cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age Adjusted Prostate Specific Antigen and Prostate Specific Antigen Velocity Cut Points in Prostate Cancer Screening

Purpose: We identified age adjusted prostate specific antigen and prostate specific antigen velocity cut points for prostate cancer biopsy.Materials and Methods: A cohort of 33,643 men was retrieved from the Duke Prostate Center database. Of this group 11,861 men with 2 or more prostate specific antigen values within 2 years were analyzed for age adjusted prostate specific antigen and prostate specific antigen velocity performance in cancer risk assessment using a receiver operating characteristic curve.Results: In the 11,861 men prostate cancer prevalence was 273 (8.0%), 659 (14.9%) and 722 (17.9%) in the groups of men 50 to 59 years old, 60 to 69 and 70 years old or older. In prostate cancer groups median prostate specific antigen and prostate specific antigen velocity in men 50 to 59 vs 70 years old or older were 5.6 vs 8.1 ng/ml and 1.37 vs 1.89 ng/ml per year (<0.0001). In men 50 to 59 years old the sensitivity and specificity were 82.1% and 80.7% at prostate specific antigen 2.5 ng/ml, and 84.3% and...
Evaluation of operating room suite efficiency in the Veterans Health Administration system by using data-envelopment analysis.

Abstract Background Operating room (OR) activity transcends single ratios such as cases/room, but weighting multiple inputs and outputs may be arbitrary. Data-envelopment analysis (DEA) is a novel technique by which each facility is analyzed by the weightings that optimize its score. Methods We performed DEA analysis of 23 Veterans Health Administration annual OR activity; 87,180 cases were performed, 24 publications generated, and 560 trainee-years of education delivered, in 168 ORs over 166,377 hours by 1,384 full-time equivalents of surgical and anesthesia providers and 523 nonproviders. Results Varying analyzed parameters produced similar efficiency rankings, with individual differences suggesting possible inefficiencies. We characterized returns to scale for efficient sites, suggesting whether patient flow might be efficiently further increased through these sites. We matched inefficient sites to similar efficient sites for comparison and suggested resource alterations to increase efficiency. Conclusions Broader DEA application might characterize OR efficiency more informatively than conventional single-ratio rank ordering.
The effect of hypoxia on the mechanical activity of the canine small intestine

The effects of 4 hr. of hypoxia on the contractile activity of intact jejunal segments of unanesthetized animals was investigated by use of extraluminal force transducers. The frequency of contraction of the longitudinal and transverse axes was less than that in normal segments. Although spikes initiate contraction, the slow-wave frequency determines the maximal contractile frequency of both muscle layers. The myenteric plexus synchronizes the contractile patterns between muscle layers and coordinates contractile activity between adjacent intestinal segments. The plexus appears to regulate the level of intestinal tone.
A Numerical Method for Linear Two-Point Boundary-Value Problems Using Compound Matrices.

Abstract An initial-value method, based on the use of certain compound matrices, is presented for the treatment of mathematically unstable two-point boundary-value problems. A distinctive feature of the method is that the solution is obtained from an auxiliary equation which is mathematically stable and it thereby avoids the well-known difficulties associated with, for example, the method of complementary functions. The method is described in detail for fourth-order equations but it is also shown how the method can easily be adapted to deal with second- and third-order equations.
Metastatic Gastric Leiomyoblastoma: A Case Report

Gastric leiomyoblastoma is a rare entity. In this report, we describe the magnetic resonance (MR) appearance of a recurrent gastric leiomyoblastoma 14 years after initial presentation. This tumor was heterogeneous and moderately low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and heterogeneous and moderately high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. The tumor also contained foci of low signal intensity on the post gadolinium images, consistent with areas of necrosis. The mass enhanced mildly and increased in enhancement on the delayed images, consistent with a hypovascular mass. Multiple liver metastases were noted. Magnetic resonance findings were confirmed with surgical specimens.
Electronic structure of normal, inverse, and partially inverse spinels in the MgAl2O4 system.

The electronic structure of normal, inverse, and partially inverse spinels in the ${\mathrm{MgAl}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ system are studied by means of first-principles calculations. For the normal spinel, the calculated ground-state properties are in good agreement with experimental data. A local-density-approximation band gap of 5.80 eV is obtained. For the inverse and partially inverse spinels, in which up to eight Mg atoms in a tetrahedral coordination are interchanged with eight of the 16 Al atoms in octahedral coordination, the atomic positions are relaxed by realistic interatomic pair potentials. Based on the relaxed models, the electronic structure and their dependence on the inversion parameter \ensuremath{\lambda} are studied. The total lattice energy increases as \ensuremath{\lambda} increases with a change of slope at \ensuremath{\lambda}=4/16. It is found that the general features in the density of states (DOS) in these spinels are quite similar with subtle differences in the peak structures between normal and inverse spinels. The smallest band gap of 4.84 eV is found at \ensuremath{\lambda}=4/16. The orbital decomposition of the partial DOS of Al and Mg in different coordination environments is fully analyzed. These results are discussed in the context of an order-disorder phenomenon associated with a cation site interchange, and their implications on spectroscopic detections. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Does intravenous methadone provide longer lasting analgesia than intravenous morphine? A randomized, double-blind study.

