cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LAPAROSCOPIC ANTEGRADE CONTINENCE ENEMA IN SITU APPENDIX PROCEDURE FOR REFRACTORY CONSTIPATION AND OVERFLOW FECAL INCONTINENCE IN CHILDREN WITH SPINA BIFIDA

Purpose: The antegrade continence enema procedure allows patients with neurogenic bowel to administer large volume enemas through a right lower quadrant stoma to flush the colon every other day. This procedure results in freedom from refractory constipation and diapers required by unexpected episodes of overflow fecal incontinence. We present a simplified laparoscopic technique using in situ appendix.Materials and Methods: A total of 6 male and 10 female children with a mean age of 12 years (range 4 to 21) and neurogenic bowel secondary to myelomeningocele underwent the antegrade continence enema in situ appendix procedure. The procedure was done with laparoscopic assistance, and associated with other bladder and bladder outlet reconstructive surgery in 5 patients. In 3 patients, a purely laparoscopic antegrade continence enema in situ appendix procedure was performed. The appendix and cecum were mobilized, and the tip of the appendix was anastomosed directly to the skin of the right lower quadrant throug...
A numerical study of natural convection in a vertical, annular, porous layer

Results of a numerical study of steady, natural convection in a fluid-saturated, vertical, annular, porous layer are reported. The analysis is performed using a finite element computer program based on the Galerkin form of the finite element method. Heat transfer rates are predicted for Rayleigh numbers in the range 25 to 100 with layer aspect ratios ranging from 2 to 8 and ratios of layer height-to-inner radius of 2, 4, and 8. Representative plots of isotherms and streamlines are also presented. Effects of anisotropic permeability are evaluated in a preliminary manner. Application of the results to an insulated storage tank is illustrated.
A Procedure for Estimating the Stress Intensity Factor of a Flattened Surface Crack at a Nozzle Corner

A flattened surface crack at a nozzle corner is modeled by a segment of a semi-elliptical crack in a finite thickness plate with matching crack contour and crack pressure corresponding to the normal stresses in the uncracked nozzle corner. Lacking other solutions for comparison, a qualitative comparison was made between nondimensionalized stress intensity factors at the deepest crack penetration with those obtained experimentally for similar corner cracks in epoxy models.
Effect of carbon source on microfiltration of Corynebacterium glutamicum

Abstract The effect of the fermentation carbon source on microfiltration of Corynebacterium glutamicum (C. glutamicum) was investigated. We previously reported that the specific resistance during the dead end microfiltration was controlled by changing pH and ionic strength through changes in the surface properties of cells; specific resistance was reduced in the condition where cells are hydrophobic and less charged. The batch fermentation of C. glutamicum was conducted with two defined media with either glucose or sucrose as carbon source and a complex medium with beet molasses as the carbon source. The specific filtration resistance of the cells produced was determined after washing the cells with deionized water. At neutral pH the specific resistance of cells cultivated with sucrose was half of that of cells grown with glucose. Fermentation with complex medium resulted in much higher specific resistances. Changes in zeta potential and hydrophobicity explained the difference in specific resistance of cells cultivated with defined media, but could not account for the large increase for the complex media. Extracellular matrix on surface of these cells, observed with transmission electron microscopy, may have been the cause.
A Decomposition Method Based on a Model of Continuous Change

A demographic measure is often expressed as a deterministic or stochastic function of multiple variables (covariates), and a general problem (the decomposition problem) is to assess contributions of individual covariates to a difference in the demographic measure (dependent variable) between two populations. We propose a method of decomposition analysis based on an assumption that covariates change continuously along an actual or hypothetical dimension. This assumption leads to a general model that logically justifies the additivity of covariate effects and the elimination of interaction terms, even if the dependent variable itself is a nonadditive function. A comparison with earlier methods illustrates other practical advantages of the method: in addition to an absence of residuals or interaction terms, the method can easily handle a large number of covariates and does not require a logically meaningful ordering of covariates. Two empirical examples show that the method can be applied flexibly to a wide variety of decomposition problems. This study also suggests that when data are available at multiple time points over a long interval, it is more accurate to compute an aggregated decomposition based on multiple subintervals than to compute a single decomposition for the entire study period.
What Do Student Travelers Really Want? Revisiting the Buyer's Black Box

This study employs a projective technique to probe into the minds of college students. The aim is to find out if the id of the student travelers is aligned with their super ego. Furthermore, an effort is made to identify instances of differences between id and super ego in cases of non-alignment. The results indicate that for the majority of the students, the super ego is in harmony with the id thereby implying efforts to adhere to the inner needs. That said, approximately 30% of the students indicate that their travel destination choices are not in harmony with their inner needs. Important implications for the marketing managers are presented in terms of deeper psychological insights. Suggestions are offered for designing appropriate tailor-made messages for the Generation Y markets.
Extending the Balas-Yu bounds on the number of maximal independent sets in graphs to hypergraphs and lattices

