cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What can data tell us about the quality and relevance of current pediatric residency education

The Residency Review and Redesign (R 3 P) Project relied on both qualitative and quantitative data in developing its recommendations regarding residency education. This article reviews quantitative data in the published literature of import to the R 3 P Project as well as findings by Freed and colleagues published in this supplement to Pediatrics . Primary questions of interest to the R 3 P Project included: What factors drive decision-making regarding residency selection? Do current training programs have the flexibility to meet the needs of residents, no matter what their career choice with pediatrics? What areas need greater focus within residency training? Should the length of training remain at 36 months? Based on the available data, the R 3 P Project concluded that more diversity needs to be fostered with training programs. By promoting innovative and diverse approaches to improving pediatric residency education, members of the R 3 P Project hope to enhance learning, encourage multiple career paths within the broad field of pediatrics, and, ultimately, improve patient and family outcomes.
Clonal selection based genetic algorithm for workflow service selection

Quality of Service (QoS) aware service selection of workflows is a very important aspect for service-oriented systems. The selection based on QoS allows the user to include also non-functional attributes in their query, such as availability and reliability. Several exact methods have been proposed in the past, however, given that the workflow selection problem is NP-hard, approximate algorithms can be used to find suboptimal solutions for requested workflows. Genetic algorithm is one such method that can find approximate solutions in the form of services selected. In this paper, we propose an improved version of the standard genetic algorithm approach by making use of the clonal selection principle from artificial immune systems. Experimental results show that the clonal selection based genetic algorithm achieves much higher fitness values for the workflow selection problem than standard genetic algorithm.
The Members of Rhetoric

Socrates: But I do think you will agree to this, that every discourse must be organized, like a living being, with a body of its own, as it were, so as not to be headless or footless, but to have a...
Human psychophysical studies of saltiness suppression by amiloride.

Abstract Two studies were performed to assess the effects of amiloride on the saltiness of NaCl. In the first study, four highly trained subjects were asked tp report the first appearance of saltiness as NaCl microdrops were rapidly applied to an increasing number of fungiform papillae along the front, dorsal surface of the tongue. For two subjects, amiloride, a sodium channel blocker, caused a large and significant increase in the number of papillae needed to report a salty taste. The other two subjects were unaffected, as measured by this procedure. In the second study, four different subjects were trained in the same procedure as in the previous study. For testing, however, they were stimulated on a fixed number of papillae, which was two times the number self-selected during training as sufficient for perception of saltiness with NaCl, and sourness with citric acid. They reported the quality of the experience as salty, sour, or neither, with and without amiloride treatment of the papillae set. Two of the four subjects had a loss of saltiness of NaCl, but not sourness of citric acid, when the papillae set was treated with amiloride.
Educational initiatives in integrative medicine: The imperative for change

As the public's use of complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies has increased, and as research into the safety and efficacy of these modalities has intensified, medical schools are faced with the challenge of determining how best to integrate this information into the curriculum. Over the past decade, there has been increased interest and activity at many medical schools to incorporate complementary, alternative and integrative medicine (CAM) into the 4-year-undergraduate medical curriculum, as well as to graduate medical education programs. Beginning in 2000, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health in the US funded 15 institutions for multi-year grants (R25 awards) to foster these types of educational initiatives. The efforts of this group have been documented in a series of articles published in Academic Medicine and other key journals. Another important development has been the formation in 2002 of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine , a group of now 43 medical schools in North America dedicated to helping transform healthcare through rigorous scientific studies, new models of clinical care, and innovative educational programs that integrate biomedicine with the rich diversity of various therapeutic systems and modalities. The Consortium published a suggested list of core competencies in integrative medicine that all graduates of medical school should possess ( Acad. Med. 79:521–531, 2004 ), and also compiled a series of modules for teaching elements of Integrative Medicine. In Canada, efforts are underway, through the CAM in UME (Undergraduate Medical Education) Project, to broaden the awareness of CAM practices, products and perspectives in an evidence-based manner across the various curricula. In this plenary presentation, Dr. Haramati will outline the imperative for moving medical education in this direction. A variety of approaches will be highlighted in which material from the thematic thread of Complementary and Integrative Medicine , that is the blending of conventional and non-conventional therapies, can be used to advance both scientific curricular objectives and also to help students attain proficiency in competencies related to professionalism, such as self-awareness, self-care and personal growth.
Binding of sulfosuccinimidyl fatty acids to adipocyte membrane proteins: isolation and amino-terminal sequence of an 88-kD protein implicated in transport of long-chain fatty acids.

