cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blood docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in vegans: Associations with age and gender and effects of an algal-derived omega-3 fatty acid supplement.

Summary Background & aims Several studies have demonstrated that vegetarians and vegans have much lower plasma concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids (i.e., docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids) when compared to those who eat fish. The purposes of this study were 1) to define the age and/or sex-specific docosahexaenoic plus eicosapentaenoic acids levels in red blood cell membranes (expressed as a percent of total fatty acids; hereafter the omega-3 index) in long-term vegans, and 2) to determine the effects of a vegetarian omega-3 supplement (254 mg docosahexaenoic plus eicosapentaenoic acids/day for 4 months) on the omega-3 index. Methods A sample (n = 165) of vegans was recruited, and their omega-3 index was determined using a dried blood spot methodology. A subset of 46 subjects with a baseline omega-3 index of Results The mean ± SD omega-3 index was 3.7 ± 1.0% which was similar to that of a cohort of omnivores (deployed US soldiers) from a recently-reported study. Among the vegan cohort, the index was significantly higher in females than males (3.9 ± 1.0% vs. 3.5 ± 1.0%; p = 0.026) and was directly related to age (p for trend = 0.009). The omega-3 index increased from 3.1 ± 0.6% to 4.8 ± 0.8% (p = 0.009) in the supplementation study. Conclusions We conclude that vegans have low baseline omega-3 levels, but not lower than omnivores who also consume very little docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids. The vegans responded robustly to a relatively low dose of a vegetarian omega-3 supplement.
The pattern and phenotype of T-cell infiltration associated with human liver allograff rejection

Abstract Although transplant biopsy remains the best means for assessing liver allograft dysfunction, the presence and degree of rejection often is difficult to determine by current histologic criteria. The added diagnostic and prognostic value of examining liver allograft biopsy specimens by immunopathologic methods, such as pheno-typing inflammatory cell infiltrates, has been inconclusive. To examine the value of assessing the phenotype and location of T-cell infiltrates we compared findings in 20 liver transplant biopsy specimens obtained from patients undergoing allograft rejection with those in 20 biopsy specimens from patients with no evidence of rejection. Serial frozen sections from all biopsies were labeled by immunoperoxidase techniques using monoclonal antibodies to identify cells expressing CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45RA, and CD45RO. As expected, the median of average cell infiltrates was higher in the rejecting versus nonrejecting group for each cell phenotype and region. However, statistical comparisons indicated that only some combinations of cell phenotype and location were significantly greater in the rejecting versus nonrejecting groups. The median number of portal CD3+ T cells per high-power field was increased in the rejecting versus nonrejecting groups (15.15 v 5.00 cells/high-power field; P v 1.55 cells/high-power field; P P
Change Scores—Necessarily Anathema?:

Psychologists have been warned repeatedly in recent years of the hazards of change scores. Unfortunately, these warnings seem to have created the belief among many researchers that the use of change scores is universally misleading and therefore should be avoided at all costs. However, the use of change scores is perfectly legitimate in certain circumstances and at times may even be preferable to other methods of analysis. The ANOVA of change scores is acceptable in randomized pretest-posttest designs, where it is equivalent to a repeated measures approach to the data. In addition, the unreliability of difference scores poses no problem here. Despite this, the analysis of covariance is generally preferred, because it is more powerful. However, in at least two situations the analysis of change scores is preferable to the analysis of covariance.
The Sorption of Nonionic Organic Solutes to Humic Acid-Mineral Complexes: Effect of Cosolutes

In binary isotherms, pyrene and naphthalene sorption were enhanced by the presence of anthracene as a cosorbate. Sorption enhancement was observed at low fractional organic carbon content (f oc ) (<3 x 10 -5 ) and diminished as f oc increased. The addition of cosolutes to low f oc systems (<3 x 10 -5 ) appeared to aid the transition from adsorption/condensation type surface interactions to an interaction more like partitioning. It is postulated that observed sorption enhancement in higher f oc systems (= 3 x 10 -5 ) was due to an increase in effective f oc resulting from cosolute sorption. The presence of a cosolute did not affect systems where partitioning was already the primary process. If partitioning was not occurring, the addition of a cosolute reduced the surface excess of the solute by competing for adsorption sites. This competition occurred until surface organic C increased to a sufficient concentration to promote partitioning. This research indicates that the use of K oc values derived from K ow data in low f oc systems significantly underestimate the interactions of nonionic organic solutes with low organic C surfaces.
Anatomy of high-pressure synthesis reactions in the Sr–Cu–O–Cl system

