cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Conceptual Basis of Benefits Estimation

The theory and practice of measuring the benefits of environmental resources have evolved substantially from their origins found in the welfare analyses of price changes. Originally developed to illustrate the welfare losses of market distortions such as taxes, benefits measurement employs the conventional comparative static model of consumer behavior that assumes complete information and certainty. (See Freeman [1979] and Just, Hueth, and Schmitz [1982] for more discussion of the conventional framework.) Because the conceptual foundations of benefits measurement provide the logical basis for the empirical analysis of water quality benefits throughout the remainder of the chapters in this book, this chapter summarizes the main points in the conventional approach to benefit measurements. The emphasis here is on the benefits individuals directly receive from some use of a water body.
Wideband Continuous-Time Multi-Bit Delta-Sigma ADCs

This chapter deals with the design of DS modulators for wireless applications. Two case studies are presented to discuss general design issues and to give insights into the possibilities that exist for solving contemporary challenges with time-domain processing techniques. The first architecture employs a time-to-digital converter based on pulse-width. Its time-based single-level DAC achieves linear multi-bit feedback, leading to the DS modulator’s dynamic range of 68 dB. The second architecture employs a 7-phase 400 MHz clocking scheme to control time-based processing in the 3-bit two-step quantizer and DAC. Fabricated in a 0.18 μm CMOS technology, the 5th-order modulator achieves a peak SNDR of 67.7 dB in 25 MHz bandwidth, consumes 48 mW, and occupies a die area of 2.6 mm2. This modulator has a measured SFDR of 78 dB and in-band IM3 under −72 dB at −2dBFS.
Impact of Periampullary Diverticulum on ERCP Performance: A Matched Case-Control Study.

Background/Aims: Periampullary diverticulum (PAD) is frequently encountered during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and has been associated with stone formation in the bile duct. The effects of PAD on the ERCP procedure have been often debated. We aimed to compare the therapeutic success of ERCP between patients with PAD and matched controls. Methods: We reviewed all ERCPs with findings of PAD in a national database (n=1,089) and compared them with age- and gender-matched controls in a 1:3 fashion (n=3,267). Demographics, endoscopic findings, visualization of main structures, and therapeutic success rates were compared between groups. Secondary analysis compared PAD cases and controls who had gallstone disease. Results: The average cohort age was 68.4±14.3 years and 55.1% were male. ERCP success was similar in both groups, and no significant inter-group differences were found in the multivariate analysis. The presence of PAD did not affect the rates of sphincterotomy or visualization of main biliary structures. Secondary analysis showed similar success rates for gallstone removal between patients with PAD and controls. Conclusions: PAD may not be considered a hinderance to ERCP success. Further research is needed to determine the best approach to cannulate the ampulla and provide endoscopic therapy for different subtypes of PAD. Clin Endosc 2019;52:65-71
Web-Based, Self-Directed Physical Therapy After Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Safe and Effective for Most, but Not All, Patients.

Abstract Background Recent data suggested that unsupervised, self-directed physical therapy (SDPT) is both safe and efficacious for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and that formal outpatient physical therapy (OPPT) may not be routinely required. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the routine use of an SDPT program in a nonselect patient population. Methods This is a multi-surgeon, single-institution, retrospective study of 941 consecutive patients discharged home, from January 2016 to December 2016, after primary, unilateral THA and enrolled in a web-based SDPT program. Patients were seen 4 weeks after surgery and OPPT was prescribed for perceived need, patient request, or if unable to use the web-based program. Patient-reported outcomes, medical comorbidities, and assessment of home environment were prospectively recorded. Results Overall, 646 of 941 patients (68.7%) were not prescribed OPPT (SDPT-only group) while 295 of 941 patients (31.3%) were prescribed OPPT (SDPT + OPPT group). In the SDPT + OPPT group, 88.2% were for perceived need, 10.8% for patient request, and 1.0% due to inability to use the web-based platform. Multivariate analysis identified male sex (odds ratio, 0.64; 0.45-0.90; P = .012) and a higher preoperative Short Form-12 physical component (odds ratio, 0.98; 0.96-0.99; P = .036) as independent variables protective against requiring OPPT. At a minimum 6-month follow-up, the SDPT-only group had statistically higher hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score junior compared to the SDPT + OPPT cohort (85.0 vs 80.9; P = .012). Conclusion Web-based SDPT is safe and effective for most, but not all, patients eligible for home discharge after THA. It is critical to preserve OPPT services for the one-third of patients who require them. Level of Evidence Level III.
Proteomics and Protein Interaction in Molecular Cell Signaling Pathways

Abstract New and emerging high-throughput sequencing and analysis techniques have provided unprecedented insights into the nature of the living cells, in particular, the sequences and partnership of intracellular and extracellular proteins. In addition to unlocking the sequence of proteins, gaining knowledge about the function and structures of the proteins has provided precious means not only for understanding the nature of the living cells, but also as guidelines to predicting functions of the protein sequences with unknown structure and functions. The purpose of this chapter is to present a general introduction to proteomics, followed by the examination of modern proteomics studies and next-generation sequencing techniques. A comprehensive list of corresponding databases and tools is provided to facilitate further exploration by interested readers.
Ten Things Every Geriatrician Should Know About House Calls

