cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of intracardiac shunts with cardiac magnetic resonance

Intracardiac shunts including atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, endocardial cushion defects, and surgical baffles may be identified, localized, and quantified using cardiac MRI methods. Both dark-blood and bright-blood techniques are helpful to identify anatomy. Contrast enhancement is especially useful for identifying associated vascular anomalies. Dynamic first-pass contrast agent signal-time studies may demonstrate rapid recirculation and shunting. Volumetric and phase contrast cine methods are useful to quantify flow. Pulmonary to systemic (Qp/Qs) flow ratios may be calculated noninvasively by comparing the pulmonary artery flow to the aortic flow measurement.
Usage of 900 numbers and problems encountered

The use of 900 numbers has been growing rapidly and is projected to reach about three billion dollar mark by 1993, The rapid growth in the industry has created both problems and opportunities to the entrepreneurs involved in providing services. Problems encountered are mainly confined to fraudulent practices by con-artists. Opportunities are in the from of increased usage of the services in the coming years and self-regulation, by the 900 number industry to overcome the bad-guy image. Data provided by 432 households located in Bakersfield and suburbs during March-May 1991 revealed that only a small number, representing 3%. nad useo the 900 numbers. Approximately one-half of the respondents felt that there will be an increase in the usage of the 900 numbers in the coming years, The most important sources of information were TV and radio, the majority purchased magazines, electronic products, cameras, and spent on average $82,50 on these purchases.
The utility of preoperative electrocardiograms in the ambulatory surgical patient.

To determine the utility of preoperative screening electrocardiograms (ECGs) among ambulatory surgery patients, we reviewed the charts of 751 consecutive adult patients who underwent ambulatory surgery. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, coexisting medical problems, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score, preoperative ECG results, adverse intraoperative cardiovascular events, and postoperative cardiovascular complications. In our study population of relatively healthy outpatients, preoperative ECGs were abnormal in 42.7% of patients. Age, increased physical status score, and male gender were associated with a greater incidence of abnormal preoperative ECGs. There were 12 adverse cardiovascular perioperative events among the 751 patients (1.6%), and the preoperative ECG may have been clinically useful in six of these 12 patients. Neither preoperative ECGs nor results of preoperative screening questionnaires were predictive of adverse cardiovascular perioperative events. These findings question the utility of preoperative ECGs in the ambulatory surgery setting, especially among younger, relatively healthy patients. ( Arch Intern Med . 1992;152:301-305)
The Balance of Excitatory and Inhibitory Synaptic Inputs for Coding Sound Location

The localization of high-frequency sounds in the horizontal plane uses an interaural-level difference (ILD) cue, yet little is known about the synaptic mechanisms that underlie processing this cue in the inferior colliculus (IC) of mouse. Here, we study the synaptic currents that process ILD in vivo and use stimuli in which ILD varies around a constant average binaural level (ABL) to approximate sounds on the horizontal plane. Monaural stimulation in either ear produced EPSCs and IPSCs in most neurons. The temporal properties of monaural responses were well matched, suggesting connected functional zones with matched inputs. The EPSCs had three patterns in response to ABL stimuli, preference for the sound field with the highest level stimulus: (1) contralateral; (2) bilateral highly lateralized; or (3) at the center near 0 ILD. EPSCs and IPSCs were well correlated except in center-preferred neurons. Summation of the monaural EPSCs predicted the binaural excitatory response but less well than the summation of monaural IPSCs. Binaural EPSCs often showed a nonlinearity that strengthened the response to specific ILDs. Extracellular spike and intracellular current recordings from the same neuron showed that the ILD tuning of the spikes was sharper than that of the EPSCs. Thus, in the IC, balanced excitatory and inhibitory inputs may be a general feature of synaptic coding for many types of sound processing.
Prevalence of inhibitor formation in a cohort of haemophilic children exposed to several products of various purities

Summary. To evaluate the frequency and potency of inhibitor formation based on the product used, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 99 children with various types and severity of haemophilia (haemophilia A 82, severe 46; haemophilia B 10, severe 6; vWD 7) treated for the last 20 years. After a mean observation period of 8 years an overall of 23 patients (23.2′/0) developed an inhibitor (haernophilia A 26.8%; severe 4O%, moderate 20%, mild 3.8%). None of the haemophilia B patients presented with an inhibitor, and only one child with bevere vWD (1/7, 14.3%) showed a transient inhibitor under cryoprecipitate therapy. Inhibitor titre was low (< 5 BU) in most cases (91.3%) and in only two patients (8.75%) was 6 and 8 BU respectively. Antibodies to FVIII were transient (detected only once) in four (17.4%) and intermittent in 19 patients (82.6%). By the age of 12 years, 17/23 patients (73.9%) had demonstrated an inhibitor. The inhibitor detection seemed to be higher in the groups of patients exposed to monoclonal (3115, 20%), SID-treated (10159, 16.9%) or H/T FVIII concentrates (6/41, 14.6%), compared to groups of patients who received cryo/plasma (9.5%) or unmodified concentrates (5.1%); nevertheless the differences were not statistically significant. Surprisingly, none of the 52 patients who received a S/D + chromatography-treated factor VIIl concentrate developed an inhibitor after a mean observation period of 1.7 years (range 0.2–2 years). The overall prevalence of inhibitor formation in previously untreated haemophiliacs was 14.3% (4/28), irrespective of the product used. Our data indicate that a high proportion of our haemophilic children exposed to several products of various purities have developed a low-titre inhibitor which in most cases was transient or intermittent. However, despite the presence of the antibody, none of the patients needed a change in the mode of treatment.
Synaptic ultrastructure in the tangential nucleus of the goldfish (Carassius auratus)