We recently reported (Harmon et al., J. Membrane Biol. 124:261–268, 1991) that sulfo-N-succinimidyl derivatives of long-chain fatty acids (SS-FA) specifically inhibited transport of oleate by rat adipocytes. These compounds bound to an 85–90 kD membrane protein which was also labeled by another inhibitor of FA transport [3H]DIDS (4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2-2′-sulfonate). These results indicated that the protein was a strong candidate as the transporter for long-chain fatty acids. In this report we determined that the apparent size of the protein is 88 kD and its isoelectric point is 6.9. We used [3H]SS-oleate (SSO), which specifically labels the 88-kD protein, to isolate it from rat adipocyte plasma membranes. Identification of 15 amino acids at the N-terminus region revealed strong sequence homology with two previously described membrane glycoproteins: CD36, a ubiquitous protein originally identified in platelets and PAS IV, a protein that is enriched in the apical membranes of lipidsecreting mammary cells during lactation. Antibody against PAS IV cross-reacted with the adipocyte protein. This, together with the N-terminal sequence homology, suggested that the adipocyte protein belongs to a family of related intrinsic membrane proteins which include CD36 and PAS IV.
Multiprocessor Architecture for Rapid EEG Frequency Analysis

A multicomputer array is described that speeds up the processing of spectral representation for the EEG.
Pancreatitis in Children

haracterized by localized edema and systemic inflammation, pancreatitis is a potentially life-threatening disease that has long-term consequences for many patients. Clinicians who primarily care for adults most likely see patients with pancreatitis far more often than do those who primarily care for children. Because of the lower incidence among children, little has been published on pancreatitis in this age group. In this article, we address the scarcity of available information by discussing pancreatitis in the context of a case review. We also illustrate key concepts and current trends in the management of pancreatitis in children.
Reducing memory requirements of nested loops for embedded systems

Most embedded systems have limited amount of memory. In contrast, the memory requirements of code (in particular loops) running on embedded systems is significant. This paper addresses the problem of estimating the amount of memory needed for transfers of data in embedded systems. The problem of estimating the region associated with a statement or the set of elements referenced by a statement during the execution of the entire set of nested loops is analyzed. A quantitative analysis of the number of elements referenced is presented; exact expressions for uniformly generated references and a close upper and lower bound for non-uniformly generated references are derived. In addition to presenting an algorithm that computes the total memory required, we discuss the effect of transformations on the lifetimes of array variables, i.e., the time between the first and last accesses to a given array location. A detailed analysis on the effect of unimodular transformations on data locality including the calculation of the maximum window size is discussed. The term maximum window size is introduced and quantitative expressions are derived to compute the window size. The smaller the value of the maximum window size, the higher the amount of data locality in the loop.
Measurement of diffusion coefficient and partition coefficient of sodium in nonionic polymer membranes

The difficulties involved in the measurement of the partition coefficient and diffusion coefficient of NaCl in hydrophilic polymer membranes are examined by the initial rate and late-time analysis of desorption data for three nonionic polymer systems. The late-time analysis, based on the plot of the logarithmic relative desorption versus time, was found to be useful when the diffusion is Fickian and the magnitude of D2/l2 is small. Depending on the magnitude of D2/l2, an accurate measurement of k2 and determination of D2 cannot be achieved without correction for the effect of surface salt solution, impossible with late-time analysis. The initial rate measurement was found more versatile for general non-Fickian diffusion and it gave a means of correction of the errors involved in estimating the partition coefficient. In general, the diffusion of NaCl in hydrophilic polymers is not ideal Fickian and the discrepancy between the two analyses is appreciable.
Earthquakes and the Southeastern Boundary of the Intact lapetan Margin in Eastern North America

Earthquakes at three localities in eastern North America have been attributed on geological and seismological grounds to compressional reactivation of some of the late Proterozoic or early Paleozoic normal faults in the northeast-trending Iapetan passive margin. Assessment of seismic hazard can be aided by identifying the boundaries of the area of Iapetan faulting. A previous paper located the northwestern boundary. This report interprets deep seismic-reflection profiles as showing that the margin comprises a seismically active northwestern part, where Precambrian crust contains some Iapetan faults but remains mostly as it was formed, and a southeastern part, where later deformations likely destroyed or modified the Precambrian crust and Iapetan faults. Accordingly, the boundary between the northwestern and southeastern parts of the margin, which coincides approximately with the Appalachian gravity gradient, can be taken as the southeastern limit of potentially seismogenic Iapetan faults.
Noise-predictive partial-response equalizers and applications

