cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some new transition probabilities of argon I in the range of 5000–6500 Å and the role of a nonuniform source temperature

Abstract New or improved experimental values for certain transition probabilities of argon I were obtained using a radiofrequency, induction-coupled argon plasma as the source of excitation. Intensities of twenty-six lines of the argon I spectrum in the wavelength range of 3000–6500 A were measured with a photomultiplier tube. The transition probabilities of eighteen new lines were determined from the known values for eight lines, assuming local thermodynamic equilibrium. The radial temperature gradient introduced a slight deviation from linearity in the plot of log ( I nm λ nm g n A nm ) vs. En, but because the effect was very small it was practically obscured by the larger errors in experimental measurements. For the gas under observation the measured temperature is the space-average temperature T n, defined by the relationship 1 T n = ∑ r=1 s n r T r n t where nr is the number of atoms per unit volume at radial position r in the nth excited state, and nt is the average number of atoms per unit volume at the nth excited state in the zone viewed by the spectrometer. The value of T n is approximately 7 per cent lower than the true radial temperature at the axis of the jet, with the difference becoming less toward the periphery, and is weakly dependent on the level of excitation.
Race, adolescent contraceptive choice, and pregnancy at presentation to a family planning clinic

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To assess racial/ethnic differences in pregnancy and contraceptive choice among adolescent family planning patients. METHODS: The charts of 605 female adolescents presenting to a teen family planning clinic for an initial visit were retrospectively reviewed for demographic and reproductive health information, sexual risk behaviors, pregnancy, and current and dispensed contraceptive method. Logistic and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to estimate the association of these factors with pregnancy and contraceptive choice. RESULTS: Black adolescents were three times more likely than white adolescents to be pregnant at presentation to the clinic ( P = .05). Ninety-one percent of adolescents did not want to be pregnant; pregnancy desire was highly correlated with current contraceptive method. None of the adolescents who reported being unsure or wanting to be pregnant used hormonal methods. Black adolescents were more likely to rely on barrier methods than hormonal methods ( P = .04); choice of barrier methods over hormonal methods was not correlated with risk for sexually transmitted diseases. There were no differences, however, in method dispensed by race. Black and white adolescents were equally likely to choose hormonal methods at the end of the visit, but adolescents who used hormonal methods at presentation—who were more likely to be white—were significantly more likely to leave the clinic with hormonal methods. CONCLUSION: Black race/ethnicity was an independent risk factor for use of less effective barrier contraceptive methods and pregnancy at presentation to the clinic. Understanding how black adolescents make contraceptive choices is essential to helping them avoid unintended pregnancies.
Change in cytosolic calmodulin activity of density (age) separated human erythrocytes towards membrane Ca2+/Mg2+ ATPase.

Abstract The membrane Ca 2+ Mg 2+ ATPase of density (age) separated human erythrocytes was examined for its stimulation by the cytosols of these cell groups. On the assumption that the stimulatory activity in the cytosol is only calmodulin, it was consistently observed that the young cytosol had a significantly higher activity towards the membrane Ca 2+ Mg 2+ ATPase activity (from any age group) than did the old cell cytosol. The data clearly demonstrates decided differences in the expression of calmodulin activity in cytosols from young and old erythrocytes and would support the conclusion that calmodulin activity is altered during in vivo aging of these cells. Possible mechanisms for these alterations are discussed.
Techniques for Development of Swine Performance Response Surfaces

The NC204 swine growth model (NCPIG) was used to generate pig physiological response data for a range of environmental variables during growth (20 to 110 kg). These response data were then used to successfully train and validate three backward propagation neural network models describing the effect of environment on average daily gain, feed intake, heat production (total and fraction sensible), and physiological status of the animal. A generalization stage was conducted in which predictions from NCPIG using actual weather data were compared to those found by the neural network models for the same environmental inputs. The neural network models were generally able to follow selected animal response variables predicted from NCPIG, although average daily gain and daily feed intake exhibited occasional large deviations during the generalization phase, suggesting further training and validation are needed. The technique developed in this article shows how neural network models can be used to simplify data extraction from a complex model such as NCPIG by fitting neural networks to a few fundamental input relations based on carefully chosen numerical experiments. The simpler neural networks are then appropriate in instances where use of the full model is difficult or impossible, provided that parameters such as genotype and feed ration used for network training are maintained.
Malignant bileaflet mitral valve prolapse syndrome in patients with otherwise idiopathic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and its association with ventricular arrhythmias in a cohort with “unexplained” out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Background Ventricular arrhythmias are an important cause of sudden unexpected death in the young. The role of MVP in sudden unexpected death remains controversial. Methods Of 1,200 patients evaluated between July 2000 and December 2009 in the Mayo Clinic’s Long QT Syndrome/Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic, all 24 (16 women, median age 33.5 years) with idiopathic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (i.e., negative for ischemia, cardiomyopathy, and channelopathy) were reviewed. Results All 24 patients had implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was the sentinel event in 22 (92%). Bileaflet MVP was found in 10 (42%). Compared with patients with normal mitral valves, patients with bileaflet MVP: 1) were over-represented by women (9 of 10 [90%] vs. 7 of 14 [50%], p = 0.04); 2) had a higher prevalence of biphasic or inverted T waves (7 of 9 [77.8%] vs. 4 of 14 [29%], p = 0.04); and 3) on Holter interrogation had higher prevalence of ventricular bigeminy (9 of 9 [100%] vs. 1 of 10 [10%], p Conclusions The authors describe a “malignant” subset of patients with MVP who experienced life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. This phenotype is characterized by bileaflet MVP, female sex, and frequent complex ventricular ectopic activity, including premature ventricular contractions of the outflow tract alternating with papillary muscle or fascicular origin.
Extended complications of urethroplasty