The synaptic ultrastructure in the tangential nucleus of the goldfish was studied with the electron microscope. The nucleus consists of cells measuring 30–40 μ in diameter receiving complex innervation from eighth nerve fibers and boutons. Two types of synaptic contacts by the eighth nerve, terminal and en passant, were recognized. Three varieties of the terminal type were described: calyciform, trilobated, and club endings. The three varieties of the terminal type, as well as the synapses en passant, showed gap junctions in their synaptic membrane complex. The morphological characteristics of these endings suggested electrical transmission. The boutons synapsing on the tangential cells were of two types: terminal and en passant. Three varieties of boutons terminaux were described. One of these was classified as a mixed synapse. The morphological characteristics of the synaptic vesicles of the other two varieties suggested that the boutons could be inhibitory or excitatory.
Visible shorelines inR d

LetC be a closed set inR d and letj be a fixed integer,j ⩾ 1. The setS $$ \subseteq $$ R d ~C is said to have aj-partition relative toC if there existj or fewer pointsc 1,⋯, c j ofC such that each point ofS sees via the complement ofC at least one pointc i. For every triple of integersd, p, j withd ⩾ 0, p ⩾ d + 1, j ⩾ 1, there exists a smallest integerf(d, p, j) such that the following is true: IfC is a convexd-polytope inR d havingp vertices and ifS $$ \subseteq $$ R d ~C, S has aj-partition relative toC if and only if everyf(d, p, j)-member subset of S has such a partition. ForC a convex polytope inR 2 andS $$ \subseteq $$ R 2 ~C, all points ofS see via the complement ofC a common neighborhood in the boundary ofC if and only if every three points ofS see via the complement ofC such a neighborhood.A weak analogue of this result holds for arbitrary compact convex sets inR d .
A heat‐flux history length scale for the nocturnal boundary layer

A height scale, H = ∫ Q H dt /(ρC ρ Δθs), based on the night-time heat-flux ( Q H ) history is proposed here as being a relevant scale for the nocturnal boundary layer temperature structure. This scale, together with the surface temperature decrease since sunset, Δθs. are shown to be sufficient to define a common similarity shape for the potential temperature profile. An equation for this shape based on Wangara field experiment data is Δθ/Δθ s = exp (–0.77 z / H ). This curve is then tested against the Koorin boundary-layer data set, and is shown to provide a good fit to the data. Such a potential-temperature profile equation suggests that the top of the boundary layer is at about 5H , and that 23% of the cooling within that depth is caused directly by radiation. The definition for H, above, is shown to be a simple means of expressing much of the same information as Nieuwstadt's rate equation. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0870.1983.tb00199.x
Plasma Binding of Benzodiazepines in Humans

Plasma binding of chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, lorazepam, and oxazepam was determined by equilibrium dialysis in 20 male, healthy volunteers, 25-86 years old. A wide range of binding was observed, with the free fraction varying twofold for lorazepam, fourfold for chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, and over 20-fold for oxazepam. Statistically significant linear relationships were not observed between the degree of binding and age, serum albumin, or total protein for any of the drugs. There was, however, a correlation between the extent of binding for the four drugs. Because of the importance of unbound benzodiazepine levels in eliciting any pharmacological response and also in disposition, consideration of the wide interindividual variability in plasma binding must be made in interpreting pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic data.
The Use of Research Syntheses and Nomological Networks to Develop HRD Theory

The ProblemResearch syntheses are rarely used in the field of human resource development (HRD). There are notable exceptions, but our search of the related literature found relatively few instances...
Effects of Varied-Stimulus Exposure Training on Fear Reduction and Return of Fear

The current investigation assessed the relative treatment benefits of persistence with one specific stimulus vs exposure to multiple versions of a stimulus. The study was a 2 (type of stimulus) x 3 (assessment occasion) design, in which two spider-fearful groups (N = 28) were compared across three different occasions: pre-treatment, post-treatment, and follow-up. Exposure trials were conducted with the same tarantula for participants in the control group, whereas experimental participants were exposed to four novel tarantulas. As predicted, the control group demonstrated significantly more habituation than the experimental group across exposure trials, yet showed a clear return of fear in response to a control spider at a 3-week follow-up assessment whereas the experimental group showed no increase in fear. These findings offer support for the beneficial effects of varying the stimulus during exposure, and challenge the reliance on indices of fear activation and habituation as accurate signals of the permanence of fear reduction.
Risk factors for and management of sirolimus-associated pneumonitis in kidney transplant recipients