The authors consider enhancing the performance of the traditional linear partial-response (PR) equalizer by using noise prediction techniques. The resulting noise-predictive PR equalizer consists of a forward linear PR equalizer followed by a linear predictor to whiten the noise and the residual distortion at the equalizer output. Assuming correct decisions and applying results from prediction theory, it is shown that the minimum mean-square error of a noise-predictive PR equalizer equals that of a decision-feedback equalizer which employs no PR shaping. This result shows that the performance of a receiver with a PR shaping equalizer can always be improved by attaching a noise-whitening predictor. Simulation results are presented for channels typically encountered in wire transmission and magnetic recording, i.e., channels with a spectral null at DC and strong high-frequency attenuation. The results show a substantial performance improvement when a noise-predictive PR equalizer is used. >
Comparison of Alfalfa Hay and Alfalfa Silage Alone and with Supplements of Grain, Hay, or Corn Silage for Growing Dairy Calves

Summary It was again demonstrated that dairy heifers can be successfully reared to calving time on a ration using only 370lb. of whole milk, 400–500lb. of grain, and unlimited quantities of good alfalfa hay. Substituting a mixture of wilted alfalfa and corn silages for the hay in such a feeding schedule produced very low rates of gain and feed consumption. As a result, the final weight of heifers so fed was only 76% of normal. The performance of heifers fed the corn and alfalfa silages was below that of other heifers fed straight wilted alfalfa silage. Feeding wilted alfalfa silage plus a supplement of either hay (1 lb/cwt) or grain (2 lb/day) produced heifers that were only slightly smaller at 2 yr. of age than heifers reared on alfalfa hay. Heifers fed the silage ration consumed less dry matter than heifers fed hay. Reasons for the voluntary decrease in consumption of heifers fed silage are not apparent.
Placenta acreta en paciente sin antecedentes quirúrgicos uterinos

The placenta abnormally adherent to the uterine muscle is a condition known as placental acretism. This pathology increases maternal morbidity and mortality. The insertion of chorionic villi directly into the myometrium occurs more often in women who had surgical anatomic modification of the myometrium, like a cesarean section or myomectomy. Although conservative treatment has been described, the recommended management is hysterectomy. A case of placental acretism in a 22 year-old female without risk factors or prior uterine surgery is presented.
Wireless link adaptation policies: QoS for deadline constrained traffic with imperfect channel estimates

We present an optimal power and rate control policy for delay constrained traffic in next generation TDMA wireless systems. Our solution minimizes average transmit power while satisfying a constraint on the distribution of packets lost to deadline expiration. We also provide a means to account for erroneous and delayed channel estimates. Our results show the optimal power and rate adaptation may change dramatically as mobile speed and channel estimate delay increase. Finally, we present results from a simulation of a GSM EDGE mobile. This simulation incorporates industry standard wireless channels and performance data available from the Third Generation Partnership Project. When compared to the standard fixed-SIR power control policy, our algorithm provides a significant reduction in power consumption and mitigates some of the negative effects of delayed channel estimates.
A fault-tolerant decoding procedure for real cyclic codes

Real number cyclic codes which are constructed by imposing constraints in the discrete Fourier (DFT) domain are decoded by new estimation procedures. The codewords are assumed corrupted by small levels of roundoff noise and possibly by a few large excursions of random disturbances that represent the effects of failures. Error correction is separated into two parts, large activity detection followed by error value estimation particularly for the larger errors. The activity-detecting part determines locations for large increases in the Wiener estimator's gain, and an efficient modified Berlekamp-Massey algorithm is developed for this purpose.
Three serendipitous pathways in E. coli can bypass a block in pyridoxal-5′-phosphate synthesis

Bacterial genomes encode hundreds to thousands of enzymes, most of which are specialized for particular functions. However, most enzymes have inefficient promiscuous activities, as well, that generally serve no purpose. Promiscuous reactions can be patched together to form multistep metabolic pathways. Mutations that increase expression or activity of enzymes in such serendipitous pathways can elevate flux through the pathway to a physiologically significant level. In this study, we describe the discovery of three serendipitous pathways that allow synthesis of pyridoxal-5 0 -phosphate (PLP) in a strain of E. coli that lacks 4-phosphoerythronate (4PE) dehydrogenase (PdxB) when one of seven different genes is overexpressed. We have characterized one of these pathways in detail. This pathway diverts material from serine biosynthesis and generates an intermediate in the normal PLP synthesis pathway downstream of the block caused by lack of PdxB. Steps in the pathway are catalyzed by a protein of unknown function, a broad-specificity enzyme whose physiological role is unknown, and a promiscuous activity of an enzyme that normally serves another function. One step in the pathway may be non-enzymatic.
Morphine-induced modulation of LTD at GABAergic synapses in the ventral tegmental area.