Abstract As part of a systematic investigation of factors influencing the synthesis of single-phase materials at high pressures [1, 2] , we have studied the preparation of Sr 3 Cu 2 O 5 Cl, the superconductor identified from scanning SQUID petrographic analysis of the KClO 3 +Sr 2 CuO 3 diffusion couple quenched from 60 kbar and 950°C [2] . A series of experiments under these P , T conditions using SrCuO 2 +SrCl 2 +SrO 2 reaction mixtures gave high Meissner fraction phase assemblages containing Sr 3 Cu 2 O 5 Cl and its Ruddlesden–Popper homolog Sr 2 CuO 3 Cl in a ratio ≤1:2. While diffusion couple reactions were found to be limited by oxygen diffusion kinetics and the involvement of the ostensibly `inert' KClO 3 oxygen source [2] , these bulk synthesis experiments revealed problems due to sluggish solid state kinetics, sample heterogeneity and reaction with the Au container. Chemographic analysis was used to successfully interpret the complex nature of the phase assemblages observed in the experiments.
Static macro data flow: Compiling global control into local control

The expression of parallel codes through abstract, high-level specifications of global control and data flow can greatly simplify the task of creating large parallel programs. We discuss the challenges of compiling such global flows into the behavioral descriptions of individual component objects in an SPMD environment. We present our work in the context of Charisma, a language that describes global data and control flow through a simple script-like language. Inter-object interactions are realized through the production and consumption of data. The compiler infers communication patterns between objects and generates appropriate messaging code. We discuss the productivity and performance benefits of compiling such global specifications into local descriptions of control flow embodied by a language called Structured Dagger (SDAG).
Sustained and complete phenotype correction of hemophilia B mice following intramuscular injection of AAV1 serotype vectors.

We previously reported that direct intramuscular injection of non-serotype-2 AAV vectors, especially AAV serotype 1 (AAV1), resulted in expression of supranormal levels of canine F9 in immunodeficient mice. Here we test the ability of the AAV1-F9 vector to deliver sustained expression and correction of factor IX (FIX) deficiency in genetically engineered hemophilic mice. Intramuscular injection of AAV1-F9 resulted in 100–1000 times more canine F9 in plasma of recombinant AAV1-F9 mice compared with injection of AAV2-F9. Assessment of clotting activity by activated partial thromboplastin time confirmed that circulating canine FIX was indeed functional. Moreover, phenotypic correction assayed by tail clip challenge resulted in survival of all AAV1-F9 treated animals, in contrast to naive mice and 50% of AAV2-treated hemophilia B mice, which failed to survive. Administration of cyclophosphamide (CTX) was required to suppress formation of anti-canine FIX antibodies for AAV2-treated animals, whereas it was dispensable for those treated with AAV1-F9. This difference in immunogenicity further emphasizes the usefulness of serotype-specific vectors. Finally, we report that correction of the hemophilia phenotype using AAV1-F9 was complete and persistent (over 8 months), a result that underscores the value of continued exploration of alternative AAV serotype vectors.
Autoionization in a strong laser field with variable laser band shape.

We present a theoretical study of strong-field autoionization electron spectra, including laser dephasing with variable band shape. We show that in the weak-field limit the usual peak reversal is obtained when the spectrum changes from the Lorentzian limit to the Gaussian limit. When the laser field strength is increased, different peak reversal behaviors are predicted in the Lorentzian and Gaussian limits, which is quite different from that in the weak-field case. A comparison between the effect of Doppler and laser dephasing on the photoelectron spectrum of autoionization is also made in the static limit.
Cryogenically cooled microloop system for sampling and injection in fast GC

A new inlet system for fast gas chromatography has been built in which analyte compounds in the gas phase are cryogenically trapped onto a sample loop, isolated, revaporized, and injected. Sample loops are constructed of 20 cm lengths of 50 and 100 μm i.d. fused-silica tubing. Since the volume of these loops is small, analytes could be injected with initial bandwidths of less than 10 ms. Loops can be coated to increase the effectiveness with which compounds are trapped. Sample loops with thicker, less polar films trap hydrocarbons at relatively higher temperatures than those with more polar, thinner films. Use of 50 μm i.d. sample loops results in narrower injection bandwidths compared to 100 μm i.d. loops, but this does not necessarily translate into better chromatographic resolution. The wider bore tubes allow for more efficient sampling and shorter retention times for similar column head pressures. The injection system has been used to demonstrate sampling and fast GC analysis of a 10 ppbV mixture of v...
The Internet 2 Middleware Initiative

Middleware exists between distributed applications and the operating system, networks, and hardware. This layer of software hides the details of the distributed system while providing common services. The Internet 2 Middleware Initiative is focused on a set of research and development objectives in the area of core middleware services. Through the use of working groups, the Internet 2 community supports various middleware projects that develop and use core middleware services.
Geographies of identity: multiculturalism unplugged

