cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infection Prevention in the Neurointensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review

Hospital-acquired infections are common in neurointensive care units. We sought to review interventions which may reduce infection rates in neurocritically ill populations. We conducted a systematic review of studies targeting adult patients in neuro-intensive care units (neuro-ICUs) with an intervention designed to prevent ICU-acquired infections. Our outcome of interest was change in the prevalence or rates of infection between active and control arms of these studies. We excluded studies based on the following criteria: no English full-text version available; pediatric population; non-neurosciences ICU population; pre- or intraoperative methods to prevent infection; lack of discrete data for infection rates/prevalence; studies that were purely observational in nature and did not test an intervention; and studies performed in resource limited settings. We initially retrieved 3716 results by searching the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE via Ovid, and Cochrane CENTRAL via Ovid. No date or language limits were used in the search. Computerized deduplication was conducted using EndNote followed by a confirmatory manual review resulting in 3414 citations. An additional 19 manuscripts were identified through review of references. The screening process followed a standard protocol, using two screeners at the title/abstract level to determine relevance and at the full-text level to determine eligibility for inclusion. The 3427 titles/abstracts were independently screened by two board-certified neurointensivists to determine relevance for full-text review, and 3248 were rejected. The remaining 179 abstracts were reviewed in full text using predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Ultimately, 75 articles met our inclusion criteria and were utilized in the final analysis. The reviewed literature highlights the need for collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and multi-pronged approaches to reduce infections. Rates of VRI, SSI, VAP, CAUTI, and CLABSI can approach zero with persistence and a team-based approach.
The Software Continuum Concept: Towards a Biologically Inspired Model for Robust E-Business Software Automation

This paper introduces a new concept, the software continuum concept based on the observation that exists a general parallelism between the software continuum from bits to business/Internet ecosystems and the natural continuum from particles to ecosystems. The general parallelism suggests that homeomorphisms may be identified and therefore some concepts, processes, and/or mechanisms in one continuum can be investigated for application in the other continuum. We argue that the homeomorphisms give rise to a biologically-inspired architectural framework for addressing robust control, robust intelligence, and robust autonomy issues in e-business software and other business-IT integration challenges. As application, we examine the mapping of a major enterprise-level architecture framework to the biologically-inspired framework. Design considerations for robust intelligence and autonomy in large-scale software automation and some major systemic features for flexible business-IT integration are also discussed.
The frailty syndrome and outcomes in the TOPCAT trial.

AIMS The impact of frailty on outcomes in randomized heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) trials has not been previously reported. This analysis sought to characterize frailty in a large contemporary HFpEF clinical trial cohort and to evaluate its impact on patient relevant outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS Using data from the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) trial, a frailty index (FI) was constructed at baseline using 39 clinical, laboratory, and self-reported variables. The relationship between frailty and outcomes and the role of frailty in modulating the benefits of spironolactone were examined in a subset of 1767 TOPCAT patients. For the cohort as a whole (mean age 71.5 years, 49% female), the mean FI at baseline was 0.37 ± 0.11. Four frailty classes were defined ranging from FI 0.21). Mean age was lowest for the most frail class (69 ± 9 years for Class 4; 73 ± 10 years for Class 1; P < 0.001). Body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure all increased as FI increased. Both primary and secondary outcomes increased as frailty severity increased. There was no interaction between frailty class and treatment effect of spironolactone. CONCLUSIONS Frailty was very common in TOPCAT HFpEF participants. Greater frailty was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. The benefit of spironolactone on outcomes in TOPCAT was not attenuated by frailty class.
Abstract 849: Drp1-dependent Altered Mitochondrial Dynamics Contribute to Protein Aggregation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in R120G αB-crystallin-induced Proteotoxicity

Introduction: αB-crystallin (CryAB) is a chaperone protein that plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of the structural and mechanical integrity of the sarcomere. Mutation in αB-crystallin (CryAB...
Guidelines for Diuretic Utilization Reduce High Charge Medications.

Decreasing practice variation and following evidence-based clinical guidelines improve patient outcomes and often reduce cost. Essentially all postsurgical cardiac patients require diuretics. The approach to diuresis in the pediatric cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU) is not standardized. Our objective was to develop and implement guidelines for diuretic utilization in the CTICU to reduce high charge medication utilization while maintaining the delivery of high-quality care. Methods Two of the top 10 medications by charge in the CTICU during 2016 were diuretics [fenoldopam and intravenous (IV) chlorothiazide]. Standardized diuretic utilization guidelines were developed to reduce the utilization of fenoldopam and IV chlorothiazide. We implemented guidelines in April 2017. The utilization of fenoldopam and IV chlorothiazide, as well as overall diuretic charges, before and after guideline implementation were compared. Results We normalized all comparisons to 100 CTICU patient-days. Fenoldopam starts were reduced from 1.1 in 2016 to 0.03 in 2019 (through February); days of fenoldopam use were reduced from 4 in 2016 to 0.15 days in 2019 (through February); IV chlorothiazide doses decreased from 20 in 2016 to 8 in 2019 (through February). These changes reduced the mean charges for diuretics from $25,762 in 2016 to $8,855 in 2019 (through February). CTICU average daily census did not change significantly during the study period (12.8 in 2016 vs 11.8 in 2018). Conclusion Value-added implementation of standardized diuretic utilization guidelines in the CTICU successfully reduced the use of high-charge diuretics without unfavorably impacting the quality of care delivery.
Landowner functional types to characterize response to invasive forest insects

