cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Domain Adaptive Monocular Depth Estimation With Semantic Information.

The advent of deep learning has brought an impressive advance to monocular depth estimation, e.g., supervised monocular depth estimation has been thoroughly investigated. However, the large amount of the RGB-to-depth dataset may not be always available since collecting accurate depth ground truth according to the RGB image is a time-consuming and expensive task. Although the network can be trained on an alternative dataset to overcome the dataset scale problem, the trained model is hard to generalize to the target domain due to the domain discrepancy. Adversarial domain alignment has demonstrated its efficacy to mitigate the domain shift on simple image classification tasks in previous works. However, traditional approaches hardly handle the conditional alignment as they solely consider the feature map of the network. In this paper, we propose an adversarial training model that leverages semantic information to narrow the domain gap. Based on the experiments conducted on the datasets for the monocular depth estimation task including KITTI and Cityscapes, the proposed compact model achieves state-of-the-art performance comparable to complex latest models and shows favorable results on boundaries and objects at far distances.
Identification and Management of Pediatric Sepsis: A Medical Student Curricular Supplement for PICU and NICU Rotations.

Introduction Medical students frequently report lack of confidence and skill in managing ill pediatric patients. We aimed to implement targeted learning interventions to address these knowledge gap...
Breaking the Law, Breaking the Bank: The Cost of Home Affairs' Illegal Detention Practices

This report shines a light on the Department of Home Affairs’ (DHA) law-breaking activities in the area of immigration detention and assesses the financial costs of these illegal activities. These costs, totaling R4.7 million, are not only borne directly by the South African taxpayer but also divert resources away from important development services for South Africas, such as RDP housing, health care, education and water provision. The report examines 90 legal challenges to immigration detentions brought over a 23- month period between 2009 and 2010. These cases reveal a government department that routinely violates its constitutional duties and its legislative obligations under both the Refugees and Immigration Acts. DHA’s actions also display a general contempt for the legal process: the Department fails to implement court orders, continues to act in direct contravention of judicial rulings, and openly states that its actions are not bound by the law in cases in which particular legal provisions would prevent it from undertaking actions it deems necessary, such as arbitrary and indefinite detentions.
Predicting the accuracy of genomic predictions

BACKGROUND Mathematical models are needed for the design of breeding programs using genomic prediction. While deterministic models for selection on pedigree-based estimates of breeding values (PEBV) are available, these have not been fully developed for genomic selection, with a key missing component being the accuracy of genomic EBV (GEBV) of selection candidates. Here, a deterministic method was developed to predict this accuracy within a closed breeding population based on the accuracy of GEBV and PEBV in the reference population and the distance of selection candidates from their closest ancestors in the reference population. METHODS The accuracy of GEBV was modeled as a combination of the accuracy of PEBV and of EBV based on genomic relationships deviated from pedigree (DEBV). Loss of the accuracy of DEBV from the reference to the target population was modeled based on the effective number of independent chromosome segments in the reference population (Me). Measures of Me derived from the inverse of the variance of relationships and from the accuracies of GEBV and PEBV in the reference population, derived using either a Fisher information or a selection index approach, were compared by simulation. RESULTS Using simulation, both the Fisher and the selection index approach correctly predicted accuracy in the target population over time, both with and without selection. The index approach, however, resulted in estimates of Me that were less affected by heritability, reference size, and selection, and which are, therefore, more appropriate as a population parameter. The variance of relationships underpredicted Me and was greatly affected by selection. A leave-one-out cross-validation approach was proposed to estimate required accuracies of EBV in the reference population. Aspects of the methods were validated using real data. CONCLUSIONS A deterministic method was developed to predict the accuracy of GEBV in selection candidates in a closed breeding population. The population parameter Me that is required for these predictions can be derived from an available reference data set, and applied to other reference data sets and traits for that population. This method can be used to evaluate the benefit of genomic prediction and to optimize genomic selection breeding programs.
Quantification of climate-induced interannual variability in residential U.S. electricity demand

