cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Propositional truth maintenance systems: Classification and complexity analysis

Truth maintenance (TM) has been an active area of artificial intelligence (AI) research in recent years. In particular, truth maintenance systems (TMSs) in many variant types have become popular mechanisms for implementing nonmonotonic inference systems. Knowledge about the computational foundations of a TMS is indispensable for their use. We present a classification of computational complexity of tasks performed by basic existing TMS types. Our results include the proof ∑ 2 -completeness of the clause maintenance system's computation task. This is the first problem in AI proved to be ∑ 2 -complete. It is likely to provide a basis for proving ∑ 2 -completeness of other problems in logic and AI. As part of the proof, we prove the ∑ 2 -completeness of the generalized node deletion problem, one of the first natural graph problems to be complete for any one of the classes ∑ , forp>1. We also prove the polynomial equivalence of Boolean Constraint Propagation-based (logic-based) approaches (LTMSs) and justification-based approaches (JTMSs) to TM, and exhibit efficient algorithms for transforming an LTMS into a JTMS and vice versa.
The Promethean Dilemma Revisited: A Response to Bardos, Christia, Gortzak & Siroky and Jenne

The responses to our article highlight key elements of the Promethean Dilemma and are generous contributions in their own right. As we see it, the authors all recognize the essential dilemma presen...
Role of glucagon in the pathogenesis of diabetes: The status of the controversy

The current controversy concerning the role of glucagon in the pathogenesis of diabetes is reviewed. The traditional "unihormonal abnormality concept," namely, that all of the metabolic derangements of diabetes are the direct consequence of deficient insulin secretion or activity, and the newer so-called bihormonal abnormality hypothesis, proposing that the fullblown diabetic syndrome requires, in addition to the insulin abnormality, a relative glucagon excess, are scrutinized. The relationship of insulin deficiency to the A-cell malfunction of diabetes, the conflicting evidence concerning the essential role of glucagon in mediating the marked overproduction of glucose and ketones in severe insulin deficiency and the contribution of glucagon to the endogenous hyperglycemia of diabetics without insulin deficiency are examined. Finally, the possibility that therapeutic suppression of diabetic hyperglucagonemia may make possible better control of hyperglycemia than is presently attainable by conventional therapeutic methods is considered. It is concluded that (1) although insulin lowers glucagon levels, restoration to normal of the A-cell dysfunction of diabetes requires that plasma insulin levels vary appropriately with glycemic change; (2) that glucagon mediates the severe endogenous hyperglycemia and hyperketonemia observed in the absence of insulin; (3) that in diabetics in whom insulin is present but relatively fixed an increase in glucagon causes hyperglycemia and glycosuria; and (4) that glucagon suppression could be a potentially useful adjunct to conventional antihyperglycemic treatment of diabetics.
Autoradiographic distribution of collagen loss in skin grafts.

The spatial distribution of collagen loss in syngeneic grafts of skin was studied autoradiographically. Grafts of radioactive skin from rats that were chronically injected with 14C- or 3H-proline were placed onto unlabeled inbred rats. These radioactive skin grafts were removed at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 20 weeks after grafting, and observed both for distribution of isotope, as determined by autoradiography, and histological changes. Since 91% of the total radioactivity in the skin resided in collagen, the autoradiographs were specific for collagen. Thick full-thickness and split-thickness grafts showed a zonal loss of radioactivity, with isotope being lost most rapidly in the subepidermal region. Collagen newly formed in this area resembled scar collagen. Thin full-thickness grafts did not show a zonal reduction of isotope, but instead lost radioactivity in a diffuse manner. The newly synthesized collagen bundles of the thin full-thickness grafts were similar in thickness to the collagen bundles of control skin, but did not form the lattice network seen in the controls. Autoradiographic losses and histological changes are related to the biochemical quantification of collagen turnover, to scar formation, and to the cellular control of collagen mass in skin grafts.
Kinetics of metal removal by chelating resin from a complex synthetic wastewater

The kinetics of metal uptake from solutions of multi-metal, multi-ligand systems of composition similar to printed circuit board/semiconductor manufacturing wastes by a chelating ion exchange resin were examined. Solution pH and waste aging strongly influenced the observed uptake kinetics. There was no qualitative agreement between the rates of uptake of individual metals and their selectivity constants as determined earlier. Half lives for uptake ranged between 1 min and 10 hr. Desorption of metal could generally be accomplished using HCI treatment.
Collecting urine samples from young children using cotton gauze for pesticide studies.

