplace. In this talk, I will start by describing some key examples of these radical changes in usage models, applications and devices. I will then highlight why the next decade of computing (clients and servers) will be based on heterogeneous architectures consisting of asymmetric cores, accelerators and hybrid cache/memory structures. The rest of the talk will be an in-depth discussion of the power/performance analysis challenges for heterogeneous architectures, such as (i) how do we analyze applications to determine the right mix of cores and accelerators, (ii) how do we provide performance/power prediction techniques for efficient OS scheduling on heterogeneous architectures?, (iii) how do we enable runtimes and applications to achieve the required QoS on heterogeneous architectures?, (iv) how do simulation/emulation methodologies and infrastructure have to change for rapid and consistent heterogeneous architecture exploration? For each of these, I will also give examples of work that is on-going and outline potential areas for future work on performance/power analysis for heterogeneous architectures.
Feminist Contributions to Understanding Women’s Lives and the Social Environment:

This article traces the tides of three waves of feminism that have flowed within the United States and highlights the critical contributions of theoretical insights from these waves to expand and enhance social workers’ understanding of the lives of women and the social environment. In particular, the article highlights the specific contributions of a set of core concepts (gender, care, power, difference, and diversity) that emerged within feminist theory and analysis during the second and third waves of U.S. feminism to social work’s understanding of women’s lives and the social environment and to assessment of the person—environment interaction.
Effect of beraprost sodium (BPS) on the postischemic neuropathological changes and stroke index after left carotid artery occlusion in gerbils.

We investigated the effect of beraprost sodium (BPS), a new prostacyclin analog, on behavioral and neuropathological changes induced by a 10-min occlusion of the left carotid artery in gerbils. Gerbils were treated orally with BPS (1–100 μg/kg) 30 min before occlusion. Pathplogical evaluation of neural damage in the CA1 region of the hippocampus was performed 7 d after the ischemic insults. In the symptomatic group, in which the stroke index score was >10, symptomatic behaviors, such as head cocked, splayed out hind limb, circling, and various similar behaviors, were observed. Pathologically, almost all CA1 neurons were destroyed 7 d after ischemia in the symptomatic group. BPS improved the stroke index during ischemia and neuropathological changes 7 d later, with statistical significant improvement occurring at a dose of 100 μg/kg.
Panel discussion: epidemiologic and toxicologic studies of chromium.

The questions posed to the panel focused mainly on methods of exposing experimental animals and on the dermatologic consequences of chromium exposure. The role of bioavailability figured prominently in both issues. Individuals whose homes or workplaces are on former chromium-waste dumpsites and particularly children who play on such sites are likely to have skin contact with chromium compounds. If they are exposed at all it would be to a relatively low dose, but exposure is likely to be recurrent, and the skin may be the main route of exposure. For children, however, ingestion cannot be ignored.
A Note on the Homotopy Type of Wait-Free Atomic Snapshot Protocol Complexes

In the atomic snapshot system model, the processes of an asynchronous distributed system communicate by atomic write and atomic snapshot read operations on a shared memory consisting of single-writer multiple-reader registers. The processes may fail by crashing. It is shown that in this model, a wait-free full-information protocol complex is homotopy equivalent to the underlying input complex. A span in the sense of Herlihy and Shavit provides the homotopy equivalence. It follows that the protocol and input complexes are indistinguishable by ordinary homology or homotopy groups.
Mapping brain function in freely moving subjects

Expression of many fundamental mammalian behaviors such as, for example, aggression, mating, foraging or social behaviors, depend on locomotor activity. A central dilemma in the functional neuroimaging of these behaviors has been the fact that conventional neuroimaging techniques generally rely on immobilization of the subject, which extinguishes all but the simplest activity. Ideally, imaging could occur in freely moving subjects, while presenting minimal interference with the subject's natural behavior. Here we provide an overview of several approaches that have been undertaken in the past to achieve this aim in both tethered and freely moving animals, as well as in nonrestrained human subjects. Applications of specific radiotracers to single photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography are discussed in which brain activation is imaged after completion of the behavioral task and capture of the tracer. Potential applications to clinical neuropsychiatry are discussed, as well as challenges inherent to constraint-free functional neuroimaging. Future applications of these methods promise to increase our understanding of the neural circuits underlying mammalian behavior in health and disease.
Modernization from above versus reform from below: U.S. policy toward Latin American agricultural development

Summary This article distinguishes two tendencies in United States policy towards Latin American agriculture: a redistributionist tendency, favouring the break‐up of large private estates into small peasant plots; and a productionist tendency, favouring technical efficiency on existing holdings as the key to successful development. It is shown that this latter tendency has come increasingly to prevail in U.S. Government circles over the past decade, a shift in policy which is assumed to reflect political as well as strictly economic considerations. The endorsement of land reform, at least on the level of declared policy, in the early years of the Kennedy administration, has been followed by a reappraisal which brings U.S. policy more in line with the preferences of the large landowners who are among the most reliable political allies of the United States. (Ed.)
Dexamethasone and Sphingolipids Inhibit Concanavalin a Stimulated Glucose Uptake in 3T3-L1 Fibroblasts

Studies were carried out in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts to determine the effect of sphingolipids and corticosteroids on concanaval in A stimulated glucose uptake. Sphinganine (40 μM) and sphingosine (40 AND 100 μM) significantly inhibited concanavalin A stimulated glucose uptake (P<0.025 & <0.005). Prior incubation with 10−7M dexamethasone also significantly inhibited concanavalin A stimulated glucose uptake (P <0.005). The known effects of corticosteroids on sphingolipid synthesis, degradation, and tissue levels, suggest inhibition by corticosteroids of glucose uptake may be through effects of the steroid on sphingolipid metabolism.
Differential regulation of human CYP4A genes by peroxisome proliferators and dexamethasone.