INTRODUCTION: An extensive study of complications following urethroplasty has never been published. We present 60 urethroplasty patients who were specifically questioned to determine every possible early and late complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of urethroplasty patients between August 2000 and March 2004. An "open format" questioning style allowed maximal patient reporting of all complications, no matter how minor. RESULTS: 60 patients underwent 62 urethroplasties (24 anterior anastomotic, 19 buccal mucosal and 10 fasciocutaneous, 9 posterior anastomotic) with mean follow-up of 29 months. Early complications occurred in 40%, but only 3% were major (rectal injury and urosepsis). Early minor complications included scrotal swelling, scrotal ecchymosis and urinary urgency. Late complications occurred in 48%, but only 18% were significant (erectile dysfunction, chordee and fistula). Late minor complications included a feeling of wound tightness, scrotal numbness and urine spraying. Fasciocutaneous urethroplasty caused the most significant complications, and buccal mucus urethroplasty the least, while also resulting in the lowest recurrence rate (0%). CONCLUSIONS: Serious complications after urethroplasty (3% early and 18% late) appear similar to those reported elsewhere, but minor bothersome complications appear to occur in much higher numbers than previously published (39% early and 40% late). While all the early complications were resolved and most (97%) were minor, less than half of the late complications were resolved, although most (82%) were minor. These complication rates should be considered when counseling urethroplasty patients, and generally tend to support the use of buccal mucosal onlay urethroplasty as it had the lowest rate of serious side effects.
Arousal from sleep: The effects of the rise-time of auditory stimuli

The present research involves the methodological strategy of investigating sleep by determining an individual’s reaction to extrinsic stimulation. Particularly, the investigation was concerned with whether or not the onset character of an auditory stimulus was an important parameter in precipitating changes in the pattern of electroencephalographic activity occurring during sleep. The results indicated that stimulus onset is an important parameter but only during sleep characterized by slow-wave electroencephalographic activity. In this respect, the effects of stimulus onset are similar to the effects of psychological loudness. The results are also discussed in relation to the effects of stimulus onset when awake individuals are exposed to auditory stimuli, and, again similar to psychological loudness, the data from awake individuals is not predictive of an individual’s reaction during sleep.
A new home-based mental health program for older adults: description of the first 100 cases.

Background The Geriatric Psychiatry Outreach (GO) Program began in 2005 and provides in-home psychiatric evaluation and treatment for older adults who have difficulty getting to an office-based setting. Method An initial assessment was conducted on the first 100 patients seen by the program and follow-up treatment was provided as clinically indicated. Results The mean age of patients seen was 79.7 (SD: 8.2), 74% were women, and the most common psychiatric diagnoses were depression (50%) and dementia (45%), with a mean of 1.4 (SD: 0.6) psychiatric diagnoses per patient. The patients had a mean of 4.8 (SD: 2.9) medical diagnoses and were on a mean of 6.8 (SD: 4.0) prescription and 2.2 (SD: 1.2) nonprescription medications. Patients received a mean of 4.2 (SD: 4.2) in-person visits and a mean of 30.2 (SD: 36.5) additional contacts related to their care, such as phone calls, e-mails, and faxes. Conclusions Providing psychiatric services at home for older adults with mental illness is a much needed but rarely available service. Such patients typically have a complex combination of medical and psychiatric diagnoses and benefit from contacts in addition to the face-to-face visits.
Adrenergic regulation of (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity in proximal tubules of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Adrenergic regulation of (Na + , K + )-ATPase activity in proximal tubules of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Increased renal nerve activity and sodium retention have been implicated in the development of hypertension in genetically transmitted forms of this disease. The present studies were designed to investigate the relationship between renal nerve integrity and renal proximal tubule (Na + , K + )-ATPase activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). (Na + , K + )-ATPase activity of basolateral membranes (BLMs) enriched from proximal tubules of five-week-old SHR was greater, 328.6 ± 18.9nmol P i /mg protein · min, than in age-matched genetic controls rats (Wystar-Kyoto, WKY, rats), 262.3 ± 34.6nmol P i /mg protein · min (P + , K + )-ATPase activity of 13-week-old SHR and WKY rats. Prior renal denervation was associated with a reduction in proximal tubule basolateral membrane (BLM) (Na + , K + )-ATPase activity, 316.8 ± 23.8 to 223.1 ± 23.9nmol P i /mg protein/min (P + , K + )-ATPase activity in either WKY rats, nor did sham-denervation in SHR. In addition, exogenous norepinephrine, 1 µM, produced a more pronounced stimulation of (Na + , K + )-ATPase activity in basolateral membranes from SHR as opposed to WKY controls (40.2% vs. 28.7%). Therefore, renal nerve integrity and exogenous catecholamines have a greater stimulatory influence on proximal tubule (Na + , K + )-ATPase activity in the early stages (prior to 5 weeks) of the development of hypertension in SHR than in age-matched WKY rats. These findings suggest that increased renal nerve activity and enhancement of proximal tubule (Na + , K + )-ATPase activity by catecholamines may contribute to salt retention and the development of hypertension in the SHR model of hypertension.
CLASP fluxes its mitotic muscles.