Invasive forest insects can induce tree mortality in two ways: (a) by directly harming trees; or (b) by influencing forest owners to pre-emptively harvest threatened trees. This study investigates forest owners’ intentions to harvest trees threatened by invasive insects. Our first objective is to identify and characterize agent functional types (AFTs) of family forest owners in the northeastern United States using a set of contingent behaviour questions contained in a mail survey. We establish AFTs as a form of dimension reduction, effectively casting landowners into a typology in which each type (AFT) has distinct probabilities of tree harvesting in response to forest insects. Our analysis identifies three functional types of landowners: 'Cutters' (46% of respondents; high intent to harvest trees impacted by invasive forest insects), 'Responsive Cutters' (42% of respondents; intent sensitive to insect impact severity), and 'Non-cutters' (12% of respondents; low intent to cut). Our second objective is to model AFT membership to predict the distribution of AFTs across the landscape. Predictors are chosen from a set of survey, geographic and demographic features. Our best AFT-prediction model has three predictor variables: parcel size (hectares of forest), geographical region, and town-level forested fraction. Application of the model provides a high-resolution probability distribution of AFTs across the landscape. By coupling human and insect behaviour, our results allow for holistic assessments of how invasive forest insects disturb forests, inclusive of the management response to these pests.
The Local Geometry of Orthogonal Dictionary Learning using L1 Minimization

Feature learning that extracts concise and general- izable representations for data is one of the central problems in machine learning and signal processing. Sparse dictionary learning, also known as sparse coding, distinguishes from other feature learning techniques in sparsity exploitation, allowing the formulation of nonconvex optimizations that simultaneously uncover a structured dictionary and sparse representations. Despite the popularity of dictionary learning in applications, the landscapes of these optimizations that enable effective learning largely remain a mystery. This work characterizes the local optimization geometry for a simplified version of sparse coding where the L1 norm of the sparse coefficient matrix is minimized subject to orthogonal dictionary constraints. In particular, we show that the ground-truth dictionary and coefficient matrix are locally identifiable under the assumption that the coefficient matrix is sufficiently sparse and the number of training data columns is sufficiently large.
Improving Pneumococcal Vaccination Rates in Rheumatology Patients by Using Best Practice Alerts in the Electronic Health Records

Objective To improve pneumococcal vaccination (PV) rates among rheumatology clinic patients on immunosuppressive therapy in the outpatient settings. Methods This quality improvement project was based on the pre-post-intervention design. Phase I of the project targeted rheumatoid arthritis patients from thirteen rheumatology clinics (1/2013 to 7/2015) on immunosuppressive therapy to receive pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). In Phase II study (1/2016-10/2017), all patients on immunosuppressive medications irrespective of diagnosis were targeted to receive PPSV23 and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). The Best Practice Alert (BPA)s for both PVs were developed based on CDC guidelines which appeared on electronic medical records for eligible patient at the time of assessment by the medical assistant. The BPA was designed to inform the vaccination status and enable physician to order PV or document refusal or deferral reasons. Education regarding vaccine guidelines, the BPAs, vaccination process, and regular feedback of results were important project interventions. The vaccination rates during pre-post intervention for each study phase were compared using Chi square test. Results During Phase I, PPSV23 vaccination rates improved from 27.9% pre-intervention rate to 61.5% (p Conclusion Electronic identification of vaccine eligibility and implementation of BPAs with capabilities to order and document significantly improved PV rates. The process has potential for self-sustainability and generalizability.
Nanoelectronic 3-D (NEMO 3-D) simulation of multimillion atom quantum dot systems

The convergence of electron and hole ground states of a dome-shaped In/sub 0.6/Ga/sub 0.4/As quantum dot as a function of the size of the surrounding buffer is explored within an sp/sup 3/d/sup 5/s* tight binding model. It is found that although the quantum dot encompasses only 2 /spl times/ 10/sup 5/ atoms, proper convergence of ground state eigenenergies requires that over 10 times as many atoms need to be included in the simulation domain. It is also found that the disorder-induced broadening is very sensitive to the applied boundary conditions. Examination of local eigenenergies as functions of position shows similar convergence problems and indicates that an inaccurate resolution of the equilibrium atomic positions due to truncation of the simulation domain may be the source of the slow ground state convergence.
Bacterial succession in necrotic tissue of agria cactus (Stenocereus gummosus).