To estimate pesticide exposure, urine samples are often needed to analyze pesticide metabolites. However, this is difficult for children wearing diapers because simple and feasible techniques suitable for field collection are not available. The objectives of this study were to test the validity of using cotton gauze pad as a medium for collecting urine samples from young children and to examine the stability of the recoveries for creatinine and pesticide metabolites over 24 h. Urine spiked with a pesticide and four metabolites, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (which is mainly eliminated from urine unchanged), 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (metabolite for synthetic pyrethroids), atrazine mercapturate (metabolite for atrazine), malathion dicarboxylic acid (metabolite for malathion), and 2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-hydroxypyrimidine (metabolite for diazinon) was added to the gauze pads and kept in jars at 37°C in a water bath. Urine was expressed from the gauze pads immediately and after 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 h, then analyzed. The recoveries, calculated as the percentage of concentration in expressed urine divided by that of the control urine sample, were within a range of 70–130%. The metabolite and creatinine concentrations did not change with time in either expressed urine samples or controls. The results suggest that cotton gauze pad is a promising candidate for collecting urine samples from young children wearing diapers for studies in which these five urinary pesticide metabolites are to be analyzed.
Polymeric Schiff Bases. VIII. The Synthesis and Evaluation of Polyketanils

Abstract The condensation of aryldiketones, Ar′(COCH3)2, with aryldiamines, Ar″(NH2)2,in solution produces yellowish-brick-dust, insoluble polymers. Black tractable polymers are obtained by (1) melt condensation of the diketones with diamines alone, or (2) in the presence of the monomeric azomethines, C6H5CH˭NC6H5 or , or (3) in the presence of aniline and the carbonyl compound, , from which the monomeric azomethines were derived, or by (4) the amine-, (5) the keto-, or (6) the bis-exchange reactions. Continued condensation in nitrogen to 400, 600, and 1176°C yields insoluble, infusible, black polymers whose thermal stabilities closely approximate those of the polymeric Schiff bases.
The influence of speed, grade and mass during simulated off road bicycling

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of bicycle mass, speed, and grade on oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during a simulated off-road riding paradigm. Nine adult subjects with mean +/- SD age, mass, and VO2 max of 26.1 +/- 5.6 years, 71.7 +/- 7.5 kg, 56.6 +/- 5.2 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) respectively, were trained to ride a fully suspended Trek Y-22 mountain bike on a treadmill with a 3.8 cm bump affixed to the belt. Riders completed a maximum of nine separate trials encompassing three different bike masses (11.6, 12.6 and 13.6 kg), 3 speeds (2.7, 3.6 and 4.5 m x s(-1)), and 3 grades (0, 2.5, and 5%). Throughout a trial, bike mass and speed remained constant while riding grade was increased every 5 min. During simulated off-road riding on a fully suspended mountain bike, increases in speed and grade significantly increased VO2, heart rate, and RPE. Increases in bike mass had no significant effects on VO2, heart rate or RPE. In addition, speed and grade changes interacted to differentially affect VO2, heart rate, and RPE at all speeds and grades.
THE EMERGENCE OF PRAGMATIC PHILOSOPHY’S INFLUENCE ON LITERARY THEORY: MAKING MEANING WITH TEXTS FROM A TRANSACTIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract In this review essay, Jeanne Connell examines the influence of pragmatic philosophy on the scholarly works of twentieth-century literary theorist and English educator Louise Rosenblatt through the lens of a recent collection of her essays originally published between 1936 and 1999. Rosenblatt grounded her transactional theory of literature in pragmatic philosophy, particularly the epistemological constructs of John Dewey. While influential as a pioneer in the early development of reader-response theory, Rosenblatt’s theory has only recently been given attention by philosophers of education. Making Meaning with Texts: Selected Essays is an important collection of articles and book chapters that highlights the evolution of her thinking in literary theory, pedagogy, and literary criticism. Rosenblatt positioned the construction of meaning in the personal lived-through quality of the literary experience, making central the generative relation between the text and the reader. Connell argues that the educational relevance of Rosenblatt’s theory for contemporary education is that it provides a powerful critique of classroom approaches that promote shallow readings with little opportunity for critical reflection.
Positive affect predicts improved lip movement in facial movement disorder.

Objectives Positive affect in individuals with a facial movement disorder may promote lip corner movement (zygomaticus major) during smiling. We investigated whether a positive affect marker (orbicularis oculi activity) observed in an initial clinic visit of individuals with facial movement disorder (N = 28) predicted increased lip corner movement at a subsequent visit. Study Design and Setting In this clinical outcomes study, lip corner movement was assessed with the use of automated facial analysis. Asymmetry of movement was compared in individuals who smiled with or without the positive affect marker at an initial clinic visit. Results The positive affect marker at the initial visit was associated with a reduction in the asymmetry of the lip corner movement at the second visit. Conclusion Positive affect predicts improved facial movement outcomes in patients with facial movement disorders. Significance Positive emotion in facial movement patients may be an important factor in recovery of facial movement during therapy.
Hypercholesterolemia Induces Adipose Dysfunction in Conditions of Obesity and Nonobesity