Risk factors for and management of sirolimus-associated pneumonitis in kidney transplant recipients
Computer video classes

The need for the best possible service in the form of orientation classes and tutorials without draining resources and manpower as each new academic semester begins can be served by video classes.
Dabrafenib in combination with trametinib for the treatment of metastatic melanoma

Oncogenic BRAF mutations are present in approximately 40-50% of patients with metastatic melanoma. Targeting BRAF mutations with either small molecule inhibitors of BRAF or one of the downstream mediators of oncogenic BRAF - MEK - is associated with improved outcomes compared with chemotherapy and has led to the US FDA approval of two BRAF inhibitors - vemurafenib and dabrafenib - and the MEK inhibitor trametinib. Further, the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib is well tolerated and associated with higher responses and improved survival compared with single-agent BRAF inhibitors.
STAND DYNAMICS, NITROGEN ACCUMULATION, AND SYMBIOTIC NITROGEN FIXATION IN REGENERATING STANDS OF ACACIA KOA

Recently, abandonment of montane cattle pastures in Hawaii has stimulated interest in forest restoration both for expansion of habitat for native species and for plan- tation forestry. Acacia koa is one of the most common forest trees in Hawaii, the most abundant native legume, and the most economically valuable native tree; it could be im- portant to restoration efforts in many areas. Using an age sequence of even-aged, 6- to 20-yr-old stands of A. koa, we evaluated stand characteristics, N accumulation, and rates of N fixation. Average diameter at breast height (dbh) and height increased linearly during the first 20 yr of tree growth, while stem density, dbh increment, and leaf area index declined. An experimental thinning in the 9- yr-old stand more than doubled dbh increment, suggesting that high tree densities could constrain tree growth. In contrast, N fertilization did not affect dbh increment. Nodule biomass was more than an order of magnitude less in the 20-yr-old stand than in the 6-yr- old stand, which corresponded to a similar decline in estimated input of N via fixation. Neither thinning nor N fertilization affected nodule biomass, but measurements of foliar and root phosphorus (P) suggest that a decline in P availability over time may have con- tributed to the decline in N fixation. In these stands, large amounts of decomposing litter remaining from stand establishment may have provided much of the N that accumulated in koa biomass. In more degraded sites, N fixation by A. koa may play a relatively more important role in restoration and in soil and ecosystem development.
Coherent MIMO radar

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) extensions to radar systems enable a number of advantages compared to traditional approaches. These advantages include improved angle estimation and target detection. In this tutorial, an overview of MIMO radar is provided, and the concept of coherent MIMO radar is defined. In addition, two topics are addressed more thoroughly: MIMO waveform/array geometry optimization for target tracking, and MIMO ground moving target indication (GMTI).
U.S. Great Lakes Policy and Management: A Comparative Analysis of Eight States' Coastal and Submerged Lands Programs and Policies

U.S. law relinquishes to coastal states the right and power to manage, administer, lease, develop, and use the lands beneath navigable waters and along coastal states’ boundaries. However, it provides no requirements or incentives for contiguous states to adopt consistent regulations or to collaborate in the management and use of shared resources. A comparative analysis was conducted of submerged lands management, leasing and setback regulations and policies, and the application of the public trust doctrine in the Great Lakes states’ coastal management programs. Differences, similarities, and opportunities for improved regional approaches to coastal and submerged lands policy and management are presented.
Touch therapy combined with talk therapy: The Rubenfeld Synergy Method®

Touch therapy has been researched for many years and is accepted as a successful therapeutic method for healing. Ironically, touch has gone from being a part of mainstream medicine to becoming associated with alternative medicine. The Rubenfeld Synergy Method (RSM), one modality emphasising touch, was created almost four decades ago and has been recently rediscovered due to the growth and evolution of alternative medicine. RSM combines gentle touch and talk therapy to treat patients. Currently, there is no direct research-based support for the benefits of this method. However, this is a vast quantity of data supporting the benefits of touch therapy in addition to the benefits of talk therapy. Consistent with this research, the author believes that the holistic approach presented by RSM can benefit the patient in many ways. It is important to understand the value of the interconnected, even inseparable, linkage of mind-body-spirit to completely assist a patient solve issues in his/her past and/or current life.
Coupling and comparing a spatially- and temporally-detailed eutrophication model with an ecosystem network model: An initial application to Chesapeake Bay