A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial was designed to compare the duration of analgesia produced by intravenous morphine and methadone. Patients with intractable cancer-related pain were studied for 5-6 days. One-eighth of the patient's daily opiate requirement was supplied as an i.v. infusion of either morphine or methadone over a period of 15 min. when initiated by the patient using a patient-controlled analgesia device. Dosing intervals, pain intensity assessments and toxicity were evaluated. Twenty-three patients were randomized; 18 were fully evaluable. Ten of the evaluable patients received morphine, 8 received methadone. Dosing intervals did not change over the 5 days for either group. The mean dosing interval for the last 10 doses was 3.9 +/- 0.85 h for patients receiving morphine and 3.9 +/- 1.6 h for patients receiving methadone (P = NS). One patient receiving morphine and one taking methadone required only 2-3 doses/day for pain control. Pain intensity and relief were similar for both groups. All patients had adequate analgesia as determined by at least a 50% difference in pain intensity at peak relief. The duration of pain relief when repeated intravenous doses of these analgesics were given was similar throughout the entire study period although morphine and methadone have different serum half-lives (3 vs. 25 h). Parenteral methadone does not offer a clinically significant increase in the duration of analgesia in patients with severe pain secondary to cancer.
Rapid Isolation of DNA for Genetic Screening of Catfishes by Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract We evaluated two methods, boiling and microwave irradiation, for the rapid isolation of DNA from barbel, adipose fin, and blood of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Compared with routine DNA isolation methods, these procedures were fast (microwaving, 2–4 min; boiling, 10–18 min), simple, and inexpensive (about US$0.10/fish). Samples of DNA isolated from barbels of small (mean ± SD, 2.9 ± 1.0 g) and large (290 ± 43 g) fish were of high purity (ratios of absorbances at 260 and 280 nm, A260/A280 = 1.72–1.90) and were between 0.29 and 0.67 μg/μL in concentration. Samples of DNA isolated from barbel, adipose fin, and blood of small fish, by either method, were used successfully for analysis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Samples isolated by boiling of barbel and blood from large fish also proved useful for PCR analysis. These DNA isolation procedures would be useful for rapid genetic screening of channel catfish. Removal of the barbel for tissue analysis would also enable direct marking of fis...
Fabrication of a crown and fixed partial denture remount cast

A technique has been described for fabricating an accurate working cast in which the finished crowns are easily removable.
Mechanical properties of cubic zinc carboxylate IRMOF-1 metal-organic framework crystals

The recently developed class of nanoporous materials known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is generating considerable interest because of their potential in sensing, storage, and chemical separations. In many applications, it is essential to understand their mechanical properties. We report the measurement of the elastic modulus of IRMOF-1 crystals using two different nanoindentation techniques. The reduced modulus from continuous stiffness measurements, calculated from the average single-crystal Young's modulus $(E)$ of $2.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$, is in good agreement with the value obtained from conventional quasistatic measurements. Permanent deformation without fracture has been observed directly after indentation. For comparison, we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the elastic properties using both the local density approximation (LDA) and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The resulting, well-converged DFT value (LDA-GGA average) for $E$ is $21.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$, with ${C}_{11}=0.28\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$, ${C}_{12}=0.11\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$, and ${C}_{44}=0.03\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$. Correcting the measured modulus for the highly anisotropic elastic behavior predicted by DFT suggests an effective modulus for the (100) face of $7.9\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GPa}$. The DFT prediction is expected to be reliable here. Therefore, the lower measured Young's modulus is most likely due to an interesting behavior during fractureless plastic deformation that occurs in these framework materials. Deformation or buckling in this nanoporous structure likely leads to structural changes at the lowest loads we can apply in the experiment. This appears to be a unique property of MOFs, where the elastic properties of the plastically deformed materials behave differently than those for more traditional nanoporous metals, ceramics, and polymers.
New Techniques for Synchrotron Powder Diffraction Studies

This manuscript discusses two different powder diffraction methods which possess high resolution, low background and very high counting rates. Both methods utilize analyzer crystals in combination with position sensitive detectors. The first method uses a curved perfect crystal analyzer diffracting in the scattering plane to diffract a range of angles into the position sensitive detector. The second method is somewhat simpler, it uses a graphite analyzer crystal diffracting out of the scattering plane. Applications of these methods to anomalous scattering from both powder and amorphous materials are also discussed. One of the techniques should also be very useful for small angle scattering.
Comparison of guideline-based control definitions and associations with outcomes in severe or difficult-to-treat asthma.