A result of Balas and Yu (1989) states that the number of maximal independent sets of a graph G is at most δp+1, where δ is the number of pairs of vertices in G at distance 2, and p is the cardinality of a maximum induced matching in G. In this paper, we give an analogue of this result for hypergraphs and, more generally, for subsets of vectors ℬ in the product of n lattices ℒ=ℒ1×⋯×ℒn, where the notion of an induced matching in G is replaced by a certain binary tree each internal node of which is mapped into ℬ. We show that our bounds may be nearly sharp for arbitrarily large hypergraphs and lattices. As an application, we prove that the number of maximal infeasible vectors xℒ=ℒ1×⋯×ℒn for a system of polymatroid inequalities \({{f_1(x) \ge t_1,\ldots,f_r(x) \ge t_r}}\) does not exceed max{Q,βlogt/c(2Q,β)}, where β is the number of minimal feasible vectors for the system, \({{Q=|{{\mathcal L}}_1|+\ldots+|{{\mathcal L}}_n|}}\), \({{t=\hbox{max}\{t_1,\ldots,t_r\}}}\), and c(ρ,β) is the unique positive root of the equation 2c(ρc/logβ−1)=1. This bound is nearly sharp for the Boolean case ℒ={0,1}n, and it allows for the efficient generation of all minimal feasible sets to a given system of polymatroid inequalities with quasi-polynomially bounded right-hand sides \({{t_1, \ldots, t_r}}\).
Ozone depletes tocopherols and tocotrienols topically applied to murine skin

To evaluate ozone damage to hairless mouse skin, two parameters of oxidative damage, vitamin E depletion and malondialdehyde (MDA) production, were measured in vitamin E-enriched and in control skin from mice exposed to ozone (10 ppm). A 5% vitamin E solution (tocotrienol-rich fraction, TRF) in polyethylene glycol (PEG) was applied to 2 sites on the back of hairless mice, PEG to 2 sites. After 2 h, the sites were washed, one of each pair of sites covered and the mice exposed ozone for 2 h. Ozone exposure (compared with covered sites) increased epidermal MDA in PEG-treated sites, while vitamin E was unchanged. In contrast, ozone exposure significantly depleted vitamin E in TRF-treated sites, while significant MDA accumulation was prevented. This is the first demonstration that ozone exposure causes damage to cutaneous lipids, an effect which can be attenuated by vitamin E application.
Two-photon dissociation of vibrationally excited H2+. Complex quasi-vibrational energy and inhomogeneous differential equation approaches

Abstract We present two practical theoretical methods — the complex quasi-vibrational energy and the inhomogeneous differential equation approaches — for numerical computation of multiphoton dissociation cross sections. The methods are applied to the study of the two-photon dissociation of H 2 + (1sσg). The cross sections are small for low-lying vibrational states but increase very rapidly with increasing vibrational quantum number, suggesting that experimentally accessible powerful lasers can be used to probe the highly excited vibrational states of the ground electronic state of a homonuclear diatomic molecule.
Clinical Evaluation of Early Cognitive Symptoms

The etiology of cognitive impairment in older adults is almost always a clinical diagnosis without definitive biomarkers. The clinical evaluation, therefore, is indispensable. Evaluating cognitive symptoms requires a deliberate approach to define the onset, course, and nature of symptoms. An informant who knows the patient well is essential. The physician must have a working knowledge of the basics of cognitive function. The neurologic examination also is fundamental to defining the origin of cognitive impairment. Extraocular movements, speech, and gait are examples of high-yield examination findings that can be observed and tested quickly, adding to the clinical impression.
Extension and subsidence adjacent to a weak continental transform: An example from the Rukwa rift, East Africa

The Rukwa rift is a 300-km-long half-graben basin that lies along the central part of a 1000-km-long continental transform in the East African Rift. The basin contains Carboniferous to Quaternary sedimentary strata ∼11 km thick. Within the basin, maximum extension has been directed nearly normal to the border fault, even though this border fault has been dominated by dextral strike slip. However, extension and subsidence in the Rukwa rift are not explained by releasing-bend or oblique-extension fault geometries. We interpret the orientation of the extension as a local stress rotation symptomatic of a low- friction, "weak" strike-slip border fault. Structural and morphologic features suggest that an along-strike contrast in the frictional strength of the border fault controls the location of this extension. Subsidence and extension normal to the border fault in the Rukwa rift occur along a weak transform fault segment, as an along-strike accommodation of drag and local shortening against an adjacent strong segment. Thus, three-dimensional strain is accommodated differently along the strike of the border fault as a function of the frictional strength of the fault zone.
Now that we are all so well-educated about spyware, can we put the bad guys out of business?