The bacterial communities associated with the development of necroses in injured agria cactus tissue were examined in the field by using both human-induced injuries and cactus tissue inoculated with cactophilic bacteria. Whole-cell bacterial fatty acids were used to determine when and where each of 23 detected species occurred. This information was then used to describe successional patterns of bacterial colonization. Although the number of bacterial species in human-induced injuries reached a maximum on day 16, the Shannon-Weaver diversity index increased to a plateau, which reflects a stable bacterial community. The potential of the bacterial community to macerate the injured cactus tissue was also examined, and the results indicate that the bacteria initially colonizing the newly injured cactus tissue were more likely to contain pectinolytic, proteolytic, and lipolytic enzymes than were the bacteria entering the injuries once tissue maceration had already begun. The cactophilic fruit fly Drosophila mojavensis has been previously shown to carry bacteria to newly injured cactus tissue. In these studies, exclusion of these insects did not significantly affect bacterial succession or community structure. This supports our contention that bacteria colonize injured tissue primarily by passive transport, e.g., on wind-blown particles.
Biophysical interpretation of a spectral mixture model based on a radiative transfer model and observational data

Linear spectral mixture models were used to invert mixed spectral responses of a target into proportions of plant and soil components at the Earth's surface. However, utilization of the mixture models has been limited by a lack of biophysical interpretation of the results. The objective of this study was to relate the decomposed components of a mixture model with known biophysical properties of the surface. A radiative transfer model was used to generate "mixtures" reflectances using measured optical properties of "pure components". The radiative transfer model was used to create canopy reflectances for varying leaf area index (LAI), and intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) over a range of mixed targets. The mixture model was applied to the simulated data and validated with observational ground data (LAI, IPAR and reflectances) measured at the HAPEX-Sahel (1992) bush/grassland and millet sites. The mixture model used a combination of "pure component" spectral signatures (full green canopy and soils) measured at the site. The method was applied to subsets of a nadir image of the Advanced Solid State Array Spectroradiometer (ASAS) with and without atmospheric contamination, which resulted in quantified estimates of the abundance of vegetation and soils. Site LAI and IPAR could also be estimated from the ASAS imagery. >
Proliferating γδ T cells manifest high and spatially confined caspase-3 activity

Summary Caspase-8 serves two paradoxical roles in T lymphocytes: it initiates apoptosis following death receptor engagement, and is also indispensible for proliferation following T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) signalling. These opposing processes appear to be controlled by both spatial and quantitative differences in caspase-8 activation. Given differences in the turnover of T-cell subsets, we compared caspase activity and susceptibility to cell death following TCR restimulation in murine CD4 + and CD8 + ab T cells and cd T cells. We observed a spectrum of caspase activity in non-dying effector T cells in which CD4 + T cells manifested the lowest levels of active caspases whereas cd T cells manifested the highest levels. Further analysis revealed that most of the difference in T-cell subsets was the result of high levels of active caspase-3 in non-dying effector cd T cells. Despite this, cd T cells manifested little spontaneous or CD3 restimulation-induced cell death as the result of confinement of active caspases to the cell membrane. By contrast, CD4 + T cells were highly sensitive to CD3-induced cell death, associated with the appearance of active caspases in the cytoplasm and cleavage of the caspase substrates Bid and ICAD. Hence, the location and amount of active caspases distinguishes effector T-cell subsets and profoundly influences the fate of the T-cell response.
Case-based Learning as Pedagogy for Teaching Information Ethics Based on the Dervin Sense-Making Methodology

The purpose of this mixed methods study is to determine the effectiveness of casebased pedagogy in teaching basic principles of information ethics and ethical decisionmaking. Study reports results of pre- and post-assessment completed by 49 library and information science (LIS) graduate students at a Midwestern university. Using Creswell’s (2014) convergent mixed methods strategy, the assessment instrument collected both quantitative and qualitative data in the pre- and post-assessment instrument, analyzed data separately, and compared it to better understand the problem. Pedagogy providing the context for this study is an example of a deliberate shift away from static lecture and memorization methods of instruction, to instruction involving a dynamic, interactive learning process. Curriculum and instruction is influenced by Dervin’s (1983) seminal sense-making theory, in particular Dervin and Clark’s (2003) dynamic, twodimensional communication-as-procedure model used to overcome communication gaps and inequities. Students focused on cases, authentic situational dilemmas related to privacy; intellectual freedom; intellectual property; intercultural ethics; and professional ethics. Findings suggest that case-based pedagogy resulted in students’ improved (1) abilities to describe basic principles of information ethics; (2) abilities to apply a model for ethical decision-making; (3) opportunities to practice flexible communication behavior; (4) awareness of behaviors relevant to tolerance of others, privacy rights, authors’ and artists’ rights, and treatment of co-workers; and (5) self-reported interest in the study of information ethics and satisfaction with case-based learning. It is suggested that case-based instruction using the sense-making methodology holds much promise as an effective way to operationalize information ethics education in LIS as well as in traditional social science disciplines. It offers a framework for development of students’ abilities to inform themselves efficiently and effectively about choices information professionals must make in today’s pluralistic world.
Patients with refractory reflux symptoms: What do they have and how should they be managed?