Background The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program put forth guidance on how to measure asthma control. This guidance is flexible regarding how the impairment component of control is assessed. Objectives To evaluate and compare 3 different National Asthma Education and Prevention Program-informed definitions of asthma control and to explore the strength of association between levels of asthma control and future control, asthma-related costs, and health-related quality-of-life utilities. Methods We used descriptive statistics, the weighted κ statistic, and regression methods to compare 3 definitions in a large registry cohort and to explore associations with clinical and health economic outcomes. Results We followed up 3,061 patients (≥12 years old) in a representative sample of severe or difficult-to-treat asthma. At baseline, 9.1%, 17.1%, or 33.5% of patients were considered well controlled depending on the definition. Lung function was not a component of the definition where 33.5% of patients were well controlled. Weighted κ statistics comparing the baseline control definitions ranged from 0.36 to 0.67. The adjusted R 2 statistic from the models predicting the future odds of being well controlled, mean asthma-related costs, and mean utilities did not yield consistent results for ranking the definitions of control. Conclusions Although all 3 control definitions were correlated with future control and health economic outcomes, there were striking differences in the descriptive results across the definitions, including the proportion of patients in each category of control. Differences among definitions of asthma control may lead to divergent research conclusions or treatment practices. We do not advocate for one particular definition, but we call for standardization of control definitions for specific uses.
Independent Study of a Foreign Language at Levels One and Two in High School

(b) Conjectures. In the fourth dialogue A-LM (first edition) Paul asks Jeanne if she wants to go to Philippe's to listen to records. Jeanne says yes and asks him to wait for her at the door (Attendsmoi & la porte.) The question: Pourquoi? Que fait Jeanne pendant que Paul l'attend a la porte? Students can spend the whole period using sentence patterns they know to describe what Jeanne is doing while Paul is waiting for her. And they love doing it, for they are initiating responses of their own. Here are some of the answers I've gotten: Elle n'a pas son cahier. Elle cherche une amie. Il faut qu'elle aille chercher un livre & la bibliothluque. Elle donne un coup de telephone a sa
The electrical excitability of chronically isolated cortex studied by means of permanently implanted electrodes.

Abstract 1. 1. A method is described for the study of chronically isolated areas of cortex by means of permanently implanted electrodes. This method has been used to study the emergence of an increased susceptibility to paroxysmal after-discharge in the suprasylvian gyrus of the cat after neural isolation. 2. 2. At first, isolated cortex tended to show little spontaneous activity (except occasional bursts of abnormal activity in some instances), continuous activity of an abnormal character commonly developed before the end of the second postoperative week. Histological examination revealed that the isolation was often incomplete; a few strands of connecting fibers in the anterior corner of the gyrus sometimes remained intact. 3. 3. The threshold for epileptiform after-discharge fell significantly below that of the homologous opposite cortex during the second postoperative week. 4. 4. The average duration of after-discharges elicited by stimuli of moderate intensity increased, often more than fivefold, during the first three postoperative weeks. 5. 5. During the same time period, there was a slight but significant increase in the duration of after-discharges induced in the opposite hemisphere (which had been partially denervated by destruction of callosal fibers during the isolation procedure). 6. 6. The excitability of chronically isolated cortex may be depressed towards normal for a period of several days following repeated after-discharges. 7. 7. The time required for sensitization of isolated cortex is approximately the same as that required for the development of denervation supersensitivity in peripheral structures. 8. 8. The possible roles of axon-collateral proliferation and denervation supersensitivity are discussed in connection with the increased susceptibility to paroxysmal activity developing in cortex after surgical isolation or after prolonged pharmacologic depression.
Expert system applications in production and operations management: A selected bibliography (1975–1989)

Abstract This is a bibliography of specific expert system applications in the production and operations management (POM) area. Articles on expert system shells, expert system tools, and nonapplication theory are not included in the bibliography. The bibliography contains a total of 356 papers, extracted from (1) previous surveys in books and journals, (2) ABI/INFORM on-line database, (3) manual compilation by the author, and (4) major conference proceedings. The bibliography consists of 246 conference papers and 110 articles published in various English language journals and is organized in 15 sections based on the functional area of production and operations management.
South florida oil spill research center