Adaptive behaviors often require the learning of appropriate responses to rewarding stimuli, yet aberrant learning processes can lead to serious diseases such as addiction. Dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) play an essential role in the treatment of rewarding stimuli, and they exhibit plasticity in response to such stimuli, but also to drugs of abuse. Previously we discovered a form of presynaptic nitric oxide (NO)-mediated long-term potentiation (LTPGABA) at GABAergic synapses onto VTA DA neurons that is prevented with morphine in vivo 24 h after exposure. Here we investigated whether the same GABAergic synapses are capable of exhibiting long-term depression (LTD in addition to LTPGABA) and its possible modulation by morphine in vivo. We found that indeed the efficacy of VTA GABAergic synapses can be down-regulated through induction of a novel form of LTD (i.e., LTDGABA )i n response to synaptic stimulation. Paired pulse ratio (PPR) and coefficient of variance (CV) analyses of evoked IPSCs confirmed that this plasticity may be postsynaptic. Consistently, LTDGABA did not involve presynaptic cannabinoid CB1receptors (CB1Rs). Moreover, NMDAR activation was not necessary for LTDGABA. However, blockade of D2 dopamine receptors (D2R) significantly attenuated LTDGABA proposing a novel synaptic mechanism for the regulation of excitability of DA neurons by endogenous DA and D2R activation. Interestingly, 24 h after a single in vivo exposure to morphine, LTDGABA was absent in slices from morphine-treated rats but unaffected in slices from saline-treated rats, confirming a bidirectional impact of morphine on GABAergic synaptic plasticity in the VTA. The control of bidirectional GABAergic plasticity by morphine in the VTA may represent the neural correlates necessary for the addictive properties of opiates. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Synaptic Plasticity and Addiction’. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Management of Sinus Venosus Defects

Sinus venosus defects are not atrial septal defects, but are intra-atrial communications outside of the boundaries of the atrial septum. The superior type is located above and separate from the fossal ovalis, usually adjacent to the superior vena cava and the right upper pulmonary vein. The inferior type is located near the orifice of the inferior vena cava and the right lower pulmonary vein. The goal of surgical repair is closure of the defect with unobstructed drainage of the pulmonary veins to the left atrium and of the vena cava to the right atrium. Numerous techniques have been described, particularly for the repair of the superior vena cava type of defect. Mortality and morbidity should be minimal. The risk of either vena cava or pulmonary vein obstruction is low. Sinus node dysfunction can occur postoperatively, particularly when an incision has been made across the superior vena cava/right atrial junction. There is little long-term data on the functional outcomes following repair of these defects.
FY 1988 Federal Budget proposal: Outlook for geophysics again a mixed bag

A proposed 70% increase for the Global Geosciences Program at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and a new start for a “Global Geospace Science” mission at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) were among the highlights for geophysics in the federal budget proposal for fiscal year (FY) 1988 that the Reagan Administration submitted to Congress last month. Once again, large budget increases proposed for NSF and NASA contrasted with cuts proposed for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). In addition, the grounding of the space shuttle fleet has stopped most of NASA's space science projects in their tracks for FY 1987 and FY 1988. (A federal fiscal year begins on October 1 of the previous calendar year.)
How do New Immigrant Latino Parents Interpret Problem Behavior in Adolescents

Parents are gatekeepers for their children’s mental-health treatment, yet many are unclear about what behaviors warrant intervention. Seeking treatment is further complicated for immigrant parents whose cultural backgrounds may influence their understanding of mental health. This analysis uses qualitative data from [MASKED], which is a representative study of newly immigrated youth (12–18 years) and their parents, to examine parental perceptions of mental health and to determine patterns of help seeking and service use. Sixteen parents participated in semistructured qualitative interviews that used vignettes to elicit parental beliefs about adolescent behavior and mental health. Findings suggest parents 1) identify behavior that meets diagnostic criteria as problematic; 2) ascribe those behaviors to a range of etiologies; and 3) desire to intervene. Two areas of service delivery emerged as problematic: many parents expect services delivered in ways that conflict with current practice standards, and new immigrant families often encounter cultural and practical barriers to accessing care.
ATP-dependent Proteases Differ Substantially in Their Ability to Unfold Globular Proteins *

ATP-dependent proteases control the concentrations of hundreds of regulatory proteins and remove damaged or misfolded proteins from cells. They select their substrates primarily by recognizing sequence motifs or covalent modifications. Once a substrate is bound to the protease, it has to be unfolded and translocated into the proteolytic chamber to be degraded. Some proteases appear to be promiscuous, degrading substrates with poorly defined targeting signals, which suggests that selectivity may be controlled at additional levels. Here we compare the abilities of representatives from all classes of ATP-dependent proteases to unfold a model substrate protein and find that the unfolding abilities range over more than 2 orders of magnitude. We propose that these differences in unfolding abilities contribute to the fates of substrate proteins and may act as a further layer of selectivity during protein destruction.
Genomic organization, expression, and phylogenetic analysis of Ca2+ channel β4 genes in 13 vertebrate species