The phenomenon known variously as spyware, adware, or malware has grown exponentially in the past few years and has been swamping our computer systems, much like email spam but significantly worse in every sense of the word.Complicating the matter, the line between viruses and spyware is rapidly blurring, largely because of the increasing sophistication of this spyware and the multiplication of "bots." While it is possible that university students are even more susceptible than the general public, it is certainly true that this is a serious national problem.Learning to identify and remove these insidious files is a critical step in securing computers and networks and in enabling faculty, staff, and students to complete their work safely and efficiently.
Involucrin acts as a transglutaminase substrate at multiple sites

Abstract Involucrin is a keratinocyte protein with a specialized function in terminal differentiation. Synthesized initially as a soluble protein, it later becomes a preferred substrate for a membrane-bound transglutaminase and becomes cross-linked into an insoluble envelope. When a crude keratinocyte extract containing about 2% involucrin is heated to 95°, most proteins precipitate, but all of the involucrin remains in solution, where it is over 90% pure. This step has been incorporated into a simplified procedure for purification of the protein. Like intact involucrin, polypeptide fragments formed by the tryptic hydrolysis of involucrin are good substrates for the keratinocyte transglutaminase. Evidently amino acid residues participating in the enzyme-catalyzed cross-linking are distributed at numerous sites along the involucrin molecule.
Constitutive activation of Flt3 and STAT5A enhances self-renewal and alters differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells

Objective To model human leukemogenesis by transduction of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) with genes associated with leukemia and expressed in leukemic stem cells. Methods Constitutive activation of Flt3 (Flt3-ITD) has been reported in 25 to 30% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Retroviral vectors expressing constitutively activated Flt3 and STAT5A were used to transduce human cord blood CD34 + cells and HSC cell self-renewal and differentiation were evaluated. Results We have demonstrated that retroviral transduction of Flt3 mutations into CD34 + cells enhanced HSC self-renewal as measured in vitro in competitive stromal coculture and limiting-dilution week-2 cobblestone (CAFC) assays. Enhanced erythropoiesis and decreased myelopoiesis were noted together with strong activation of STAT5A. Consequently, transduction studies were undertaken with a constitutively active mutant of STAT5A (STAT5A[1 ∗ 6]) and here also a marked, selective expansion of transduced CD34 + cells was noted, with a massive increase in self-renewing CAFC detectable at both 2 and 5 weeks of stromal coculture. Differentiation was biased to erythropoiesis, including erythropoietin independence, with myeloid maturation inhibition. The observed phenotypic changes correlated with differential gene expression, with a number of genes differentially regulated by both the Flt3 and STAT5A mutants. These included upregulation of genes involved in erythropoiesis and downregulation of genes involved in myelopoiesis. The phenotype of week-2 self-renewing CAFC also characterized primary Flt3-ITD + AML bone marrow samples. Isolation of leukemic stem cells (LSC) with a CD34 + , CD38 − , HLA-DR − phenotype was undertaken with Flt3-ITD + AML samples resulting in co-purification of early CAFC. Gene expression of LSC relative to the bulk leukemic population revealed upregulation of homeobox genes (HOXA9, HOXA5) implicated in leukemogenesis, and hepatic leukemia factor (HLF) involved in stem cell proliferation. Conclusion Myeloid leukemogenesis is a multi-stage process that can involve constitutively activated receptors and downstream pathways involving STAT5, HOX genes, and HLF.
A mixed-valent, Fe(II)Fe(I), diiron complex reproduces the unique rotated state of the [FeFe]hydrogenase active site.

The fully reversible FeIFeI ⇆ FeIFeII couple of an N-heterocyclic carbene dinuclear FeIFeI complex, (μ-pdt)[FeI(CO)2(PMe3)][FeI(CO)2(IMes)], complex D, has led to the isolation of the mixed-valent cationic complex Dox as a biomimetic of the 2Fe2S subsite of the oxidized H cluster in [FeFe]hydrogenase. During the review of this submission a second complex was reported. As compared to complex D, a remarkable reorientation of the IMes NHC ligand enables the (μ-pdt)[Fe(CO)2(PMe3)][Fe(CO)2(IMes)]+ cation, Dox, to exist as a “rotated” structure, with structural and spectroscopic similarities to the diiron unit of Has isolated or Hox. The structural makeup of the model includes an Fe−Fe distance that matches that of the enzyme, a semi-bridging CO group, and a pseudo-octahedral iron with open site blocked by a strategically positioned arene group from the IMes−NHC carbene ligand.
A multi-epitope melanoma helper peptide vaccine durably increases Th1 cytokine production by responding lymphocytes