Abstract The SFOSRC is sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard's R&D Center as a regional center-of-excellence. Three projects are underway: the Straits of Florida Nowcast/Forecast System (SFNFS), Oil Spill Information Management System (OSIMS), and National Marine Oil Transportation System (NMOTSM). SFNFS has evolved working-prototype, real-time circulation and trajectory models in a workstation environment. OSIMS is developing a prototype information system which integrates static geographical, ecological, regulatory, and response technology information with dynamic oceanic and atmospheric information. NMOTSM is developing a mathematical model for the transportation of oil in the U.S. EEZ, including major marine ports. Only SFNFS is described further here. SFNFS is based upon the Princeton Ocean Model, a state-of-the-science baroclinic model. It is forced by a feature model for the Florida Current on the inflow and by synoptic winds. High-resolution, realistic bottom topography is used, and the model is run on a c. 5.5 × 5.5 km grid with 21 sigma (terrain-following) levels. Every 12 h, the model is updated with fresh wind-forcing at 6 h intervals, out to 48 h from NMCs eta model. For specified spill location and time, surface trajectories are calculated, taking into account the ambient currents, direct wind drift, and subgrid scale turbulent dispersion.
The Emperor's Clothes

David Colander argued to this Society two years ago that the term “neoclassical economics” ought to be declared dead (Colander 2000). I concur with him on the verdict, but do so for different reasons. Colander's argument was that neoclassicism possessed six primary attributes, and much of mainstream economics cannot be characterized in these terms. My argument is simpler. It is that neoclassical economics was primarily a theory of the human individual in economic life (albeit a flawed one), but contemporary mainstream economics does not possess a theory of the human individual. This conclusion may not surprise those who have reflected on the rise of formalism in economics in the postwar period. But for two reasons I think it important to emphasize the disappearance of a theory of the individual from economics. First, because neoclassicism implemented and defended for nearly a century one particular philosophical conception of the individual central to western thought since the Enlightenment, the abandonment of this commitment by mainstream economics is an important part of our understanding of its evolution and its relation to social thinking generally. Second, the demise of the individual in mainstream economics is also significant because, having abandoned the individual, mainstream economics is no longer capable of offering a defense of the individual in contemporary society. Indeed its project, I will suggest, is in important respects anti-individualist. It may be naive on my part to think contemporary society still engaged in a defense of the individual. Nonetheless, I hold that thinking about the individual remains fundamental to how many people think about the social world, and that consequently mainstream economics' abandonment of the individual may render it historically irrelevant, perhaps contributing to its fragmentation and dissolution as an identifiable approach in economics. Thus the important conclusion to draw may not be Colander's: that we have seen the death of neoclassical economics. It may be that at issue today is the death of mainstream economics.
Heat Flow and Continuous Seismic Profiles in the Cayman Trough and Yucatan Basin

The average of 8 heat-flow measurements in the western half of the Cayman Trough is 2.07 ± 0.25 HFU, markedly higher than the averages of 1.46 ± 0.19 HFU (n = 9) and 1.38 ± 0.19 HFU (n = 3) obtained on the Yucatan Basin and Cayman Ridge, respectively. There is a tendency for the highest heat-flow values to be situated in the deepest areas of the trough. No systematic variation of heat flow with distance along the trough was observed. The existence of a long, narrow zone of uniformly high heat flow along the floor of the Cayman Trough, along with other geophysical data, suggest a tectonic origin for the trough by extension normal to the axis of the trough and/or by strike-slip faulting related to the eastward movement of the Caribbean lithospheric plate relative to the Atlantic plate. The mean heat flows through the Yucatan Basin and Cayman Ridge are nearly equal to the average world heat flow. Seismic profiler data and piston cores from the Cayman Trough and Ridge and in the Yucatan Basin show that the Cayman Trough is a geologically young feature, probably having originated since the early Tertiary, when the trough and adjacent ridge developed simultaneously. Subsequently, the western end of the trough has received terrigenous sediment from a source located near the Gulf of Honduras, rather than from the Yucatan Basin or Honduras. The central and eastern parts of the trough have been and remain isolated from any major sediment sources. Tectonic activity in the trough has been largely restricted to the margins, as evidenced by the location of the deepest basins, fault structures, and seismicity along the southern margin of the trough west of 83° W. and along the base of the Cayman Ridge east of 81° W.
Nursing sensitive databases: Their existence, challenges, and importance