Accurate chromosome segregation occurs during each cell division and is orchestrated by the dynamic microtubules of the mitotic spindle. Our understanding of this process has increased severalfold with the elucidation of the molecular components that coordinate microtubule flux.
Diphenylphosphidoboratabenzene: An Anionic Analogue of Triphenylphosphine

Stimulated by its relationship to the ubiquitous triphenylphosphine ligand (1),1 we have prepared2 and begun to explore the coordination chemistry of the diphenylphosphidoboratabenzene anion (DPB; 2). DPB may be viewed as a negatively charged, essentially isosteric, variant of PPh3; within this context, comparative studies of PPh3 and DPB complexes, both for a given metal and for metals which are adjacent in the periodic table, could lead to useful new insights into reactivity.3 In this communication, we report the first stage of our investigation into the chemistry of DPB, specifically, synthetic and structural work which establishes the viability of DPB as a ligand for an array of transition metals.
Policy Watch: Reform of the U.S. Postal Service

The author first reviews the current structure and regulation of the U.S. Postal Service. He then discusses the changing size and composition of the U.S. mail stream. Many other countries have already undertaken comprehensive postal reform, including both privatization and demonopolization, and the author discusses what lessons their experience can provide. He concludes by evaluating current reform proposals in the United States.
Computerized lung sound analysis as diagnostic aid for the detection of abnormal lung sounds: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Summary Rationale The standardized use of a stethoscope for chest auscultation in clinical research is limited by its inherent inter-listener variability. Electronic auscultation and automated classification of recorded lung sounds may help prevent some of these shortcomings. Objective We sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies implementing computerized lung sound analysis (CLSA) to aid in the detection of abnormal lung sounds for specific respiratory disorders. Methods We searched for articles on CLSA in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and ISI Web of Knowledge through July 31, 2010. Following qualitative review, we conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of CLSA for the detection of abnormal lung sounds. Measurements and main results Of 208 articles identified, we selected eight studies for review. Most studies employed either electret microphones or piezoelectric sensors for auscultation, and Fourier Transform and Neural Network algorithms for analysis and automated classification of lung sounds. Overall sensitivity for the detection of wheezes or crackles using CLSA was 80% (95% CI 72–86%) and specificity was 85% (95% CI 78–91%). Conclusions While quality data on CLSA are relatively limited, analysis of existing information suggests that CLSA can provide a relatively high specificity for detecting abnormal lung sounds such as crackles and wheezes. Further research and product development could promote the value of CLSA in research studies or its diagnostic utility in clinical settings.
Ab initio study of GaB2H7 and GaB3H10

Abstract The 1-Ga-bis(diboranyl) and 2-Ga-bis(diboranyl) isomers have been calculated and compared with arachno-1-H 2 GaB 3 H 8 and arachno-2-H 2 GaB 3 H 8 isomers. At the highest level (MP4 level of electron correlation with 3-21G* basis set supplemented with d functions on boron). the 2-Ga-bis(diboranyl) isomer is only 7.2 kcal/mol less stable than arachno-2-H 2 GaB 3 H 8 . On the GaB 2 H 7 surface, the lowest-energy structure is a 1103 (styx notation) species with a bridging hydrogen between two boron atoms and an apical GaH 2 group. However, there are six other structures within 20 kcal/mol.
Fatigue of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte function associated with bacterial ingestion

Abstract In an effort to explain transient defects in polymorphonuclear (PMN) function associated with bacterial infections in man, the effects of two sequential exposures to Staphylococcus aureus on the phagocytic and bactericidal capabilities of human PMN were studied. Assay systems of phagocyte function which allowed independent assessment of ingestion and intracellular killing of bacteria were used. During the second exposure to bacteria PMNs ingested 0.64 of added bacteria, not statistically different from the fraction 0.66 ingested by similarly handled PMN exposed to bacteria but once. Bactericidal activity when assessed 90 min after a second exposure to bacteria was significantly impaired, however, as measured in three different ways. The results, though limited to S. aureus , suggest that activity of human PMN during the course of a bacterial infection may fatigue their bactericidal capabilities.
A simple approximation for the simulation of continuous random variables