With the widespread use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the frontier of treating reflux disease has shifted from refractory esophagitis to PPI-refractory symptoms. However, symptoms are inherently less specific than mucosal disease and, as noted by Herregods et al. in their contribution appearing in this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms often do not have GERD. This review discusses potential etiologies for PPI-refractory symptoms. Three major concepts are explored: subendoscopic esophagitis, weakly acidic reflux events, and alternative explanations for persistent symptoms. With respect to subendoscopic esophagitis and unsuppressed reflux, ample evidence exists that these are present in PPI-refractory patients. The problem is that these findings are also often present in substantial numbers of individuals with a satisfactory response to PPI therapy. Hence, the emphasis shifts to determinants of symptom perception. The major conclusion of the review is that psychogenic factors such as hyperalgesia, allodynia, hypervigilance, and heightened anxiety are the most plausible explanations as the dominant determinants of PPI-refractory symptoms.
Curriculum-Based Measurement and Two Models of Follow-up Consultation:

This investigation focused on the effects of two independent variables: (a) teacher-developed goals and monitoring systems versus a curriculum-based measurement (CBM) goal and monitoring system; and (b) individual expert versus group follow-up consultation. The dependent data were academic achievement measures. Subjects were 55 special education, elementary school students with mild and moderate disabilities randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions: A, teacher-developed goal and progress monitoring with individual expert follow-up consultation; B, CBM goal and progress monitoring with individual expert follow-up consultation; C, teacher-developed goal and progress monitoring with group follow-up consultation; and D, CBM goal and progress monitoring with group follow-up consultation. Results showed that groups employing CBM and group consultation generally out-performed the other groups. Implications included expanded use of CBM goals and progress monitoring and continued study of collaboration as a method of CBM program implementation.
Organolutetium Complexes in σ-Bond Metathesis Reactions Involving Silicon. Catalysts for the Hydrogenolysis of Si−C Bonds

The lutetium hydride complex [Cp*2Lu(μ-H)]2 (1) efficiently cleaves the Si−C bond of PhSiH3 to produce benzene and cross-linked polysilanes (SiHx)y. The Si−C bond cleavage appears to proceed via the lutetium phenyl complex Cp*2LuPh (2). This is supported by the reaction of PhSiH3 with 2, which results in the formation of benzene. Moreover, activation of the Si−C bond of C6F5SiH3 by 1 yields the related lutetium aryl complex Cp*2LuC6F5 (4) and oligosilanes. The reaction of 1 with o-MeOC6H4SiH3, on the other hand, results in the formation of dihydrogen and the neutral lutetium silyl complex (5). The solid-state structure of 5 was determined by X-ray crystallography. Reactions of arylsilanes with the lutetium methyl complex [Cp*2LuMe]2 (3) are less selective than the corresponding reactions of 1 and lead to competitive Si−C and Si−H bond activations. Complex 1 acts as an efficient catalyst for organosilane hydrogenolysis. Thus, addition of excess phenyl- or hexylsilane to solutions of 1 under an atmosphere o...
Common Peroneal Neuropathy Secondary to Squatting during Childbirth

Abstract Background: Common peroneal neuropathy occurs fairly frequently in the adult population; however, very few cases of peroneal neuropathy after prolonged squatting have been reported. Case: A 29-year-old woman noted right foot numbness and weakness immediately after childbirth, which involved 15–30 minutes of pushing in a squatting position. Physical examination and an electrodiagnostic study confirmed a common peroneal neuropathy. The patient was referred for rehabilitation, including bracing and gait training, which improved substantially her mobility and function. Conclusion: Prolonged squatting should be minimized or avoided. A high index of suspicion for peroneal neuropathy after prolonged squatting must be present. Early diagnosis and treatment may limit the number of complications in these patients, particularly falls.
Forward-backward semiclassical dynamics for condensed phase time correlation functions