Coastal waters are modeled for a variety of purposes including eutrophication remediation and fisheries management. Combining these two approaches provides insights which are not available from either approach independently. Coupling is confounded, however, by differences in model formulations and ''currencies.'' We present here an initial coupling of a spatially- and temporally-detailed eutrophication model, CE-QUAL-ICM, with a network fisheries model, Ecopath. We list commonalities between the models and present algorithms and software for the exchange of information. The models are applied to the central portion of Chesapeake Bay for a contemporary summer period. After comparison of the representations of Chesapeake Bay by the two models, an illustrative example one-way, off-line, coupling is presented. In an initial examination of a 20% increase in predation on phytoplankton by a small, highly-exploited fish (Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus), computed reduction in phytoplankton biomass is accompanied by increased production due to enhanced nutrient recycling. Minimal impact on the structure of the food web or on biomass of higher-trophic level organisms is computed. The algorithms and software can be adapted to alternate eutrophication models and Ecopath applications and provide the first, necessary, steps for subsequent coupling with the time-variable Ecosim model.
Determining the Optimum Number of Predictors for a Linear Prediction Equation

Abstract It is generally recognized that all of the available variables should not necessarily be used as predictors in a linear regression equation because the skill of prediction may actually deteriorate with increasing numbers of predictors. The independent sample mean square error is frequently used to measure prediction skill. In this paper, estimators of the independent sample mean square error in terms of known dependent sample statistics are derived. These estimators can be used to determine a priori an optimum number of predictors by indicating the equation having the minimum estimated error. After being examined in simulations, the estimators are applied to the data used in deriving Model Output Statistics (MOS) maximum/minimum temperature equations. It is found that one of the new estimators is able to determine MOS forecast equations that perform as well as the operational 10-predictor MOS equations, and it is able to do this without needing an independent sample to help determine the number o...
Effects of blending different molecular weight species on the linear viscoelastic properties of polyisobutylene and polystyrene

Abstract Relaxation moduli and creep compliances for eight two-component blends of polystyrene have been measured in the rubbery region. Relaxation moduli for five two-component blends of polyisobutylene have been evaluated by converting the creep compliance data obtained previously by Leaderman and others. The results for relaxation modulus have been successfully correlated by a relationship proposed previously for polyvinyl acetate. Similar relationships for steady-flow viscosity and steady-state compliance have also been found to be effective.
Ability to Face Threats of Cyberterrorism: Factors Associated with Organizational Competence

ABSTRACT Acts of cyberterrorism represent potential, significant negative effects to property, infrastructure systems, security, and an overall way of life. These disruptions garner significant attention from government and the public. Managers concerned by threats of cyberterrorism should understand the components that enhance organizational competence so that doubt and fear do not overtake organizational members when faced with such extreme events. Although organizational competence is important in everyday organizational behaviors, the presence of confidence in organizational abilities is especially critical when operating in the midst of the ambiguity and destructive disruptions associated with cyberterrorist threats. We empirically assess three factors associated with competence for organizations facing simulated cyberterror attacks. Our results support the relationship between two of these factors—organizational identification and deference to expertise—with organizational competence. These findings...
The impact of ozone on assimilate partitioning in plants: A review

Abstract Numerous studies have shown that ozone (O 3 ) reduces plant growth and changes assimilate partitioning. The pattern of such changes varies with species, but trends suggest a comprehensive model. O 3 generally reduces the amount of dry matter in the whole plant. In plants which have not flowered or set fruit, and at low O 3 levels, the remaining available assimilate is generally diverted to leaves and stems at the expense of roots and crowns. As the plant matures, flowers and develops seeds, these sinks receive a relatively high proportion of the available assimilate. O 3 may reduce the number of flowers or seeds, but the remaining seeds often have a total dry matter accumulation comparable to that in non-stressed plants. At higher O 3 levels, assimilate accumulation is greatly depressed, and partitioning changes are not as obvious. However, it is significant that the storage organs of plants—those organs which supply energy for new growth in perennial plants such as trees—are the organs most affected by O 3 -induced partitioning changes when O 3 concentrations are in the range commonly observed in polluted ambient air.
Writing Instrument Profiles for Mastery of Instrumental Analysis

Because of the rapidly changing nature of chemical instrumentation, students must be trained in how to learn and understand new instruments. Toward this end, students are asked to create small instrument manuals, or instrument profiles, for the major pieces of equipment studied during an instrumental analysis course. This writing-intensive process of creating instrument profiles requires that students understand the basics of each type of instrument and that they are able to compare the instrument to other instruments. With the use of block and schematic diagrams, the major components within an instrument are emphasized such that students can discover subtle differences between types of instruments. Students' ability to teach themselves new instruments is demonstrated at the end of the semester by creating an instrument profile for an instrument not specifically discussed during the course and by giving a short oral presentation to the class, providing everyone with brief exposure to many more technologies.
Vacuum polarization calculations for hydrogenlike and alkali-metal-like ions

Complete vacuum polarization calculations incorporating finite nuclear size are presented for hydrogenic ions with principal quantum numbers n=1-5. Lithiumlike, sodiumlike, and copperlike ions are also treated starting with Kohn-Sham potentials, and including first-order screening corrections. In both cases dominant Uehling terms are calculated with high accuracy, and smaller Wichmann-Kroll terms are obtained using numerical electron Green's functions.
Accumulation of Biomass and Compositional Change Over the Growth Season for Six Photoperiod Sorghum Lines