A simple technique is described for simulations and analytical studies where the indication is of a unimodal, right-skewed dis tribution of a continuous random variable, the type of distribu tion often approximated by a gamma distribution. The technique is more realistic and more general than the "simple" techniques described in the simulation literature in that it does not require integer parameters.
EXECUTABLE SPECIFICATION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE DESIGN OF CONCURRENT OBJECT-ORIENTED SYSTEMS

This paper investigates the analysis of concurrent OO designs using a formal, executable specification technique called G-Net. After presenting an overview of the G-Net technique, we show how to use the G-Net notation to specify the concurrent OO systems. A formal transformation technique, which translates a G-Net specification to a semantically equivalent PrT-net, is presented. The resultant PrT-net can then be formally analyzed. The practical significance of this approach in fault-tolerant systems and distributed multimedia systems design is discussed.
Disorganization as a Category of Social Science

There is a profound discrepancy between the views of contemporary Russia that social science has given us and our intuitive perception of it formed under the influence of everyday realities. Conceptions create a kind of ordered, ideally noncontradictory dynamic or static model of society, whereas everyday life gives the impression that chaos and disorganization reign.
Extension of the Self-Consistent-Charge Density-Functional Tight-Binding Method: Third-Order Expansion of the Density Functional Theory Total Energy and Introduction of a Modified Effective Coulomb Interaction

The standard self-consistent-charge density-functional-tight-binding (SCC-DFTB) method (Phys. Rev. B 1998, 58, 7260) is derived by a second-order expansion of the density functional theory total energy expression, followed by an approximation of the charge density fluctuations by charge monopoles and an effective damped Coulomb interaction between the atomic net charges. The central assumptions behind this effective charge−charge interaction are the inverse relation of atomic size and chemical hardness and the use of a fixed chemical hardness parameter independent of the atomic charge state. While these approximations seem to be unproblematic for many covalently bound systems, they are quantitatively insufficient for hydrogen-bonding interactions and (anionic) molecules with localized net charges. Here, we present an extension of the SCC-DFTB method to incorporate third-order terms in the charge density fluctuations, leading to chemical hardness parameters that are dependent on the atomic charge state and...
Analytical and Experimental Studies of Surface Wave Measurements To Detect Gas Hydrates Offshore

Analytical and experimental studies of the Spectral-Analysis-of-Surface-Wave (SASW) technique for offshore geotechnical investigations are presented. Effects of water depth, wavelength and gravity on soil-water interface waves are examined; appropriate wavelengths for SASW testing are suggested. The finite compressibility of water is shown to be important for stiff seafloor materials.
Fort Peck Reservoir

A foreknowledge of the probable runoff from large drainage-areas at points quite distant from the headwater-regions is of great value in connection with the problems involved in the disposition and control of this water. During dry periods it is helpful in the allocation and conservation of water; during wet periods it is helpful in the conservation of life and property from high water. A prediction of the “spring” runoff at Fort Peck, which is made each year in the Division Office of the Corps of Engineer at Kansas City, is one example of the prediction, from snow-surveys, of runoff at a locality quite removed from the snow-courses. Fort Peck is situated about 225 miles below the nearest snow-course, and the climatic and topographic characteristics of the terrain below the headwater-regions where the courses are located are materially different from those in the headwater-regions.
Effects of Polymer Wrapping and Covalent Functionalization on the Stability of MWCNT in Aqueous Dispersions

The colloidal behavior of aqueous dispersions of functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (F-CNTS) formed via carboxylation and polymer wrapping with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) is presented. The presence of polymer on the nanotube surface provided steric stabilization, and the aggregation behavior of the colloidal system was quite different from its covalently functionalized analog. Based on hydrophobicity index, particle size distribution, zeta potential as well as the aggregation kinetics studied using time-resolved dynamic light scattering, the PVP wrapped CNT was somewhat less prone to agglomeration. However, its long-term stability was lower, and this was attributed to the partial unwrapping of the polyvinyl pyrrolidone layer on the CNT surface.
The detailed balance requirement and general empirical formalisms for continuum absorption

Two general empirical formalisms are presented for the spectral density which take into account the deviations from the Lorentz line shape in the wing regions of resonance lines. These formalisms satisfy the detailed balance requirement. Empirical line shape functions, which are essential to provide the continuum absorption at different temperatures in various frequency regions for atmospheric transmission codes, can be obtained by fitting to experimental data.
Digital Simulation of the Homeostat Modified to Show Memory and Learning

The purpose of this correspondence is to describe the formulation of a FORTRAN IV computer program to simulate a Homeostat modified to show memory and learning. Results of several simulation runs are presented and evaluated in the light of the requirements of self-organizing systems.
Local feminist policy networks in the contemporary American interest group system