Home-based primary care (HBPC) is experiencing a reemergence to meet the needs of homebound older adults. This brief review based on existing literature and expert opinion discusses 10 key facts about HBPC that every geriatrician should know: (1) the team-based nature of HBPC is key to its success; (2) preparations and after-hour access for house calls are required; (3) home safety for the clinician and patient must be considered; (4) being homebound is an independent mortality risk factor with a high symptom burden; (5) home care medicine presents unique benefits and challenges; (6) a systems-based approach to care is essential; (7) HBPC is a sustainable model within value-based care proven by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Independence at Home Medicare Demonstration Project; (8) HBPC has an educational mission; (9) national organizations for HBPC include American Academy of Home Care Medicine and Home Centered Care Institute; and (10) practicing HBPC is a privilege. HBPC is a dynamic and unique practice model that will continue to grow in the future. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:139-144, 2019.
Evaluation of integrals by differentiation with respect to a parameter

We review a special technique for evaluating challenging integrals by providing a number of examples. Many of our examples prove integrals from the popular table of Gradshteyn and Ryzhik.
Sino-Japanese Security Relations

This chapter provides an overview for the historical legacies and the extant territorial disputes that provide the context for Sino-Japanese security relations. It focuses on the processes that have shaped Japan’s and China’s security perception of the other. The chapter concludes that lingering mistrust as a result of historical legacies of war, and ongoing territorial disputes, have resulted in diametrically opposed images and perceptions of each other which have had negative consequences on their security relations.
Governing adolescent mobility: The elusive role of children’s rights principles in contemporary migration practice:

Child migration is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon spanning continents, age groups, and family patterns governed by two intersecting but not overlapping governance regimes. One of these two r...
Matchmaking Just Got Easier: Impact of Phenotypic Donor-Recipient Likeness in Heart Transplantation.

Background Phenotypic matching in heart transplantation, where donors and recipients are matched based on physical characteristics, has been previously limited to only analyzing individual variables such as sex and age. This study examines the effects of phenotypic matching utilizing multiple factors simultaneously. Methods Adult patients undergoing heart transplantation between 2006 and 2016 were identified from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database. Phenotypic matching was defined based on six factors: body mass index difference >30%, age difference >30%, height difference >7%, non-identical ABO blood grouping, race, and sex. A value between 0 and 1 mismatched characteristics was considered phenotypically like matching, whereas 2-6 mismatches was considered phenotypically unlike matching. The primary study endpoint was 1-year survival. Risk-adjusted mortality was examined with multivariable Cox regression models. Results During the study period, 20,052 adult patients underwent heart transplantation, of whom 9595 (47.9%) were phenotypically like and 10,457 (52.1%) were phenotypically unlike matched. No differences in 1-year survival were seen between like and unlike matched patients (risk-adjusted odds ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 0.96-1.15, P = .305) after controlling for clinically relevant covariates. Subgroup analyses did not demonstrate survival differences after stratification based on hospital transplant volume and initial waitlist status. Phenotypically like matched patients had longer waiting times compared with unlike matched patients overall (225 days vs 192 days, P Conclusions Waiting for a phenotypically matched heart provides no survival benefit and exposes patients to prolonged waitlist times. These findings challenge the notion that a perfect donor heart exists, when in fact this concept may be a misnomer.
Acquired Personality Disturbances After Meningioma Resection Are Strongly Associated With Impaired Quality of Life

Background Some patients experience long-term declines in quality of life following meningioma resection, but associated factors are not well understood. Objective To investigate whether long-term declines in quality of life (specifically impaired adaptive functioning) after meningioma resection are associated with specific personality disturbances that often develop with lesions in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Methods We studied 38 patients who underwent resection of meningioma, 18 of whom had vmPFC lesions and 20 with lesions elsewhere (non-vmPFC). A total of 30 personality characteristics were rated by spouse or family, and a neuropsychologist blindly rated adaptive functioning an average of 3.8 yr postresection. Relevant personality disturbance was defined by a priori process: the presence of "conjoint personality disturbance" required specific disturbances in at least 2 of 4 types of disturbance: executive disorders, disturbed social behavior, emotional dysregulation, and hypoemotionality. Results Fourteen patients had impaired adaptive functioning: 12 had vmPFC lesions and 2 had non-vmPFC lesions. Fourteen patients had conjoint personality disturbance, and 12 of them had impaired adaptive functioning. By contrast, among the 24 patients who did not have conjoint personality disturbance, only 2 had impaired adaptive functioning. Mediation analysis showed that the association between vmPFC lesions and impaired adaptive functioning was mediated by the negative impact of acquired personality disturbance on adaptive functioning. Conclusion Anterior skull base meningiomas plus resection surgery may result in specific personality disturbances that are highly associated with impaired adaptive functioning at long-term follow-up. These patients may benefit from early counseling regarding potential personality changes and their implications for adaptive functioning.
Intraperitoneal gemcitabine chemotherapy is safe for patients with resected pancreatic cancer: final clinical and pharmacologic data from a phase II protocol and recommended future directions