Background Cancers produce soluble and cell-associated molecules that can suppress or alter antitumor immunity. Preclinical studies suggest the disease burden may alter the cytokine profile of helper T cell responses to cancer antigens. We studied cytokine production by helper T cells responding to vaccination with 6 melanoma helper peptides (6MHP) in blood and lymph nodes. We describe here the cytokine responses as change from baseline. Experimental design Thirty-nine patients with stage IIIB-IV melanoma received a 6MHP vaccine. Antigen-reactive T cells from blood and draining lymph nodes were exposed to antigen, and supernatants (days 2 and 5) were assayed by cytokine bead arrays for Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Results The greatest absolute cytokine responses detected were the levels of IFN-g and IL-5, though high levels of IL-2 were also produced early by lymph node-derived lymphocytes. Lymphocytes from patients with clinically measurable disease produced similar levels of total cytokine as patients with no evidence of disease (NED). For both disease statuses, the cytokine profile was Th1dominant in most patients. Total cytokine production and individual cytokine levels varied significantly among patients and varied over time but persisted up to nine months post-vaccine. Conclusions The MHC class II-associated peptides used in this study induced helper T cells with a Th1-biased cytokine response in both PBMC and sentinel immunized nodes in most patients. Patients with or without measurable disease can mount a Th1 dominant response to these peptides, which may persist long after the vaccination sequence. Future studies are needed to test newer vaccine adjuvants in combination with these peptides.
Origins and Nature of Vessels in Monocotyledons. 11. Primary Xylem Microstructure, with Examples from Zingiberales

Using scanning electron microscopy of hand sections of alcohol‐fixed material, microstructure of primary xylem of roots, stems, and rhizomes of Canna was studied. Comparable material of selected other species of Zingiberales, representing five families other than Cannaceae was examined. The appearances present in Canna proved to be shared by other Zingiberaceae. In protoxylem of inflorescence axes, primary walls that experience appreciable elongation bear longitudinally oriented strands facing the lumen. These can be exposed by sectioning and can also be seen in face view on inner surfaces of tracheary elements. Exterior to these strands, primary walls contain reticulate meshworks of cellulosic strands; longitudinal orientation of the strands is present and corresponds to the degree of elongation of the tracheary elements. These meshworks are mostly embedded in amorphous wall materials (primary middle lamella) and are often faintly seen on the inner primary wall surfaces of tracheary elements but may be v...
Chemical characterization of stratus cloudwater and its role as a vector for pollutant deposition in a Los Angeles pine forest

Highly concentrated, acidic stratus cloudwater was monitored as it intercepted a pine forest (Henninger Flats) 25 km northeast of Los Angeles. Observed pH values ranged from 2.06 to 3.87 for over 100 samples collected in 1982 and 1983 with a median value below pH 3. The ratio of nitrate/sulfate in cloudwater samples was between 1.5 and 2: rainwater at the same site had a ratio of approximately I. The solute deposition accompanying several light. spring rains (summing to ~1 % of annual rainfall) was a disproportionate fraction of the annual total: H + . NO 3 and SO 4 2 were ~20% or more. Based on a reasonable estimate of fog precipitation, deposition of sulfate, nitrate and free acidity due to intercepting stratus clouds may be of comparable magnitude as that due to the incident rainfall at Henninger Flats. Cloudwater that had deposited on local pine needles was collected. It was in general more concentrated than ambient cloudwater but with comparable acidity. Enrichment of K + and Ca 2+ in those samples and in throughfall is believed to be due to leaching from foliar surfaces. Injury to sensitive plant tissue has been noted in the literature when prolonged exposure to this severe kind of micro-environment has been imposed. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1985.tb00058.x
The bicarbonate-dependence of zinc(II)-transferrin binding.

Abstract The binding of zinc(II) to human serum transferrin has been studied as a function of the solution concentration of sodium bicarbonate in 100 mM, pH 7.4 hepes buffer at 25°C. The apparent molar absorptivity of the zinc-transferrin complex has been determined from the initial slopes of titration curves of Δϵ versus the ratio of [Zn] [Tf] . This absorptivity represents the difference between the positive absorbance of the ternary Zn-HCO 3 -Tf species in the sample cuvette and the negative absorbance of binary HCO 3 -Tf species in the reference cuvette. Higher concentrations of bicarbonate increase the degree of saturation of apo-Tf with bicarbonate and thus increase the apparent absorptivity of the zinc-Tf complex. Titrations of apo- and monoferric transferrins with bicarbonate indicate that there is little, if any, difference in the bicarbonate binding constants of the two specific transferrin binding sites. An equilibrium constant of log K = 2.49 has been used to calculate the degree of saturation of the C-terminal binding site with bicarbonate. The zinc-binding affinity of this site depends linearly on this degree of saturation. The scatter in the zinc-binding constants of the weaker N-terminal site precludes a similar analysis of the bicarbonate-dependence of binding at this site. The results strongly support the previous proposal that binding of the synergistic bicarbonate anion is responsible for the uv absorption observed upon addition of bicarbonate to apoTf.
Atypical pattern of adenylyl cyclase activity in the adrenal medulla with age