Opposition to the relativistic, indeed ultimately solipsistic implications of epistemological insiderism; concern over the fragmenting, in certain respects disabling consequences of identity politics; resurgent interest in forms of civic commonality; rethinking of the modalities of and rationale for affirmative action, not only on the part of its longstanding critics on the right, but on the part of its longstanding defenders on the left – these and other developments suggest that, in some respects at least, the maximally differentialist moment may have passed. Brubaker (2003, 40–41)
Short contribution: A new method of analyzing and documenting micromorphological thin sections using flatbed scanners: Applications in geoarchaeological studies

Much of the information in micromorphological thin sections exists at the mesoscopic level. The use of flatbed scanners can improve analysis at this level and aid in preservation of the information. This article describes scanning in both plane and cross-polarized light and discusses the hardware and software required. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Physiologic profile of tae kwon do black belts

The purpose of this study was to develop a physiologic profile of 14 male Tae Kwon Do black belts whose exclusive mode of regular exercise was Tae Kwon Do training (2 to 3 days per week). Measures included the cardiorespiratory variables at rest and at maximal exercise of heart rate, oxygen consumption, blood pressure, and lung volumes; anthropometric measures included percent body fat as determined by hydrodensitometry. Other measures were flexibility, strength, and muscular endurance. The results of this study suggest that the practice of Tae Kwon Do places little emphasis on the development of cardiovascular fitness and strength but much emphasis on the development of flexibility, which may decrease the chance of injury. The highly specific training for speed, flexibility, coordination, power, and balance, however, may account for the low cardiovascular and strength capabilities when compared with other athletes. It is suggested that participants in Tae Kwon Do training who desire an aerobic benefit sh...
Efficient estimation of parameters for non-Gaussian autoregressive processes

The problem of estimating the parameters of a non-Gaussian autoregressive process is addressed. Departure of the driving noise from Gaussianity is shown to have the potential for improving their accuracy of the estimation of the parameters. While the standard linear prediction techniques are computationally efficient, they show a substantial loss of efficiency when applied to non-Gaussian processes. A maximum-likelihood estimator is proposed for more precise estimation of the parameters of these processes coupled with a realistic non-Gaussian model for the driving noise. The performance is compared to that of the linear prediction estimator and, as expected, the maximum-likelihood estimator displays a marked improvement. >
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI of Prostate Cancer at 3 T: A Study of Pharmacokinetic Parameters

OBJECTIVE. The objectives of our study were to determine whether dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI performed at 3 T and analyzed using a pharmacokinetic model improves the diagnostic performance of MRI for the detection of prostate cancer compared with conventional T2-weighted imaging, and to determine which pharmacokinetic parameters are useful in diagnosing prostate cancer.SUBJECTS AND METHODS. This prospective study included 50 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer who underwent imaging of the prostate on a 3-T scanner with a combination of a sensitivity-encoding (SENSE) cardiac coil and an endorectal coil. Scans were obtained at least 5 weeks after biopsy. T2-weighted turbo spin-echo images were obtained in three planes, and dynamic contrast-enhanced images were acquired during a single-dose bolus injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine (0.1 mmol/kg). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were estimated for T2-weighted and dynamic c...
Memory, Mimesis, and Narrative in the K'iche' Mayan Serpent Dance of Joyabaj, Guatemala

It seemed to me a simple question. “What happens in this dance-drama? What is the storyline, the narrative?” I am met by puzzlement. The dancer explains that each such dance has its own set of instruments, its own special costumes and masks. For this one they use a simple, one-man marimba and the costumes come from the nearby town of Chichicastenango.
Type II radical hysterectomy: evaluating its role in cervical cancer.

p s ( controversial. As the operating surgeon, in the absence of strong data, one is hesitant to be too conservative and possibly increase the risk of recurrence. Cervical cancer affects women at a younger age than any other cancer, and careful attention to the details of treatment can make the difference between life and death [1]. Although the Type II radical hysterectomy was described many years ago, its precise role in the management of cervical cancer was not well defined [2]. Over the past decade papers have begun to address the potential role of Type II radical hysterectomy. Photopolous et al. reported its use in patients with microinvasion (Stage IA1) or cervical cancers here the extent of invasion was uncertain [3]. Furthermore, agrina et al. reported decreased morbidity with Type II ompared to Type III radical hysterectomy [4]. However, we ow accept Type I hysterectomy as definitive treatment of icroinvasive carcinoma (Stage IA1) and even accept a cone iopsy if the patient desires fertility and is aware of the need or close surveillance [5, 6]. Perhaps Type II hysterectomy ould be used for patients with Stage IA2 cervical cancer? urghardt et al. reported a 17% recurrence rate and 5.5% death ate with cone biopsy alone for patients with Stage IA2 (defined by the 1985 staging system as #5 mm in depth and #7 mm in width of invasion) [7]. However, for a small cohort of a patients with Stage IA2 treated by extrafascial (simple) hysterectomy, Yaegashi et al. reported no recurrences at a median follow-up of 66 months [8]. Additionally, Creasman et al. found no nodal metastasis or recurrences among 51 patients with Stage IA2 squamous carcinoma treated by radical hysterectomy, confirming the excellent prognosis for this cohort of patients [9]. Landoni et al. in this issue provide a significantly higher level of evidence supporting the use of the Type II hysterectomy [10]. In a randomized trial with 243 patients with Stage IB1–IIA cervical cancer, treatment by Type II or Type III ysterectomy had a similar recurrence-free and overall surival. The benefit of the Type II radical hysterectomy was a tatistical decrease in the length of the operation and postoprative morbidity, particularly bladder dysfunction. Operative lood loss and transfusion requirements were not statistically ess. However, adjuvant postoperative radiation therapy was
Mechanisms underlying interlimb transfer of visuomotor rotations