The National Quality Forum uses the term "nurse-sensitive" care to describe health care quality that is influenced by nursing. Identifying this type of care requires useful data and development of measures. Establishing a case for nursing-sensitive performance measurement will facilitate a supportive climate for research and measure development. Interdisciplinary investigations will result in more adequate measures and wider acceptance of the measures in the provider community. This article summarizes existing data sources and recommendations for improving measures, data collection, and research on nurse-sensitive care.
Self-inflicted anterior scleritis

Abstract Purpose To describe and clinically characterize a syndrome of self-inflicted scleritis. Study design Case reports and literature review. Methods Two patients had persistent scleritis at presentation. Both did not respond to prescribed therapy, including systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppression. The first had unexplained, diffuse anterior scleritis and persistent linear keratoconjunctival abrasions after a work-related injury. Several objective indicators pointed to concealed noncompliance with medications. The second patient was a medical assistant with diffuse, unilateral anterior scleritis and unexplained visual loss. Systemic work-up was negative. She had pharmacologic mydriasis and keratoconjunctival abrasions at presentation. Results Systemic therapy was stopped in both patients. The first patient, who was in the process of requesting permanent disability status, showed persistent inflammation on each follow-up visit. The second patient improved with no further therapy after she was confronted with objective indicators of a self-inflicted condition. Conclusions Although the presentation of self-inflicted scleritis can be similar to that of idiopathic or autoimmune anterior scleritis, the former may show additional findings of traumatic conjunctival and corneal abrasions. Indicators of self-inflicted etiology, of which malingering is one such entity, include evidence of concealed noncompliance with prescribed treatments and lack of response to potent antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. Correct diagnosis including early psychiatric evaluation in all such cases, may help prevent unnecessary treatment and unjustified work-related compensation.
A note on the closed-form identification of regression models with a mismeasured binary regressor

Abstract This note considers the identification of a nonparametric regression model with an unobserved 0–1 dichotomous regressor. The sample consists of a dependent variable and a 0–1 dichotomous proxy of the unobserved regressor. We obtain nonparametric identification of every element in the model as a closed-form function of the observed moments or densities. Our identification strategy does not require any additional sample information, such as instrumental variables or a secondary sample. The closed-form solution may be used to construct estimators of the unknowns.
Abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine Fixed Combination in the Treatment of HIV Infection

Treatment of HIV infection has typically been carried out using two nucleoside analogs and a protease inhibitor. Such regimens can be complex and have high pill burdens. Use of alternative regimens, such as triple nucleoside-based regimens, can improve adherence and decrease toxicities associated with protease inhibitor therapy. A formulation of abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine allows a dosing schedule of one pill twice daily. The components have performed favorably compared with protease inhibitor-based regimens, such as indinavir. Compared with efavirenz-based regimens, abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine has not performed as well. The combination is being studied as a cornerstone for induction maintenance strategies, in which switching a patient to abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine has been associated with similar virologic outcomes as continuing with either protease inhibitor- or efavirenz-based regimens. Administration of abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine also avoids side effects of antiretroviral therapy, such as hyperlipidemia, but its use is associated with a hypersensitivity reaction in a small number of patients. The combination of abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine is an important part of the HIV armamentarium. Its potency and ease of administration make it worth consideration in the treatment of HIV, either by itself or in combination with other agents.
Management of end-stage liver disease

Patients with cirrhosis who experience hepatic decompensation, such as the development of ascites, SBP, variceal hemorrhage, or hepatic encephalopathy, or who develop HCC, are at a higher risk of mortality. Management should be focused on the prevention of recurrence of complications, and these patients should be referred for consideration of liver transplantation.
A proposed learning environment for goal-specific improvements

This paper presents an organizational learning environment that is based on improvement phases, tools and techniques, and effective information management. The objective is to promote organizational learning in order to obtain early and continuous feedback on personal, team and project performance. The emphasis of this paper is on team learning as an extension of previous work on structured teamwork. A case study has been conducted to study team learning in terms of goal setting, planning, tracking and assessing team performance. The results of the study are summarized and an information framework is proposed as part of the findings. The information framework is described as a basis for an Intranet design that would support multidirectional information flow using various forms of media.
Edc3p and a glutamine/asparagine-rich domain of Lsm4p function in processing body assembly in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Processing bodies (P-bodies) are cytoplasmic RNA granules that contain translationally repressed messenger ribonucleoproteins (mRNPs) and messenger RNA (mRNA) decay factors. The physical interactions that form the individual mRNPs within P-bodies and how those mRNPs assemble into larger P-bodies are unresolved. We identify direct protein interactions that could contribute to the formation of an mRNP complex that consists of core P-body components. Additionally, we demonstrate that the formation of P-bodies that are visible by light microscopy occurs either through Edc3p, which acts as a scaffold and cross-bridging protein, or via the “prionlike” domain in Lsm4p. Analysis of cells defective in P-body formation indicates that the concentration of translationally repressed mRNPs and decay factors into microscopically visible P-bodies is not necessary for basal control of translation repression and mRNA decay. These results suggest a stepwise model for P-body assembly with the initial formation of a core mRNA–protein complex that then aggregates through multiple specific mechanisms.
Expanding Resource Theory and Feminist-Informed Theory to Explain Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration by Court-Ordered Men