The forward–backward semiclassical dynamics (FBSD) scheme for obtaining time correlation functions shows much promise as a method for including quantum mechanical effects into the calculation of dynamical properties of condensed phase systems. By combining this scheme with a discretized path integral representation of the Boltzmann operator one is able to calculate correlation functions at finite temperature. In this work we develop constant temperature molecular dynamics techniques for sampling the phase space and path integral variables. The resulting methodology is applied to the calculation of the velocity autocorrelation function of liquid argon. At the chosen state point the FBSD results are in good agreement with classical trajectory predictions, but the existence of a non-negligible imaginary part of the correlation function illustrates the importance of proper density quantization even under nearly classical conditions.
Optical surface characterization with the area structure function

Abstract The structure function (SF) represents the average height difference squared as a function of separation and, like power spectral density (PSD), can be used to describe the spatial content of optical surfaces. The linear SF has been applied in astronomy and captures data of all spatial content. However, it loses anisotropic information. The recently introduced two-quadrant area SF (ASF) characterizes surfaces of any arbitrary aperture over all spatial content, while retaining information on anisotropy. This paper relates SF to alternative representations of spatial content, and shows interpretation and combination of the SFs based on multi-instrument data.
Above- and belowground responses to nitrogen addition in a Chihuahuan Desert grassland

Increased available soil nitrogen can increase biomass, lower species richness, alter soil chemistry and modify community structure in herbaceous ecosystems worldwide. Although increased nitrogen availability typically increases aboveground production and decreases species richness in mesic systems, the impacts of nitrogen additions on semiarid ecosystems remain unclear. To determine how a semiarid grassland responds to increased nitrogen availability, we examined plant community structure and above- and belowground net primary production in response to long-term nitrogen addition in a desert grassland in central New Mexico, USA. Plots were fertilized annually (10 g N m−2) since 1995 and NPP measured from 2004 to 2009. Differences in aboveground NPP between fertilized and control treatments occurred in 2004 following a prescribed fire and in 2006 when precipitation was double the long-term average during the summer monsoon. Presumably, nitrogen only became limiting once drought stress was alleviated. Belowground NPP was also related to precipitation, and greatest root growth occurred the year following the wettest summer, decreasing gradually thereafter. Belowground production was unrelated to aboveground production within years and unrelated to nitrogen enrichment. Species richness changed between years in response to seasonal precipitation variability, but was not altered by nitrogen addition. Community structure did respond to nitrogen fertilization primarily through increased abundance of two dominant perennial grasses. These results were contrary to most nitrogen addition studies that find increased biomass and decreased species richness with nitrogen fertilization. Therefore, factors other than nitrogen deposition, such as fire or drought, may play a stronger role in shaping semiarid grassland communities than soil fertility.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, incidence of myocardial infarction, and extent of atherosclerosis in men.

BACKGROUNDAntiatherogenic effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) have been suspected for more than 30 years, yet the available evidence to support or refute such effects in humans is inconclusive. The hypothesis has not been adequately tested in large-scale epidemiological studies.METHODS AND RESULTSThe present study used a cohort of men initially free of clinically detectable coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancer to compare DHEAS levels measured in sera obtained in 1968-1971 between 238 cases who had definite coronary heart disease during the subsequent 18 years and 476 age-matched controls who survived the follow-up period and remained free of clinically detectable coronary heart disease. In a separate study, the relation of DHEAS levels to extent of atherosclerosis was examined among 82 cohort men who died during the follow-up period and had protocol autopsies. Age-adjusted DHEAS levels were lower among fatal cases of coronary heart disease than among c...
Frequency of occupational health concerns in general clinics

Studies have suggested that occupational disease and injury are under-recognized by clinicians. To estimate the frequency of occupational factors in disease and injury, 108 patients in a general (not occupational) health care facility were interviewed about the frequency and types of workplace-health interactions. Thirty-nine percent reported possible causation by work, and 66% reported a possible increase in symptoms by work, even if not caused by work. Twenty-seven percent reported changing jobs and/or tasks because of work-health interactions. The majority of men and women reported that worksite changes could improve their functional ability at work. This study therefore indicates that (1) occupational health concerns are common in primary care clinics, even if not addressed by clinicians; (2) the definition of occupational health concerns should be broadened to include disease caused by work, disease symptoms worsened by work, and the need for occupational accommodation even if the disease itself is not caused by work; and (3) inquiring about patient concerns about workplace-health interactions can provide clinicians with significant opportunities for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.
A Limnological Survey of Third Sister Lake, Michigan with Historical Comparisons

ABSTRACT Third Sister Lake in southeastern Michigan has been a focus of ecological studies since 1904. In 1999, we surveyed several physical, chemical, and biological parameters of the lake and compiled data collected by University of Michigan students since 1975. Comparison of dissolved oxygen profiles from years 1927–29, 1939–42 to recent data (1992–99) indicate a decrease in maximum oxygenation of bottom waters at fall turnover (8 mg O2·L−1 maximum 1927–29, 1939–42 vs. 4 mg O2·L−1 1980, 1992–93) and more rapid depletion of oxygen in the hypolimnion following stratification. In early studies, oxygen persisted (> 3 mg L−1) at all depths from mid-November to May (1927–29, 1939–42). There has been no evidence of spring mixing in recent years and bottom waters have become anoxic by late January. The diversity and density of offshore benthic organisms has declined from at least 12 species and an average density of 167000·m−2 in 1927 to 4–5 species at 15144 · m−2 in 1999. Overall, benthic populations shifted ...
The Yardstick of Manners