We previously reported that opposite arm training improved the initial direction of dominant arm movements, whereas it only improved the final position accuracy of non-dominant arm movements. We now ask whether each controller accesses common, or separate, short-term memory resources. To address this question, we investigated interlimb transfer of learning for visuomotor rotations that were directed oppositely [clockwise (CW)/counterclockwise (CCW)] for the two arms. We expected that if information obtained by initial training was stored in the same short-term memory space for both arms, opposite arm training of a CW rotation would interfere with subsequent adaptation to a CCW rotation. All subjects first adapted to a 30° rotation (CW) in the visual display during reaching movements. Following this, they adapted to a 30° rotation in the opposite direction (CCW) with the other arm. In contrast to our previous findings for interlimb transfer of same direction rotations (CCW/CCW), no effects of opposite arm adaptation were indicated in the initial trials performed. This indicates that interlimb transfer is not obligatory, and suggests that short-term memory resources for the two limbs are independent. Through single trial analysis, we found that the direction and final position errors of the first trial of movement, following opposite arm training, were always the same as those of naive performance. This was true whether the opposite arm was trained with the same or the opposing rotation. When trained with the same rotation, transfer of learning did not occur until the second trial. These findings suggest that the selective use of opposite arm information is dependent on the first trial to probe current movement conditions. Interestingly, the final extent of adaptation appeared to be reduced by opposite arm training of opposing rotations. Thus, the extent of adaptation, but not initial information transfer, appears obligatorily affected by prior opposite arm adaptation. According to our findings, it is plausible that the initiation and the final extent of adaptation involve two independent neural processes. Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
The life and death of online groups: predicting group growth and longevity

We pose a fundamental question in understanding how to identify and design successful communities: What factors predict whether a community will grow and survive in the long term? Social scientists have addressed this question extensively by analyzing offline groups which endeavor to attract new members, such as social movements, finding that new individuals are influenced strongly by their ties to members of the group. As a result, prior work on the growth of communities has treated growth primarily as a diffusion processes, leading to findings about group evolution which can be difficult to explain. The proliferation of online social networks and communities, however, has created new opportunities to study, at a large scale and with very fine resolution, the mechanisms which lead to the formation, growth, and demise of online groups.In this paper, we analyze data from several thousand online social networks built on the Ning platform with the goal of understanding the factors contributing to the growth and longevity of groups within these networks. Specifically, we investigate the role that two types of growth (growth through diffusion and growth by other means) play during a group's formative stages from the perspectives of both the individual member and the group. Applying these insights to a population of groups of different ages and sizes, we build a model to classify groups which will grow rapidly over the short-term and long-term. Our model achieves over 79% accuracy in predicting group growth over the following two months and over 78% accuracy in predictions over the following two years. We utilize a similar approach to predict which groups will die within a year. The results of our combined analysis provide insight into how both early non-diffusion growth and a complex set of network constraints appear to contribute to the initial and continued growth and success of groups within social networks. Finally we discuss implications of this work for the design, maintenance, and analysis of online communities.
All-payer ratesetting: Down but not out

In the United States, when the cost-containment paradigm shifted from regulation to competition, all-payer hospital ratesetting went out of favor. After reviewing the published literature and supplementing the existing literature with more current information, the author concludes that all-payer ratesetting is able to meet its multiple objectives of cost containment, reduction of the amount of cost shifting, improvement of access to the uninsured, and increased productivity. At the same time, all-payer ratesetting has not stifled the diffusion of competitive health care systems or new technology, and any impact on length of stay, admissions, and quality of care is small, if it exists at all.
Spiral readout gradients for the reduction of motion artifacts in chemical shift imaging.

