cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal examination of PTSD symptoms and problematic alcohol use as risk factors for adolescent victimization.

The current study examined associations between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and future interpersonal victimization among adolescents, after accounting for the impact of early victimization exposure, gender, ethnicity, and household income. In addition, problematic alcohol use was tested as a mediator of the relation between PTSD symptoms and subsequent victimization. Participants included a national longitudinal sample of adolescents (N = 3,604) who were ages 12 to 17 at the initial assessment: 50% were male, and 67% were White, 16% African American, and 12% Hispanic. Cohort-sequential latent growth curve modeling was used to examine associations among the study variables. Baseline PTSD symptoms significantly predicted age-related increases in interpersonal victimization, even after accounting for the effects of earlier victimization experiences. In addition, alcohol problems emerged as a partial mediator of this relation, such that one fourth to one third of the effect of PTSD symptoms ...
Parallel and distributed algorithms and implementations: time based mutual exclusion

A parallel algorithm is required to satisfy mutual exclusion in order to execute all processes properly. To execute Mutual exclusion, there must be required to satisfy these two conditions: synchronization and concurrent execution of all processes. Though failure of process inside the critical region may occur and that makes all other processes to wait until that process exit or stop using that critical region. This may lead to infinite time of wait for other process. This problem might be solved by time based mutual exclusion. In this paper we will present one solution for such failure. We create a new data structure of every critical region which is shared by other processes in the parallel and distributed environment. We introduce timestamp based data structure which tries to recover from such process failure. This timestamp based data structure has certain attributes based on that attributed we will recover from the failure of that process.
Is elevated creatinine level a contraindication to endovascular aneurysm repair

Abstract Purpose It is widely believed that chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) greatly increases the risk associated with endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) and is a relative contraindication to the procedure and to the use of intra-arterial contrast agents (IACA). We reviewed a 5-year EVAR experience to determine whether the procedure and use of IACA have an important deleterious effect on renal function in patients with and without pre-existing CRI. Methods Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) was performed in 200 patients with a variety of endografts, with intra-arterial contrast agents. The patients were retrospectively assigned to three groups on the basis of preoperative serum creatinine concentration (Cr): group 1 (n = 108), Cr less than 1.5 mg/dL (normal range); group 2 (n = 65), Cr 1.5 to 2.0 mg/dL; group 3 (n = 27), Cr 2.1 to 3.5 mg/dL. No patients had undergone hemodialysis. In groups 2 and 3, patients received hydration perioperatively, and received mannitol intraoperatively; no nephrotoxic drugs were administered during the procedure, other than nonionic contrast agent (Omnipaque 350). Results The incidence of postoperative complications between the three study groups was not statistically different. In group 1 a transient increase in serum Cr (>30% over baseline and >1.4 mg/dL) was noted in three patients (2.7%), two of whom (1.9%) required temporary hemodialysis and one (0.9%) who died of renal failure. In group 2 a transient increase in serum Cr was noted in two patients (3.1%); both patients (3.1%) required temporary hemodialysis, and one patient (1.5%) died of renal failure. In group 3 a transient increase in serum Cr was noted in two patients (7.4%); one patient (3.7%) required temporary hemodialysis, and one patient (3.7%) died of renal failure. Perioperative hypotension significantly increased the risk for elevated serum Cr and death ( P P Conclusions EVAR with intra-arterial contrast agents can be accomplished in patients with chronic renal insufficiency who do not require dialysis, with limited and acceptable morbidity and mortality, similar to that observed with open aneurysm repair. Contrary to other reports in which perioperative precautions were not used, our study shows that with EVAR the risk for worsening renal failure, dialysis, and death is only slightly, and not significantly, greater in patients with preoperative chronic renal insufficiency compared with patients with normal renal function. Perioperative hypotension and increased contrast volume are significant risk factors for postoperative increase in serum Cr and death. With appropriate precautions such as averting perioperative hypotension and limiting the volume of nonionic contrast agents, elevated Cr need not be a contraindication to EVAR with intra-arterial contrast agents.
Loss of the calmodulin-dependent inhibition of the RyR1 calcium release channel upon oxidation of methionines in calmodulin.

The oxidation of methionines in calmodulin (CaM) can affect the activity of calcium pumps and channels to modulate the amplitude and duration of calcium signals. We have therefore investigated the possible oxidation of CaM in skeletal muscle and its effect on the CaM-dependent regulation of the RyR1 calcium release channel. Taking advantage of characteristic reductions in electrophoretic mobility determined by SDS−PAGE, we find that approximately two methionines are oxidized in CaM from skeletal muscle. The functional effect of CaM oxidation on the open probability of the RyR1 calcium release channel was assessed through measurements of [3H]ryanodine binding using a heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum preparation enriched in RyR1. There is a biphasic regulation of RyR1 by unoxidized CaM, in which calcium-activated CaM acts to enhance the calcium sensitivity of channel closure, while apo-CaM functions to enhance channel activity at resting calcium levels. We find that physiological levels of CaM oxidation prefere...
Talking War: How Elite U.S. Newspaper Editorials and Opinion Pieces Debated the Attack on Iraq