Biomass sorghums [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] are short-day photoperiod sensitive (PS) types, meaning that the crop will grow vegetatively late into the fall season in subtropical and temperate environments. This feature results in high biomass yield potential and mitigates drought susceptibility. The objective of this study is to assess biomass growth patterns and associated changes in composition over a growing season for PS sorghum. The experiment had a split-plot design with two replications, six PS sorghum genotypes, and 13 harvest dates. Harvest started at 60 days after planting (DAP) and continued every 15 days thereafter in both College Station (CS) and Corpus Christi (CC) in Texas, 2010. At each harvest, dry biomass yield, plant height and biomass composition (percent lignin and cellulose) were measured. For all genotypes, biomass accumulation followed a standard growth pattern which included an early lag phase, followed by a log phase of growth and finally, a general reduction in the rate of accumulation. The early lag phase ended at approximately 70 DAP, the log phase of growth ended at approximately 125 DAP, and biomass yields maximized between 180 and 225 DAP. The highest yielding genotype produced 24 Mg ha−1. Plant heights up to 400 cm were also measured between 180 and 225 DAP. Plant height and biomass yield patterns were similar, indicating that height is important to increase yield. Lignin and cellulose concentrations increased with time; at the highest yields (between 180 and 225 DAP), maximum lignin content were 14.5 to 15.5 % and maximum cellulose content was 31 to 32 %. As with yield potential, significant differences were detected for composition as well. The growth curves indicate that PS biomass sorghum yields sufficiently and can be harvested as early as 130 DAP with maximum sorghum biomass accumulation occurring between 180 and 225 days. Thus, with careful selection and deployment of biomass sorghum hybrids, the harvest season of biomass sorghum can be extended over a 3-month period in southern regions of the US
Glucose acts in the CNS to regulate gastric motility during hypoglycemia.

Our purposes were to 1) develop an animal model where intravenously (iv) administered d-glucose consistently inhibited antral motility, and 2) use this model to assess whether iv glucose acts to in...
Enregistering Modernity, Bluffing Criminality: How Nouchi Speech Reinvented (and Fractured) the Nation

This paper traces processes of the enregisterment of modernity in French and Nouchi (an urban patois) in Cote d’Ivoire, arguing that the struggles to define the indexical values of Nouchi and the performative bluff of urban street life associated with it have played a central role in the production of Ivoirian national identity. Speakers of Nouchi integrate references to American pop culture with local Ivoirian lexical content, which allows Nouchi use ambivalently to index both modernity and autochthony. In so doing they overturn the hierarchical schema of evaluation defined by proximity to the French standard. Nouchi indexes a new pan-ethnic Ivoirian identity based on the alternative modernity of cosmopolitan urban youth. Urban youth reject the Francocentric elitism of the postcolonial state but themselves exclude Northern migrants, whom they qualify as less than modern, from Ivoirian citizenship. [modernity, enregisterment, French, Nouchi, indexicality, Cote d’Ivoire]
An inverse approach to the design of MRI main magnets

We present a new method for the design of MRI main magnets, based on a variational approach with constraints introduced by Lagrange multipliers. The extrema are located with a combination of analytical and numerical techniques. This method has been tested in the design of non-shielded and actively-shielded magnets. Several representative designs are given. The method is very flexible, having been applied also to the investigation of gradient coils, and could be adapted to the design of other static and quasi-static field systems. It may also be used to consider alternate geometries. >
Trans-abdominal monitoring of fetal arterial blood oxygenation using pulse oximetry.

Pulse oximetry (oxygen saturation monitoring) has mark- edly improved medical care in many fields, including anesthesiology, intensive care, and newborn intensive care. In obstetrics, fetal heart rate monitoring remains the standard for intrapartum assessment of fetal well being. Fetal oxygen saturation monitoring is a new tech- nique currently under development. It is potentially superior to elec- tronic fetal heart rate monitoring (cardiotocography) because it allows direct assessment of both the fetal oxygen status and fetal tissue per- fusion. Here we present the analysis for determining the most optimal wavelength selection for pulse oximetry. The wavelengths we chose as the most optimal are the first in the range of 670-720 nm and the second in the range of 825-925 nm. Further, we discuss the possible systematic errors during our measurements and their contribution to the obtained saturation results. We present feasibility studies for fetal pulse oximetry, monitored noninvasively through the maternal abdo- men. Our preliminary experiments show that the fetal pulse can be discriminated from the maternal pulse and thus, in principle, the fetal arterial oxygen saturation can be obtained. We present the methodol- ogy for obtaining these data, and discuss the dependence of our mea- surements on the fetal position with respect to the optode assembly. © 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S1083-3668(00)00604-3)
Selecting and Ordering Populations: A New Statistical Methodology