The emergence of local feminist policy networks is set within the context of the New Federalism of the Reagan-Bush administrations and the transformation of the U.S. interest group system over the past three decades. A case study of policymaking in a single urban setting focuses on changes in four policy areas of special interest to women: sexual assault, domestic violence, child care, and displaced homemakers. Single-issue feminist policy networks, composed of feminist advocacy groups, women-run services, local elected officials, and urban bureaucrats responsible for delivering, funding or regulating each policy, have formed around these issues. Each is characterized by: responsive policy changes; frequent interactions between local legislators, bureaucrats, and feminists; interlocking directorates; a symbiotic support system; diverse strategies and funding sources; and a federal-type organization. Local feminists have been incorporated in a new group universe embedded within a complex system of intergovernmental grants, contracts, and mandates. These networks help to sustain feminism and its public policy agenda through crises and challenges.
Dielectric, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, and Transport Properties of Spanish Moss

We present preliminary data on the electric resistivity, ac dielectric response, variable temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetization measurements on Spanish moss. We find that the four-probe dc resistivity is about 10 ohm-meter, the dc dielectric constant is 76 ± 1, close to that of water (80), and the ac dielectric measurements reveal well-defined peaks whose maxima depend on frequency and temperature, with an Arrhenius activation energy of ∼ 0.6 ± 0.1 eV. Magnetization measurements showed diamagnetism down to about 6K and then a Curie tail. The EPR measurements reveal a level of about 10 to 100 parts per million of isolated Mn2+ ions and a ten-fold higher level of Fe3+ cluster peaks, the later of which were strongly temperature dependent down to 5K. The origin of the Fe3+ structure remains unclear.
The NEW ACM Digital Library interface

I was privy to a wonderful demo of the new Digital Library Interface by Wayne Graves, the head IT honcho at ACM. He showed off all the cool features that are now available.
Growth of the Aorta after Prosthetic Patch Aortoplasty for Coarctation in Infants

We have shown that patch aortoplasty relieves the aortic pressure gradient substantially better than resection with end-to-end anastomosis in infants with coarctation of the aorta. Growth of the intact posterior wall of the unresected coarctation after aortoplasty, however, has not yet been demonstrated to occur. We studied 21 infants less than 2 years of age who underwent prosthetic patch repair of coarctation after 1975. Associated lesions were present in 16 patients, and 12 had a concomitant procedure. Two patients died in the hospital, and 4 died later, all of causes unrelated to the coarctation repair. Systolic blood pressure in the right arm declined from 140 +/- 41 mm Hg (mean +/- standard deviation) preoperatively to 101 +/- 19 mm Hg postoperatively in the whole group and to 95 +/- 12 in 10 patients followed for more than 3 years. The right arm-left leg systolic pressure gradient declined from 66 +/- 22 mm Hg to 5 +/- 14 in all patients and to 4 +/- 13 in the group followed more than 3 years. Hypoplastic transverse arch was seen in all but 2 patients. Its relative diameter increased in 6 of 9 patients who underwent catheterization postoperatively and increased more than 50% in 3 patients. Two patients have evidence of narrowing of the aorta at the patch, but both have normal blood pressure in the right arm. In the patient with longest follow-up, an 8-month-old infant seen 8 years after operation, angiograms show the diameter of the aorta at the coarctation to be greater than that at the transverse arch and at the descending aorta.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF SEVERE SYSTEMIC HYPERTENSION IN INFANTS WITH COARCTATION OF THE THORACIC AORTA

16/56 infants (ages 2 wks to 6 mos) with isolated coarctation of the thoracic aorta presented with congestive heart failure and severe systemic hypertension ranging from 210/140 to 150/80 mmHg. Because of the surgical risks in symptomatic infants and the probability of recoarctation, conventional anticongestive medical management was instituted. The response to the anticongestive measures was markedly enhanced by diminishing after-load with chronic oral propranolol (.05-1.0 mg/kg/day) with maximal antihypertensive effects noted by 1-4 wks. Rebound hypertension was noted in 4 patients with propranolol withdrawal. This clinical response noted is consistent with high renin hypertension. No complications related to beta blockade have been seen in the infants treated. From this data we conclude that the antihypertensive effects from propranolol far outweigh the negative inotropic effects in the treatment of coarctation of the aorta. Further, thr treatment of severe hypertension in infants with coarctation of the aorta may allow deferral of surgery to a more optimal size and clinical status.
Validation of continuous thermodilution cardiac output in critically ill patients with analysis of systematic errors.