Abstract This paper examines how elite newspaper editorials and opinion pieces (hereafter collectively called op-eds) debated the attack on Iraq. The period examined was the two months preceding Congress's October 2002 authorization of the use of force against Iraq. The 292 op-ed pieces examined represent one of the most extensive looks at such op-ed activity in the United States. There were several major findings. First, contrary to some liberal charges, the commentary overall was more critical than supportive of the administration. On the other side, however, if the elite press was not slavishly supportive of U.S. foreign policy, its criticisms were also rather muted. Supported therefore is the view that the elite media keep respectable opinion on foreign policy within a narrow range that excludes the most damaging criticism. Most notably missing from the print debate on Iraq in this period was much objection to the attack on specifically legal or moral grounds. The avoidance by the elite press of legal...
1068 AN ANALYSIS OF RELAPSES AFTER CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE THERAPY IN NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Although the dose and duration of therapy with cyclophosphamide (cy) are known to influence the incidence of subsequent relapses in children with nephrotic syndrome, other factors which predispose to relapses after cy have not been extensively evaluated. The clinical course of 30 children with steroid-sensitive, frequently-relapsing nephrotic syndrome was analyzed. Each of the pts had a renal biopsy at the time of initiation of cy, and all of the children had a complete remission while on cy (2 mg/Kg/d for 12 wks). After cy, one or more relapses occurred in 14 pts, while 16 pts had a sustained remission. There were no significant differences between the two groups of pts concerning: 1) age at onset (4.5 vs 4.9 yrs), 2) interval between onset and cy (6.35 vs 6.52 yrs), and 3) duration of follow-up after cy (4.0 vs 4.4 yrs). The most important factor associated with relapses after cy was the histopathologic lesion. Of the 14 pts with relapses, 9 (64%) had focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FGS), whereas only 5 (36%) had minimal change lesions (MCL) (P<0.05). In contrast, only 3 (19%) of the 16 pts in remission had FGS, while 13 (81%) had a MCL (P<0.05). These data indicate: 1) the histopathologic lesion at the time of cy is an important determinant of subsequent relapses and 2) late onset FGS predisposes to relapses after cy.
Effects of spontaneous hypertension and age on arterial connective tissue in the rat

Abstract Weights of aorta and heart and accumulation of collagen and elastin in aorta were determined in spontaneously hypertensive and control Wistar rats of 14 weeks, six months, one year and 18 months of age. It was found that in control rats weights of aorta and heart increased as a function of age but when expressed as percent of body weight there was no change with age. However, changes in SHR's were more marked, with the aortic and heart weights increasing progressively with age to a much greater extent than in control rats. Expressed as percent body weight, aortic weight increased progressively in SHR and heart weight increased by 18 months indicating hypertrophy of the cardiovascular system in the SHR with age. Absolute quantities of connective tissues increased in aorta in both control and hypertensive rats with age. However, the accumulation was more marked in hypertensive. If connective tissue is expressed as percent of aortic weight, collagen plus elastin actually decreased as a function of age in control and to a much greater extent in SHR. The results indicate (1) increased accumulation of connective tissue in aortae of rats with age and even greater increase in aortae of hypertensive rats with age. (2) Increase in aortic smooth muscle mass with age in control and even greater increase in hypertensive aortae. It is concluded that long term spontaneous hypertension in the rat results in an increase over control rats in the major aortic wall components with smooth muscle increase greater than connective tissue increase. These changes occur in late stages of hypertension as well as early stages.
Locating Structural Defects Using Operational Deflection Shapes

This paper presents a Boundary Effect Detection (BED) method for pinpointing defects in plates using Operational Deflection Shapes (ODSs) measured by a scanning laser vibrometer. An ODS consists of...
Regional geometry and function during myocardial ischemia and recovery.