The interdependence of etiquette consumers and producers makes the contemporary etiquette guide a book of rules informed by realism rather than one etched from the behavior of the comfortable. While the acquisition of good manners facilitates comfort and mobility, the yardstick of behavior, like the measure of standard language, evolves with the times and thus is never a mere instrument of conformity.
Numerical simulation of 2D square driven cavity using fourth-order compact finite difference schemes

Abstract Fourth-order compact finite difference schemes are employed with multigrid techniques to simulate the two-dimensional square driven cavity flow with small to large Reynolds numbers. The governing Navier-Stokes equation is linearized in streamfunction and vorticity formulation. The fourth-order compact approximation schemes are coupled with fourth-order approximations for velocities and vorticity boundaries. Numerical solutions are obtained for square driven cavity flow at high Reynolds numbers and are compared with solutions obtained by other researchers using other approximation methods.
Are saving and investment co-integrated?

Abstract The observation of a strong positive correlation between national saving and domestic investment rates calls into question the assumption of highly-mobile international capital. I re-examine the question of a high correlation by considering the time-series relationship between national saving and domestic investment rates in the U.S., using newly-developed co-integration techniques. National saving and domestic investment appear to be co-integrated prior to 1971 but appear not to be co-integrated after 1971.
Cortical computational maps for auditory imaging

Abstract The mustached bat emits complex biosonar signals (pulses) and listens to echoes for orientation and hunting flying insects. Different types of biosonar information are conveyed by different parameters characterizing pulse-echo pairs. For example, range information is conveyed by echo delay, while velocity information is carried by Doppler shift. At the auditory periphery, frequency is expressed by the anatomical location along the basilar membrane and also along the array of ganglion cells, while amplitude and time (duration of signals and interval between signals) are not expressed by anatomical locations, but by discharge rate and the temporal pattern of nerve discharges, respectively. In the auditory cortex, however, not only frequency but also other information-bearing parameters (IBPs) such as echo delay and Doppler shift are systematically expressed by anatomical locations. That is, the IBPs are mapped. These computational maps greatly depend upon subcortical signal processing. The subcortical auditory nuclei create delay lines and multipliers (or AND gates) for processing range (echo delay) information, and also create level-tolerant frequency tuning and multipliers (or AND gates) for processing velocity (Doppler shift) information. These multipliers are called FM-FM or CF/CF combination-sensitive neurons, respectively. Signal processing in the auditory system is parallel-hierarchical. The neurophysiological studies of the bat's auditory system provide an excellent data base for computational models.
SOME OTHER UH(M)S

Recent work on the occurrence of “uh” and “uhm” in ordinary talk-in-interaction is concerned almost exclusively with its relation to trouble in the speech production process. After touching briefly on this environment of occurrence, this conversation-analytic article focuses attention on several interactional environments in which “uh(m)” figures in other ways—most extensively on its use to indicate the “reason-for-the-interaction's-launching.” The underlying theme is that accounts for what gets done and gets understood in talk-in-interaction must take into account not only its composition, but also its position—not only with respect to the grammar of sentences, but also with respect to the organization of turns at talk, of action sequences encompassing multiple turns at talk, and of occasions of talk, all of which are demonstrably oriented to by speakers in their production of the talk and by recipients in their analyzing of the talk.
A new chart relating open-loop and closed-loop frequency responses of linear control systems

CONTROL ENGINEERS generally adhere to the use of frequency response as the fundamental tool for feedback control systems. Through the use of the Nichols chart,1 the open-loop characteristics can be quickly converted to the closed-loop characteristics. The performance of control systems can be estimated according to the gain and phase margins and the magnitude of peak M. Although actual performance may be quite different from that predicted by a certain value of a particular specification, yet by means of Meerov's method2 it should not be difficult for engineers to determine the limits of applicability and to evaluate its effectiveness.
Therabot: The Initial Design of a Robotic Therapy Support System

Therabot is an assistive-robotic therapy system designed to provide support during counseling sessions and home therapy practice to patients diagnosed with conditions associated with trauma. Studies were conducted to determine desired features of potential end-users of the system, such as clinicians, with feedback from past survivors of trauma to guide the participatory design process. The results from a survey of 1,045 respondents revealed a preferred form factor of a floppy-eared dog with coloring similar to that of a beagle. The most requested features were that the robot be of a size that would be comfortable to fit in a person's lap and a covering that was soft, durable, and had multiple textures.
Observations on the Leaves of Several Species of Viburnum

Abstract The results of a comparative study of the leaves of Viburnum prunifolium, V. rufidulum , and V. cassionoides are reported. Determinations of the vein islet numbers, palisade ratios and stomatal indexes of the three species are included.
Pancreatic carcinoma: imaging update 2001.