Purpose: Bolus thermodilution cardiac output (BCO) measurements are affected by variations in injectate volume, rate, and temperature. These variations are eliminated when CO is measured by a continuous automated thermal technique (CCO). Further, CCO eliminates the need for fluid boluses, reduces contamination risk, requires no operator, and provides a continuous CO trend. We prospectively evaluated CCO versus BCO in a population of critically ill adults with low, normal, and high CO states. We sought to discern any systematic effects of temperature fluctuations or signal-to-noise-ratios (SNR) on disparities between BCO and CCO measurements and also sought to assess the relative cost effectiveness of the CCO system. Materials and Methods: Pulmonary artery catheterizations were performed in a convenience sample of 20 patients over 6 months. BCO data were obtained using a standardized protocol. Three bolus injections of 5% dextrose were given when each CO was within 10% of the median before averaging; otherwise five boluses were given, with the high and low values eliminated before averaging. Injectates were administered randomly through the respiratory cycle and at 1-minute intervals. CCO measurements were recorded from a Vigilance monitor pre and post BCO measurements, yielding an average CCO value. Also recorded were pre- and post-core temperatures and SNR during the first CCO measurement. Cost data included estimates of operator time for BCO determinations as well as costs of Intellicath (Baxter-Edwards, Irvine, CA) pulmonary artery catheters, Vigilance (Baxter-Edwards, Irvine, CA) monitors, conventional catheters, and injectates. Results: Of the 20 patients, 15 were mechanically ventilated. A total of 306 paired CO values were obtained for analysis. CCO ranged from 2.5 to 14.4 L/min and SCO from 2.4 to 13.3 L/min. Absolute differences between CCO and BCO measurements increased with increasing CO, but percentage differences did not. Of the paired values, 77% were within 1 L/min of one another. Temperature instability and SNR independently had weak correlations with CCO/BCO disparities. The Vigilance system had a slightly higher net cost than conventional BCO, although no economical value was assigned to the clinical usefulness of continuous, as opposed to intermittent, CO monitoring. Conclusions: Continuous CO is a reliable and cost-effective alternative to bolus thermodilution CO for critically ill patients in low, normal, and high CO states.
Theory and application of a nondestructive photovoltaic technique for the measurement of resistivity variations in circular semiconductor slices

Abstract A nondestructive photovoltaic technique for measuring resistivity variations in high-resistivity semiconductor slices is described. The underlying theory of this measurement is reviewed, and the necessary expressions for its implementation are derived for a case of a small light spot scanned over a diameter of a large circular slice. The reduction of these theoretical results to practice is discussed and their validity demonstrated by comparing the results obtained with the photovoltaic technique to resistivity profiles of the same slice diameter measured by four-probe techniques.
Model-Based Direct Adjustment

Abstract Direct adjustment or standardization applies population weights to subclass means in an effort to estimate population quantities from a sample that is not representative of the population. Direct adjustment has several attractive features, but when there are many subclasses it can attach large weights to small quantities of data, often in a fairly erratic manner. In the extreme, direct adjustment can attach infinite weight to nonexistent data, a noticeable inconvenience in practice. This article proposes a method of model-based direct adjustment that preserves the attractive features of conventional direct adjustment while stabilizing the weights attached to small subclasses. The sample mean and conventional direct adjustment are both special cases of model-based direct adjustment under two different extreme models for the subclass-specific selection probabilities. The discussion of this method provides some insights into the behavior of true and estimated propensity scores: the estimated scores ...
Validity of the bereavement exclusion to major depression: does the empirical evidence support the proposal to eliminate the exclusion in DSM‐5?

Abstract The DSM-IV major depression “bereavement exclusion” (BE), which recognizes that depressive symptoms are sometimes normal in recently bereaved individuals, is proposed for elimination in DSM-5. Evidence cited for the BE's invalidity comes from two 2007 reviews purporting to show that bereavement-related depression is similar to other depression across various validators, and a 2010 review of subsequent research. We examined whether the 2007 and 2010 reviews and subsequent relevant literature support the BE's invalidity. Findings were: a) studies included in the 2007 reviews sampled bereavement-related depression groups most of whom were not BE-excluded, making them irrelevant for evaluating BE validity; b) three subsequent studies cited by the 2010 review as supporting BE elimination did examine BE-excluded cases but were in fact inconclusive; and c) two more recent articles comparing recurrence of BE-excluded and other major depressive disorder cases both support the BE's validity. We conclude that the claimed evidence for the BE's invalidity does not exist. The evidence in fact supports the BE's validity and its retention in DSM-5 to prevent false positive diagnoses. We suggest some improvements to increase validity and mitigate risk of false negatives.
A BIFID BLADDER PREPARATION FOR EXPERIMENTAL SPLIT FUNCTION RENAL STUDIES.