To define the effects of altered left ventricular (LV) geometry on regional myocardial function during ischemia and recovery, regional and global LV geometry and transmural pressure (P) were measured in seven conscious dogs with sonomicrometry and micromanometry. Data were obtained at steady state and during rapid vena caval occlusion (VCO) under control conditions, after 15 min of left anterior descending occlusion, and after 1, 4, and 24 hr of reperfusion. Regional midwall minor axis (MA) Lagrangian strain (ϵ) and stress (σ) were calculated from measured MA segment length (L), MA midwall radius, and wall thickness. Unstressed regional geometry was quantified using Lo, the value of L at P = 0 during maximal VCO. Conventional (SWL) and normalized (SWσϵ) regional MA stroke work were calculated for each cardiac cycle as the area of P vs L and σ vs ϵ relationships, respectively. Regional Frank-Starling mechanisms corrected for changes in unstressed LV geometry were quantified as the slope (Mσϵ) of the linear end diastolic ϵ vs SWσϵ relationship for data obtained during VCO (mean r = 0.98). Mσϵ returned to baseline levels within 1 h of reperfusion (P = 0.314 vs control). In contrast, 15 min of ischemia increased Lo by 15.2 ± 2.5% (P < 0.05), which remained increased 5.7 ± 1.7% above control values after 1 hr of reperfusion (P < 0.05). Both steady-state SWL and SWσϵ decreased with ischemia and slowly returned towards baseline, remaining 28.7 ± 7.5% and 26.4 ± 6.3% below control values after 1 hr of reperfusion (both P < 0.05). Therefore, late functional recovery from reversible ischemic injury is primarily correlated with reversal of changes in regional geometry, specifically the reversal of diastolic creep. As a result, adequate quantification of postischemic regional myocardial performance requires characterization of changes in regional geometry as well as indicators of Frank-Starling mechanisms.
Propagation of aircraft noise over long distances through the lower atmosphere

Propagation of sound through the lower atmosphere is influenced by numerous factors which are difficult to measure and more difficult to predict. In addition to the well known laboratory observable loss mechanisms of heat conduction, gas transport, and molecular absorption, inhomogeneities in a real atmosphere have significant influence on a propagating sound wave. This study presents a qualitative discussion of different categories of atmospheric inhomogeneity and their individual and combined effects on sound propagation. Subsequently, a field test involving the propagation of aircraft noise over distances up to 10 miles is described, and a simplified empirical model for 'excess' atmospheric attenuation due to inhomogeneities in the atmosphere is derived from the data.
The changing legal status distribution of immigrants : A caution

This article presents arguments and data to show that the decennial census and annual Current Population Surveys include immigrants falling into four broad legal status groups: naturalized citizens; legal immigrants; legal nonimmigrants; and undocumented migrants. Since 1986, the relative rewards and penalties imposed on these four categories have shifted dramatically in response to U.S. policies, as have the relative number of foreigners in each group. In general, the relative share of foreigners in the most vulnerable status groups has increased, with the proportion of undocumented migrants and legal nonimmigrant rising and that of legal immigrants falling. Researchers using census and CPS data need to be aware of the shifting distribution of foreigners by legal status over time and of the changing profile of opportunities experienced by each status group, and they need to exercise caution in their interpretation of trends with respect to immigrant assimilation and the effects of immigration on U.S. society.
Ultraviolet Spectrophotometric Determination of Selenium by 1-Pyrrolidinecarbodithioate Method

Abstract An ultraviolet spectrophotometric method for the determination of selenium has been developed using ammonium 1-pyrrolidinecarbo-dithioate. The selenium(IV)-1-pyrrolidinecarbodithioate complex is extracted with chloroform and the absorbance of the extract measured at 303 mμ. Conformity to Beer's law was found for 0.5 to 9 ppm of selenium.
Smoothed aggregation multigrid solvers for high-order discontinuous Galerkin methods for elliptic problems

Abstract We develop a smoothed aggregation-based algebraic multigrid solver for high-order discontinuous Galerkin discretizations of the Poisson problem. Algebraic multigrid is a popular and effective method for solving the sparse linear systems that arise from discretizing partial differential equations. However, high-order discontinuous Galerkin discretizations have proved challenging for algebraic multigrid. The increasing condition number of the matrix and loss of locality in the matrix stencil as p increases, in addition to the effect of weakly enforced Dirichlet boundary conditions all contribute to the challenging algebraic setting. We propose a smoothed aggregation approach that addresses these difficulties. In particular, the approach effectively coarsens degrees-of-freedom centered at the same spatial location as well as degrees-of-freedom at the domain boundary. Moreover, the character of the near null-space, particularly at the domain boundary, is captured by interpolation. One classic prolongation smoothing step of weighted-Jacobi is also shown to be ineffective at high-order, and a more robust energy-minimization approach is used, along with block relaxation that more directly utilizes the block diagonal structure of the discontinuous Galerkin discretization. Finally, we conclude by examining numerical results in support our proposed method.
Comparison of Two- and Three-Dimensional Model Simulation of the Effect of a Tidal Barrier on the Gulf of Maine Tides

Abstract Two-dimensional and three-dimensional tide models were used to simulate the M2 tide in the Gulf of Maine. Model estimates of changes to the tide caused by a tidal barrier in the upper Bay of Fundy were made and compared. Tidal amplitudes in the presence of a barrier increased 30–50 cm for both models, corroborating the results of previous studies by Greenberg and by Duff. The three-dimensional model uniformly produced postbarrier elevations of 3.5 cm less than the two-dimensional model in the Gulf of Maine. A comparison of model amplitudes and velocities with data for the existing M2 tide is provided for both models. Total frictional dissipation is also calculated for each model and compared. Finally, the postbarrier amplitudes as predicted by each model are compared. Root-mean-square errors of M2 tidal amplitude and phase at 45 locations in the Gulf of Maine were 7.9 cm and 6° for the two-dimensional model and 5.7 cm and 7° for the three-dimensional model. Both models predicted essentially ident...
Absorption of calcium and magnesium from fortified human milk by very low birth weight infants