It is well known that hypercholesterolemia can lead to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Adipose tissue represents an active endocrine and metabolic site, which might be involved in the development of chronic disease. Because adipose tissue is a key site for cholesterol metabolism and the presence of hypercholesterolemia has been shown to induce adipocyte cholesterol overload, it is critical to investigate the role of hypercholesterolemia on normal adipose function. Studies in preadipocytes revealed that cholesterol accumulation can impair adipocyte differentiation and maturation by affecting multiple transcription factors. Hypercholesterolemia has been observed to cause adipocyte hypertrophy, adipose tissue inflammation, and disruption of endocrine function in animal studies. Moreover, these effects can also be observed in obesity-independent conditions as confirmed by clinical trials. In humans, hypercholesterolemia disrupts adipose hormone secretion of visfatin, leptin, and adiponectin, adipokines that play a central role in numerous metabolic pathways and regulate basic physiologic responses such as appetite and satiety. Remarkably, treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs has been shown to restore adipose tissue endocrine function. In this review the role of hypercholesterolemia on adipose tissue differentiation and maturation, as well as on hormone secretion and physiologic outcomes, in obesity and non–obesity conditions is presented.
Using Facebook Following Tragedies: A Lesson for Community Colleges.

The media often report on the negativity of Facebook, with horror stories of people losing their jobs because of something they posted. There can be useful purposes for Facebook, however, especially after the unthinkable happens on a college campus. Community college libraries can incorporate Facebook into their security planning.
Delay analysis in message ferrying system

Message Ferrying is a network paradigm in which a moving node or relay is used to transfer messages between sparsely deployed and further separated nodes in mobile ad-hoc networks. In this paradigm, the moving relay - also called message ferry (MF)- stores, carries, and forwards the messages. This paper analyzes the total delay time in transferring the message between source and destination nodes taking into account the effect of channel fading, path loss, and forward error correction. The performance gain in terms of delay and energy provided by moving relay over static relay and the optimal locations of the moving relay that minimize the total delay are determined. Both simulations and analytical calculations are provided.
A Puzzle about Necessary Being

In his provocative 'The Ontological Argument',' Stephen Makin defends Anselm's ontological argument for God's existence found in Proslogion 3, which, according to him, is not open to the fatal objection that 'existence is not a predicate'. But since it has been held that the notion of a 'necessary being' makes no sense, Makin felt the need to show that it does. The strategy he used for that purpose was to utilize modal notions involving the exemplification of concepts. His strategy, as I shall try to show, failed to achieve its purpose. Makin begins his argument by pointing out that there are concepts which just happen, as a contingent fact, to be exemplified, e.g. the concept of a lion; and others which just happen not to be exemplified, e.g. the concept of a unicorn. There is nothing about the concept of a lion or that of a unicorn which either necessitates or precludes exemplification. On the other hand there are self-contradictory concepts e.g. being a swan and a non-swan whose nature is such as necessarily to preclude exemplification. Now, continues Makin, if sense can be made of a concept that might be exemplified, and of one that cannot be exemplified, then sense can also be made of a concept that must be exemplified, 'For if one modality makes sense in some application or context then the other modalities will make sense in that application or context too, for all the modalities are interdefinable'.2 Makin is right; I can meaningfully assert that the concept of a unicorn has neither necessary exemplification nor impossible exemplification (i.e. that a unicorn is neither a necessary being nor an impossible being), 'for all the modalities are interdefinable'; but how is this fact supposed to show that 'necessary being' could possibly apply to an existent entity. (In a similar vein I can meaningfully assert that if the smallest conceivable particle were to exist, it would be smaller than any presently existing particle; but it surely would not follow from this fact that a smallest conceivable particle could possibly exist.) For making sense in this latter context is what Makin requires in order to defend Anselm's argument. To put the same matter in other words: what
Hydroxychloroquine in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis and its safety in pregnancy.

Introduction: The antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is widely used to treat various rheumatic diseases. Many autoimmune diseases occur in women of child-bearing age who may become pregnant while on therapy, which raises concerns regarding the teratogenicity of HCQ and its effect on the outcome of the pregnancy. There is a lack of data regarding the safety of HCQ during pregnancy. Areas covered: In this review, the authors attempt to identify relevant publications by searching MEDLINE, Cochrane database, Ovid-Currents Clinical Medicine, Ovid-Embase:Drugs and Pharmacology, EBSCO, Web of Science and SCOPUS using the search terms HCQ and/or pregnancy. A basis for the mechanism of action of HCQ is provided. Expert opinion: HCQ has been shown by numerous studies over the past 15 years to be efficacious in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. HCQ does not appear to be associated with any increased risk of cong...
Revisiting RFID Link Budgets for Technology Scaling: Range Maximization of RFID Tags

Passive RF identification (RFID) tags are traditionally assumed to be downlink limited since typical tag sensitivity is considerably poorer than reader sensitivity, due to stringent power limitations. On the other hand, semipassive tags are generally uplink limited because of improvement in tag sensitivity for battery-assisted tags. In this paper, it is demonstrated that judicious choice and use of integrated circuit impedance for backscatter modulation will be needed to simultaneously maximize tag uplink and downlink ranges as passive tag designs improve. Optimal backscatter modulation indices for amplitude shift keying are derived for range maximization of next-generation low-power RFID tags.
Application of stochastic stability theory to linear time varying systems containing interval matrices

Known conditions for the stability of stochastic, linear time varying (LTV) dynamical systems based on Lyapunov theory are applied to LTV dynamical systems containing interval matrices; both discrete and continuous time processes are considered. These conditions are sufficient for stability WPL and in the case of discrete time, also necessary for stability in MS. They lead to a simple, noninterative technique that involves the computation of eigenvalues of matrices whose elements often consist of first and/or second order moments. The results are useful in areas such as robust design, feedback control, perturbation analysis, and fault tolerant systems. >
Detection of a ballpoint pen in a patient's abdomen by sonography.