Abstract Concurrent reduced physiological responsiveness often occurs in those tissues in which signal transduction coupled to adenylyl cyclase is diminished with age. In the adrenal medulla, the major physiological functions are catecholamine synthesis and release, and these functions are increased with age. To examine whether the sensitivity or efficacy for adenylyl cyclase stimulation is altered with age, we determined the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and forskolin activation of adenylyl cyclase in adrenal medullary membranes from young (4 month) and senescent (24 month) male F-344 rats. Stimulation by VIP (10 μm) and GTP (10 μm) were unchanged with age. In contrast, the maximal stimulation by forskolin (100 μm) and the sensitivity for forskolin stimulation were increased with age. These data indicate that the pattern of increased adenylyl cyclase stimulation with age is comparable to that in liver tissue but atypical with respect to all other tissues in the rat.
Assessment of Emotionally Disturbed Preschoolers

Addressed in this article are the identification, differential diagnosis, and treatment evaluation of emotionally disturbed preschoolers. Specific disorders and differentiating behavior were defined (a) within a borad normative context to provide for generality in reporting assessment data to other professionals and (b) within specific settings to provide for a determination of severity and the ecological specificity necessary for treatment. Conclusions were that practitioners must begin to assess disorders in order to assume the role of professionals in the treatment of disorder. Early treatment is critically important in the area of emotional disorders because the longer the child displays inappropriate behavior, the more intractable the problem becomes.
Ultrastructure of sonic and digitonin fragments from beef heart mitochondria.

Abstract Examination of OsO4-fixed, imbedded and sectioned specimens by the electron microscope showed that both sonic and digitonin fragments of mitochondria were vesicular structures. Brief OsO4 fixation followed by negative staining showed that most of the ‘inner membrane subunits’ of sonic fragments were on the exterior of the fragment while most of the inner membrane subunits of digitonin fragments were on the inside of the vesicle. Since the orientation of the membrane in the digitonin fragments is the same as that in intact mitochondria, it is not surprising that many properties of digitonin fragments are quite similar to those of mitochondria while sonic fragments show quite different behavior.
Referral paths, patient profiles and treatment adherence of older alcoholic men.

Abstract We sought factors affecting completion by older men of 1-year outpatient treatment for alcohol dependence. We retrospectively studied clinical datasets of 110 men, age ≥55 years, consecutively admitted over 4 years, examining the association of 18 referral, treatment and patient variables with completion of treatment. We found that referral source was the most significant correlate of completion. Legal and self/family referrals were far more likely to complete treatment than patients referred by health or social services. Referral groups had distinctive profiles. Legal referrals were the healthiest. Self/family referrals were most likely to be married, to have had prior alcoholism treatment (a factor also associated with treatment completion), and to suffer currently from depression. Health/social services referrals showed the highest levels of psychosocial and physical dysfunction. Referral pathways deserve special consideration by programs treating older alcoholics. Special strategies for engaging dysfunctional older patients in alcoholism treatment are discussed.
Modelling the effect of network parameters on delay in wireless ad-hoc networks

In this paper we model the channel access delay experienced by a message in a wireless ad-hoc network and study the effect of network parameters on the channel access delay. We first derive a simple model to study the channel access delay for ad-hoc networks. We then show that the channel access delay experienced is a function of four network parameters: 1) channel access probability, 2) transmission power or radius, 3) network load and 4) density of nodes. We study the effect of each of these parameters on the delay and show that delay guarantees in wireless networks require careful choice of the network parameters.
Predictors of outcome for renal artery stenting performed for salvage of renal function.

Objective To identify preoperative clinical features that predict a durable improvement in renal function with renal artery stenting (RAS). Methods Sixty-one patients with renal insufficiency (serum creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL) underwent RAS for renal salvage. Patients were categorized as "responders" if estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at last follow-up was improved 20% or more over baseline. Patients with stable or worse renal function after RAS were labeled "non-responders." For the purpose of calculating changes in eGFR, patients on dialysis were represented by an eGFR of 10 ml/min/1.73 m 2 . Renal volume was estimated as kidney length × width × depth/2. Results The median age of the cohort was 66 years (interquartile range [IQR], 60-73 years). Median preoperative serum creatinine was 1.8 mg/dL (IQR, 1.6-2.3), and median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 34 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (IQR, 24-45). With stenting, 17 of 61 patients (27.9%) derived a durable improvement in renal function at a median follow-up of 24 months (IQR, 16-33 months). The largest proportion of stented patients (44.3%) had no improvement in renal function after stenting, while a subset (27.9%) experienced a decline in renal function. Responders enjoyed a 47% improvement in renal function from baseline, while non-responders had a 13% decrement in renal function ( P P = .0019). The rate of decline in eGFR per week was more than 20-fold greater for responders than non-responders (2.1% vs 0% decline in eGFR per week; P Conclusions The current study found that a steep decline in preoperative renal function portends a higher likelihood of renal salvage from RAS among patients with renal insufficiency. Incorporating this finding into patient selection may improve outcomes for RAS.
Sparse severe error removal in OFDM demodulators for erasure channels

Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and inverse FFT (IFFT) are used in orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems for efficiently converting frequency domain signals that carry discrete information symbols from or to time domain sequences, respectively. This discreteness of the frequency-domain symbol set in context of FFT is of great interest in this paper. In such a paradigm, unfortunately, sparse data corruption in the time domain sequence leads to catastrophic signal degradation in FFT due to its natural noise spread effect, and little can be mitigated by using error control coding schemes (ECC). Potential causes of sparse errors include timedomain sample loss, impulsive noise, and circuit failure in integrated circuits. In this paper, we first characterize the impact of sparse severe errors in the context of FFT, as opposed to that of commonly considered additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). Based on observation of distinct impact, a series of computationally efficient algorithms are proposed for detecting and mitigating such errors in lieu of ECC. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithms can effectively combat various sparse errors and dramatically improve the performance.
Assessment of Retarded Student Achievement with Standardized True/False and Multiple-Choice Tests.