The Ca2+ channel β-subunits, encoded by CACNB genes 1–4, are membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) proteins. As auxiliary subunits of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, the β-subunits facilitate m...
Targeting multiple pathogenic mechanisms with polyphenols for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease-experimental approach and therapeutic implications.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease of aging and currently has no cure. Its onset and progression are influenced by multiple factors. There is growing consensus that successful treatment will rely on simultaneously targeting multiple pathological features of AD. Polyphenol compounds have many proven health benefits. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that combining three polyphenolic preparations (grape seed extract, resveratrol and Concord grape juice extract), with different polyphenolic compositions and partially redundant bioactivities, may simultaneously and synergistically mitigate amyloid-β (Aβ) mediated neuropathology and cognitive impairments in a mouse model of AD. We found that administration of the polyphenols in combination did not alter the profile of bioactive polyphenol metabolites in the brain. We also found that combination treatment resulted in better protection against cognitive impairments compared to individual treatments, in J20 AD mice. Electrophysiological examination showed that acute treatment with select brain penetrating polyphenol metabolites, derived from these polyphenols, improved oligomeric Aβ (oAβ)-induced long term potentiation (LTP) deficits in hippocampal slices. Moreover, we found greatly reduced total amyloid content in the brain following combination treatment. Our studies provided experimental evidence that application of polyphenols targeting multiple disease-mechanisms may yield a greater likelihood of therapeutic efficacy.
A Systematic Screen for Dominant Second-Site Modifiers of Merlin/NF2 Phenotypes Reveals an Interaction With blistered/DSRF and scribbler

Merlin, the Drosophila homologue of the human tumor suppressor gene Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), is required for the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. To better understand the cellular functions of the NF2 gene product, Merlin, recent work has concentrated on identifying proteins with which it interacts either physically or functionally. In this article, we describe genetic screens designed to isolate second-site modifiers of Merlin phenotypes from which we have identified five multiallelic complementation groups that modify both loss-of-function and dominant-negative Merlin phenotypes. Three of these groups, Group IIa/scribbler (also known as brakeless), Group IIc/blistered, and Group IId/net, are known genes, while two appear to be novel. In addition, two genes, Group IIa/scribbler and Group IIc/blistered, alter Merlin subcellular localization in epithelial and neuronal tissues, suggesting that they regulate Merlin trafficking or function. Furthermore, we show that mutations in scribbler and blistered display second-site noncomplementation with one another. These results suggest that Merlin, blistered, and scribbler function together in a common pathway to regulate Drosophila wing epithelial development.
Source-channel diversity approaches for multimedia communication

This paper describes the source-channel coding diversity approaches for multimedia communication. The decision of which system to use should be based on both the benefits of a large distortion exponent as well cost, flexibility and ease of implementation
Application of Synchronization to Cooperative Control and Formation Flight of Spacecraft

This article presents a simple synchronization framework with application to synchronization control of formation flying spacecraft. A dynamical network of multiple Lagrangian systems is constructed by adding diffusive couplings to otherwise freely flying spacecraft. The proposed tracking control law synchronizes an arbitrary number of spacecraft into a common time-varying trajectory with global exponential convergence. The proposed strategy is much simpler than earlier work in terms of both the computational load and the required signals. Furthermore, in contrast with prior work which used simple double integrator models, the proposed method permits highly nonlinear systems and is further extended to adaptive synchronization, partial-state coupling, and time-delayed communications.
Risk factors for 30-day hospital readmission after thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy in the United States: An analysis of National Surgical Quality Improvement Program outcomes.

Background The 30-day readmission rate is a quality metric under the Affordable Care Act. Readmission rates after thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy and associated factors remain ill-defined. We evaluated patient and perioperative factors for association with readmission after thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use File (2011) data for thyroid (n = 3,711) and parathyroid (n = 3,358) resections were analyzed. Patient- and operation-related factors were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Among 7,069 patients, 30-day readmission rate was 4.0%: 4.1% after thyroidectomy and 3.8% after parathyroidectomy. Significant associations for 30-day readmission included declining functional status (odds ratio [OR], 6.4–10.1), preoperative hemodialysis (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.5–4.7), malnutrition (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.2–10.1), increasing American Society of Anesthesiologists class (OR 1.3–4.7), unplanned reoperation (OR, 61.6), and length of stay (LOS) Conclusion Thirty-day readmission after cervical endocrine resection occurs in 4% of patients. Discharge within 24 hours of operation does not affect the likelihood of readmission. Risk factors for readmission are multifactorial and driven by preoperative conditions. Decreasing the index hospital stay and preventing major postoperative complications may decrease readmissions and improve quality metrics.
Rheumatoid constrictive pericarditis, treated by pericardiectomy report of a case and review of the literature