Sonography has had some success in the detection of foreign bodies. 1,2 Although sonography is neither as specific nor as sensitive as radiography in the localization of foreign bodies, sonography may be the first modality used when a foreign body is suspected. The sonographer must be familiar with the appearance of foreign bodies to ensure accurate diagnosis. This report describes a case in which sonography was indeed the first modality used in a patient's care, leading to the detection of an unsuspected foreign body.
Template based assembly for solid state cooling

This paper presents a fully dry assembly method to obtain densely packed arrays of parts from 400-800 µm in size. This approach shows promise for enabling formation of a module of n and p type materials optimized for micro scale thermoelectric cooling performance.
Multi-sensor based planning and control for robotic manufacturing systems

A multi-sensor based planning and control scheme for robotic manufacturing is presented in this paper. The proposed approach fuses sensory information from various sensors at different temporal and spatial scales in an event-based planning and control scheme. By combining the measurement of an encoder sensor, relative spatial information obtained from processing of visual measurement is mapped to the absolute task-space of the robot, delayed data obtained from a displacement based vision algorithm that represent absolute part position measurement is brought to up to date. A four-step approach to planning and control of a robotic manipulator is discussed. An event-driven tracking and control scheme that is based on multi-sensor information is given. The approach is illustrated by considering a manufacturing workcell where the manipulator is commanded to pick up a part on a disc conveyor under the guidance of computer vision.
Parkinson's disease: a novel MRI method for determining structural changes in the substantia nigra

OBJECTIVES To use MRI in a novel way to image and quantify the changes occurring in the substantia nigra in Parkinson9s disease. METHODS Six patients with idiopathic Parkinson9s disease were compared with six age matched control subjects. The subjects were imaged using a combination of pulse sequences hypothesised to be sensitive to cell loss. RESULTS The images showed patterns of change in patients with Parkinson9s disease. Highly significant differences between the patients and control population were found (p CONCLUSIONS This methodology suggests the possibility of detecting presymptomatic disease in those judged to be at risk, and also in confirming the diagnosis in patients with early disease. Furthermore, the technique seems to hold promise as a means for staging the disease, and possibly differentiating other forms of parkinsonism.
Toward applying cognitive skill training to memory problems.

Abstract Four elements of a successful program of cognitive skill training for the elderly include: (a) the use of mnemonic aids for the memorization of new information; (b) the development of motivational techniques to enhance attention to materials and maintenance of cognitive skills acquired through training; (c) the design of techniques which utilize individual differences in abilities personality, and cognitive style to enhance individual programs of cognitive skill training; and (d) the use of appropriate medical and/or psychiatric care when necessary.
No One Likes to Lose

Although scholars of video game enjoyment propose that games are meant to present a reasonable and appropriate challenge to players, not enough research has tested the effects of difficulty on enjoyment or the psychological mechanisms driving this relationship. In an experimental study involving college students (N = 121) playing a casual online tower defense game, we tested the relationship between difficulty and enjoyment and the possible mediating roles played by competency, as specified by self-determination theory, and challenge-skill balance, as specified by flow theory. Path analysis suggested that feelings of competency contribute to enjoyment by helping players obtain a balance between challenge and skill, and that competency is enhanced when players are assigned an easier game mode. This paper then addresses implications for theory, game design, and laboratory studies.
Validity of International Classification of Disease Codes to Identify Ischemic Stroke and Intracranial Hemorrhage Among Individuals With Associated Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation

Background—Because of its association with death and disability, stroke is a focus of outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF) research. International Classification of Disease-Ninth Revision (ICD-9) edition codes are commonly used to identify stroke in research, particularly in large administrative data. We sought to assess the validity of ICD-9 codes in stroke case ascertainment and for AF across 3 institutions. Methods and Results—Participating centers included Boston Medical Center (safety net hospital), Geisinger Health System (rural Pennsylvania), and the University of Alabama (academic center in the southeastern stroke belt). ICD-9 codes for ischemic stroke (433–434, 436) and intracranial hemorrhage (430–432) identified 1812 stroke cases with an associated code for AF (427.31) from 2006 to 2010. Cases were vetted through chart review with final adjudication by a stroke neurologist. Review considered 94.2% of ICD-9 identified stroke cases valid with decreased accuracy for concurrent AF diagnosis (82.28%...
Trends in the coronary heart disease risk profile of middle-aged adults