Worldwide, the surgical management of pancreas cancer using the Whipple procedure results in long-term survival in approximately 20% of patients when there is a R0 resection. Local recurrence within the resection site and peritoneal metastases are a prominent part of this treatment failure. Gemcitabine was used for a regional chemotherapy treatment strategy. Doses and schedules of chemotherapy routinely used for systemic treatment were administered as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the operating room. Then patients went on to receive 6 months of long-term normothermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (NIPEC) with gemcitabine. Data was gathered to determine a pharmacologic rationale and safety of this monotherapy with gemcitabine. The use of intraperitoneal gemcitabine was well supported by pharmacologic data. The peritoneal surface exposure as measured by pharmacokinetic studies showed the area under the curve (AUC) of intraperitoneal concentration times time divided by plasma concentration times time to be 95-507. Regarding the safety of HIPEC gemcitabine in 12 patients, a single class III adverse event that resolved by radiologic intervention occurred. In patients with resected pancreas cancer treated with HIPEC gemcitabine the morbidity and mortality rate was not increased over historical data of resection alone. Also, six cycles of NIPEC gemcitabine were well tolerated in eight of eight eligible patients with seven patients completing 6 months of long-term intraperitoneal treatment. Local recurrence and peritoneal metastases were absent. Median survival was 29 months and five patients survived longer than 2 years. These early data suggest that intraperitoneal gemcitabine given under hyperthermic conditions in the operating theater and long-term through an intraperitoneal port is safe. Also, in this pilot study long-term local control with intraperitoneal gemcitabine occurred. Intraperitoneal gemcitabine may improve local-regional control of resected pancreas cancer. This may lead to more successful multimodality strategies.
Abstract P189: Greater Purpose In Life Is Associated With Lower Allostatic Load Among Hispanics/ Latinos: The Hispanic Community Health Study/study Of Latinos (hchs/sol) Sociocultural Ancillary Study (scas)

Introduction: Allostatic load (AL), a multi-system measure of physiological dysregulation that represents cumulative wear-and-tear due to chronic stressors, is related to higher risk of cardiovascu...
Feasibility and acceptability of cognitive bias modification for interpretation as an adjunctive treatment for OCD and related disorders: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract Cognitive models implicate interpretation bias in the development and maintenance of obsessive compulsive and related disorders (OCRDs), and research supports Cognitive Bias Modification for Interpretation (CBM-I) in targeting this mechanism. However, prior studies in OCRDs have been limited to nonclinical populations, adolescents, and adults in a laboratory setting. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of CBM-I as an adjunctive intervention during intensive/residential treatment (IRT) for adults with OCRDs. We modified a lab-based CBM-I training for adults seeking IRT for OCRDs, and conducted a feasibility trial (N = 4) and subsequent pilot RCT; participants (N = 31) were randomized to receive CBM-I or psychoeducation. Benchmarks were met for feasibility, acceptability, and target engagement. From pre- to post-intervention, the CBM-I group showed a large effect for change in interpretation bias (d = .90), whereas this effect was trivial (d = .06) for psychoeducation. This was the first study to evaluate CBM-I in naturalistic treatment for adults seeking IRT for OCRDs. Findings support the feasibility and acceptability of CBM-I in this novel sample and setting. A larger scale RCT is needed to determine whether CBM-I can enhance OCRD treatment response.
Electronic Health Record Closed-Loop Communication Program for Unexpected Nonemergent Findings.

Closed-loop communication of nonemergent, unexpected imaging findings is vital for patient safety; an electronic health record–integrated navigator system is a successful method of communication.
The genetic etiology of longitudinal measures of predicted brain ageing in a population-based sample of mid to late-age males

Magnetic resonance imaging data are being used in statistical models to predicted brain ageing (PBA) and as biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers Disease. Despite their increasing application, the genetic and environmental etiology of global PBA indices is unknown. Likewise, the degree to which genetic influences in PBA are longitudinally stable and how PBA changes over time are also unknown. We analyzed data from 734 men from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging with repeated MRI assessments between the ages 52 to 72 years. Biometrical genetic analyses twin models revealed significant and highly correlated estimates of additive genetic heritability ranging from 59% to 75%. Multivariate longitudinal modelling revealed that covariation between PBA at different timepoints could be explained by a single latent factor with 73% heritability. Our results suggest that genetic influences on PBA are detectable in midlife or earlier, are longitudinally very stable, and are largely explained by common genetic influences. HighlightsWe explored the genetic and environmental etiology of MRI-based predicted brain age (PBA) in a longitudinal sample of males starting in midlife. Genetic influences on PBA are detectable in midlife or earlier, are longitudinally very stable, and largely explained by common genetic influences.
Rodrigo's Footnote: Multi-Group Oppression and a Theory of Judicial Review