Absorption of calcium and magnesium endogenous to human milk, as well as calcium and magnesium added as an exogenous supplement to human milk, was determined in 9 very low birth wt infants. Human milk, intrinsically labeled with stable isotopic tracers of calcium and magnesium, was prepared by administering isotopic tracers intravenously to a lactating woman. Different isotopic tracers, which were representative of calcium and magnesium in the supplement (Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier, Mead Johnson Nutritional Div.), were added to the intrinsically labeled milk. The fortified milk, which was labeled with two calcium tracers and two magnesium tracers, was given orally to the test subjects in a single feeding. True absorption of calcium and magnesium was determined from differences between the doses of tracer ingested and the quantities of tracer excreted in the feces. Stable isotopic tracers were quantified by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. These results demonstrate that the fractional absorptions of calcium in the human milk and the added mineral supplement are 80 and 82%, respectively. A total of 89% magnesium endogenous to human milk and 86% of magnesium derived from the mineral supplement was absorbed by the VLBW infants.
Video Tape Recording in Social Psychological Research: An Illustrative Study in Pedodontia:

The present paper examines the capability of the video tape recorder as a behavior-sampling instrument within the context of an investigation ostensibly designed to determine possibly positive or aversive effects of the absence or presence of mothers on children's behavior in a dental treatment situation. The behavior of 22 children was video tape-recorded as a dentist cleaned their teeth. The mothers of all children were present for one half and absent for the other half of these teeth-cleaning sessions. There were no significant behavioral differences as determined from judges' ratings of video tapes of the children's behavior while mothers were absent and present. A description of the means by which the video tape recorder may be used as an instrument for such behavior sampling is presented. The advantages of this recorder over more conventional means of behavioral recording or observation are also discussed.
Nomadic computing—an opportunity

We are in the midst of some truly revolutionary changes in the field of computer-communications, and these offer opportunities and challenges to the research community. One of these changes has to do with nomadic computing and communications. Nomadicity refers to the system support needed to provide a rich set of capabilities and services to the nomad as he moves from place to place in a transparent and convenient form. This new paradigm is already manifesting itself as users travel to many different locations with laptops, PDA's, cellular telephones, pagers, etc. In this paper we discuss some of the open issues that must be addressed as we bring about the system support necessary for nomadicity. In addition, we present some of the considerations with which one must be concerned in the area of wireless communications, which forms one (and only one) component of nomadicity.
Temporal heterogeneity in single-cell gene expression and mechanical properties during adipogenic differentiation

Adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) respond heterogeneously when exposed to lineage-specific induction medium. Variable responses at the single-cell level can be observed in the production of lineage-specific metabolites, expression of mRNA transcripts, and adoption of mechanical phenotypes. Understanding the relationship between the biological and mechanical characteristics for individual ASCs is crucial for interpreting how cellular heterogeneity affects the differentiation process. The goal of the current study was to monitor the gene expression of peroxisome proliferator receptor gamma (PPARG) in adipogenically differentiating ASC populations over two weeks, while also characterizing the expression-associated mechanical properties of individual cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results showed that ASC mechanical properties did not change significantly over time in either adipogenic or control medium; however, cells expressing PPARG exhibited significantly greater compliance and fluidity compared to those lacking expression in both adipogenic and control media environments. The percent of PPARG+ cells in adipogenic samples increased over time but stayed relatively constant in controls. Previous reports of a slow, gradual change in cellular mechanical properties are explained by the increase in the number of positively differentiating cells in a sample rather than being reflective of actual, single-cell mechanical property changes. Cytoskeletal remodeling was more prevalent in adipogenic samples than controls, likely driving the adoption of a more compliant mechanical phenotype and upregulation of PPARG. The combined results reinforce the importance of understanding single-cell characteristics, in the context of heterogeneity, to provide more accurate interpretations of biological phenomena such as stem cell differentiation.
Rheological properties of rodlike polymers in solution. 2. Linear and nonlinear transient behavior

Rheological and rheo-optical studies are reported for isotropic solutions of the mesogenic rodlike polymer poly(1,4-phenylene-2,6-benzobisthiazole) (PBT). Several PBT samples were used with average contour lengths from 95 to 135 nm. Concentrations were varied over a range just below the concentration Cc for the formation of an ordered (nematic) state. The predictions of a single-integral constitutive equation of the BKZ type utilizing experimental estimates of the distribution of discrete relaxation times is compared with experimental data on the steady-state viscosity ηκ, the recoverable compliance function Rκ, and the steady-state flow birefringence as functions of the shear rate κ, with satisfactory results. The relaxation of the shear stress and the flow birefringence on cessation of steady-state flow at shear rate κ are also compared with the single-integral constitutive equation, and it is found that in the nonlinear response range the data can be superposed over a wide range in κ. The overall behavior is qualitatively similar to that for flexible chains, which can also be fitted by the single-integral constitutive equations over similar ranges of η0R0κ, with η0 and R0 the limiting values of ηk and Rκ for small κ. Of course, the dependence of η0 and R0 on concentration and molecular weight differs markedly for rodlike and flexible-chain polymers.
Control of voice-onset time in the absence of hearing: a review.