Abstract Purpose To examine recent trends in the coronary heart disease (CHD) risk profiles of the population aged 45 to 64 in the United States. Methods Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 2 time periods (1988–1994 and 2005–2008) are used to estimate the CHD risk functions derived from the Framingham Heart Study. The risk functions take account of levels of blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), total and high-density lipoprotein serum cholesterol, diabetes (doctor diagnosed or based on fasting glucose), and smoking status to estimate the 10-year risk of myocardial infarction or coronary death. We estimate the risk functions by gender, race, and age group (45–54 and 55–64). Results The CHD risk profile of middle-aged adults has improved over time. For example, the mean 10-year risk of heart attack or CHD death among persons 55 to 64 years has declined from 7.1% to 5.2%. Declines are seen among both men and women and among non-Hispanic Blacks and non-Hispanic whites. Conclusions Despite increases in diabetes and obesity, the CHD risk profile of middle-aged adults improved during the period from 1988–1994 to 2005–2008.
Teacher and school characteristics and their influence on curriculum implementation

Reform-based curriculum materials have been suggested as a mechanism to make inquiry-based instruction more prevalent in secondary science classrooms, specifically when accompanied by comprehensive professional development (Loucks-Horsley, Hewson, Love, & Stiles, 1998; Powell & Anderson, 2002). This research examines the implementation of a reform-based high school chemistry curriculum in a large, urban school district. We explicitly consider the role of the teachers' knowledge and beliefs in their implementation of the reform-based chemistry curriculum, as well as school level factors. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected in the form of beliefs interviews and classroom observations from 27 high school chemistry teachers. Analysis of the data revealed that implementation of the curriculum was strongly influenced by the teachers' beliefs about teaching and learning, and the presence of a supportive network at their school sites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 883–907, 2007
Prediction of Stability in Pharmaceutical Preparations XX: Stability Evaluation and Bioanalysis of Cocaine and Benzoylecgonine by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

□ Specific, sensitive, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assays of cocaine (I) and its hydrolysis products, benzoylecgonine (II) and benzoic acid (ΙII), have been devised with analytical sensitivities as low as 15 ng/ml of plasma for I using spectrophotometric detection at 232 nm. Cocaine can be separated from its hydrolysis products by extraction at pH 7.5 with haloalkanes. Benzoylecgonine and benzoic acid can be extracted at pH 3.0 with 1-butanol. The evaporated residues were reconstituted in acetonitrile-water for HPLC assay. The assay was used to determine the stabilities of I and II in aqueous solutions, to establish log k–pH profiles at various temperatures, and to evaluate Arrhenius’ parameters. Hydrolyses were by specific acid–base catalysis. Cocaine showed hydrogen and hydroxyl ion attack on protonated I with 40 and 90% proceeding through the benzoylecgonine route, respectively, as well as hydroxyl ion attack on neutral cocaine, with only 6% proceeding through the benzoylecgonine route. Cocaine is relatively unstable in the neutral pH range with a half-life of 5 hr in buffer at pH 7.25 and 40°. Similar half-lives were observed in fresh dog plasma at 300 and 30 μg/ml, although one study at 0.5 μg/ml indicated a doubling of the rate.
Rapid Microsatellite Marker Development Using Next Generation Pyrosequencing to Inform Invasive Burmese Python—Python molurus bivittatus—Management

Invasive species represent an increasing threat to native ecosystems, harming indigenous taxa through predation, habitat modification, cross-species hybridization and alteration of ecosystem processes. Additionally, high economic costs are associated with environmental damage, restoration and control measures. The Burmese python, Python molurus bivittatus, is one of the most notable invasive species in the US, due to the threat it poses to imperiled species and the Greater Everglades ecosystem. To address population structure and relatedness, next generation sequencing was used to rapidly produce species-specific microsatellite loci. The Roche 454 GS-FLX Titanium platform provided 6616 di-, tri- and tetra-nucleotide repeats in 117,516 sequences. Using stringent criteria, 24 of 26 selected tri- and tetra-nucleotide loci were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified and 18 were polymorphic. An additional six cross-species loci were amplified, and the resulting 24 loci were incorporated into eight PCR multiplexes. Multi-locus genotypes yielded an average of 61% (39%–77%) heterozygosity and 3.7 (2–6) alleles per locus. Population-level studies using the developed microsatellites will track the invasion front and monitor population-suppression dynamics. Additionally, cross-species amplification was detected in the invasive Ball, P. regius, and Northern African python, P. sebae. These markers can be used to address the hybridization potential of Burmese pythons and the larger, more aggressive P. sebae.
Staphylococcus aureus: A Well-Armed Pathogen