I put forward a framework for protecting equality in the age of Donald Trump. I identify a new threat to that value -- namely, multi-group oppression -- show how the black-white binary paradigm of race increases that threat, and suggest a program of resistance for readers appalled by Trump's attacks on Muslims, domestic minorities, immigrants, and workers. The article is a Rodrigo chronicle and an example of the genre of legal scholarship known as narrative jurisprudence.
Anti-Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG) antibody disease presenting with severe dystonia

Abstract Background Anti-MOG disease typically manifests with optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Less common manifestations are aseptic meningitis and seizures. We report a very young child with severe dystonia, a novel clinical presentation for anti-MOG disease. Case presentation A 3-year-old boy presented with new onset seizure preceded by malaise and fever. MRI showed multifocal brain and spinal cord lesions, most prominently in bilateral insula and putamen. He developed severe orofacial and limb dystonia. In this case report we show a video presentation of his abnormal movements, and we discuss his treatment and outcomes. Conclusion This report highlights the novel spectrum of manifestations associated with MOG antibody disease and argues that it should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of a child with an acute neuro-immunological process.
Pharmacological Treatments for PTSD

This chapter begins by describing the human stress response in order to provide the context for understanding the psychobiology of PTSD. It then discusses PTSD-related abnormalities in the brain function and structure as well as alterations in the adrenergic, serotonergic, and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) systems. The current state-of-the-art regarding efficacy of pharmacotherapy for PTSD is broadly reviewed with respect to: antidepressants, antiadrenergic agents, anticonvulsants/mood stabilizers, antipsychotic agents, and anxiolytic medications. Finally, genetic and epigenetic aspects of resilience are briefly addressed.
In vivo investigation of hyaluronan and hyaluronan synthase-2 function during cartilage and joint development

Hyaluronan (HA) is a major component of the extracellular and pericellular matrix. It is a simple, linear glycosaminoglycan composed of thousands of disaccharide repeats of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine [1].Initially isolated from the vitreous humor, this macromolecule can be found in numerous tissues and body fluids of vertebrates, as well as in some bacteria [1].In vertebrates, HA is synthesized by any one of three hyaluronan synthases (Has) designated Has1, Has2 and Has3, respectively [2,3]. During embryogenesis, large amounts of HA are synthesized by many cell types, particularly those that are proliferating and migrating. Through specific inactivation of the mouse Has2 gene [4], we have recently shown that HA is critical for embryogenesis and is required for the maintenance and possibly the creation of extracellular matrix-defined spaces throughout the embryo, in addition to the migration of endocardial cushion cells.
Bio-Artificial Synergies for Grasp Posture Control of Supernumerary Robotic Fingers

A new type of wrist-mounted robot, the Supernumerary Robotic (SR) Fingers, is proposed to work closely with the human hand and aid the human in performing a variety of prehensile tasks. For people with diminished functionality of their hands, these robotic fingers could provide the opportunity to live with more independence and work more productively. A natural and implicit coordination between the SR Fingers and the human fingers is required so the robot can be transformed to act as part of the human body. This paper presents a novel control algorithm, termed “Bio-Artificial Synergies”, which enables the SR and human fingers to share the task load together and adapt to diverse task conditions. Through grasp experiments and data analysis, postural synergies were found for a seven-fingered hand comprised of two SR Fingers and five human fingers. The synergy-based control law was then extracted from the experimental data using Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression and tested on the SR Finger prototype as a proof of concept. Keywords-wearable robots; supernumerary robotic limbs; grasping; postural synergy; Partial Least Squares regression
Insulin-stimulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Association with a 185-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein (IRS-1) and localization in a low density membrane vesicle.

Insulin stimulates the appearance of anti-tyrosine(P)-immunoprecipitable phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) activity in adipocytes, predominantly in an intracellular membrane fraction (Kelly, K. L., Ruderman, N. B., and Chen, K. S. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 3423-3428). Neither the mechanism underlying this activation nor the precise subcellular compartment in which it occurs is known. To address these questions, studies were performed using isolated rat adipocytes and subcellular fractions of these cells. In intact cells, insulin stimulated the rapid appearance of phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate in 32P-labeled adipocytes without changing the labeling of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate, phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate, or phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. This effect was accompanied by the tyrosyl phosphorylation of a 185-kDa protein, tentatively identified as IRS-1, with which PI 3-kinase became associated. The majority of the p85, the regulatory subunit of PI 3-kinase, in untreated adipocytes was present in the cytosol; however, neither the activity of PI 3-kinase nor the total amount of p85 in this fraction was modified in response to insulin. In contrast, insulin increased the association of p85 with IRS-1, the tyrosyl phosphorylation of the IRS-1 associated with p85, and the total activity of PI 3-kinase in the plasma membranes and low density membranes. After insulin treatment, similar amounts of p85 were bound to IRS-1 in the low density and plasma membrane fractions; however, tyrosyl-phosphorylated IRS-1 and PI 3-kinase activity were an order of magnitude greater in the low density membranes. The complex of tyrosyl-phosphorylated IRS-1.p85 that formed in response to insulin was localized to a very low density vesicle subpopulation that could be distinguished from vesicles containing the GLUT-4 glucose transporter and the insulin receptor. These data suggest that the activation of PI 3-kinase by insulin in the adipocyte involves the formation of a complex between IRS-1 and PI 3-kinase in a very low density membrane fraction that is not enriched in GLUT-4 or insulin receptors. They also suggest that PI 3-kinase activation correlates more closely with the extent of tyrosyl phosphorylation of the IRS-1 complexed to PI 3-kinase than it does to the amount of p85 bound to IRS-1.
Student Modeling and Mastery Learning in a Computer-Based Proramming Tutor