A motion artifact reduction method for proton chemical shift imaging (CSI) is presented. The method uses spiral-based readout gradients for data acquisition. A characteristic of spiralbased readout gradients is that data are repeatedly sampled at the kxy origin. These data points are used to estimate and correct for motion-induced phase variations. Both phantom and in vivo spectra reconstructed using the new motion artifact reduction algorithm showed significant signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvements as compared to uncorrected data. Magn Reson Med 51:458 – 463, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Chemical shift imaging (CSI) provides both metabolic and spatial information from the metabolites of interest. To date, the vast majority of CSI applications have focused on the brain. However, studies outside of the brain, including prostate (1) and breast (2), suggest an important role for CSI in differentiating between cancer, necrosis, and normal tissue. Single-voxel 1 H spectroscopy studies in other organs indicate that the application of CSI to these regions may have clinical value (3–5). A major technical challenge for CSI studies, particularly for non-brain tissues, comes from the presence of cardiac and respiratory motion, which leads to various forms of artifacts (6). The presence of motion during a single-voxel spectroscopy study can lead to a variety of artifacts. Averaging each acquisition, which is commonly used to obtain sufficient SNR, can lead to decreased signal intensity due to the view-to-view incoherences. The main sources of viewto-view incoherences come from the different phase and amplitudes acquired during each acquisition. For example, gradients applied during excitation give rise to phase accumulation that is proportional to motion. In particular, crusher gradients applied to suppress unwanted signal from spins can be highly sensitive to motion. Another artifact is the presence of motion during the relatively long readout time of spectroscopic studies, which can lead to spectral line-broadening due to time varying frequency
Serologically demonstrable alloantigens of mouse epidermal cells.

Single cells were prepared from mouse tail epidermis by a method which gives high viability counts and so permits their use in cytotoxicity tests. According to tests with standard alloantisera, the antigen phenotype of mouse epidermal cells is H-2+θ+Sk+H-Y+TL-Ly-A-Ly-B,C-PC-. The skin differentiation alloantigen Sk, which is responsible for homograft reactions directed selectively against skin, is expressed also on brain, but not on other cell types; it is present on the transplanted neuroblastoma C1300. Cytotoxicity tests with epidermal cells of H-2 congenic mouse stocks confirm that the Sk locus is not closely linked to H-2 . The lymphoid cell differentiation antigen θ also is present on both epidermal cells and brain. Mice frequently retain θ-incompatible or Sk-incompatible skin grafts although they have formed substantial titers of θ or Sk antibody in response to grafting. Male (H-Y) antigen is demonstrable on epidermal cells by cytotoxicity tests with H-Y antibody, as it is also on one other type of cell, spermatozoa.
Predicting Wear From Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Polymers

The wear of polymer-based materials is connected to their brittleness. We have previously formulated a quantitative definition of brittleness in terms of elongation at break and storage modulus for thermoplastic polymers. We provide a formula connecting brittleness to viscoelastic recovery (healing) after sliding wear. Our model fits a selection of ten thermoplastics representing several classes of polymers with different chemical structures and mechanical properties. Now including polyvinylidene fluoride, poly(methylmethacrylate), and poly-phenylsulfone, we demonstrate that from our formula we can predict the percentage recovery in sliding wear from our measure of brittleness.
How do college students solve proportion problems

Problems which could be solved using proportional reasoning were administered nationwide by college faculty to their own science classes during a three year period. The reasoning of more than 8000 students covering three sections of the country was classified as concrete, transitional, or formal using Piagetian categories. Data from the West closely replicated that from the Midwest on similar metric conversion tasks. Student performance changed noticeably with a different problem format. The percentages of students using a ratio formula, ratio attempt, or intuitive methods of solution held approximately constant over time, task, and section of the country. The data shows the use of additive and conversion methods of solution depends upon the problem presentation.
Surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease.

Aim: To evaluate the outcome and morbidity after major surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: Retrospective case note analysis of 227 children referred to a tertiary referral centre between 1994 and 2002 for treatment of IBD. Results: 26 of 125 children with Crohn’s disease (21%) required surgical management. 13 with disease proximal to the left colon underwent limited segmental resections and primary anastomosis, without significant morbidity. Primary surgery for 13 children with disease distal to the transverse colon included 6 subtotal-colectomies or panprocto-colectomies. All seven children undergoing conservative segmental resections (three with primary anastomosis, four with stoma formation), required further colonic resection or defunctioning stoma formation. All three children undergoing primary anastomosis developed a leak or fistula formation. 22 of 102 children with ulcerative colitis (22%) required surgery. Definitive procedures (n = 17) included J-pouch ileoanal anastomosis (n = 11), ileorectal anastomosis (n = 2), straight ileoanal anastomosis (n = 3), and proctectomy/ileostomy (n = 1). Five children await restorative surgery after subtotal colectomy. Median daily stool frequency after J-pouch surgery was 5 (range 3–15), and 10 of 11 children reported full daytime continence. All three children with straight ileoanal anastomosis had unacceptable stool frequency and remain diverted. Conclusion: The complication rate after resectional surgery for IBD was 57% for Crohn’s disease, and 31% for ulcerative colitis. In children with Crohn’s disease, limited resection with primary anastomosis is safe proximal to the left colon. Where surgery is indicated for disease distal to the transverse colon, subtotal or panproctocolectomy is indicated, and an anastomosis should be avoided. Children with ulcerative colitis had a good functional outcome after J-pouch reconstruction. However, the overall failure rate of attempted reconstructive surgery was 24%, largely owing to the poor results of straight ileoanal anastomosis.
Aortic and Pulmonary Stenosis