Abstract We assess the sensitivity of residential electricity demand in 48 U S. states to seasonal climate variations and structural changes pertaining to state-level household electricity demand. The main objective is to quantify the effects of seasonal climate variability on residential electricity demand variability during the winter and summer seasons. We use state-level monthly demographic, energy, and climate data from 2005 to 2017 in a linear regression model and find that interannual climate variability explains a significant share of seasonal household electricity demand variation: in 42 states, more than 70% and 50% of demand variability in summer and winter, respectively, is driven by climate. Our work suggests the need for new datasets to quantify unexplained variance in the winter and summer electricity demand. Findings from this study are critical to developing seasonal electricity demand forecasts, which can aid power system operation and management, particularly in a future with greater electrification of end-use demands.
Explaining Surgical Care to Patients and Families

It is best to provide explanations of your surgical care to your patients and families using content you direct. CEV-ule can be build to provide patients this information both those who require surgery in the operating room or those who are cared for in the outpatient department. In this chapter, building information for patients on the inventory of cases you do is shown. In the outpatient department, the completion of a “voiding diary” is a key care item in pediatric urology, how to make such content is discussed in this chapter.
Health Risk Appraisal and Optimistic Bias

The judgments people make about health and safety hazards can influence their decisions and their behavior. Just as hazards are multidimensional, so are appraisals of these hazards. These appraisals often depart from the perceptions of experts, partially explaining why people fail to take recommended precautions. One reason for expert–layperson disagreements is the public's difficulty in understanding numerical presentations of probabilities and odds. Another reason is an optimistic bias about personal risk, a tendency to believe that one's own vulnerability is less than the vulnerability of one's peers. Depending on the context, underestimation of risk may be harmful or beneficial.
Emergència, causalitat i realisme

L'origen del concepte modern d'emergencia es remunta a la meitat del segle xix, quan els filosofs realistes es van comencar a plantejar per primera vegada les profundes similituds que hi havia en els camps de la fisica i la quimica entorn de la questio de la causalitat. L'exemple classic de causalitat que ofereix la fisica es el d'una col·lisio entre dues molecules o altres objectes rigids en la qual l'efecte global es una simple suma. Pero quan dues molecules interactuen quimicament, emergeix un ens completament nou, com quan l'hidrogen i l'oxigen interactuen i formen l'aigua. Hi havia la creenca que el fet que emergissin propietats i capacitats noves a partir d'una interaccio causal tenia importants implicacions filosofiques per a la naturalesa de l'explicacio cientifica. Concretament, l'absencia de la novetat en les interaccions fisiques significava que l'explicacio dels seus efectes es podia reduir a una deduccio a partir de lleis o principis generals. Tanmateix, la sintesi de l'aigua si que produeix una cosa nova, una cosa que emergeix a partir d'ens que interactuen com a causes. Aixo va portar alguns filosofs a l'erronia conclusio que els efectes emergents no es poden explicar , o, cosa que es el mateix, que un efecte nomes sera emergent mentre no s'hagi trobat la llei de la qual es dedueix. Aquesta linia de pensament va passar a convertir-se, a comencaments del segle xx, en una filosofia completament desenvolupada, una filosofia basada en la idea que l'emergencia era intrinsecament inexplicable. Aquest article afirma que, encara que la primera onada de filosofs emergentistes va aconseguir veure que el concepte d' emergencia era una poderosa manera de bloquejar el reduccionisme i , per tant, d'atorgar a altres camps diferents de la fisica el respecte que es mereixien, es van equivocar pel que fa a la seva inexplicabilitat inherent: les propietats emergents d'un tot sorgeixen a partir de les interaccions causals entre les seves parts, interaccions que constitueixen un mecanisme explicatiu d'aquestes propietats.
Triviality arguments against functionalism

“Triviality arguments” against functionalism in the philosophy of mind hold that the claim that some complex physical system exhibits a given functional organization is either trivial or has much less content than is usually supposed. I survey several earlier arguments of this kind, and present a new one that overcomes some limitations in the earlier arguments. Resisting triviality arguments is possible, but requires functionalists to revise popular views about the “autonomy” of functional description.
Nested PCR bias: a case study of Pseudomonas spp. in soil microcosms.