Staphylococcus aureus is a virulent pathogen that is currently the most common cause of infections in hospitalized patients. S. aureus infection can involve any organ system. The success of S. aureus as a pathogen and its ability to cause such a wide range of infections are the result of its extensive virulence factors. The increase in the resistance of this virulent pathogen to antibacterial agents, coupled with its increasing prevalence as a nosocomial pathogen, is of major concern. The core resistance phenotype that seems to be most associated with the persistence of S. aureus in the hospital is methicillin resistance. Methicillin resistance in nosocomial S. aureus isolates has been increasing dramatically in United States hospitals and is also associated with resistance to other useful antistaphylococcal compounds. Possible ways to decrease the incidence of nosocomial S. aureus infections include instituting more effective infection control, decreasing nasal colonization, developing vaccines, and developing new or improved antimicrobials.
Screening for 21-hydroxylase-deficient nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia among hyperandrogenic women: a prospective study.

Abstract Objective: To prospectively establish the specificity, sensitivity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of a basal 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-HP) level for the screening of 21-hydroxylase–deficient nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia (NCAH) among hyperandrogenic women. Design: Prospective observational trial. Setting: Tertiary care academic medical centers. Patient(s): Eight healthy controls, 20 patients with NCAH, and 284 consecutively seen patients with hyperandrogenism. Intervention(s): All controls and patients with NCAH, and select patients with hyperandrogenism, underwent acute ACTH (1-24) stimulation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Specificity was determined by measuring 17-HP every other day during one menstrual cycle in 8 healthy women with normal ovulation (107 samples). Sensitivity was determined by measuring 17-HP between 7 and 9 a.m. and 3 and 5 p.m. on the same day in 20 patients with genetically confirmed NCAH. The PPV was determined by prospectively measuring 17-HP in 284 consecutively seen hyperandrogenic women at their initial evaluation. The diagnosis of NCAH was established by a stimulated 17-HP level of >10 ng/mL. Result(s): Among controls, 17-HP levels of 2, >3, and >4 ng/mL had sensitivities of 100%, 90%, and 90%, respectively, for the detection of the disorder when obtained in the morning, and sensitivities of 95%, 90%, and 85%, respectively, when obtained in the afternoon. Among the 284 consecutively seen hyperandrogenic women, the PPVs of the first and second 17-HP levels were 7.3% and 19% for a cutoff level of >2 ng/mL, 13% and 43% for a cutoff level of >3 ng/mL, and 33% and 40% for a cutoff level of >4 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusion(s): A basal 17-HP level is a useful screening tool for NCAH. A cutoff level of 4 ng/mL has maximum specificity and PPV, with little loss in sensitivity if testing is performed in the morning and during the follicular phase. However, a lower cutoff level (e.g., 2 or 3 ng/mL) is preferable if testing is performed at odd hours of the day, as is common in many practices, and maximum sensitivity is desired.
Kinetics of hot carrier effects for circuit simulation

Experimental results that enable the transformation of shifts in the MOS transistor model parameters obtained from DC hot carrier stress to equivalent shifts due to transient stress during circuit operation are presented. This is necessary for simulating the long-term stability of circuits with respect to hot carrier degradation. Results of further experiments and simulations designed to provide physical insight into transient hot-carrier phenomena are presented. >
Boomer Boom for Hospitality: Opportunities and Challenges

The first baby boomers in the United States turned 60 in 2006. Many have predicted booming markets for a variety of products and services and the potential for “gray” markets and “silver” industries. This growing segment of the population will demand new services and policies from the hospitality industry, including flexible employment, historically uncharacteristic of the industry. This article discusses the impending Boomer boom that represents tremendous opportunity for the hospitality industry and researchers, but also presents serious challenges.
A stabilized discontinuous finite element method for elliptic problems

A new finite element method is proposed and analysed for second order elliptic equations using discontinuous piecewise polynomials on a finite element partition consisting of general polygons. The new method is based on a stabilization of the well-known primal hybrid formulation by using some least-squares forms imposed on the boundary of each element. Two finite element schemes are presented. The first one is a non-symmetric formulation and is absolutely stable in the sense that no parameter selection is necessary for the scheme to converge. The second one is a symmetric formulation, but is conditionally stable in that a parameter has to be selected in order to have an optimal order of convergence. Optimal-order error estimates in some H1-equivalence norms are established for the proposed discontinuous finite element methods. For the symmetric formulation, an optimal-order error estimate is also derived in the L2 norm. The new method features a finite element partition consisting of general polygons as opposed to triangles or quadrilaterals in the standard finite element Galerkin method. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MMAE-Based Control with Space-Time Point Process Observations

A multiple model adaptive estimator (MMAE) has been formulated to estimate the state of a dynamic system modeled by a linear stochastic differential equation, from which measurements, described as a noise-corrupted space-time point process functionally related to that state, are extracted. Assumed certainty equivalence is used to combine such an estimator with the LQ full-state feedback controller to synthesize a practical, implementable controller. Performance of the estimator and resultant controller characteristics are investigated via simulation as a function of approximation method used to limit the full-scale estimator to finite dimensionality and also as a function of important parameters defining the dynamics and observation processes.
Resource Allocation for Multi-User Video Transmission over Multi-Carrier Networks