Summary A method of bifid bladder construction in dogs is described which has been successfully utilized as a means of simultaneous bilateral urine collection in acute and chronic renal function studies.
Three-dimensional active surface approach to lymph node segmentation

A three-dimensional active surface model has been suggested as a possible solution to the difficult problem of segmenting lymph nodes in CT x-rays. In this paper, a computationally simple active surface, or balloon, is proposed which requires minimal user interaction or a priori shape knowledge. A structure is proposed for the balloon model in which each balloon point is guaranteed a fixed number of neighbors, and a method is provided for adding points to the model while still maintaining that structural regularity. Equations are provided for deriving surface energy from 3D shape and 3D image data. Minimal user interaction is required, with only a single point somewhere inside the node needed to initialize the algorithm. The balloon naturally inflates to find the correct surface due to a unique candidate point selection algorithm that is biased in favor of outward moves. Preliminary results show the model to be successful in finding boundaries in synthetic 3-D images.
Involving Parents in Improving Urban Schools

Families play a vital role in supporting school improvement—especially par ents, who are critical in inculcating personal values and civic virtues in their children; in teaching basic life skills; in helping schools as parent vol unteers and as decisionmakers; in selecting schools for their own chil dren ; and as advocates for all children.
On Evaluating MHC-II Binding Peptide Prediction Methods

Choice of one method over another for MHC-II binding peptide prediction is typically based on published reports of their estimated performance on standard benchmark datasets. We show that several standard benchmark datasets of unique peptides used in such studies contain a substantial number of peptides that share a high degree of sequence identity with one or more other peptide sequences in the same dataset. Thus, in a standard cross-validation setup, the test set and the training set are likely to contain sequences that share a high degree of sequence identity with each other, leading to overly optimistic estimates of performance. Hence, to more rigorously assess the relative performance of different prediction methods, we explore the use of similarity-reduced datasets. We introduce three similarity-reduced MHC-II benchmark datasets derived from MHCPEP, MHCBN, and IEDB databases. The results of our comparison of the performance of three MHC-II binding peptide prediction methods estimated using datasets of unique peptides with that obtained using their similarity-reduced counterparts shows that the former can be rather optimistic relative to the performance of the same methods on similarity-reduced counterparts of the same datasets. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that conclusions regarding the superiority of one method over another drawn on the basis of performance estimates obtained using commonly used datasets of unique peptides are often contradicted by the observed performance of the methods on the similarity-reduced versions of the same datasets. These results underscore the importance of using similarity-reduced datasets in rigorously comparing the performance of alternative MHC-II peptide prediction methods.
Making Sense of VAST Data

We view sensemaking in threat analysis as abducing a story whose plot explains the current data and makes predictions about the future. We have developed a preliminary computational system, called STAB, that abduces stories from data. STAB abduces multiple competing hypotheses by retrieving and instantiating story plots matching the current evidence. The story plots in STAB are represented as processes with goals and states, and organized in an abstraction hierarchy. STAB analyzes the VAST-2006 dataset. Given the VAST data incrementally, STAB generates multiple explanatory hypotheses, calculates their confidence values, and generates expectations about future data.
Experimental and computational analysis of mouse sleep-wake dynamics

Materials and methods In this study we explore the utility of a noninvasive method based on the signal from a piezoelectric sensor on the cage floor for scoring sleep-wake behavior in mice. It was previously demonstrated that the piezo signal can accurately discriminate sleep from wake activity; however, this was verified mostly by visual observation. Here we perform a more objective validation by correlating piezo measurements with EMG activity, which is dramatically suppressed during sleep. Furthermore, the piezo sensor is sensitive to respiration-related thoracic movements. Since breathing is relatively irregular in REM sleep compared to non-REM, we extract piezo features that reflect breathing regularity to try to distinguish between these sleep states.
Early EEG improvement after ketogenic diet initiation

Summary Purpose This study examines electroencephalographic (EEG) changes in children with medication resistant epilepsy treated with the ketogenic diet (KD). Methods Routine EEGs were obtained prior to KD initiation, then one month and three months later. Changes in EEG background slowing and frequency of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) were evaluated using power spectrum analysis and manual determination of spike index. KD responders were compared to non-responders to determine if baseline or early EEG characteristics predicted treatment response (>50% seizure reduction) at three months. Results Thirty-seven patients were evaluated. No differences in baseline EEG features were found between responder groups. Frequency of IEDs declined in 65% of patients as early as one month, by a median of 13.6% (IQR 2-33). Those with a ten percent or greater improvement in IED frequency at one month were greater than six times more likely to be KD responders (OR 6.5 95% CI 0.85–75 p = 0.03). Qualitative and quantitative measures of EEG background slowing improved in the whole cohort, but did not predict responder status. Conclusion Baseline predictors of KD response remain elusive. Most patients experienced a reduction in IEDs and improvement in EEG background slowing after KD initiation. Reduction of IEDs at one month strongly predicted KD responder status at three months.
On Bootstrap Techniques For Classifying Projections in Single Particle Electron Microscopy