Nested PCR methods combined with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) are widely used for the detection of low copy number species or for the analysis of group-specific community profiles. With an appropriate number of PCR cycles during the first round of amplification, initial differences in the copy numbers of different DNA fragments that are targeted can be maintained during the second round without significant bias. However, if an excessive number of cycles in used in the first round, relative differences in the copy numbers of the targeted sequences can be obscured. Here we demonstrate the effect of “nested PCR bias” in a case study with PCR-DGGE of 16S rRNA gene sequences targeting Pseudomonas spp. following exposure of soil to naphthalene vapors. Our results demonstrate artifacts caused by nested PCR bias can be substantially minimized by calibrating the number of first round PCR cycles, thereby preserving the ability to obtain semiquantitative data for evaluating changes in gene copy numbers over time.
Mechanical and physical properties of isothermally aged carbon fiber-epoxy composites

Isothermal aging of continuous carbon fiber-epoxy resin composites containing epoxy resin derived from diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) and methylene dianiline (MDA) and 64 vol% of carbon fibers with orientation angles of 0°, 45°, 90° and crossply fibers was performed in vacuum, air and nitrogen atmosphere. The impact strength of the 45° ply composites increased from 149 kJ/m 2 to 15.5 x 10 2 kJ/m 2 after isothermal aging in vacuum at 200°C for 13 h. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the 90° ply composites increased from 3 to 4 MPa after isothermal aging at 184°C for 336 h in nitrogen atmosphere. The flexural strength of the 90° ply composites, however, remained unchanged (∼80 MPa) after isothermal aging in nitrogen at 184°C for 336 h. The impact strength of the 90 degree ply composites decreased by 20% (∼15 kJ/m 2 to 12 kJ/m 2 ) and 80% (∼15 kJ/m 2 to 3 kJ/m 2 ) after isothermal aging in nitrogen atmosphere at 184°C for 336 h and in air at 200°C for 336 h, respectively.
Method for the Evaluation of the Permeation Characteristics of Protective Glove Materials

A method is described to evaluate the permeation characteristics of glove materials by chemical solvents. The collecting medium (helium) is continuously monitored by a flame ionization detector (FID) of a gas chromatograph (GC). Immediately following a steady-state condition, quantitative data are acquired on-line by a computer. A two-position GC sampling valve and computer-controlled data acquisition and analysis require minimal operator attention. For the 8 materials and 6 solvents investigated, thickness-normalized breakthrough times and steady-state permeation rates ranged from 9.10 min/mil to >4 hr/mil and from 0.2048 to 9112 µg/min/cm2/mil, respectively. A modification of the procedure which allowed the determination of the effect of temperature on permeation for 4 glove/solvent pairs was evaluated also.
Friction and Adhesion Hysteresis of Fluorocarbon Surfactant Monolayer-Coated Surfaces Measured with the Surface Forces Apparatus

Friction and adhesion hysteresis experiments were carried out on fluorocarbon surfactant monolayer-coated surfaces using the surface forces apparatus. Measurements were made as a function of temperature, load, sliding velocity, and relaxation time, and the resulting properties are contrasted with those of hydrocarbon monolayers and also with bulk fluorocarbon surfaces (e.g., Teflon, PTFE). The dynamic adhesion measurements show that the adhesion hysteresis and friction of fluorocarbon monolayer-coated surfaces are related: large friction forces being associated with large adhesion hysteresis. The results also show that the overall tribological properties of fluorocarbon surfactants follow the same generic “friction phase diagram” behavior as do hydrocarbon surfactants. However, the friction phase diagram for fluorocarbon surfactant has at least two peaksone well above and the other well below room temperatureindicating that two different molecular relaxation processes are involved in friction and adhesio...
The integrity of the syllable in developmental apraxia of speech.