This paper addresses the problem of multi-user video transmission over the uplink of multi-carrier networks from an information theoretic perspective. Under the constraints imposed by the physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers, we exploit the unique property of state-of-the-art video coders that can provide bitstream prioritization in terms of distortion impact and solve the problem of allocating wireless resources, i.e., power and rate among multiple users such that the weighted sum of the overall video qualities is maximized. An optimality condition is derived to describe the achievable convex utility region. We start from the two-user case and develop an algorithm for the optimal resource allocation. Inspired by the intuition gained from the two-user case, we extend the algorithm to the multiple-user case. Our numerical simulations show that the proposed resource allocation algorithms give significant performance improvements as compared to application-layer agnostic solutions that do not consider the quality impact.
Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Patient O.T. is a 26-year-old white woman who works in the music industry. She was diagnosed with pneumonia and treated with inhalers. Shortly afterward, she developed spells of tachycardia. Her episodes of tachycardia were primarily associated with upright posture. In addition to rapid palpitations, she complained of lightheadedness and presyncope on standing, intermittent stabbing chest pains (typically on standing), mental clouding with an inability to concentrate, severe fatigue, and exercise intolerance. Orthostatic vital signs recorded a supine heart rate (HR) of 73 bpm with a blood pressure (BP) of 103/72 mm Hg. After standing for 1 minute, her HR increased to 106 bpm with a BP of 109/80 mm Hg, and after 5 minutes, her HR was 122 bpm with a BP of 118/75 mm Hg. She was diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Under normal conditions, the assumption of upright posture effects an instantaneous shift of ≈500 mL of blood from the thorax to the lower abdomen, buttocks, and legs. There is a secondary shift of plasma volume (10% to 25%) out of the vasculature and into the interstitial tissue, which decreases venous return to the heart (preload), resulting in a transient decline in cardiac filling and BP. This unloads the baroreceptors and triggers a compensatory decrease in parasympathetic tone and an increase in sympathetic activation, with a resultant increase in HR and systemic vasoconstriction (countering the initial decline in BP). The net hemodynamic effect of transition to upright posture is a 10- to 20-bpm increase in HR, a negligible change in systolic BP, and a ≈5-mm Hg increase in diastolic BP. Orthostatic dysregulation occurs when this gravitational regulatory mechanism does not respond properly. Patients can present with orthostatic hypotension (seen in autonomic nervous system failure) or with orthostatic tachycardia (seen in POTS). Patients with POTS typically maintain (or …
“I’m Not Sure I Even Know”: Therapists’ Tentative Constructions of Autism

Autism has historically been constructed within and through biomedical discourses and practices. Therapeutic interventions have focused on “treating” and “curing” the individual diagnosed with autism, with therapists positioned as the “experts.” In this paper, we report findings from a discourse analysis informed by discursive psychology of eight interviews with therapists of children with autism labels. While the therapists were frequently positioned as “experts” with presumed “stocks of knowledge,” they were reluctant to definitively name autism as something with clearly defined characteristics, thereby making evident the shifting nature of knowledge surrounding what autism “really is.” We discuss implications for practitioners and others, as well as point to the importance of engaging in social constructionist studies of the discourses surrounding autism.
A Balanced Ecological System for Space Travel

The present paper discusses the nature and requirements of a sustenance system. Its components include a stabilization process for urine and feces, a reclamation process for recovery of potable water from body wastes, and a photosynthetic gas exchange process for production of oxygen and food from algae culture. The system described offers interesting research opportunities for sustaining man in a "closed" environment.
Is it time to tip your glass to prevent CKD

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global medical and public health challenge. On the basis primarily of a modest number of prospective epidemiological studies, it appears that alcohol consumption reduces the risk of CKD in the general population. Our understanding of the potential benefits of alcohol consumption with regard to CKD is likely to evolve in the future and will be informed primarily by observational epidemiological studies.
Vesicle Encapsulation of a Nonbiological Photochemical System Capable of Reducing NAD+ to NADH

One of the fundamental structures of a cell is the membrane. Self-assembling lipid bilayer vesicles can form the membrane of an artificial cell and could also have plausibly assembled prebiotically for the origin of life. Such cell-like structures, that encapsulate some basic subset of the functions of living cells, are important for research to infer the minimum chemistry necessary for a cell, to help understand the origin of life, and to allow the production of useful species in microscopic containers. We show that the encapsulation of TiO2 particles has the potential to provide the basis for an energy transduction system inside vesicles which can be used to drive subsequent chemistry. TiO2 encapsulated in vesicles can be used to produce biochemical species such as NADH. The NADH is formed from NAD+ reduction and is produced in a form that is able to drive further enzymatic chemistry. This allows us to link a mineral-based, nonbiological photosystem to biochemical reactions. This is a fundamental step t...
Efficacy comparison on two fixation methods of the venous indwelling needle in children