The ACT Programming Languages Tutor helps students as they write short computer programs. The tutor is constructed around a set of several hundred programming rules that allows the program to solve exercises step-by-step along with the student. This paper evaluates the tutor's student modeling procedure which employs an overlay of these programming rules. The tutor maintains an estimate of the probability that the student has learned each rule, based on the student's performance. These estimates are used to guide remediation and implement mastery learning. The predictive validity of these probability estimates for posttest and tutor performance is assessed.
Acute fractures of the neck of the femur

Abstract The subject of fracture of the neck of the femur has been reviewed from its recognition at the time of Ambroise Pare, through the period of the epoch making changes introduced by Whitman, up to the modern method of internal fixation. In cases of fresh fracture of the neck of the femur the use of the Smith-Petersen nail and of the Henderson lag screw, under the control of Roentgen rays, has resulted in accurate reposition of the fragments and their complete fixation, with subsequent bony union in 72 per cent of cases. The excellent results which have been obtained by modern treatment of this most disabling and crippling condition have changed the pessimistic attitude, with which the profession as a whole regarded this injury in the late nineteenth century to the one of present day optimism.
Unfavorable Conditions for Nuclear Criticality Following Disposal of Transuranic Waste at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

Modeling of nuclear criticality was omitted from performance assessment calculations for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), a repository for waste contaminated with transuranic radioisotopes, ...
Dynamic Model Checking with Property Driven Pruning to Detect Race Conditions

We present a new property driven pruning algorithm in dynamic model checking to efficiently detect race conditions in multithreaded programs. The main idea is to use a lockset based analysis of observed executions to help prune the search space to be explored by the dynamic search. We assume that a stateless search algorithm is used to systematically execute the program in a depth-first search order. If our conservative lockset analysis shows that a search subspace is race-free, it can be pruned away by avoiding backtracks to certain states in the depth-first search. The new dynamic race detection algorithm is both sound and complete (as precise as the dynamic partial order reduction algorithm by Flanagan and Godefroid). The algorithm is also more efficient in practice, allowing it to scale much better to real-world multithreaded C programs.
Improved survival of cardiac transplantation candidates with implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy: role of beta-blocker or amiodarone treatment.

Introduction: Survival in patients awaiting cardiac transplantation is poor due to the severity of left ventricular dysfunction and the susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia. The potential role of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in this group of patients has been the subject of increasing interest. The aims of this study were to ascertain whether ICDs improve the survival rate of patients on the waiting list for cardiac transplantation and whether any improvement is independent of concomitant beta-blocker or amiodarone therapy. Methods and Results: Data comprised findings from 310 consecutive patients at a single center who were evaluated and deemed suitable for cardiac transplantation and placed on the waiting list. Kaplan-Meier actuarial approach was used for survival analysis. Survival analysis censored patients at time of transplantation or death. Of the 310 patients, 111 (35.8%) underwent successful cardiac transplantation and 164 (52.9%) died while waiting; 35 patients remain on the waiting list. Fifty-nine (19%) patients had ICD placement for ventricular arrhythmias prior to or after being listed. Twenty-nine (49.1%) ICD patients survived until cardiac transplantation, 13 (22%) patients died, and 17 (28.8%) remain on the waiting list. Among non-ICD patients, 82 (32.7%) received transplants, 151 (60.2%) died, and 18 (7.2%) remain on the waiting list. Survival rates at 6 months and 1, 2, 3, and 4 years were better for all ICD patients compared to non-ICD patients (log-rankx2, P = 0.0001). By multivariate analysis, ICD therapy and beta-blocker treatment were the strongest predictors of survival. Further, ICD treatment was associated with improved survival independent of concomitant treatment with beta-blocker or amiodarone. Among ICD and non-ICD patients treated with a beta-blocker or amiodarone, survivals at the 1 and 4 years were 93% vs 69% and 57% vs 32%, respectively (log-rankx2, P = 0.003). Conclusion: ICD therapy is associated with improved survival in high-risk cardiac transplant candidates, and ICD benefit appears to be independent of concomitant treatment. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 578-583, June 2003)
Democratic Constitutionalism and Cultural Heterogeneity