The relation between partial or absent hearing and control of the voicing contrast has long been of interest to investigators, in part because speakers who are born deaf characteristically have gre...
Superdiffusion in Nearly Stratified Flows

In classical work, Matheron and the Marsilly showed that superdiffusive scaling of mean-square displacements occurs in transport diffusion for stratified flows with steady simple shear layers and long-range spatial correlations. More recently the authors have calculated a formula for the non-Gaussian large-scale long-time renormalized Green function for these problems. Here the scaling laws and renormalized Green functions for diffusion in “nearly stratified” flows are studied; in such flows the simple shear layer with long-range correlations is perturbed by incompressible flows with short-range correlations. Here it is established that these flows belong to the same universality class as the simple shear layers, with a renormalized Green function with a similar structure but reflecting homogenization by the transverse displacements. The tools in the analysis involve a modification of homogenization theory and also rigorous diagrammatic perturbation theory.
Modeling network autocorrelation in space-time migration flow data: An eigenvector spatial filtering approach

Gravity-type spatial interaction models have been popularly utilized in modeling cross-sectional migration data, but their misspecification also has been raised in the literature. This misspecification issue principally concerns an insufficient accounting of underlying effects of spatial structure, including the presence of network autocorrelation among migration flows. Recent studies reveal that spatial interaction models are significantly improved by incorporating network autocorrelation in log-linear or Poisson regression estimation techniques, which are common estimation methods for spatial interaction models. However, when migration flows are structured as a panel data set from multiple time periods, the data set is likely to display temporal correlation within each measurement unit (here, each flow between a dyad of an origin and a destination) as well as network autocorrelation within each time period. Hence, spatial interaction models should be explicitly specified to account for these two differe...
Repetitive blood-free marrow sampling

Abstract A modified technique for repetitive sampling of rabbit bone marrow is described. The femur is punctured transcutaneously from both ends under general anaesthesia, and the marrow is flushed out from the cavity after rinsing. Contamination with peripheral blood is avoided by temporary ligation of the aorta using a special device processed after the abdomen is closed. The average yield of nucleated cells is 5.2 ± 0.5 × 108/femur. The animals recover promptly. Immediate necropsy findings show consistent residues of intact marrow remaining in the cavities. These are thought to initiate restoration within two weeks. Alternate use of both femurs allows weekly follow-up studies of individual animals.
Relative Permeability Estimation for Rich Gas-Condensate Reservoirs

This study addresses relative permeability prediction from well test data for low permeability, rich gas-condensate systems. Characteristic of these systems are high velocities and large pressure gradients within the near wellbore region. Within this region the relative permeabilties are rate sensitive and non-Darcy effects can be important. This study combines both the non-linear (in velocity) terms into a single “effective relative permeability” term. Effective relative permeabilities are estimated through non-linear regression with both synthetic and field data. Results show that a two-parameter simplified correlation is adequate for representing effective relative permeability. These parameters can be obtained by matching well test data. Mechanical skin was needed to match field data considered in this study. Non-Darcy effects can decrease the flowing bottom-hole pressures by about 480 kPa in high rate gas-condensate well tests. A well test design is proposed from which gas and condensate relative permeabilities can be estimated.
Safety First, Learning Under Ambiguity, and the Cross-Section of Stock Returns

We examine the empirical implications of learning under ambiguity for the cross-section of stock returns. We introduce a theoretically-motivated ambiguity measure and find that ambiguity is priced in the cross-section of average stock returns. Ambiguity is not subsumed by state variables known to predict stock returns, nor by value, size, and momentum factors. In R-squared comparative tests, a model that takes ambiguity into account performs better than empirical implementations of the Bayesian learning model, the intertemporal CAPM, and the four-factor model of Fama and French (1993) and Carhart (1997). (JEL G12) Conditional asset pricing models based on rational expectations perform poorly empirically (Lewellen and Nagel 2006; Kan, Robotti, and Shanken 2013). While the rational expectations hypothesis assumes investors know the probability law governing asset retu rns, authors such as Keynes (1921), Knight (1921), Shackle (1949), and Roy (1952) have emphasized that investors form expectations based on vague information that cannot be quantified precisely. Related evidence from experimental studies (Ellsberg 1961) has confirmed that individuals are averse not only to uncertainty regarding the outcome of events with known probabilities (risk), but also uncertainty regarding the outcome of events with unknown probabilities (Knightian We are especially grateful to the editor, Wayne Ferson, and an anonymous referee fortheir extensive comments that substantially improved the article. We also appreciate the valuable comments of Damian Damianov, Andrei Nikoforov, Jaime Casassus, and participants at the 2011 regional meetings of the Econometric Society in Santiago, Chile, the 2010 FMA meetings in New York City, and seminar at UTPA, Texas. Send correspondence
Effects of changes in body position on the severity of obstruction to left ventricular outflow in idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.