This study tested resource and feminist-informed theories to explain physical, sexual, psychological, and stalking intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrated by court-mandated men. Data were obtained from 340 men arrested for physical assault of a partner before their court-ordered treatment. Using path analysis, findings provided partial support for each model. Ineffective arguing and substance-use problems were moderators of resources and perpetration. Dominance mediated early exposures and perpetration in the feminist-informed model. In both models, predictors of stalking were different than those for other types of perpetration. Future studies should replicate this research and determine the utility of combining models.
A roadmap for privacy-enhanced secure data provenance

The notion of data provenance was formally introduced a decade ago and has since been investigated, but mainly from a functional perspective, which follows the historical pattern of introducing new technologies with the expectation that security and privacy can be added later. Despite very recent interests from the cyber security community on some specific aspects of data provenance, there is no long-haul, overarching, systematic framework for the security and privacy of provenance. The importance of secure provenance R&D has been emphasized in the recent report on Federal game-changing R&D for cyber security especially with respect to the theme of Tailored Trustworthy Spaces. Secure data provenance can significantly enhance data trustworthiness, which is crucial to various decision-making processes. Moreover, data provenance can facilitate accountability and compliance (including compliance with privacy preferences and policies of relevant users), can be an important factor in access control and usage control decisions, and can be valuable in data forensics. Along with these potential benefits, data provenance also poses a number of security and privacy challenges. For example, sometimes provenance needs to be confidential so it is visible only to properly authorized users, and we also need to protect the identity of entities in the provenance from exposure. We thus need to achieve high assurance of provenance without comprising privacy of those in the chain that produced the data. Moreover, if we expect voluntary large-scale participation in provenance-aware applications, we must assure that the privacy of the individuals or organizations involved will be maintained. It is incumbent on the cyber security community to develop a technical and scientific framework to address the security and privacy challenges so that our society can gain maximum benefit from this technology. In this paper, we discuss a framework of theoretical foundations, models, mechanisms and architectures that allow applications to benefit from privacy-enhanced and secure use of provenance in a modular fashion. After introducing the main components of such a framework and the notion of provenance life cycle, we discuss in details research questions and issues concerning each such component and related approaches.
A novel, fast-learning, non-iterative neural network used in pattern recognition

In the author's previous works (1990-1999), a one-layered, hard-limited perceptron can be used to classify analog pattern vectors if the latter satisfy the PLI condition. For most pattern recognition applications, this condition should be satisfied. When this condition is satisfied, then an automatic feature extraction scheme can be derived using some N-dimension Euclidean geometry theories. The scheme will automatically extract the most distinguished parts of the pattern vectors used in the training. It selects the feature vectors automatically according to the descending order of the volumes of the parallelepiped spanned by these sub-vectors. Theoretical derivation and numerical examples revealing the physical nature of this process and its effect in optimizing the robustness of this novel pattern recognition system are reported in detail. An experiment shows that the system gives the learning of 4 handwritten characters near to real time. The recognition of untrained handwritten characters is above 90% correct and the recognition is in real time.
A minimal universal test set for self-test of EXOR-Sum-of-Products circuits

A testable EXOR-Sum-of-Products (ESOP) circuit realization and a simple, universal test set which detects all single stuck-at faults in the internal lines and the primary inputs/outputs of the realization are given. Since ESOP is the most general form of AND-EXOR representations, our realization and test set are more versatile than those described by other researchers for the restricted GRM, FPRM, and PPRM forms of AND-EXOR circuits. Our circuit realization requires only two extra inputs for controllability and one extra output for observability. The cardinality of our test set for an n input circuit is (n+6). For Built-in Self-Test (BIST) applications, we show that our test set can be generated internally as easily as a pseudorandom pattern and that it provides 100 percent single stuck-at fault coverage. In addition, our test set requires a much shorter test cycle than a comparable pseudoexhaustive or pseudorandom test set.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of the Gen-Probe amplified mycobacterium tuberculosis direct test as used routinely on smear-positive respiratory specimens