Author(s): Post, Robert | Abstract: This article explores the tensions between the value of democratic constitutionalism and the desire to protect cultural diversity. Democratic constitutionalism presupposes the ongoing construction of a collective agent, --"We the People"-- in whose name the state purports to govern. Using the work of Hanna Pitkin, the article explores the preconditions for this construction, with particular attention to Pitkin's observation that "how we are able to constitute ourselves is profoundly tied to how we are already constituted by our distinctive history," by our "fundamental ethos or temperament." The protection of cultural heterogeneity precisely challenges the premise of a "fundamental ethos or temperament." The article examines in detail three structural devices by which democratic states have sought to mediate this tension: individual rights, group rights, and the devolution of sovereignty (federalism). The article assesses the potential strengths and limitations of each of these devices for fostering cultural heterogeneity. It also evaluates the social and political strains that each of these mechanisms potentially places on the enterprise of democratic constitutionalism.
Robotic Exoskeletons and the Challenges Facing the Field

Robotic exoskeletons come in many different sizes, are used on many different parts of the body, and are used for various purposes. Exoskeletons have been created to work in conjunction with multiple parts of the human body, but primarily focus on the legs, arms, and hands. Many exoskeletons have been produced in both academic and industrial settings to various levels of success. Only by examining previous approaches to exoskeleton design and the problems associated with these robots, can new effective designs be generated. Within the realm of robotic exoskeletons, there are four primary categories: rehabilitative, assistive, augmenting, and haptic robots. Each of these exoskeletons has very different design requirements and target populations based on their functional goals. Robotic exoskeletons that have been designed in the past have differed vastly in their approaches to actuator technology, power supplies, mechanical design, control, and performance evaluation. Each of these design decisions provides challenges to the future design of exoskeletons. These challenges include the weight of the system, power supply, actuation, human machine interface/control, and device performance evaluation.
Foundations Of Service Science Management And Business

This paper continues with the conspectus of Service Science for academicians and practitioners. It follows the previous paper, entitled Foundations of Service Science: Concepts and Facilities, with the express purpose of defining the scope of the discipline. A thriving flexible service economy has emerged through globalization and digitization, and as a direct result, the modern enterprise has a dynamically changing boundary based on a portfolio of services obtained through make, buy, or rent decisions. Through the application of information and communications technology (ICT), many organizations have adjusted everyday operations enabling them to go through a transformational process to achieve revenue growth by being able to respond more quickly to changing market conditions and by being more effective and efficient in the application of services. The viewpoint taken here is that service management and modern business usually employ a complex computer infrastructure, but their domain is by no means restricted to computer-based services.
Surgical Management of Skull Base Rosai–Dorfman Disease

Background and Importance Rosai–Dorfman disease is a rare benign histiocytic proliferative disorder with a self-limiting clinical course. Skull base Rosai–Dorfman disease presents with intracranial lesions that often mimic meningiomas and other benign skull base tumors. The disease is difficult to diagnose radiographically, and tissue diagnosis exposes patients to significant perioperative risk. Surgical resection may require a large skull base exposure that risks significant surgical morbidity. Aggressive surgical resection, although often attempted, is of unproven efficacy. Our objective was to determine the optimal surgical management of skull base Rosai–Dorfman disease. Case Description We present 2 cases of skull base Rosai–Dorfman disease: a 26-year-old man with a middle fossa tumor and a 15-year-old teenage girl with a hypothalamic tumor. In addition, we reviewed 39 cases of skull base Rosai–Dorfman disease reported in the literature. Conclusions Tumors commonly occur in the sellar/parasellar region and result in loss of vision. Regardless of extent of resection, the majority of patients (>78%) have subsequent tumor regression or stable disease. Steroids and/or radiation are effective treatments for tumor recurrence. Tumor biopsy followed by observation, steroids, and/or radiation may be the most appropriate surgical management of skull base Rosai–Dorfman disease.
Waveform data compression with exact recovery

Summary form only given. A data compression technique has been developed for efficient communication and storage of seismic waveform data. The technique is also useful with similar kinds of continuous waveform data. It uses a special version of the linear predictive coding method, along with secondary bi-level sequence coding. The principal feature of this two-stage technique is that it provides exact, bit-for-bit recovery of the original data. >
Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor and Interleukin-4 Differentially Regulate the Human Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Promoter Region