1. Gordon Mack, MD* 2. Michael Silberbach, MD* 1. 2. *Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland OR. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe where stenosis can occur. 2. Delineate the most likely cause of a murmur in the first week of life. 3. Describe the clinical course and treatment of aortic stenosis. 4. Describe the presentation of children who have pulmonary stenosis and the treatment of choice. Congenital cardiac malformations that result in obstruction of blood flow from either the right or left ventricle occur at the subvalvular, valvular, or supravalvular level and may exist at multiple levels in the same patient. Biventricular obstruction occurs very rarely. A systolic pressure gradient between the pumping chamber and its downstream artery is the primary hemodynamic abnormality of stenosis regardless of whether the obstruction is right- or left-sided. Turbulence occurring at the region of the stenosis creates an ejection quality murmur. The pressure gradient increases proportionally to the square of the flow rate through the obstructed area; therefore, the intensity of the murmur increases with heightened gradients. However, the severity of stenosis cannot be estimated accurately based solely on the pressure gradient because both the size of the orifice and the volume of flow through the narrowed area determine the pressure gradient. Left ventricular failure caused by critical aortic stenosis results in diminished blood flow across the valve and a decrease in the pressure gradient. In this situation it is more difficult to hear the stenosis murmur and to palpate the peripheral pulses. The pressure gradient is responsible for most of the structural and functional consequences of outflow obstruction. Concentric ventricular hypertrophy occurs in response to pressure overload. Sir William Osler proposed more than 100 years ago that cardiac hypertrophy progressed through adaptive stages from “development” and “full compensation” to“ broken compensation.” In its adaptive stages, cardiac hypertrophy serves to preserve ventricular function, so that resting and exercise cardiac …
Effects of Biochar-Amendment to Landfill Cover Soil on Microbial Methane Oxidation: Initial Results

Biochar amendments to landfill covers have been proposed as an economic solution to reduce methane emissions from landfills without gas recovery systems, or in conjunction with gas recovery for near-complete methane removal in new landfills. In this study, column experiments are used to simulate the effects of biochar amendments to landfill cover soils for methane mitigation. Acrylic columns were packed with coarse gravel, and filled with either soil or 20% biochar/80% soil. Measurements of CH4, CO2 and temperature along the depth of the column allowed the determination of gas profiles and oxidation efficiencies over the course of the experiment. DNA-based assays and isotopic measurements (δ 13 CH4 and δ 13 CO2 (‰)) were used to infer the extent of microbial oxidation and to evaluate the distribution of methanotrophs within each column. qPCR targeting the pmoA (particulate methane monoxygenase) gene indicate a higher number of methanotrophs exist in the biochar- amended column, supporting the observed higher rates of methane oxidation. Batch incubation experiments were conducted to determine Michaelis-Menten kinetic parameters for methane oxidation. Initial results indicate that biochar is effective in increasing methanotrophic activity and promoting methane oxidation.
The Costs of Compliance with Interstate Agreements: Lessons from Water Compacts in the Western United States

Interstate compacts are one of the primary institutional mechanisms that states use for addressing regional issues such as sharing and management of transboundary rivers. However, state compliance with compacts can be challenging and costly. This article asks: how do conflict resolution venues and the design of state administrative systems affect the distribution of compliance costs? Through a study of western interstate water compacts we find that compliance costs are more equally shared among states in voluntary conflict resolution venues compared to compulsory venues. In addition, centralized administrative systems result in state governments bearing the costs of compliance actions, whereas polycentric administrative systems distribute costs between the state and water users. Finally, we explore the applicability of our findings to other interstate settings.
Responsibilities of a Teacher in a Harmonic Cycle of Problem Solving and Problem Posing

Early math experiences can be challenging for young children. Although it seems that planning a lesson on solving and posing a problem for a young child is a daunting task, it is actually simple if a harmonic cycle is exercised. This harmonic cycle, in fact, embeds within in it a variety of teacher’s responsibilities that can expand our understanding of what a teacher needs to attend to when it comes to planning, teaching, and evaluating a child’s progress. This article will present responsibilities that a teacher has in a harmonic cycle, which is reflected through an interaction between a teacher and a child on problem posing and problem solving.
Decision-directed burst-mode carrier synchronization techniques

A decision-directed, digitally implemented carrier synchronizer for channels with both frequency and phase uncertainty is presented. This combined algorithm and its derivatives are analyzed with respect to the achievable carrier acquisition time and the resulting bit error probability. For certain data rates (approximately 50 MSps or less), this algorithm can be implemented using CMOS gate array technology. As examples BPSK and QPSK modulation formats are studied herein and compared to their differentially coherent counterparts of DPSK and DQPSK. >
On a question of M. Newman on the number of commutators