1. The Philosophy of Selecting and Ordering Populations 2. Selecting the One Best Population for Normal Distributions with Common Known Variance 3. Selecting the One Best Population for Other Normal Distribution Models 4. Selecting the One Best Population Bionomial (or Bernoulli) Distributions 5. Selecting the One Normal Population with the Smallest Variance 6. Selecting the One Best Category for the Multinomial Distribution 7. Nonparametric Selection Procedures 8. Selection Procedures for a Design with Paired Comparisons 9. Selecting the Normal Population with the Best Regression Value 10. Selecting Normal Populations Better than a Control 11. Selecting the t Best Out of k Populations 12. Complete Ordering of k Populations 13. Subset Selection (or Elimination) Procedures 14. Selecting the Best Gamma Population 15. Selection Procedures for Multivariate Normal Distributions Appendix A. Tables for Normal Means Selection Problems Appendix B. Figures for Normal Means Selection Problems Appendix C. Table of the Cumulative Standard Normal Distribution F(z) Appendix D. Table of Critical Values for the Chi-Square Distribution Appendix E. Tables for Binomial Selection Problems Appendix F. Figures for Binomial Selection Problems Appendix G. Tables for Normal Variances Selection Problems Appendix H. Tables for Multinomial Selection Problems Appendix I. Curtailment Tables for the Multinomial Selection Problem Appendix J. Tables of the Incomplete Beta Function Appendix K. Tables for Nonparametric Selection Problems Appendix L. Tables for Paired-Comparison Selection Problems Appendix M. Tables for Selecting from k Normal Populations Those Better Than a Control Appendix N. Tables for Selecting the t Best Normal Populations Appendix O. Table of Critical Values of Fisher's F Distribution Appendix P. Tables for Complete Ordering Problems Appendix Q. Tables for Subset Selection Problems Appendix R. Tables for Gamma Distribution Problems Appendix S. Tables for Multivariate Selection Problems Appendix T. Excerpt of Table of Random Numbers Appendix U. Table of Squares and Square Roots Bibliography References for Applications Index for Data and Examples Name Index Subject Index.
Consciousness: Perspectives from symbolic and connectionist AI

Abstract While consciousness has not been a major concern of most AI researchers, some theorists have tried to explore how computational models might explain consciousness. I explore how far computational models might go in explaining consciousness, focusing on three aspects of conscious mental states: their instrinsic intentionality, the awareness a subject has of the contents of these intentional states, and the distinctive qualitative character of these states. I describe and evaluate strategies for developing connectionist systems that satisfy these aspects of consciousness.
Decision Fusion of Ground-Penetrating Radar and Metal Detector Algorithms—A Robust Approach

Numerous detection algorithms, using various sensor modalities, have been developed for the detection of mines in cluttered and noisy backgrounds. The performance for each detection algorithm is typically reported in terms of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), which is a plot of the probability of detection versus false alarm as a function of the threshold setting on the output decision variable of each algorithm. In this paper, we present multisensor decision-fusion algorithms that combine the local decisions of existing detection algorithms for different sensors. This offers an expedient, attractive, and much simpler alternative to the design of an algorithm that fuses multiple sensors at the data level, especially in cases of limited training data where it is difficult to make accurate estimates of multidimensional probability density functions. The goal of our multisensor decision-fusion approach is to exploit the complimentary strengths of existing multisensor algorithms so as to achieve performance (ROC) that exceeds the performance of any sensor algorithm operating in isolation. Our approach to multisensor decision fusion is based on the optimal signal detection theory using the likelihood ratio. We consider the optimal fusion of local decisions for two sensors: a ground-penetrating radar and a metal detector. A new robust algorithm for decision fusion that addresses the problem in which the statistics of the training data are not likely to exactly match the statistics of the test data is presented. ROCs are presented and compared for field data
Myeloid STAT3 Inhibits T Cell-Mediated Hepatitis by Regulating T Helper 1 Cytokine and Interleukin-17 Production

Background & Aims T cell-mediated hepatitis is a leading cause of acute liver failure; there is no effective treatment, and the mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis are obscure. The aim of this study was to investigate the immune cell-signaling pathways involved—specifically the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)—in T cell-mediated hepatitis in mice. Methods T cell-mediated hepatitis was induced in mice by injection of concanavalin A (Con A). Mice with myeloid cell-specific and T-cell-specific deletion of STAT3 were generated. Results STAT3 was activated in myeloid and T cells following Con A injection. Deletion of STAT3 specifically from myeloid cells exacerbated T-cell hepatitis and induced STAT1-dependent production of a T helper cell (Th)1 cytokine (interferon [IFN]-γ) and to a lesser extent of Th17 cytokines (interleukin [IL]-17 and IL-22) in a STAT1-independent manner. In contrast, deletion of STAT3 in T cells reduced T cell-mediated hepatitis and IL-17 production. Furthermore, deletion of IFN-γ completely abolished Con A-induced T-cell hepatitis, whereas deletion of IL-17 slightly but significantly reduced such injury. In vitro experiments indicated that IL-17 promoted liver inflammation but inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis. Conclusions Myeloid STAT3 activation inhibits T cell-mediated hepatitis via suppression of a Th1 cytokine (IFN-γ) in a STAT1-dependent manner, whereas STAT3 activation in T cells promotes T-cell hepatitis to a lesser extent, via induction of IL-17. Therefore, activation of STAT3 in myeloid cells could be a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with T-cell hepatitis.
A design procedure for oversampled nonuniform filter banks with perfect-reconstruction