The circulatory responses to alterations in posture were determined in 10 patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis. Tilting to a 45° head-up position augmented the subaortic gradient by an average of 35 mm Hg and intensified the obstruction to left ventricular outflow. In addition, the post-extrasystolic decrease of the arterial pulse pressure became more prominent. Tilting to a 20° head-down position reduced the gradient by an average of 11 mm Hg and tended to reduce the severity of the obstruction. Elevation of the lower extremities also resulted in a reduction of the intraventricular systolic pressure gradient, the reduction averaging 28 mm Hg, and apparently increased the dimensions of the obstructing orifice. It is postulated that these effects on the obstruction to outflow induced by changes in posture result primarily from alterations in left ventricular volume secondary to changes in venous return. As a consequence, in the upright position, the size of the left ventricular outflow tract is reduced and the intraventricular pressure gradient is augmented while the cardiac output is reduced, resulting in an intensification of the obstruction. The opposite changes occur during the head-down tilt or during elevation of the legs. These hemodynamic findings provide an explanation for the intensification of symptoms commonly experienced by patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis in the erect position, and for the discrepancies between the symptoms and the severity of obstruction determined by cardiac catheterization carried out in the supine position. Assumption of the head-down, legs-up position is suggested as an emergency therapeutic maneuver for patients with hypertrophic subaortic stenosis.
A Review and New Look at Ethical Suicide in Advanced Age

Suicide is common in old age, but public opinion remains negative. Following a review of theories of suicide and a summary of arguments against suicide, this essay constructs an argument for why the elderly have a unique claim to an ethical, unobstructed suicide. That claim rests on their "developmental autonomy," based on the experience and wisdom of the elderly.
Self-Efficacy Change With Low-Tech, High-Fidelity Obstetric Simulation Training for Midwives and Nurses in Mexico

Abstract Background This prospective descriptive study examined the relationship between low-tech, high-fidelity simulation–based training and pre- and posttraining changes in participant self-efficacy (SE). Method A 3-week training was followed by a 2-day session 4 months later in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Midwives and obstetrical nurses either participated in or observed 41 scenarios during a clinical update in emergency obstetric skills. Results SE increased significantly. It decreased at 4 months posttraining but remained higher than pretraining levels. Conclusion The training positively affected participants' perceived readiness for the technical, behavioral, and cognitive dimensions of obstetric emergencies. After simulation training, participants faced the critical, high-pressure, and often abusive "real world" in clinical sites, which may explain the drop in SE scoresr.
Homeostatic regulation of zinc absorption in the rat.

SummaryZinc concentration of the intestine, zinc-65 uptake by the intestine and zinc-65 absorption were measured in control and zinc-deficient rats. As zinc deficiency progressed, zinc concentration of the intestinal mucosa decreased whereas both the amount of zinc-65 taken up by the mucosa and the absorption of the isotope increased. In addition, zinc concentration of the plasma was decreased in zinc-deficient animals. When zinc-deficient rats were injected with ZnCl2 prior to oral administration of zinc-65, the zinc concentration of both the plasma and the intestine increased and there was a concomitant decrease in both zinc-65 uptake by the intestine and absorption of the isotope. The results of these experiments suggest that zinc absorption is regulated, in part, by the zinc content of the intestinal mucosa which, in turn, is regulated by the zinc content of the plasma.
On the Synthesis of Finite-State Machines from Samples of Their Behavior

The Nerode realization technique for synthesizing finite-state machines from their associated right-invariant equivalence relations is modified to give a method for synthesizing machines from finite subsets of their input?output behavior. The synthesis procedure includes a parameter that one may adjust to obtain machines that represent the desired behavior with varying degrees of accuracy and that consequently have varying complexities. We discuss some of the uses of the method, including an application to a sequential learning problem.
Proteolytic organisms of the carious lesion.