A case of constrictive cholesterol pericarditis with successful pericardiectomy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis is presented. The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and constrictive pericarditis is discussed. Twenty-five cases of rheumatoid constrictive pericarditis, including 4 with constrictive cholesterol pericarditis undergoing pericardiectomy are reviewed. In these cases, steroid therapy did not appear to be beneficial, and early pericardiectomy is recommended.
Empirical Study of Topology Effects on Diagnosis in Computer Networks

In this paper, we compare the efficiency of fault detection and diagnosis in networks having different topological properties, such as scale-free networks and Erdos-Renyi random graphs. Efficiency measures include both the number of tests (e.g., end-to-end network probes) necessary for diagnosis and the computational complexity of diagnosis. We observe that diagnosis in scale-free networks typically requires significantly larger number of tests than diagnosis in random networks. However, the computational complexity of diagnosis appears to be much lower for scale-free networks since the corresponding Bayesian network models used for probabilistic diagnosis tend to have much lower induced width - a topological parameter controlling the complexity of inference in Bayesian networks. We believe that our observations provide important insights for design and deployment of cost-efficient diagnostic methods in computer networks and distributed systems.
Cooperative Solution of Constraint Satisfaction Problems

It is widely believed that a group of cooperating agents engaged in problem solving can solve a task faster than either a single agent or the same group of agents working in isolation from each other. Nevertheless, little is known about the quantitative improvements that result from cooperation. A number of experimental results are presented on constraint satisfaction that both test the predictions of a theory of cooperative problem solving and assess the value of cooperation for this class of problems. These experiments suggest an alternative methodology to existing techniques for solving constraint satisfaction problems in computer science and distributed artificial intelligence.
Recognition of Emotional states in Natural Human-Computer Interaction

In this paper we present a non-invasive method for extracting facial expression components from video sequences. We propose a contextual analysis of user state and guide appropriate system actuation. The approach proposed hereafter combines the advantages of MPEG-4 and an active contour model to extract the contours of the facial objects such as: eyes, eyebrows, nose, lips and dimples. The first stage applies a local statistics to distinguish the objects subject of interest. The second stage runs an existing active contour model to define the contours of the objects. Further the facial control points could be spotted on the contours and used for emotion recognition. To distinguish geometric facial features an approach is proposed to compare multiple closed polygons. To validate the theoretical concepts experiments were performed using a normal and a smiling face. A comparison with an existing approach underlines the advantages and disadvantages of the present work.
The Estimated Magnitude and Direct Hospital Costs of Prosthetic Joint Infections in the United States, 1997 to 2004

To estimate the number and cost of prosthetic joint infection hospitalizations in civilian US hospitals, we analyzed the 1997 to 2004 National Hospital Discharge Survey for the 996.66 International Classification of Diseases discharge code (infection or inflammatory reaction secondary to internal joint prosthesis). The annual number of such hospitalizations averaged 17 589 from 1997 to 2000 and 29 225 from 2001 to 2004. The annual adjusted diagnostic-related group cost for such infection increased from $195 million to $283 million (1997-2004). The mean diagnostic-related group reimbursement ($9034 per hospitalization) did not vary over time or by comorbidity. The nearly doubled number of prosthetic joint infection-related hospitalizations may have been caused by an increased implant rate, changes in patient population, implant procedures, or causative organisms.
Essential relations between classical and spectral approaches to analysis, synthesis, and testing of completely and incompletely specified Boolean functions

The links between spectral and classical methods used for the design of digital circuits are described. The real meaning of spectral coefficients from R and S Walsh spectra in classical logic terms is shown. The presented relations can be used for the calculation of Walsh-type transforms. The methods are based on direct manipulations on Karnaugh maps. The conversion starts from Karnaugh maps and results in the spectral coefficients. >
Informed Consent in Social Work Ethics Education: Guiding Student Education with an Informed Consent Template.