We describe a time-domain procedure for designing the synthesis filters of perfect-reconstruction oversampled filter banks. A condition matrix is derived from the basic magnitude distortion and aliasing canceling conditions and we derive the necessary and sufficient conditions for perfect reconstruction. The formulation is general for any decimation scenario, but it is particularly useful with nonuniform decimation. Further, the condition matrix in the proposed design model is in general rectangular and has a nonzero null-space which allows for design optimization.
The telescopic type of fixed partial denture abutment

Abstract The nonparallelism of abutment tooth preparations can be overcome by utilizing the telescopic pontic. The technique for the use of this telescopic pontic as an abutment for a fixed partial denture is described.
Neurocognition in college-aged daily marijuana users.

Background: Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance in the United States. Use, particularly when it occurs early, has been associated with cognitive impairments in executive functioning, learning, and memory. Method: This study comprehensively measured cognitive ability as well as comorbid psychopathology and substance use history to determine the neurocognitive profile associated with young adult marijuana use. College-aged marijuana users who initiated use prior to age 17 (n = 35) were compared to demographically matched controls (n = 35). Results: Marijuana users were high functioning, demonstrating comparable IQs to controls and relatively better processing speed. Marijuana users demonstrated relative cognitive impairments in verbal memory, spatial working memory, spatial planning, and motivated decision making. Comorbid use of alcohol, which was heavier in marijuana users, was unexpectedly found to be associated with better performance in some of these areas. Conclusions: This study pro...
“Off the grid”: Self-contained landmarks for improved indoor probabilistic localization

Indoor localization is a challenging problem, especially in dynamically changing environments and in the presence of sensor errors such as odometry drift. We present a method for robustly localizing a robot in realistic indoor environments. We improve a popular probabilistic approach called Monte Carlo localization, which estimates the robot's position using depth features of the environment and is prone to errors when the topology changes (e.g., due to a moved piece of furniture). We propose a technique that improves localization by augmenting the environment with a set of QR code landmarks. Each landmark embeds information about its 3D pose relative to the world coordinate system, the same coordinate system as the map. Our algorithm detects the landmarks in images from an RGB-D camera, uses depth information to estimates their pose relative to the robot, and incorporates the resulting position evidence in a probabilistic manner. We conducted experiments on an iRobot ATRV-JR robot and show that our method is more reliable in dynamic environments than the exclusively probabilistic localization method.
Decreased efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization in atypical hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose A single center series in the use of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for atypical (hypovascular and well-differentiated) HCC was reviewed for indirect measures of efficacy. TACE relies on typical HCC properties of angiogenesis. Use of hepatobiliary MRI contrast agents has lead to increased atypical HCC detection. Atypical HCC TACE efficacy is unknown. Arterial-phase CT may predict TACE efficacy (Katyal, 2000). mRECIST criteria are ineffective for TACE efficacy assessment given lack of arterial enhancement. Materials and Methods Over a 2-year period, 98 patients (mean age 63; 9 female, 13 male) were found to have atypical HCC on MRI, of which 22 underwent TACE. The most common reasons for cirrhosis included: hepatitis C (59%), primary biliary cirrhosis (14%) and hepatitis B (9.1%). Tumors were considered atypical if pre-TACE MRI lesion reporting included the terms “hypovascular” or “well-differentiated.” Medical records and PACS imaging were reviewed for demographics, technique and clinical results at followup. Ablation history was documented to control for post-ablation change. Results 22 patients with at least 35 atypical HCC underwent TACE with drug eluting beads combined with doxorubicin (DEB-TACE). DEB-TACE alone was performed for 15 (68%) patients; DEB-TACE with ethiodol, in anticipation for combined percutaneous thermal ablation, was performed on 7 (32%) patients. Of patients with post-ethiodol CT, 3/5 (60%) experienced diffuse non-targeted staining of the hepatic lobe, 1/5 (20%) experienced absence of staining, and only 1/5 (20%) experienced successful targeted staining. Of patients who had same modality followup imaging (CT or MR) without interval ablation, 9/15 (60%) were found to have increased lesion diameter. 10/22 (45%) patients underwent repeated TACE; 5/22 patients (23%) required 2 or more TACE. 1/22 (4.5%) patients required 5 total TACE. Of patients with lesional detection on post-TACE imaging, 6/16 (38%) demonstrated subsequent arterial enhancement. Conclusion High rates of non-target embolization, repeated TACE, and subsequent arterial enhancement suggest decreased efficacy of TACE for atypical HCC. Reference 1. Katyal S, Oliver JH, Peterson MS, et al. AJR 2000;175:1665-72.
Culturally Competent Programs: The First Family Violence Program for Aboriginal Men in Prison