Abstract A total of 102 organisms capable of lysing hide powder have been isolated from carious lesions of 104 teeth and divided into five groups. Group I resembles Onisi's Actinomyces dentocariosus but should be renamed Nocardia dentocariosus. Group II is designated as Gaffkya dentocariosus. Group III could be listed as a variant of Micrococcus pyogenes var. albus or could carry its own species designation. Group IV is a mixed group of anaerobic streptococci and Group V is a strictly anaerobic form of Actinomyces. Their presence in the carious lesion suggests a role in the proteolysis of collagen, the organic constituent of teeth.
Evaluation of Variable Speed Limit under Connected Vehicle environment

The Variable Speed Limit (VSL) application provides travelers with dynamic speed advisory information to keep optimal traffic flow conditions for freeways and corridors under both recurrent and non-recurrent congestion incurred by incidents and/or work-zones. By coupling VSL and Connected Vehicle (CV) environment enabling two-way wireless communications for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure, it is expected to achieve improved performance of VSL as a viable traffic congestion mitigation tool. This digest paper presents the impact of connected vehicle on the effectiveness of VSL on a freeway bottleneck section by using a microscopic simulation model. Simulation experimental results show that CV-powered VSL improves the traffic congestion conditions up to 7-12% depending on CV market penetration rates.
Intelligent forklift dispatching in warehouses using a sensor network

This paper reports on our work of integrating low-cost sensors, probabilistic localization, and stochastic learning in a wireless sensor network-based system applied to warehouse management. This work is on-going, and our next step will be running the actor-critic policy optimization on a realistic scale in the real warehouse environment.
Particle size control of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene by recrystallization from DMSO

Batches of up to 46g of the insensitive explosive 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) have been recrystallized from DMSO in an effort to prepare larger particle-size material for recycling previously-used TATB and also for use in special formulations. The first part of the study investigated the conditions required to shift the particle-size distribution maximum from ∼50–70 μm to several hundred micrometres in diameter. Distributions peaking at ∼200–246 μm were successfully produced by varying the cooldown rate and degree of agitation during cooling. The second part of the study emphasized regeneration of the standard ∼50–70 μm distribution from submicron size (“ultrafine” TATB) particles. The distributions peaking at ∼76–88 μm, ∼27–31 μm, and ∼15–17 μm, successfully bracketed the target particle sizes, were grown by changing the degree of solution saturation. The choice of saturation temperature for the TATB/DMSO solution was based on earlier small-scale recrystallization and solubility work.
Topological design for vibrating structures

The topological optimization technique using micro-scale voids with the homogenization method (for stress analysis of perforated structures) has been applied to solve stiffness maximization problem with success. Here, the homogenization design technique is extended to design problems concerning vibrating structures. An extended optimization algorithm is also derived to maximize a set of eigenvalues as well as to identify the topology design for specified eigenvalues to characterize forced vibration of a structure.
A Survey of MNC Succession Planning Effectiveness in China, Summer 2001.

A survey based on Rothwell's (1994) Effective Succession Planning was administered to several worldclass multi-national corporations (MNCs) operating in China. Subsidiary MNCs were found to have HRD succession planning problems. Responses regarding succession planning efforts and cultural issues were rigorously tested for significance. The organizational goals for total localization were found to be weak or absent.
Crystal and molecular structure of methyl O-α-d-mannopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-d-mannopyranoside

Abstract The crystal and molecular structure of a synthetic mannosyl disaccharide, methyl O-α- d -mannopyranosyl-(1→2)-α- d -mannopyranoside, has been determined from X-ray diffractometer data by direct methods by use of the MULTAN programs. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P21 with unit cell dimensions, a 8.086(1), b 9.775(1), c 9.975(2) A, β 104.58(1)°, Z 2, and Dm 1.54 g/cm3. The structure was refined to an R-value of 0.033 for 1359 reflections measured with CuKα radiation. The mannopyranose units have the chair conformations 4C1( d ) with C-5′ and C-2′ deviating from the best plane through the other four atoms of the ring by −0.68 and +0.53 A in the nonreducing group, and C-3 and O-5 deviating from the mean plane through the other four atoms by +0.57 and −0.66 A, respectively, in the “potentially” reducing residue. The ring-to-ring conformation can be described as (φ,ψ) = (−64.5, 105.5°). The conformation across the C-5–C-6 bond is gauche-gauche in both the sugars. The crystal structure is stabilized by a network of intermolecular O-H O hydrogen bonds.
Variation of mean sea surface temperature and modulation of El Niño–Southern Oscillation variance during the past 150 years

[1] Evidence is presented that the dominant non-trend mode of interdecadal global SST variations is linked to significant modulation of ENSO variance during the past 150 years. The mode resembles the interhemispheric SST pattern linked to Sahel rainfall changes, with colder northern hemisphere conditions co-incident with higher ENSO variance. Simulations of an intermediate coupled global climate model demonstrate that this global SST pattern can drive the interdecadal changes to ENSO variance. The influence on the ENSO dynamics comes primarily from the portion of the SST change local to the tropical Pacific, which is warm over the entire equatorial Pacific particularly in the southeast during times of stronger ENSO activity. We speculate that the warming equatorial SST causes ENSO events occur earlier and thus have longer time to develop, as well as enhancing the vertical temperature gradient and thus increasing the effectiveness of oceanic entrainment.
Modeling the temporal dynamics of it neurons in visual search: A mechanism for top-down selective attention