Abstract This article proposes the use of an informed consent template for educating social work students. The elements of informed consent, derived primarily from the National Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics, are operationalized in the template. The suggestion is that instructors will use the template for classroom instruction and require students to develop an informed consent specific to the students' area of practice.
Measurements of the Poynting vector of standing hydromagnetic waves at geosynchronous orbit

The observation is discussed of a train of hydromagnetic waves with a period of about 150 sec seen at synchronous orbit by the ATS 6 spacecraft on June 27, 1974. The critical observation is a phase shift of 90 deg between east-west oscillations of the particle flow and the east-west component of magnetic field oscillations. This phase shift alone suggests a standing rather than a propagating hydromagnetic wave. Careful processing of the particle data makes it possible to determine the drift velocity and hence the electric field of the wave. The wave electric field together with the time-varying magnetic field reveals an oscillating Poynting vector with zero mean component aligned with the ambient magnetic field and nonzero azimuthal (westward) component.
A Cure Time Model for Joint Prediction of Outcome and Time-to-Outcome

The Cox model has been widely used in time-to-outcome predictions, particularly in studies of medical patients, where prediction of the time of death is desired. In addition, the cure model has been proposed to model times of death for discharged patients. However, neither the Cox model nor the cure model allow explicit cure information and prediction of patient cure times (discharge times). In this paper we propose a new model, the "cure time model", which models the static data for dying patients, surviving patients, and their death/cure times jointly. It models (1) mortality via logistic regression and (2) death and discharge times via Cox models. We extend the cure time model to situations with censored data, where neither time of death nor discharge time are known, as well as to multiple (>2) outcomes. In addition, we propose a joint log-odds ratio which can predict the mortality of patients using the information from both the logistic regression and Cox models. We compare our model with the Cox and cure models on a trauma patient dataset from UCSF/San Francisco General Hospital. Our results show that the cure time model more accurately predicts both mortality and time-to-mortality for patients from these datasets.
The Bias from Misspecification of Control Variables as Linear

We characterize the asymptotic bias that arises in ordinary least squares regression when control variables have nonlinear effects on an outcome variable, but are assumed to enter the regression equation linearly. We show that this bias can be larger than that from omitting such variables altogether, or may vanish entirely despite the nonlinearity. We find that under a natural assumption an upper bound to the magnitude of the bias may be estimated from the data, and consider examples of the bias through Monte Carlo simulations.
Strategic Problem Solving: A Knowledge-Based Examination in Medical Device Manufacturing

This paper examines how the knowledge-based view (KBV) can be applied to firm boundary decisions and the performance implications of those decisions. At the center of the paper is a theoretical and empirical examination of how firms efficiently organize manufacturing in a regulated industry. We find that distinct organizational approaches are advantaged in terms of regulatory performance, depending on the complexity (i.e., technological sophistication) and structure (i.e., novelty) of particular problems, as well as the distribution of problems within the organization. We make theoretical and empirical contributions to KBV research that examines organization and performance related to problem solving, knowledge development and knowledge transfer. The medical device manufacturing industry serves as the empirical setting.
Coming Home to Friendly Fire

In an age of ongoing military conflict, more and more veterans survive battle wounds only to find they return home to face psychological wounds. Why aren’t they seeking the mental health services offered by the Veterans’ Association and other groups?
Improved Resistive Switching Properties in HfO2-based ReRAMs by Hf/Au Doping

Emerging NVM devices have been extensively studied as candidates to extend density scaling and power reduction beyond Si-based flash. Recently, resistive-random-access-memory (ReRAM) devices in the form of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structures have attracted substantial attention due to their potential scalability, low power operation, and high speed. HfO2 is attractive compared to other transition metal oxides from the vantage point of CMOS process compatibility. Here, we investigate doped HfO2 with a Pt top electrode on an n+-Si substrate. By doping HfO2 with Hf or Au, improved resistive switching properties have been demonstrated in terms of enhanced cycling endurance and lower switching voltages for SET and RESET. The improvements were attributed to doping-induced oxygen vacancies. In addition, Cu-doped HfO2 devices have exhibited multilevel resistive switching.
The Hepatic Uptake of Bacterial Endotoxin I. The Influence of Humoral and Cellular Factors

SummaryAn isolated perfused rabbit liver model was utilized to study the hepatic uptake of 51Cr-endotoxin. Perfusates containing 5% normal rabbit serum produced relatively low uptake of endotoxin compared to the striking enhancement of uptake caused by 5% serum from endotoxin-tolerant rabbits. The serum factor (or factors) responsible for hepatic uptake of endotoxin was heat-stable. There was not a close correlation between the “O” agglutinin titer of serum samples and their effect on hepatic uptake. There was no significant difference between endotoxin uptake recorded in perfused livers from normal rabbits and those from endotoxin-tolerant rabbits.We wish to thank Miss Laura Treanor and Mrs. Sheila Timmons for their valuable assistance in the performance of these studies.
Optical Characterization of Interface, Surface and Bulk Defects in A-Si:H

We present a new analysis approach which combines photoconductivity and photother-mal deflection spectroscopies in a-Si:H thin films of various thicknesses to profile electronic defects.
Psychological Importance of Human Agency: How self-assembly affects user experience of robots