For the past 15 years, work/study programs have been provided by many public secondary schools to mildly mentally retarded adolescents (IQ = 55-80). Though the merits of such an approach are generally acknowledged, one critical element has been conspicuously lacking: standardized test evaluation of retarded student achievement (Brolin, 1975). The problem in acquiring such measures is twofold: (1) existing standarized tests typically focus on academic skills rather than the daily living and prevocational skills that are emphasized in work/study programs; and (2) retarded students have reduced ability to respond appropriately to paper and pencil tests because of reading and memory skill deficits (Prehm, 1968). Some recent research and development efforts have focused on assessment that is psychometrically adequate and contentand format-appropriate for retarded adolescents. The Social and Prevocational Information Battery (SPIB) (Halpern, Raffeld, Irvin, & Link, 1975b) has been developed using competencies stressed in training programs as guides for item content. The SPIB consists of nine tests designed to measure knowledge in the areas of job search skills, job related behavior, banking, budgeting, purchasing, home management, physical health care, personal hygiene, and functional signs (survival reading). Most of the SPIB items are presented in a true/false format, and each of the nine tests is orally administered in a group setting. Because reading skills are quite variable within groups of retarded adolescents, oral administration is used in order to minimize the impact of reading ability. Research evidence concerning both the reliability and validity of the SPIB is extremely encouraging (Halpern, Raffeld, Irvin, & Link, 1975a; Irvin & Halpern, 1977). Even though the SPIB is certainly adequate on a number of important dimensions of content and measurement, it would be premature to adopt the true/false SPIB model as a paradigm for the construction of all future standardized tests to be used in measuring the school achievement of retarded adolescents. During the SPIB's development, Prehm's (1968) and other evidence led to the presumption that a verbally presented multiplechoice item would be too difficult for retarded students, due to the large amount of information that would need to be remembered and analyzed in order for the examinee to choose and mark the correct symbol on an answer sheet. This presumption should be empirically examined, since it is possible to construct multiple-choice items with short stems and short alternatives, which will reduce the effects of limited auditory retention on test performance. Such an effort would appear to have substantial merit, given the
Robust stabilization of sampled-data distributed processes using a dynamic sensor-controller communication logic

This paper presents a methodology for the robust stabilization of spatially distributed processes with sampled sensor measurements that are transmitted to the actuators over a resource-constrained communication medium. Initially, a finite-dimensional system that captures the slow process dynamics is derived and used to design a Lyapunov-based controller that enforces closed-loop stability in the absence of communication suspensions. An explicit characterization of the stability properties of the closed-loop system under discrete measurement sampling is obtained and then used to devise a dynamic communication logic which can adaptively adjust the rate of information transfer from the sensors to the controller. The key idea is to monitor the evolution of the Lyapunov function at the sampling times and suspend communication for periods when the prescribed stability threshold is satisfied. During such periods, the controller switches to a finite-dimensional model that provides estimates of the slow states to compute the control action. At times when the sampled state begins to breach the expected stability threshold, communication is restored and the controller switches back to the sampled measurements. The results are illustrated through an application to a representative diffusion-reaction process.
MULTIVARIABLE PROGNOSTIC MODELS: ISSUES IN DEVELOPING MODELS, EVALUATING ASSUMPTIONS AND ADEQUACY, AND MEASURING AND REDUCING ERRORS

Multivariable regression models are powerful tools that are used frequently in studies of clinical outcomes. These models can use a mixture of categorical and continuous variables and can handle partially observed (censored) responses. However, uncritical application of modelling techniques can result in models that poorly fit the dataset at hand, or, even more likely, inaccurately predict outcomes on new subjects. One must know how to measure qualities of a model's fit in order to avoid poorly fitted or overfitted models. Measurement of predictive accuracy can be difficult for survival time data in the presence of censoring. We discuss an easily interpretable index of predictive discrimination as well as methods for assessing calibration of predicted survival probabilities. Both types of predictive accuracy should be unbiasedly validated using bootstrapping or cross-validation, before using predictions in a new data series. We discuss some of the hazards of poorly fitted and overfitted regression models and present one modelling strategy that avoids many of the problems discussed. The methods described are applicable to all regression models, but are particularly needed for binary, ordinal, and time-to-event outcomes. Methods are illustrated with a survival analysis in prostate cancer using Cox regression.
Improved accuracy and precision of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry measurements for metabolic tracers☆