Abstract Three children with developmental apraxia of speech (DAS) identified the number of syllables in words, judged intrasyllabic sound positions, and constructed syllable shapes within monosyllabic frames. Results suggest that DAS children demonstrate an apparent breakdown in the ability to perceive “syllableness” and to access and compare syllable representations with regard to position and structure. Based on these findings, DAS is viewed as a disorder characterized by an impoverished phonological representation system. Learning outcomes: On the basis of this article, the reader will be able to (1) describe the deficits in syllabic perception demonstrated by some participants with DAS; (2) examine the utility of metalinguistic tasks in the differential diagnosis of DAS; and (3) evaluate the findings with respect to competing theoretical perspectives on DAS.
Energy intensities, interdependence, and value in ecological systems: A linear programming approach

Abstract Many authors have applied input-output techniques to the analysis of energy and material flows in ecosystems. These applications are important contributions to our understanding of interdependence in ecological systems, but they suffer from reliance on “single commodity” flow matrices (i.e. enthalpy or carbon) and they do not address the problem of joint products, which is particularly significant for ecological applications. In this paper a general linear programming model is developed and used to describe and analyze interdependence in multicommodity ecosystems with joint products. The model is applied to data for Silver Springs and embodied energy intensities for the ecosystem products are calculated. The effects of different assumptions concerning the treatment of waste heat and joint products on the energy intensities are also discussed, as are potential applications to resource management problems that require a measure of relative value.
Brow ptosis after temporal artery biopsy: incidence and associations.

Objective Temporal artery biopsy (TAB), performed for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis, has a low reported rate of complications. One complication is damage to the facial nerve branches, which can result in brow ptosis and/or orbicularis oculi weakness. However, the incidence of facial nerve damage after TAB is unknown. Design Prospective, institutional review board–approved study of all TABs performed by 2 surgeons over a 17-month period. Participants Seventy patients undergoing 77 TABs. Methods Demographic data, including age, gender, and race/ethnicity, were collected for all patients. Frontalis and orbicularis oculi muscle function were evaluated pre- and postoperatively in all patients. The use of blood thinners, location of the incision, length of incision and biopsy, biopsy results, and procedure difficulty were recorded. Incidence of postoperative facial nerve damage, other complications, and rates of facial nerve recovery were evaluated. Analysis of variables was performed for any potential correlation with facial nerve damage. Main Outcome Measures Incidence of facial nerve damage. Results Analysis included 75 biopsies performed in 68 patients. The majority of the patients were white (75.0%) and female (67.6%). The mean age was 72.6 years (range, 51–96). Postoperative facial nerve damage was found in 12 patients (16.0%) and 58.3% of these fully resolved at an average of 4.43 months (range, 1–6). Two patients (2.7%) had postoperative infections. There was no correlation with facial nerve damage and use of blood thinners, biopsy result, surgeon, procedure difficulty, incision length, or specimen length. The distance from the incision to both the orbital rim and the brow was significant: Incisions farther from the orbital rim and brow were less likely to have postoperative facial nerve damage. Conclusions There is a 16.0% incidence of postoperative facial nerve damage with TABs, which recovers fully in over half of patients. Incisions closer to the orbital rim and brow were more likely to have postoperative facial nerve dysfunction. Incisions >35 mm from both the orbital rim and brow or above the brow were less likely to have postoperative brow ptosis. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.
Do retroverted uteri adversely affect insertions and performance of IUDs