A decision analysis was conducted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of programs in which the Amplified Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Direct test (MTD) (Gen-Probe) is used to rapidly exclude Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex as a cause of disease in smear-positive respiratory specimens. MTD sensitivity, specificity, and probability of inhibition for smear-positive specimens were estimated from literature reports. Costs and laboratory performance characteristics were determined from review of records and practices at an urban hospital in the mid-Atlantic United States. In the base case, 31.4% of smear-positive specimens were assumed to be culture positive for M. tuberculosis. Under these conditions, the marginal cost of the MTD testing program was estimated as $338 per smear-positive patient, or $494 per early exclusion of tuberculosis based on negative MTD results. By comparison, the cost of respiratory isolation ($27.77/day) and drugs ($5.66/day) averted by MTD testing was estimated at $201 per early tuberculosis exclusion. MTD testing was therefore not cost-effective in this scenario. Sensitivity analysis revealed that cost-effectiveness estimates are sensitive to the number of smear-positive specimens processed annually, the relative prevalence of M. tuberculosis in smear-positive specimens, and the marginal daily cost of respiratory isolation. A decision tool is therefore presented for assessing the cost-effectiveness of MTD under various combinations of those three variables. While routine MTD testing of smear-positive specimens is not expected to be cost-saving for most individual hospitals, centralized reference laboratories may be able to implement MTD in a cost-effective manner across a wide range of situations.
Postscript: Labour Rights in China's Changing Political Economy

This is a postscript to an edited volume analyzing the changing status of labor rights in the People’s Republic of China, with a focus on challenges to their implementation. The postscript examines some of the wider social, political, economic, and cultural implications of Chinese labor rights reforms. It takes as it point of departure the Labor Law of 1994, which treats labor as a singular, abstract category, in contrast to the preceding regime under which the terms of one’s employment varied depending on whether one worked in the state-owned sector, the collective sector, or the private sector of the economy.
Media Coverage of the Congressional Underdog

Incumbents have many electoral resources which are funded by taxpayers in annual allowances to members for personal staff salaries; travel between Washington and district; constituent communications like newsletters, questionnaires, stationery and postage; telephone and district office expenses like rent, furnishings and equipment (Cover, 1977, p. 537). House incumbents can use casework and constituent service to score political points with the electorate. The incumbent usually has an easier time of raising substantial sums of money to finance reelection and to promote name recognition (see Jacobson, 1978, 1980, 1983). These advantages take on even greater significance in light of the fact that the electorate has been increasingly relying on incumbency rather than party affiliation as a voting cue (pp. 676-677). Moreover, incumbents in the 1970s have improved their ability to tailor their "home styles" to fit characteristics of their districts (Fenno, 1978).
Modeling of RF propagation in a radio repeater environment

This paper investigates situations involving the use of RF repeaters at the same frequency as the original signal and the modeling required to predict system interference and the standoff distances required for functional radio links.
Etiological diagnosis and analysis of an epidemic of cholera

Objective To identify the etiology of an epidemic of diarrhea in Hunan Province,and to analyze the genotype of the pathogens. Methods The specimens were detected through pathological bacteria cultivation,biochemical test and serotyping.PCR was applied to detect the Ctx gene of Vibrio cholerae,and pulsed field gel electrophoresis( PFGE) technique was used for genotyping. The results were compared with the sequences and traceability of the strains isolated in Hunan Province in 2013.Results One strain of Vibrio cholerae belonged to O139 group was isolated from the watery- stool specimen of the patient,and the enterotoxin gene( Ctx) was detected positively by polymerase chain reaction( PCR). Based on the central database of Pulse Net China,the PFGE- Not I fingerprint analysis by PFGE showed that the fingerprint of Hunan central area was highly similar to that of the isolates of the turtle through the routine monitoring of Vibrio cholerae in Hengyang City in 2013. Conclusions The outbreak is caused by Vibrio cholerae O139 group,and turtles contaminated by Vibrio cholerae O139 group are likely to be the infectious source of the outbreak.
An overview of resonance measurements at the ALICE experiment

Resonances play a unique role in the study of ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions. Resonance yields, which may be modified by rescattering and regeneration after hadronization, can be used to study the properties of the hadronic phase of the collision. The transversemomentum spectra of the proton and the φ(1020) can be used to study the mechanisms of particle production. In addition, resonance measurements in pp and p–Pb collisions help to distinguish initial-state effects from the effects of the hot and dense final state. The ALICE Collaboration has studied the K ∗ (892) 0 and φ(1020) mesons in pp, p–Pb, and Pb–Pb collisions. Measurements of many resonance properties, including pT spectra, integrated yields, masses, widths, mean pT values, and the nuclear modification factors RAA and RpPb, are presented and compared to measurements from other experiments, non-resonances, and the predictions of theoretical models. In relativistic heavy-ion collisions, strongly interacting matter is studied under extreme conditions. Based on quantum chromodynamics (QCD), it is expected that when hadronic matter reaches a high enough energy density a transition will occur in which quarks become deconfined [1–3]. In this state of matter, the quark-gluon plasma (QGP), the relevant degrees of freedom are not hadrons, but rather quarks and gluons. For low baryochemical potentials (typical of heavy-ion collisions at the LHC), the transition between hadronic matter and the QGP is expected to occur around a temperature of Tc ≈ 160 MeV [3–5]. Experimentally, this is achieved by colliding nuclei at
Analysis on 1618 electronic prescriptions for out patient in our hospital