The use of stable-isotope tracer methodology to study substrate metabolic kinetics requires accurate measurement of the tracer to tracee ratio (TTR), often by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Many approaches for measurement of the TTR by GC/MS do not use standards of known isotopic enrichment to control for variability in instrument response. In addition, most GC/MS applications exhibit some degree of concentration dependency whereby the measured ion abundance ratio varies with the quantity of sample analyzed, thereby placing a limitation on the accuracy of isotopic enrichment standard curves unless the quantities of standards and samples analyzed are closely matched. We document the degree to which day-to-day variability can affect the instrument response for several GC/MS analyses of metabolic tracers when isotopic enrichment standards are not used to control for variable instrument response. Furthermore, we report a new approach that incorporates concentration dependencies within a standard curve to improve the accuracy and precision of TTR measurements over a range of sample quantities analyzed. The new approach was applied to plasma samples obtained from experimental protocols performed in human subjects with three commonly used tracers: 2H2-palmitate, 15N2-urea, and 13C-leucine. Variability in the day-to-day instrument response was 84% and 26% for 2H2-palmitate and 15N2-urea, respectively; in addition, up to 10% variability due to concentration dependency was noted for these applications. The new approach virtually eliminated these sources of variability. After controlling for concentration dependency, a threefold reduction in the standard error was noted when the enrichment of 13C-leucine measured by electron-impact (EI) ionization GC/MS was correlated against negative chemical ionization (NCI) GC/MS. These data demonstrate that our new approach decreases the errors in TTR determination caused by variations in instrument response and concentration dependency. This approach is generically applicable, and can improve the accuracy and precision of TTR determinations for most GC/MS analyses.
Enzymatic regulation of pattern: BMP4 binds CUB domains of Tolloids and inhibits proteinase activity

In Xenopus embryos, a dorsal–ventral patterning gradient is generated by diffusing Chordin/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) complexes cleaved by BMP1/Tolloid metalloproteinases in the ventral side. We developed a new BMP1/Tolloid assay using a fluorogenic Chordin peptide substrate and identified an unexpected negative feedback loop for BMP4, in which BMP4 inhibits Tolloid enzyme activity noncompetitively. BMP4 binds directly to the CUB (Complement 1r/s, Uegf [a sea urchin embryonic protein] and BMP1) domains of BMP1 and Drosophila Tolloid with high affinity. Binding to CUB domains inhibits BMP4 signaling. These findings provide a molecular explanation for a long-standing genetical puzzle in which antimorphic Drosophila tolloid mutant alleles displayed anti-BMP effects. The extensive Drosophila genetics available supports the relevance of the interaction described here at endogenous physiological levels. Many extracellular proteins contain CUB domains; the binding of CUB domains to BMP4 suggests a possible general function in binding transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) superfamily members. Mathematical modeling indicates that feedback inhibition by BMP ligands acts on the ventral side, while on the dorsal side the main regulator of BMP1/Tolloid enzymatic activity is the binding to its substrate, Chordin.
Statistical estimation of correlation for nonstationary aircraft noise

Based on the acoustic radiation theory for a moving source, the estimation of the correlation function of a nonstationary acoustic signal is considered. We obtain an estimator for the acoustic correlation, which is shown to be unbiased and consistent. The estimation procedure can be applied to an aircraft noise measurement, where the reflected wave can be eliminated.
Severe subepidermal blistering disorder with features of bullouspemphigoid and herpes gestationis

Abstract Herpes gestationis (HG) and bullous pemphigoid (BP) are blistering disorders with similar features, including urticarial lesions that progress to blisters and immunodeposition of C3 in a linear pattern at the basement membrane zone. Among their differences, HG is distinguished by its association with pregnancy, the puerperium, or hormonal perturbation. We describe the immunopathologic findings and clinical course in a multiparous woman with a severe blistering eruption. The patient was not pregnant. Malignancy evaluation was negative, and hormonal testing was normal. Histologic examination demonstrated a subepidermal bulla with eosinophils. Direct immunofluorescence showed C3 in a strong linear band at the dermal-epidermal junction. Indirect immunofluorescence demonstrated circulating IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies to basement membrane zone (epidermal component on salt-split skin), and complement-fixing IgG. Immunoprecipitation demonstrated antibodies to a 180-kd keratinocyte protein antigen. By clinical definition, this patient has BP. However, her disease presentation demonstrated features of both BP and HG. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40:797-801.)
Resonant interactions among capillary-gravity waves

The analysis presented here is a second-order analysis of the resonant interactions triads of waves with wavelengths in the capillary-gravity and pure capillary ranges. The analysis is not a power series perturbation analysis, and one of the objects is the removal of the secularity which arises through power series perturbations. It is further found that the interactions are energy-conserving to the order considered here. Suitable modifications are made to accommodate the inevitable viscous attenuation associated with these small wavelengths. A start is made toward describing more completely the various spectra of random seas in wave-number and frequency regions where these interactions are dynamically significant.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide Trials: "Vive la différence!"