Regulation of TNF-alpha promoter activity by IL-2, IFN-gamma, GM-CSF, and IL-4 was examined in the U937 macrophage cell line and the MLA 144 T cell line. Using a transient transfection system, the full-length TNF-alpha promoter was examined for response to these cytokine signals. Only GM-CSF was able to consistently induce a twofold activation of the TNF-alpha promoter in the U937 cell line. GM-CSF activation of the promoter region was further analyzed using a series of 5' truncations and site mutations of the AP-1, AP-2, and CRE sites of the promoter. The GM-CSF activation mapped to the region contained within the 95 base pairs upstream from the transcription start site (TSS) with the AP-2 site as a putative cis-acting sequence. IL-4 profoundly inhibited both basal and phorbol ester-induced TNF-alpha promoter activity as well as protein production. Promoter inhibition by IL-4 required the 95-bp basal promoter sequence.
Separation of synthetic oligonucleotides on columns of microparticulate silica coated with crosslinked polyethylene imine

Abstract A rapid and effective method for separating oligonucleotides using high-performance ion-exchange chromatography is described. Columns were prepared by adsorbing a layer of polyethylene imine on 5-μm-diameter porous silica followed by crosslinking with a multifunctional oxirane. This weak anion-exchange matrix was found to be useful in the separation of mononucleotides and oligonucleosides containing up to 20 residues in either homo- or heteropolymers. Small analytical columns (4.2 × 150 mm) had a capacity ranging from less than a microgram in analytical separations to several milligrams in the preparative mode. The columns have proven to be especially useful in assessing the purity of precursor blocks, monitoring the chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides, and isolating reaction products after the synthesis.
A genotoxic assessment of environmental tobacco smoke using bacterial bioassays.

Abstract Recently, the National Research Council in the U.S.A. stated that laboratory studies of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) should be important in identifying ETS carcinogens, their concentrations in typical daily environments, and in understanding how these compounds contribute to ETS dose-response relationships. This paper demonstrates that integrated chemical and bacterial mutagenicity information can be used to identify ETS genotoxicants, monitor human exposure, and make comparative assessments. Approximately 1 3 of the ETS constituents for which there is quantitative analytical chemistry information also have associated genotoxicity information. For example, 11 of the quantitated compounds are animal carcinogens. Work presented in this paper demonstrates that both the nonparticle-bound semi-volatile and the particulate-bound organic material contain bacterial mutagens. These ETS organics give an equivalent of ∼86000 revertants per cigarette. In addition, this article summarized efforts to estimate ETS bacterial mutagenicity, to use bacterial tests for the monitoring of ETS-impacted indoor environments, and to use bacterial assays for the direct monitoring of human exposure.
Gibbs-based unsupervised segmentation approach to partitioning hyperspectral imagery for terrain applications

A Gibbs-based approach to partitioning hyperspectral imagery into homogeneous regions is investigated for terrain mapping applications. The form of Bayesian estimation, Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) estimation, is applied through the use of a Gibbs distribution defined over a neighborhood system and is implemented as a multi-grid process. Appropriate energy functions and neighborhood graph structures are investigated, which model spectral disparities in an image using spectral angle and/or Euclidean distance. Experiments are conducted on a HYDICE scene collected over an area adjacent to Fort Hood, Texas, that contains a diverse range of terrain features and that is supported with ground truth. Suitable parameter ranges are investigated, and the behavior of the algorithm is characterized using individual and combined measures of disparity within the context of a more general framework, one that supports mixed-pixel processing.
Nonparametric bandit methods

Bandits are a finite collection of random variables. Bandit problems are Markov decision problems in which, at each decision time, the decision maker selects a random variable (referred to as a bandit “arm”) and observes an outcome. The selection is based on the observation history. The objective is to sequentially choose arms so as to minimize growth (with decision time) rate of the number of suboptimal selections. The appellation “bandit” refers to mechanical gambling machines, and the tradition stems from the question of allocating competing treatments to a sequence of patients having the same disease. Our motivation is “machine learning” in which a game-playing or assembly-line adjusting computer is faced with a sequence of statistically-similar decision problems and, as resource, has access to an expanding data base relevant to these problems. The setting for the present study is nonparametric and infinite horizon. The central aim is to relate a methodology which postulates finite moments or, alternatively, bounded bandit arms. Under these circumstances, strategies proposed are shown to be asymptotically optimal and converge at guaranteed rates. In the bounded-arm case, the rate is optimal. We extend the theory to the case in which the bandit population is infinite, and share some computational experience.
Evaluative procedures for film-forming materials used in pharmaceutical applications

The current interest in films for use in many pharmaceutical applications has motivated a study in which meaningful testing procedures have been developed or adapted for evaluating such films. The testing procedures studied were found to be rapid, efficient, reproducible, and valid for the evaluation of the pertinent properties of several different series of film-forming materials. The studies were conducted on the free films which were cast from these materials. Data gathered on solubility, moisture absorption, water vapor transmission rates, and the effects of temperature, humidity, and light on the free films indicate that the testing methods may be used to predict the effects of these variables on the performance of the films when they are utilized in a dosage form.
The effect of acute maternal toxicity on fetal development in the mouse