Abstract M. Newman asked whether there is an absolute constant c such that every matrix in SLnR is the product of at most c commutators, where R ranges over euclidean commutative rings and n ⩾ 3. We give here a negative answer. However, if for the ring R every matrix in SLmR is the product of a bounded number of commutators for some fixed m ⩾ 3, then for all sufficiently large n, every matrix in SLnR is the product of six commutators.
An Agenda for Muslim Economists: A Historico-Inductive Approach

I                                   
Study of the free volume fraction in polylactic acid (PLA) by thermal analysis

The poly (lactic acid) or polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with high modulus, strength and thermoplastic properties. In this work, the evolution of various properties of PLA is studied, such as glass transition temperature, mechanical modules and elongation percentage with the aim of investigating the free volume fraction. To do so, two thermal techniques have been used: the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and dilatometry. The results obtained by these techniques are combined to go back to the structural properties of the studied material.
Linear and Logistic Regression

Regression is a method for studying the relationship between a response variable Y and a covariateX. The covariate is also called a predictor variable or a feature.
Hospital closures had no measurable impact on local hospitalization rates or mortality rates, 2003-11

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) set in motion payment changes that could put pressure on hospital finances and lead some hospitals to close. Understanding the impact of closures on patient care and outcomes is critically important. We identified 195 hospital closures in the United States between 2003 and 2011. We found no significant difference between the change in annual mortality rates for patients living in hospital service areas (HSAs) that experienced one or more closures and the change in rates in matched HSAs without a closure (5.5 percent to 5.2 percent versus 5.4 percent to 5.4 percent, respectively). Nor was there a significant difference in the change in all-cause mortality rates following hospitalization (9.1 percent to 8.2 percent in HSAs with a closure versus 9.0 percent to 8.4 percent in those without a closure). HSAs with a closure had a drop in readmission rates compared to controls (19.4 percent to 18.2 percent versus 18.8 percent to 18.3 percent). Overall, we found no evidence that hospi...
Use of X-Ray Diffraction as an Analytical Technique for the Synthesis of Inorganic Catalysts

X-ray powder diffraction was used as an analytical technique for the solid state synthesis of selective oxidation catalysts with large surface area. Qualitative analysis was used to determine the minimum temperature at which the synthesis was complete. Quantitative diffraction was used to analyze mixtures of isomorphous antimonates. Results indicated that the final mixtures are independent of the method of preparation, i.e., mixing or impregnation.
Estimating the benefits of student model improvements on a substantive scale.

Educational Data Mining researchers use various prediction metrics for model selection. Often the improvements one model makes over another, while statistically reliable, seem small. The field has been lacking a metric that informs us on how much practical impact a model improvement may have on student learning efficiency and outcomes. We propose a metric that indicates how much wasted practice can be avoided (increasing efficiency) and extra practice would be added (increasing outcomes) by using a more accurate model. We show that learning can be improved by 15-22% when using machine-discovered skill model improvements across four datasets and by 7-11% by adding individual student estimates to Bayesian Knowledge Tracing.
Collagen Vascular Disease

The iatrogenic L-tryptophan-induced eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, often considered to be a "new" disease, has proven to be a remarkable mimic of the classic sclerosing rheumatologic disorders. Although subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus remains a clinically defined entity, supportive histologic and immunopathologic findings have recently been proposed. Rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis needs to be added to our usual differential diagnosis of a neutrophilic dermatosis without leukocytoclastic vasculitis. The antiphospholipid syndrome is associated with noninflammatory vascular thrombosis and often has recognizable cutaneous findings. Finally, ANCA are a valuable adjunct in the systemic evaluation of patients with vasculitis syndromes and suggest a common pathogenesis for several of the systemic vasculitides.
Building a Statewide Clinical Trials Network for Cancer Care in West Virginia

In the United States, mortality rates have been declining for certain tumors, For the majority of advanced stage cancer types, cure is unattainable but treatment is still evolving. Advances in the treatment of cancer can be achieved by enrolling patients in cancer clinical trials. Presently, less than 3% of adult cancer patients participate on clinical trials in the United States. Providing cancer care and access to clinical trials are a challenge in a rural state, with a dispersed population base, such as West Virginia. Building upon recognition of barriers to clinical trials awareness and access, oncology leaders in the state are in the formative stages of developing a statewide cancer clinical trials network. Realization of this network will have an enormous impact on cancer care in our state and perhaps can serve as a model for other community and physician teams for other diseases.
“Yuck, you disgust me!” Affective bias against interracial couples