Does assembling one's robot enhance the quality of our interaction with it? And, does it matter whether the robot is a utilitarian tool or a socially interactive entity? We examined these questions with a 2 (Assembler: Self vs. Others) × 2 (Expectation Setting/Framing: Task-oriented robot vs. Interaction-oriented robot) between-subjects experiment (N = 80), in which participants interacted with a humanoid desktop robot (KT-Gladiator 19). Results showed that participants tended to have more positive evaluations of both the robot and the interaction process when they set it up themselves, an effect that is positively mediated by a sense of ownership and a sense of accomplishment, and negatively mediated by perceived process costs of setting up the robot. They also tended to evaluate the robot and the interaction more positively when they expected it to be task-oriented rather than interaction-oriented. Implications for theory and design of robots are discussed.
Studies of Methods of Freezing Storage of Campylobacter and Recovery of Frozen Storage Strain

Objective To find an easy and effective method for the storage of campylobacter. Method Campylobacter strains were stored in the content of 30% glycerine brain heart broth. 19 isolates were used in this study and stored at -30 ℃ and -70 ℃ and every strain had 3 copies. After one-year store, the frozen strains were recovered in the content of 5% sheep blood preston broth for 24 hours, and then were subcultured on the Columbia blood plate.Results In one-year store, the storage of the strains in the temperature of -30 ℃ had the same effect as the storage of strains in the temperature of -70 ℃ .ConclusionThe method of storage of campylobacter in multi tubes in the temperature of -30 ℃ may be an easy and effective method.
Pathological links between stroke and cardiac arrest

There may be a pathological connection between cardiac failure and ischemic stroke. In this article we describe pertinent research that demonstrates subsequent death of cardiac and neural myocytes in the post ischemic stroke brain. Current stroke therapy overlooks the connection between cardiac and cerebrovascular events and fails to address the shared risk factors. Current pre-clinical stroke investigations have provided evidence that suggests the presence of an indirect cell death pathway in which toxic molecules emanate from the stroke brain and trigger cardiac cell death. On the other hand, other studies highlight the presence of a reverse cell death cascade in which toxic molecules from the heart, following cardiac arrest, travel to the brain and induce ischemic cell death. Further examination of these putative cell death pathways between ischemic stroke and cardiac arrest will prompt the advancement of innovative treatments specifically targeting both diseases, leading to ameliorated clinical results of patients diagnosed with heart failure and ischemic stroke.
RahasNym: Pseudonymous Identity Management System for Protecting against Linkability

Unlinkability and accountability are conflicting yet critical requirements that need to be addressed in order to preserve users' privacy as well as to protect service providers in today identity ecosystems. In this paper we present a pseudonymous identity management system in which users can carry out unlinkable on-line transactions without having to disclose their actual identity information in plain text to the service providers. At the same time, the service providers have strong assurance about the authenticity of the transactions. In our approach, users' identity is cryptographically encoded in pseudonymous identity tokens. % issued by trusted identity providers. Our system includes a lightweight policy language which enables users and service providers to express their requirements pertaining to pseudonymous identity verification and a suite of protocols based on zero-knowledge-proofs which enables the fulfillment of these requirements. We have implemented a prototype of the proposed system and carried out a security and performance analysis.
Addressing obesity in the dental setting: What can be learned from oral health care professionals' efforts to screen for medical conditions.

Purpose This scoping review focused on what can be learned from oral health professionals' (OHCPs) efforts to provide screenings for medical conditions in the dental setting that could guide strategies for addressing childhood obesity. Methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Grey Literature, and CINAHL were searched (limitation English language). Search terms covered OHCPs and various oral systemic conditions of interest (details provided in the paper. Nineteen unduplicated, relevant articles were categorized based on relationship to question. Results Screening for diabetes and heart disease risk in the dental setting has been shown to be effective and patients and providers are willing to participate, although not yet routinely implemented. Screening/counseling for tobacco-cessation has been shown to be effective, but few (<10 percent) OHCPs provided this activity or received tobacco cessation training. For obesity screening/counseling, the majority of dentists (82 percent) reported they would be more willing to offer this service if obesity were directly related to oral disease. The one healthy weight intervention pilot study was well received by caregivers/patients and resulted in improved food choices. Successful implementation included a dedicated staff member, the dental hygienist. Lack of adequate training was a commonly reported barrier for all of these conditions; in addition, for obesity screening/counseling fear of appearing judgmental, and fear of patient rejection were also commonly reported. Conclusions Systematic studies are needed building on existing literature and exploring best implementation practices. Enhanced training is needed on relationship of oral health and systemic health and OHCPs' role.