Objective:To analyze the problems emerging in the procedure of implementing new "Administrative provision of prescription" to improve the quality of electronic prescription in our hospital.Methods:Prescriptions screened by examining and verifying from Nov 2007 to Feb 2008 were classified and analyzed.Results:In all 139 042 examined prescriptions,there were 1,618 problematic prescriptions,accounting for 1.16% of total prescriptions,involving common errors,improper dosage unit,wrong drugs,errors of dosage and usage,and so on.Conclusions:It is necessary for improving quality of electronic prescriptions in out-patient clinic to complete special electronic prescription sub-system,and strength the propaganda,studying and implementing "Administrative provision of prescription".
Immune and neuroendocrine changes during bereavement.

Immune and neuroendocrine correlates of bereavement are reviewed. Depression symptoms and psychological responses appear to predict changes in immune function and adrenocortical activity of bereaved persons. The potential role of neurohormones and neurotransmitters in mediating stress-related immunosuppression is explored.
Contact investigation and isoniazid chemoprophylaxis in New York city, 1979-1987

The Bureau of Tuberculosis of the New York City Department of Health has carried out investigations of contacts to active cases of tuberculosis for many years. In addition, the Bureau has undertaken tuberculosis screening, with tuberculin testing and by radiography where indicated, of persons for employment purposes, school attendance, and for various other reasons. In 1969, the Bureau began providing isoniazid chemoprophylaxis; since then, more than 150,000 persons have been given isoniazid. Several isoniazid chemoprophylaxis effectiveness trials of chemoprophylaxis are achieved, the frequency of developing tuberculosis in one's lifetime would be reduced by 50%-70% by the time treatment is completed, according to several studies. On the basis of the beneficial results of these trials, the Bureau of Tuberculosis introduced the use of isoniazid chemoprophylaxis. This study was undertaken to assess the acceptability of isoniazid chemoprophylaxis and the success of contact investigation under both regular clinical conditions and uncontrolled conditions.
Sequential Face Alignment via Person-Specific Modeling in the Wild

Sequential face alignment, in essence, deals with nonrigid deformation that changes over time. Although numerous methods have been proposed to show impressive success on still images, many of them still suffer from limited performance when it comes to sequential alignment in wild scenarios, e.g., involving large pose/expression variations and partial occlusions. The underlying reason is that they usually perform sequential alignment by independently applying models trained offline in each frame in a tracking-by-detection manner but completely ignoring temporal constraints that become available in sequence. To address this issue, we propose to exploit incremental learning for person-specific alignment. Our approach takes advantage of part-based representation and cascade regression for robust and efficient alignment on each frame. More importantly, it incrementally updates the representation subspace and simultaneously adapts the cascade regressors in parallel using a unified framework. Person-specific modeling is eventually achieved on the fly while the drifting issue is significantly alleviated by erroneous detection using both part and holistic descriptors. Extensive experiments on both controlled and in-the-wild datasets demonstrate the superior performance of our approach compared with the state of the arts in terms of fitting accuracy and efficiency.
Do Prolonged Febrile Seizures Injure Hippocampal Neurons? Insights from Animal Models

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the use of an immature rat model of prolonged febrile seizures to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of hyperthermic seizures on hippocampal cell survival, proliferation, and integrity. By using DNA fragmentation analysis, it is demonstrated in the chapter that these experimental prolonged febrile seizures do not result in acute death of hippocampal neurons. For the experiments, an immature rat model of prolonged febrile seizures was used. On postnatal days, brain and core temperatures were elevated using calibrated stream, which led to seizures. Though experimental prolonged febrile seizures did not induce acute cell death in the hippocampus, they could still lead to slow or delayed death and to long-term neuronal loss. The results of the experiments with a change in the proliferation rate of granule cell layer neuronal stem cells indicate that the rate of proliferation of neurons was not altered at any of the time points investigated. This chapter evaluates the possibility that experimental prolonged febrile seizures induce neuronal injury that is sufficient to alter the properties of these neurons permanently, without leading to their death.