Abstract HepG2 cells that stably overexpress PPARα were used to examine the regulation of the two known human CYP4A genes by Wy14643. Specific PCR amplification across intron 5 and restriction endonuclease analysis indicated that HepG2 cells possess genes corresponding to both the CYP4A11 cDNA and a more recently characterized gene, CYP4A22, that exhibits 95% identity to CYP4A11 in the coding region. These are unlikely to represent alleles because both genes were present in DNA samples from 100 of 100 individuals. Quantitative real-time PCR determined that CYP4A22 mRNA is expressed at significantly lower levels than CYP4A11 mRNA in human liver samples. The PPARα agonist Wy14643 induced CYP4A11 mRNA in confluent cultures of HepG2 cells stably expressing the murine PPARα-E282G mutant. This mutant exhibits a significantly decreased ligand-independent trans-activation and can be activated by Wy14643 to a level similar to that of wild-type PPARα. Dexamethasone induced CYP4A11 mRNA in both control and PPARα- E282G-expressing HepG2 cells, indicating that the induction of CYP4A11 by dexamethasone is independent of elevated PPARα expression. Wy14643 or dexamethasone induction of CYP4A22 mRNA was not evident in either control or PPARα -E282G-expressing HepG2 cells. The results indicate that CYP4A11 expression can be induced by glucocorticoids and peroxisome proliferators.
PCDD/PCDF sediment concentration distribution: Casco Bay, Maine, USA

Abstract A comprehensive evaluation of sediment quality in Casco Bay for 2,3,7,8-polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and 2,3,7,8-polychlorinateddibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF) was undertaken by the analyses of 30 sediment samples. PCDD/PCDF were detected in sediments from all areas of Casco Bay. The concentrations were highest near potential input sources. For example, PCDD/PCDF and especially 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-p-dioxin and 2,3,7,8,-tetrachlorodibenzofurans (TCDD/TCDF) had higher concentrations near the Presumpscot River sites, 10 miles down stream of a pulp and paper mill. There are also exceptions, for example the higher PCDD/PCDF concentrations in East Bay are not near known point sources, but may be the result of transport into the bay from sources in the Kennebec/Androscoggin River or localized combustion sources. The concentrations of PCDD/PCDF found in Casco Bay sediments are in the range expected when compared to similar estuarine areas. In spite of the low concentration in sediment, detection of 2,3,7,8-TCDD/TCDF in lobster tissue and tomalley indicate these compounds are bioavailable, and have resulted in an advisory regarding consumption of lobster tomalley from Casco Bay(1).
Types of parent verbal responsiveness that predict language in young children with autism spectrum disorder

Purpose This study examined short-term predictive associations between 5 different types of parent verbal responsiveness and later spoken vocabulary for 32 young children with a confirmed diagnosis...
Interpenetrating polymer networks: High molecular weight natural rubber and poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4 phenylene oxide)

Simultaneous interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of high molecular weight natural rubber (NR) from Manihot glaziovii and poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4 phenylene oxide) were prepared and characterized. A number of pseudo IPNs and blends of these materials were also studied. A single phase morphology is found in full IPNs with either high or low weight percent of NR. The intermediate composition full IPNs, pseudo IPNs, and blends all exhibited microphase separation, as seen by both DSC and SEM studies with domains sizes in the range of 1000–4000 nm. In the discussion we briefly compare these IPNs with the other previously prepared IPNs of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide).
The head and neck discomfort of autonomic failure: an unrecognized aetiology of headache

Information concerning the frequency, severity, character, location, duration, diurnal pattern of headache and ancillary symptoms were obtained in 25 patients with autonomic failure and 44 control subjects. Precipitating and ameliorating factors were identified. Autonomic failure patients had more head and neck discomfort than controls. Their discomfort was much more likely to localize in the occiput, nape of the neck and shoulder, compared with controls. There was a greater tendency for the discomfort to occur in the morning and after meals. It was sometimes less than 5 min in duration and was often associated with dimming, blurring, or tunnelling of vision. It was provoked by upright posture and relieved by lying down. Patients with severe autonomic failure and orthostatic hypotension often present with a posture-dependent headache or neck pain. Because the relationship of these symptoms to posture is often not recognized, the fact that these findings may signal an underlying autonomic disorder is underappreciated, and the opportunity to consider this aetiology for the headache may be missed.