The commentary by Drs Abman and Kinsella entitled "Inhaled Nitric Oxide for Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn: The Physiology Matters!" provides one important and valid viewpoint concerning the optimal design of clinical trials in this area of neonatology. The approach that they advocate involves individualized and meticulous care of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) patients depending on their underlying disease, using whatever conventional or rescue therapy (before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO] is needed to support the patient, while testing the efficacy of inhaled nitric oxide (I-NO).
Josephson logic and memory circuits

Josephson logic and memory circuits have rapidly developed over the last few years. Initial exploratory circuits and devices, designed with linewidths of the order of 25μm were soon developed down to linewidths in the 5 to 2.5μm range with perhaps the most significant modification being the change from in-line gates to interferometer devices (SQUIDS) with higher sensitivity, lower capacitance and higher speed. Present devices at a 2.5μm linewidth offer LSI logic chips with typical delays of the order of 30 ps per gate at a total chip dissipation level of 6 mW, including the power supply. NDRO RAM chips with densities of 4K bits/chip are possible for high-speed cache memory with a 2.5μm linewidth technology and an access time of the order of 0.5 ns. For main memory, on the other hand, a 2.5μm minimum linewidth technology is expected to yield approximately 16K bits/chip of DRO RAM with an access time estimated at 15 ns at a dissipation level of only 40 μW/chip.
Portal Vein Blood Insulin and Glucagon Are Increased in Experimental Hyperthyroidism

Decreased glucose tolerance in hyperthyroidism has been long recognized; however, the mechanism(s) responsible for altered carbohydrate metabolism have not been elucidated. Studies of insulin secretion in hyperthyroidism have been reported by several investigators; however, the results are not conclusive since hormone secretion has been reported as increased, normal, or decreased. Few investigations of glucagon secretion in hyperthyroidism have been described; thus, the role of the alpha cell hormone in the glucose intolerance associated with thyrotoxicosis has not been established. To clarify these matters, experimental hyperthyroidism was induced in male rats by injecting T4 ip for 9 days. On the 10th day, blood was collected from the portal vein for measurement of insulin and glucagon. Animals injected with T4 (500 microgram/kg . day) became clearly thyrotoxic as evidenced by elevated plasma T4 and T3 and diminished weight gain. Rats receiving 750 micrograms T4/kg demonstrated marked enhancement of pancreatic insulin and glucagon release as evidence by elevated portal vein hormone values. Plasma insulin and glucagon in T4-treated rats were substantially elevated regardless of whether the animals were fed or were fasted for 20 h before blood samples were obtained. Insulin and glucagon in vena cava blood were far lower than in the portal vein in both control and hyperthyroid rats, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. We believe that portal vein hormone concentrations more accurately reflect insulin and glucagon secretion than do peripheral blood levels because the hormones and partially degraded in the liver. It is postulated that elevated T4 stimulates the alpha cell to release excess amounts of glucagon, which enhances hepatic glucose output. The possible increase in hepatic glucose output plus insulin resistance, which is characteristic of hyperthyroidism, may account for a secondary rise in insulin release.
Increasing hierarchical complexity throughout the history of life: phylogenetic tests of trend mechanisms

Abstract The history of life is punctuated by a number of major transitions in hierarchy, defined here as the degree of nestedness of lower-level individuals within higher-level ones: the combination of single-celled prokaryotic cells to form the first eukaryotic cell, the aggregation of single eukaryotic cells to form complex multicellular organisms, and finally, the association of multicellular organisms to form complex colonial individuals. These transitions together constitute one of the most salient and certain trends in the history of life, in particular, a trend in maximum hierarchical structure, which can be understood as a trend in complexity. This trend could be produced by a biased mechanism, in which increases in hierarchy are more likely than decreases, or by an unbiased one, in which increases and decreases are about equally likely. At stake is whether or not natural selection or some other force acts powerfully over the history of life to drive complexity upward. Too few major transitions a...
On two problems reducible to topological sorting

Les permutations de generation satisfaisant a une sequence U-D, ou ayant un nombre donne de parcours sont montrees etre restreintes a des problemes de permutations qui peuvent etre reduits a des tri topologiques. Les algorithmes pour generer les ensembles de solution de tels problemes sont soulignes
MARS: an education-oriented MIPS assembly language simulator

We describe the implementation of "MARS," a GUI, Java-based simulator for the MIPS assembly language. MIPS, the computer architecture underlying the simulated assembly language, is widely used in industry and is the basis of the popular textbook Computer Organization and Design [6], used at over 400 universities. The MARS simulator has been implemented with characteristics that are especially useful to undergraduate computer science students and their instructors.
Plueral Space Procedures

Surgical access to the pleural space allows for observation, drainage, biopsy, mass resection, and debridement/decortication.