Abstract The current research expands upon the sparse existing literature on the nature of bias against interracial couples. Study 1 demonstrates that bias against interracial romance is correlated with disgust. Study 2 provides evidence that images of interracial couples evoke a neural disgust response among observers – as indicated by increased insula activation relative to images of same-race couples. Consistent with psychological theory indicating that disgust leads to dehumanization, Study 3 demonstrates that manipulating disgust leads to implicit dehumanization of interracial couples. Overall, the current findings provide evidence that interracial couples elicit disgust and are dehumanized relative to same-race couples. These findings are particularly concerning, given evidence of antisocial reactions (e.g., aggression, perpetration of violence) to dehumanized targets. Findings also highlight the role of meaningful social units (e.g., couples) in person perception, an important consideration for psychologists conducting social cognition research.
Development of an Educational Web Site to Assist in Learning Clinical Airway Management

This report describes the planning, implementation, trials, and tribulations in an ultimately successfully effort to develop and launch a web-based medical education resource dealing with clinical airway management. The resource, aimed primarily at medical students, can be accessed online at http://www.airwayeducation.net.
Defendant Class Actions Under Rule 23(b)(2): Resolving the Language Dilemma

This Article explores the language dilemma created by the provisions of subsection (b)(2). After setting out the precise nature of the language dilemma, the Article discusses the arguments of those courts that have denied subsection (b)(2) defendant class certification based upon a literal reading of the subsection's language, and the arguments of those courts that have used various devices, some involving quite contorted reasoning, to overcome the language dilemma based upon the functional need for defendant class certification under subsection (b)(2). 9 The Article asserts that neither side has developed a persuasive argument for its position because neither side has engaged in the thorough analysis grounded in principles of statutory construction that is necessary to determine the proper interpretation of Rule 23(b)(2). The Article then offers such an analysis, in which it demonstrates that defendant class certification is provided for under Rule 23(b)(2).
Evaluation of a Client-Centered Linkage Intervention for Patients Newly Diagnosed with HIV at an Urban United States LGBT Center: The Linkage to Care Specialist Project.

Abstract Linkage to care (LTC) is a key element of the HIV care continuum, and a crucial bridge from testing and diagnosis to receipt of antiretroviral therapies and viral suppression. In 2012, the Los Angeles LGBT Center hired a full-time LTC specialist (LTC-S), who developed a unique client-centered approach to LTC. This single-arm demonstration project was designed to systematically evaluate the LTC-S intervention. Individuals who were newly diagnosed with HIV between March 2014 and September 2015 were eligible for enrollment. The LTC-S draws heavily from principles of motivational interviewing and strengths-based case management, helping to normalize fears while guiding clients at a pace that reflects individual needs and resources. These tailored, targeted methods facilitate the rapid development of rapport, enabling the LTC-S to help clients address particular reactions and barriers to care more effectively. Of the 118 newly HIV-diagnosed individuals who enrolled, 111 (94.1%) saw an HIV primary care...
Speculative bubbles and crashes： Fundamentalists and positive‐feedback trading

In this paper, we develop and examine a simple interactive agent‐based model, where the distribution of returns generated from the model takes into account two stylized facts about financial market...
Scientific Evidence for Anticancer Effects of Withania somnifera and Its Primary Bioactive Component Withaferin A

Withania somnifera (WS) plant has been used for centuries to cure or treat various disorders in the Ayurvedic medicine. Research over the years has indicated that withanolides are the primary bioactive constituents in WS. Scientific evidence for anticancer effects of WS root extract (WRE) is quite strong, and is derived from both in vitro cellular experiments and in vivo studies in rodent models of cancer. This article reviews scientific evidence supporting anticancer effects of WRE and its primary withanolide (withaferin A). The primary focus of the present article is on: (a) phytochemistry of WS, (b) withanolide biosynthesis, (c) pharmacokinetics, (d) in vivo evidence for anticancer activity of WRE and its primary bioactive component withaferin A (WA), and (e) effect of WA and WRE on cancer stem cell population and/or epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Unpublished results from our own laboratory are presented to demonstrate that WA is the most likely primary anticancer agent in WRE standardized for WA content (sWRE). The mechanisms underlying anticancer effects of WRE and WA have been reviewed extensively by us and others, and therefore are not elaborated in this article.
A Roadmap for Optimizing Asthma Care Management via Computational Approaches

Asthma affects 9% of Americans and incurs US $56 billion in cost, 439,000 hospitalizations, and 1.8 million emergency room visits annually. A small fraction of asthma patients with high vulnerabilities, severe disease, or great barriers to care consume most health care costs and resources. An effective approach is urgently needed to identify high-risk patients and intervene to improve outcomes and to reduce costs and resource use. Care management is widely used to implement tailored care plans for this purpose, but it is expensive and has limited service capacity. To maximize benefit, we should enroll only patients anticipated to have the highest costs or worst prognosis. Effective care management requires correctly identifying high-risk patients, but current patient identification approaches have major limitations. This paper pinpoints these limitations and outlines multiple machine learning techniques to address them, providing a roadmap for future research.