In single-particle reconstruction methods [1], projections of macromolecules at randomly unknown orientations are collected by an electron microscope. Often, several classes of conformations or binding states coexist in a sample. To obtain structures with high accuracy, it is required to separate the classes before reconstruction of the structures takes place. In this work, we take a close look at bootstrap techniques for classifying the projection data.In the bootstrap techniques for variance estimation [2], the projection images or particles are randomly sampled with replacement from the dataset and a bootstrap volume is reconstructed from each sample, assuming known orientations. In a recent extension of the bootstrap technique to classification [3], each particle is assigned to a volume in the space spanned by the bootstrap volumes, such that the projection of the assigned volume (in the same orientation as the particle) best matches the particle. Finally, a clustering algorithm applied to the assigned volumes determines the class to which the particle belongs.In this work we explain the rational of these techniques by discussing the nature of the bootstrap volumes: i.e., how they relate to the underlying structural classes. Furthermore, several statistical analyses become easy to study in our framework. Finally, the way the particles are assigned to volumes in the space spanned by the bootstrap volumes is closely examined.[1] J. Frank, Three Dimensional Electron Microscopy of Macromolecular Assemblies, Oxford, 2006.[2] P.A. Penczek et al., Estimation of variance in single-particle reconstruction using the bootstrap technique., 154(2):168-83, JSB, 2006.[3] P.A. Penczek, Personal Communication.
The ecology bomb

Anne Ehrlich, Paul Ehrlich and John Holdren. Human Ecology: Problems and Solutions. San Francisco: W. H. Freeman and Co., 1973. Graphs, charts, maps, figures, tables, appendix, and index. $4.75.
Critical Incidents for New and Experienced College and University Presidents.

Twenty-six college and university presidents, 12 new and 14 experienced, were interviewed and asked to report at least four incidents which they felt had been critical to their effectiveness as presidents. One hundred and twelve incidents were collected and then analyzed using a modification of the Critical Incident Technique. The great majority of the incidents (94.6%) were found to involve the internal affairs of the institution. Students were found to be involved in more incidents than any other group, followed by the faculty and then the administration. Finances and campus unrest led the list of factors precipitating the incidents, followed by staffing-related concerns and governance issues. Implications for new and experienced presidents are discussed.
MORPHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE EARLY IMBIBITION OF WATER BY SIDA SPINOSA (MALVACEAE) SEED

The chalazal area is confirmed as the site of initial water entry into prickly sida (Sida spinosa L.) seeds. Very early during imbibition of water, a kidney-shaped area of the seed coat separates from underlying cells forming a blister. This blister may also be induced in dry seeds (both afterripened and nonafterripened) when pressure is applied to the chalazal area. Blisters form more readily on afterripened seeds than on nonafterripened seeds, however, and the event is correlated with an increase in seed coat permeability to water. Immediately beneath the palisade layer of the blister lies a single layer of subpalisade cells. This layer is observed only in the region of blister formation. As the blister separates, the end walls of the subpalisade cells remain attached to the floor of the palisade layer. The subpalisade cells are thereby broken open, and their contents disgorged into the blister lumen. Evidence indicates that this separation of the palisade and subpalisade layers in the chalazal area initiates imbibition of water by prickly sida seeds. THE IMPERMEABILITY of seed coats to water (hard seededness) occurs in several plant families. This adaptation allows viable seeds to
KINETIC RESPONSE OF SURFACES DEFINED BY FINITE FRACTALS

Historically, fractal analysis has been remarkably successful in describing wide ranging kinetic processes on (idealized) scale invariant objects in terms of elegantly simple universal scaling laws. However, as nanostructured materials find increasing applications in energy storage, energy conversion, healthcare, etc., one must reexamine the premise of traditional fractal scaling laws as it only applies to physically unrealistic infinite systems, while all natural/engineered systems are necessarily finite. In this article, we address the consequences of the 'finite-size' problem in the context of time dependent diffusion towards fractal surfaces via the novel technique of Cantor-transforms to (i) illustrate how finiteness modifies its classical scaling exponents; (ii) establish that for finite systems, the diffusion-limited reaction is decelerated below a critical dimension and accelerated above it; and (iii) to identify the crossover size-limits beyond which a finite system can be considered (practically) infinite and redefine the very notion of 'finiteness' of fractals in terms of its kinetic response. Our results have broad implications regarding dynamics of systems defined by the same fractal dimension, but differentiated by degree of scaling iteration or morphogenesis, e.g. variation in lung capacity between a child and adult.
Savoxepine fails to selectively influence glucose metabolism in the rat limbic system

The [14C]-2-deoxyglucose method was used to map the in vivo metabolic response of glucose to savoxepine, a novel tetracyclic cyano-dibenzoxepino-azepine. Savoxepine is reported to have higher affinity for dopamine (DA) receptors in the hippocampus than in the striatum and hence should have dose-dependent, anatomically selective actions. Two doses of savoxepine (0.05 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg) were compared with haloperidol (1 mg/kg) to test the hypothesis that low doses of savoxepine would display a selective action on limbic brain areas. Results failed to show that low dose savoxepine selectively modifies glucose utilization in the limbic system as previous biochemical studies suggested. In fact, low doses of the drug displayed a potent activity quite similar to haloperidol in effect and localization. The low dose did not produce significantly altered glucose metabolism in the nucleus accumbens or in the lateral habenular nucleus as observed with most other neuroleptics, suggesting a lack of antipsychotic action at this dose. Our findings demonstrate the difficulty of designing a neuroleptic with a preferential blockade of limbic DA receptors and point to the need for functional assessment of regional receptor binding differences.