This paper discusses the most recent advances in imaging of pancreatic carcinomas. The specific modalities discussed include helical computed tomography (HCT) with combined CT angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and positron emission tomography (PET). Endoscopic ultrasound is discussed in other papers. HCT is believed to be the most efficacious modality for initial detection and staging of pancreatic carcinomas. It has an accuracy rate of about 95–97% for the detection of carcinomas and of virtually 100% for staging unresectable carcinomas. The accuracy for CT staging of a resectable tumor is about 80–85%, with small surface metastases to liver and peritoneum being the most often missed findings. MRI and MRCP are best used for evaluation of patients that cannot receive intravenous contrast media for HCT and of patients who have equivocal HCT findings. PET imaging may be useful for detection of extrapancreatic nodal metastases.
Whole Cell Modeling: From Single Cells to Colonies

A great deal of research over the last several years has focused on how the inherent randomness in movements and reactivity of biomolecules can give rise to unexpected large-scale differences in the behavior of otherwise identical cells. Our own research has approached this problem from two vantage points – a microscopic kinetic view of the individual molecules (nucleic acids, proteins, etc.) diffusing and interacting in a crowded cellular environment; and a broader systems-level view of how enzyme variability can give rise to well-defined metabolic phenotypes. The former led to the development of the Lattice Microbes software – a GPU-accelerated stochastic simulator for reaction-diffusion processes in models of whole cells; the latter to the development of a method we call population flux balance analysis (FBA). The first part of this article reviews the Lattice Microbes methodology, and two recent technical advances that extend the capabilities of Lattice Microbes to enable simulations of larger organisms and colonies. The second part of this article focuses on our recent population FBA study of Escherichia coli, which predicted variability in the usage of different metabolic pathways resulting from heterogeneity in protein expression. Finally, we discuss exciting early work using a new hybrid methodology that integrates FBA with spatially resolved kinetic simulations to study how cells compete and cooperate within dense colonies and consortia.
Vesikin, a vesicle associated ATPase from squid axoplasm and optic lobe, has characteristics in common with vertebrate brain MAP 1 and MAP 2.

Vesikin, a protein that can associate with squid axoplasmic vesicles or optic lobe microtubuies, has been implicated as a force-generating molecule involved in microtubule-dependent vesicle transport [Gilbert and Sloboda, 1986, 1988]. Because vesikin crossreacts with an antibody to porcine brain microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP 2), studies were conducted to compare squid vesikin and brain MAPs. When taxol stabilized microtubules containing vesikin as a microtubule associated protein were incubated in the presence of ATP, vesikin dissociated from the microtubule subunit lattice. This behavior would be expected for an ATP-dependent, force generating molecule that serves as a crossbridge between vesicles and microtubules. When chick brain microtubules were treated under the same conditions, MAP 2 remained bound to the microtubules while MAP 1 dissociated in a manner similar to vesikin. One dimensional peptide mapping procedures revealed that, although digestion of vesikin and MAP 2 generated several peptides common to both proteins, vesikin and MAP 2 are clearly not identical. Furthermore, the addition of vesikin or MAPS 1 and 2 to purified tubulin stimulated microtubule assembly in a manner dependent on the concentration of added protein. These findings demonstrate that brain MAPs share characteristics common to squid vesikin and support the suggestion that brain MAPs 1 and 2 might act as a force generating complex for vesicle transport in higher organisms.
A Bayesian hierarchical model to guide development and evaluation of substance objectives under the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement

Abstract Under the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Canada and the United States are obliged to develop target concentrations for water quality constituents of particular concern. These “substance objectives” are closely analogous to numerical criteria under the US Clean Water Act. To develop effective substance objectives, it is important to consider how compliance with these objectives will be evaluated. Total phosphorus concentrations, for example, vary temporally and spatially, thus sample-based statistics will always be uncertain measures of the “true” underlying population characteristic. Using data from Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron, we develop a Bayesian hierarchical model that can be used to evaluate compliance with target concentrations on a temporally and spatially explicit basis. The “confidence of compliance” with targets can be assessed from the variance of the model parameter posterior distributions. This approach allows data to be grouped to represent spatial and temporal domains of particular interest, such as spring mean conditions in a certain area, and facilitates “partial pooling” of information so that regions with sparse data and high uncertainty can “borrow information” from more data-rich areas.
Changes in Oil Content of Transgenic Soybeans Expressing the Yeast SLC1 Gene