We propose a neural model for object-oriented attention in which various visual stimuli (shapes, colors, letters, etc.) are represented by competing, mutually inhibitory, cell assemblies. The model's response to a sequence of cue and target stimuli mimics the neural responses in infero temporal (IT) visual cortex of monkeys performing a visual search task: enhanced response during the display of the stimulus, which decays but remains above a spontaneous rate after the cue disappears. When, subsequently, a display consisting of the target and several distractors is presented, the activity of all stimulus-driven cells is initially enhanced. After a short period of time, however, the activity of the cell assembly representing the cue stimulus is enhanced while the activity of the distractors decays because of mutual competition and a small top-down “expectational” input. The model fits the measured delayed activity in IT-cortex, recently reported by Chelazzi, Miller, Duncan, and Desimone (1993a), and we suggest that such a process, which is largely independent of the number of distractors, may be used by the visual system for selecting an expected target (appearing at an uncertain location) among distractors.
History of climate engineering

The modern concept of geoengineering as a response to anthropogenic climate change evolved from much earlier proposals to modify the climate. The well-documented history of weather modification provides a much-needed historical perspective on geoengineering in the face of current climate anxiety and the need for responsive action. Drawing on material from the mid-20th century until today, this paper asserts the importance of looking at geoengineering holistically—of integrating social considerations with technical promise, and scientific study with human and moral dimensions. While the debate is often couched in scientific terms, the consequences of geoengineering the climate stretch far beyond the world of science into the realms of ethics, legality, and society. Studying the history of geoengineering can help produce fresh insights about what has happened and about what may happen, and can help frame important decisions that will soon be made as to whether geoengineering is a feasible alternative to mitigation, a possible partner, or a dangerous experiment with our fragile planet. WIREs Clim Change 2010 1 891–897 DOI: 10.1002/wcc.82 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website
Gaming the system: Gender performance in Dance Central:

This article investigates how the Dance Central game series (Harmonix Music Systems) invites and persuades players to experiment with gender performance. Dance Central uses the Xbox 360 Kinect, a motion-sensing interface, to teach players full-body dance routines set to popular club music. This study offers evidence that performative, constructivist gender theories informed the development process for these games, and explores what happens when designers enlist players in putting theory into practice. Dance Central stages visceral encounters with gendered choreography, generating both embodied gender work in the course of gameplay and reflective gender discourse in public-sphere social media. Grounded in qualitative ethnographic research that gives equal attention to interface affordances, game design, player experiences, and game-related discourse, this article offers a case study for understanding how digital media become enculturated as technologies of gender.
Angiotensin-converting inhibitors in patients with congestive heart failure: A class effect?

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been shown to improve exercise performance, patient well-being and survival in patients with heart failure. l-4 Both captopril and enalapril have been approved for use in heart failure and it is likely that several other ACE inhibitors will be approved within the near future. Although they differ in duration of action and side-effect profile, it has generally been thought that one ACE inhibitor is equal to another in effcctiveness.5 This concept has now been challenged by Pouleur et a1,6 who found in a retrospective analysis of baseline therapy in the Xamoterol Mortality Trial that patients receiving baseline therapy with captopril had a significantly higher mortality than those receiving enalapril. Pouleur et al postulate that the higher mortality of patients receiving captopril in their study was due to the fact that captopril’s duration of action is shorter than that of enalapril. Because captopril is recommended to be used 3 times daily, compared with 2 times daily for enalapril in patients with heart failure, compliance may have been worse with captopril, thereby leaving patients exposed to the adverse effects of rerun-angiotensin system activation. Furthermore, many investigators in their study administered captopril at a lower than recommended dose or on a twice-daily rather than a threetimes daily schedule in order to reduce the cost of chronic therapy. However, one should be skeptical of any retrospective analysis such as that performed by Pouleur et al. Their trial was not designed, nor statistically empowered, to explore the relative difference in effectiveness between captopril and enalapril. Nevertheless, one cannot ignore the possibility that significant differences in the effectiveness of various ACE inhibitors might exist. If differences in the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors do exist, how might they be explained? One explanation is that proposed by Pouleur et a1.6 Should the
Extraction and partial purification of luteolytic activity from bovine endometrial tissue.

A series of experiments was conducted in which it was shown that weights and progesterone contents of corpora lutea dissected from the ovaries of pseudopregnant hysterectomized hamsters previously injected ip for 6 days with appropriate test substances are sensitive indicators of luteolytic activity. Crude suspensions and aqueous extracts of bovine endometria collected on days 10–13 of the estrous cycle effectively reduced luteal tissue weights and progesterone contents in treated hamsters; similar extracts and suspensions of skeletal muscle and myometrium and bovine serum albumin were ineffective. Bovine endometrial extracts retained their luteolytic activity after being separated on Sephadex G-25. Most of the luteolytic activity in aqueous extracts of bovine endometrium was precipitated in a 55% ammonium sulfate fraction. Further fractionation of the 55% ammonium sulfate material on Sephadex G-100 yielded an active fraction having a Kd (partition coefficient) of 0.271. In one case, activity was also fou...