Objective To compare the effects of two methods for fixing indwelling needle at vein in children,searching for more effective fixation method so that the indwelling needle can be fixed well and longer at vein.Methods 100 cases of the children with venous puncture catheterization were divided randomly into the experimental group and the controlled group.50 cases of them(the experimental group) were performed by the methods of the pinpoint fixation with the min-sticks,the catheter beds and the sterilized-transparent-dressing-coverage fixation;50 cases(the controlled group) were performed by the direct-transparent-dressing-coverage fixation.Results The retention time of the venous indwelling needle in the experimental group was longer 1??2days than that of the venous indwelling needle in the controlled group.Conclusion After fixation of the venous indwelling needle for children,the retention time of the experimental group was longer than that of the controlled group,and the drop of the needle,the reflex of the catheter and the compression of the skin were less.So the fixation method of the experimental group better than that of the controlled group.The method of the experimental group is worthy to be popularized.
College drinking: putting your future at risk?

I recently interviewed 88 professionals - physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, attorneys, and commercial airline pilots - who became addicted to alcohol and other drugs (Coombs & Virshup 1995, Coombs 1998). If it surprises you that thousands of people of this caliber become addicts, you may be at risk yourself. None of those I spoke with ever imagined that such a thing could happen to them. They regarded alcoholics and other addicts as ‘lowlifes’, not people like themselves with character, intelligence, and high aspirations.
Ecological physiology of the anchialine shrimp Barbouria cubensis : a comparison of epigean and hypogean populations

Stygobites have morphological, ethological and physiological adaptations for their subterranean existence. Included in the physiological adaptations of hypogean organisms is a reduced metabolism with respect to related epigean organisms. Our objectives were to examine the physiological adaptations of the shrimp, Barbouria cubensis, to the anchialine environment through the use of energetics. Barbouria cubensis were collected from oxic anchialine pools in the Bahamas and from a dysoxic cave system in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Metabolism was addressed via direct measurement of oxygen consumption using microcathode oxygen electrodes as well as the activities of three primary metabolic enzymes, citrate synthase (CS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and malate dehydrogenase (MDH). Additionally, protein and lipid content were determined. Respiration rates of the B. cubensis from the oxic environment were lower than reported values for other epigean crustaceans but greater than reported values for stygobitic crayfish. The specimens collected from the dysoxic environment in the Yucatan differed significantly (p < 0.01) from the specimens collected in the oxic environment in oxygen consumption, enzyme activities, and lipid concentration. Enzymes of B. cubensis from both sites were anaerobically poised with LDH activities exceeding those of CS in all organisms. But in the Yucatan B. cubensis, LDH activities exceeded MDH activities. Percent protein did not vary significantly between the two systems. Barbouria cubensis provided us with an opportunity to examine the process of cave colonization by looking at the metabolism of specimens in a dysoxic environment and those residing in oxic, surface pools.
Preparation of ultrafine silica from potash feldspar using sodium carbonate roasting technology

A novel process was developed for the preparation of ultrafine silica from potash feldspar. In the first step, potash feldspar was roasted with Na2CO3 and was followed by leaching using NaOH solution to increase the levels of potassium, sodium, and aluminum in the solid residue. The leaching solution was then carbonated to yield ultrafine silica. The optimized reaction conditions in the roasting process were as follows: an Na2CO3-to-potash feldspar molar ratio of 1.1, a reaction temperature of 875°C, and a reaction time of 1.5 h. Under these conditions, the extraction rate of SiO2 was 98.13%. The optimized carbonation conditions included a final solution pH value of 9.0, a temperature of 40°C, a CO2 flow rate of 6 mL/min, a stirring intensity of 600 r/min, and an ethanol-to-water volume ratio of 1:9. The precipitation rate and granularity of the SiO2 particles were 99.63% and 200 nm, respectively. We confirmed the quality of the obtained ultrafine silica by comparing the recorded indexes with those specified in Chinese National Standard GB 25576―2010.
Sexuality and Religious Commitment Revisited: Exploring the Religious Commitments of Sexual Minorities, 1991–2014

Research on the religious commitments of sexual minorities has burgeoned over the last two decades, yet most studies come from small convenience samples of people actively engaged in religious groups. This study provides an empirical examination of the religiosity of people who report having had same-sex relations in the last five years using respondents from the General Social Survey (1991–2014) and provides a comparison to respondents from 2008 to 2014 who report their sexual identification as bisexual, gay, or lesbian. All comparisons are made by gender, and compared with male and female heterosexuals. The relationship between behavioral sexuality and religiosity is examined across time periods, distinguishing respondents from 1991 to 2002 from respondents interviewed in 2004–2014. Religious factors examined include religious identification, religious participation, prayer frequency, beliefs about the Bible, beliefs about God, and belief in an afterlife. Multivariate models are estimated to examine whether sociodemographic factors contribute to differences across the gender/sexuality groups.