The wild type (Wt) and mutant form of yeast (sphingolipid compensation) genes, SLC1 and SLC1-1, have been shown to have lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAT) activities (Nageic et al. in J Biol Chem 269:22156-22163, 1993). Expression of these LPAT genes was reported to increase oil content in transgenic Arabidopsis and Brassica napus. It is of interest to determine if the TAG content increase would also be seen in soybeans. Therefore, the wild type SLC1 was expressed in soybean somatic embryos under the control of seed specific phaseolin promoter. Some transgenic somatic embryos and in both T2 and T3 transgenic seeds showed higher oil contents. Compared to controls, the average increase in triglyceride values went up by 1.5% in transgenic somatic embryos. A maximum of 3.2% increase in seed oil content was observed in a T3 line. Expression of the yeast Wt LPAT gene did not alter the fatty acid composition of the seed oil.
Improved techniques for the detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus in carrier cattle.

A cup probang was used to collect oesophageal-pharyngeal fluid specimens from cattle carriers of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus (Type A). The specimens were assayed for virus content by inoculation of primary calf kidney cell cultures in prescription bottles and in Povitsky bottles for assay of greater volumes. The efficiency of the techniques was improved by treating the specimens with trichlorotrifluoroethane (TTE) prior to assay. With the TTE-treatment, bacterial and fungal contaminants were virtually eliminated and FMD virus apparently was reactivated from neutralizing antibodies or other inhibitors. Aliquot specimens stored at −20° C for more than 2 months did not have an appreciable loss in titer when the TTE treatment was used. Specimens with 50% glycerin added maintained their original virus titers during prolonged storage at −20° C.
Determination of uranium isotope ratios in human urine by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for use in occupational and biomonitoring studies

Determination of uranium isotopes in urine is critical for distinguishing between exposure to natural and anthropogenic sources of uranium. In biomonitoring, the extremely low levels of total uranium [U] present in urine and the complexity of the urine matrix present challenges to accurate isotope ratio determination. We have validated a method for measurement of 234U/238U, 235U/238U and 236U/238U in small-volume, random urine samples at occupational exposure levels, as well as for measurement of 235U/238U at biomonitoring levels. The method has been developed to detect exposure to mixtures of enriched and depleted uranium (DU) among former workers and nearby residents of the NL Industries factory in Colonie, NY, USA. Validation experiments employing solid phase extraction followed by SF-ICP-MS analysis were performed on base urine spiked with isotopic certified reference materials, isotopically depleted urine quality control materials, and natural uranium urine pools. Our results show that extraction with UTEVA resin yields lower blank levels than with TRU resin, and that double washing of the UTEVA resin columns results in further lowering of the blank. At occupational exposure levels ([U] = 50 ng L−1), 234U/238U, 235U/238U, and 236U/238U can be quantified in 1 mL of urine containing 3% DU with relative precisions (1s) of 10%, 0.4%, and 18%, respectively. For urine containing 75% DU and [U] = 50 ng L−1, the relative precision (1s) of 236U/238U is improved to <3%. At biomonitoring levels ([U] = 5 ng L−1), by increasing the urine volume to 4 mL, 234U/238U and 235U/238U can be quantified with relative precisions (1s) of 19% and 0.5%, respectively, whereas 236U/238U cannot be detected. By further increasing urine volume to 8 mL, comparable levels of isotope ratio precision are possible at [U] as low as 1 ng L−1.
Emotional Support for the Breastfeeding Mother

The purpose of this study was to ascertain those behaviors and persons that were perceived as emotionally supportive by breast-feeding mothers prior to and following the birth of their babies. An i...
Multiple polyadenylation sites in a Drosophila tropomyasin gene are used to generate functional mRNAs

Abstract The gene encoding muscle tropomyosin I in Drosophila is alternatively spliced in embryonic and thoracic muscle to generate two sizes classes of RNAs. By Northern blot analysis, the embryonic RNA class shows a broad RNA band of hybridization of 1.3 kb and a more sharply defined, less abundant RNA band at 1.6 kb. The thoracic class of RNAs, on the other hand, consists of a broad hybridization band at 1.7 kb and a more sharply defined band at 1.9 kb. Each size class of RNA encodes a different tropomyosin isoform. The two classes of alternatively spliced RNAs utilize the same 3' terminal exon of the gene. The DNA sequence of this exon reveals a cluster of several polyadenylation signals (AAUAAA) or polyadenylation-like signals. We show here by S1 nuclease protection analysis that at least five and possibly seven of these polyadenylation or polyadenylation-like sequences are associated with in vivo embryonic and thoracic mRNA cleavage processing sites. Six of these S1 sites are clustered within 119 bp and a seventh is located 255 bp downstream. At least one of the polyadenylation-like signal sequences appears to be an unusual AACAAA sequence. In addition we also show that these mRNAs function in vitro to synthesize muscle tropomyosins.