The effects of acute alterations in maternal health status upon fetal development were assessed following exposure of pregnant CD-1 mice on day 8 of gestation to one of ten chemicals at doses calculated to exert either a low or a moderate degree of maternal lethality. The dams were killed on day 18 of gestation, and the fetuses were examined by routine teratological techniques. The chemicals were cacodylic acid, caffeine, deltamethrin, dinoseb, ethylene bisisothiocyanate sulfide (EBIS), endrin, guthion, kepone, sodium salicylate, and toxaphene. Three (cacodylic acid, EBIS, and kepone) produced dose-related increases in the incidence of dams with completely resorbed litters. Prenatal mortality in litters that contained live fetuses at term was elevated only for one chemical (cacodylic acid). Fetal weight was reduced in three instances (cacodylic acid, endrin, and guthion), while the incidence of terata was markedly elevated for two (cacodylic acid and kepone). For two other chemicals (endrin and sodium salicylate), a low incidence was found of defects that were similar to defects induced by those chemicals in other species. These effects appear to be chemospecific in nature and not the result of some indirect maternal action. Thus, maternal health status, as measured by the incidence of lethality in the treated groups and by the magnitude of maternal weight gain in surviving females, presents no simple explanation for many manifestations of fetal toxicity. However, for seven chemicals (excluding deltamethrin, EBIS, and kepone) an increased incidence of supernumerary ribs was observed. For three of these seven chemicals (caffeine, dinoseb, and toxaphene), supernumerary ribs was the only observed fetal effect. There was a significant linear inverse relationship between maternal weight gain during gestation and the incidence of extra ribs in the treated groups compared to their respective controls. Under the experimental conditions of this study, it appears that the incidence of supernumerary ribs increased in response to a nonspecific maternal toxicity.
DELAYED SERORESPONSE TO EBV INFECTION IN AN INFANT WITH AIDS PRODROME

A 7 mo. old girl, born to an IV drug dependent mother, presented with chronic diarrhea, impaired growth, hepatosplenomegaly & generalized lymphadenopathy. Serum immunoglobulins were elevated, but lymphocyte mitogen responses & T cell subsets were normal. EBV genome was detected in the saliva & in a spontaneous cell line grown from the patient's lymphocytes, however, anti-EBV antibody titers (VCA-IgM, VCA-IgG, EA & EBNA) were < 1.10. Following recovery from an episode of S. pneumoniae meningitis at age 10 mo. lymphocyte mitogen responses were decreased & T cell subsets abnormal (T4/T8 = .3). Serum anti-EBV antibody remained undetectable until age 14 mo. (VCA-IgG 1:400). At 16 mo. this rose to 1:2560 and EA-R was 1:20. Specific antibody to tetanus, diphtheria, pneumococcus and HTLV were present. Persistent tachypnea with a diffuse interstitial infiltrate developed at 11 mo. & did not respond to treatment with trimethoprim-sulfa. Lung biopsy tissue showed a peribronchiolar lymphocytic infiltration consistant with EBV pneumonitis. Confirmation by DNA hybridization is pending. Pulmonary symptoms were unchanged by IV acyclovir. The patient's lymphocytes continue to readily form EBV+ lymphoblast lines. These data indicate that despite chronic, symptomatic, infection this child with an AIDS prodrome has developed a minimal antibody response to EBV. The relationship of EBV to the etiology of the AIDS prodrome is unknown.
Stochastic regularization for thermal problems with uncertain parameters

Usually when determining parameters with an inverse method, it is assumed that parameters or properties, other than those being sought, are known exactly. When such known parameters are uncertain, the inverse solution can be very sensitive to the degree of uncertainty. This paper presents a modification to the least squares technique which reduces the sensitivity to the uncertainty in the known parameters. In the presence of noisy data the method can be improved slightly by using Tikhanov's regularization. The reason for this limited improvement can be understood by examining the stochastic regularization method.
Dietary Salt, Blood Pressure, and Microalbuminuria

The relationship between dietary salt, blood pressure, and risk for cardiovascular disease has been debated for decades. Microalbuminuria is a biomarker for both cardiovascular and kidney disease. The presence of microalbuminuria correlates directly with the risk for myocardial infarction and stroke and indicates individuals at risk for the development of progressive kidney disease. Since patients with the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease often are blood pressure salt sensitive, and it is well known that increasing dietary salt may offset both the antihypertensive and antiproteinuric effects of renin-angiotensin system blocking drugs, physicians must consider increased salt intake as a potential modifiable risk factor for progression of chronic kidney disease and possibly even cardiovascular disease.
A Miocene amphicyonid (Mammalia: Carnivora) from the Bone Valley Formation of Florida

ABSTRACT A mandibular ramus referred to a new amphicyonid species Pliocyon robustus is described from the Bone Valley Formation of Florida. This is the first reported occurrence of Pliocyon from eastern North America. Pliocyon robustus differs from the genotype, Pliocyon medius, in a number of characters that include: larger size, deeper and more robust jaw, extremely reduced P2–3, and P2 larger than P3. The Florida occurrence of Pliocyon indicates the presence of older medial Miocene (either Barstovian or Clarendonian) deposits within the Bone Valley Formation.