Given the severity and extent of woman abuse, calls are being made to mandate treatment for abusive men. Attention has focused on Caucasian populations; few programs are culturally competent. This article discusses the first Aboriginal family violence program for inmates within the federal correctional system in North America. The Correctional Service of Canada funded a project operated by a community agency, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, for offenders at Stony Mountain Institution in Manitoba. Numerous issues, including cultural competence, training, and evaluation, are highlighted.
The Antecedents of Sales Force Motivation: An Empirical Investigation in the Insurance Industry in Singapore

This study examines the influence of personal, organizational, and cultural factors on sales force motivation on a sample from the insurance industry in Singapore. In addition, this paper examines the moderating effects of some demographic characteristics on the relationships between antecedents of sales force motivation and sales force motivation. Results indicate that cultural values, personal variables, and organizational work setting do affect sales people motivation. In addition, our results support a moderation effect of gender and marital status in our model.
Effect of Cheyne-Stokes Respiration on Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Severe Congestive Heart Failure Secondary to Ischemic or Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Severe congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with Cheyne-Stokes (C-S) respiration, which may be an index of poorer prognosis. The mechanisms linking C-S respiration to poorer functional status and prognosis in patients with CHF are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that C-S respiration increases muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in 9 patients with CHF. Oxygen saturation was 96 ± 1% during normal breathing and 91 ± 1% after the apneic episodes (p <0.05). Mean blood pressure was 79 ± 8 mm Hg during normal breathing and 85 ± 8 mm Hg during C-S respiration (p = 0.001). C-S respiration increased MSNA burst frequency (from 45 ± 5 bursts/min during normal breathing to 50 ± 5 bursts/min during C-S respiration; p <0.05) and total integrated nerve activity (to 117 ± 7%; p <0.05). We also studied an additional 5 patients in whom C-S breathing was constant, without any periods of spontaneous normal breathing. In these patients, MSNA was higher (65 ± 5 bursts/min) than MSNA in patients in whom C-S breathing was only intermittent (45 ± 5 bursts/min; p <0.05). In all 14 patients, the effects of different phases of C-S respiration were examined. MSNA was highest during the second half of each apnea (increasing to 152 ± 14%; p <0.01) and blood pressure was highest during mild hyperventilation occurring after termination of apnea (p <0.0001). We conclude that C-S respiration decreases oxygen saturation, increases MSNA, and induces transient elevations in blood pressure in patients with CHF.
A longitudinal investigation of the role of violence prevention climate in exposure to workplace physical violence and verbal abuse

ABSTRACTThe temporal direction of the relationships between violence prevention climate and both physical violence and verbal abuse was investigated in a longitudinal study of newly graduated registered nurses. A sample of 126 nurses, recruited into the study while students, completed similar surveys at approximately 6 and 12 months after graduation that assessed violence prevention climate, physical violence, verbal abuse exposure, and strains of anger, anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms. Results showed that high values of Time 1 climate were associated with less likelihood of violence and abuse at Time 2 when prior exposure to violence and abuse was controlled. Furthermore, repeated measures multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) results suggested that being exposed to violence or abuse did not affect perceptions of climate. Both climate and violence exposure were correlated with some strains both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, but repeated measures MANOVAs failed to find evidence tha...
A comparative study of mode deactivation therapy (MDT) as an effective treatment of adolescents with suicidal and non-suicidal self-injury behaviors

To date, there are no empirically validated treatments of good quality for adolescents showing suicidal ideation and behavior. Risk factors for suicide are impulsive and non-suicidal self-injurious behavior, depression, conduct disorders and child abuse. Behind this background, we tested the main hypothesis of our study: that Mode Deactivation Therapy (MDT) is an effective treatment for these patients. MDT has been developed by Jack Apsche especially for the individual or family-based residential or outpatient treatment of adolescents with problem behaviors and complex comorbid conditions. The efficacy of MDT was measured by a pre- and post-treatment comparison with the aid of standardized instruments (CBCL, STAXI-2, BDI-II, and SIQ) and compared to the results of a treatment-as-usual (TAU) control group. The comparative results confirmed that MDT is a consistent effective treatment for suicidal adolescents that appear to outperform other therapy approaches.
Regorafenib in the treatment of colorectal cancer

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most frequently diagnosed malignancies, and is commonly associated with metastatic disease at presentation. While chemotherapy represents a mainstay of management, options at the time of disease progression are limited. Regorafenib is a novel multikinase inhibitor which has been evaluated for patients with chemo-refractory metastatic CRC (mCRC) and is currently approved for use in a last-line-of-treatment setting.Areas covered: Articles searchable on MEDLINE/PubMed were reviewed to provide context for use of regorafenib in the management of mCRC. Specific drug properties are discussed, including chemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism. Additionally, clinical efficacy is reported with consideration of Phases I–III data.Expert opinion: Phase III evaluation has confirmed the efficacy of regorafenib for patients with chemo-refractory mCRC. Importantly, the rapid accrual of the CORRECT trial revealed the degree of unmet need for this pati...