A large international multi-center IUD data set (N = 5520) coordinated by Family Health International was analysed to determine if the uterine position of a woman (anteverted, mid-positioned or retroverted) affects the ease of IUD insertion and if knowledge of uterine position would diminish insertion-related problems and improve IUD performance. Findings showed that insertion-related events were rare irrespective of uterine position. Women with retroverted uteri were not associated with higher termination rates for accidental pregnancy, expulsion or removal for bleeding and/or pain after 12 months of IUD use, as compared to the other two uterine position groups. All insertions in this data set were performed by experienced obstetricians/gynecologists, and our findings suggest that women with retroverted uteri should be equally good candidates for IUD contraception.
A single platelet-rich plasma injection for chronic midsubstance achilles tendinopathy: a retrospective preliminary analysis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a series of patients undergoing a single platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for the treatment of chronic midsubstance Achilles tendinopathy, in whom conservative treatment had failed. Thirty-two patients underwent a single PRP injection for the treatment of chronic midsubstance Achilles tendinopathy and were evaluated at a 6-month final follow-up using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and Short Form 12 general health questionnaire. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on all patients prior to and 6 months after injection. Twenty-five of 32 patients (78%) reported that they were asymptomatic at the 6-month follow-up visit and were able to participate in their respective sports and daily activities. The remaining 7 patients (22%) who reported symptoms that did not improve after 6 months ultimately required surgery. Four patients went on to have an Achilles tendoscopy, while the other 3 had an open debridement via a tendon splitting approach. A retrospective ev...
PHOTOCHEMICAL FORMATION OF ORGANIC AEROSOLS: GROWTH LAWS AND MECHANISMS.

Smog chamber experiments were conducted to study aerosol formation by chemical reactions involving organics (o-cresol, nitrocresol, l-heptene, and methyl sulfide), oxides of nitrogen and ammonia in air. Aerosol size distributions were measured as a function of time with an electrical aerosol analyzer (0.01 μm < particle diameter < 0.56 μm) and with a single particle optical counter (0.48 μm < particle diameter < 3 μm). The aerosol data were analyzed with the ‘growth law’ technique to make inferences about chemical mechanisms of gas-to-particle conversion in these model chemical systems. Particle diameter growth rate measurements were made after the production of new panicles had stopped (i.e. while number concentrations were decreasing), but while aerosol mass concentrations were steadily increasing. The growth rates of ‘small’ particles (particle diameter < 0.02–0.1 μm) were typically negative, suggesting that these particles were evaporating. Growth rates of larger panicles tended to increase with particle size within the measured size range. This behavior is consistent with condensation, provided that the dependence of particle curvature on vapor pressure (the Kelvin effect) is taken into account. It is concluded that gas phase chemical reactions (rather than reactions on or within aerosol particles) are responsible for the formation of the aerosol. Saturation vapor concentrations for the condensable species that were formed in these systems were estimated to range from 0.04 to 2 ppb, depending on the chemical system.
The Efficacy of Monensin Against One Sensitive and Thirteen Drug Resistant Strains of Eimeria tenella

Abstract Monensin, admixed with the feed at a level of 0.0125%, adequately protected chickens against experimental infections of Eimeria tenella initiated by a strain that had no previous exposure to drugs as well as by strains resistant to amprolium, arsenosobenzene, buquinolate, clopidol, decoquinate, glycarbylamide, nequinate, nicarbazin, nitrofurazone, Novastat, Trithiadol, Unistat, or zoalene, respectively. When fed to uninfected chickens, monensin did not affect rate of gain to a significant degree in three of four replicates. Moreover, an analysis of the aggregate data did not indicate a significant difference in rate of gain between the uninfected group.
A chronological database to support outcomes research in prostate cancer.

Abstract Purpose To outline the process for developing a data management system for patients with prostate cancer. Methods and materials Between 1997 and 2002, several generations of a working database using a Microsoft Access platform were developed for the tracking of patients with prostate cancer. The database evolved to include both the management of clinical practice and outcomes research. A chronological data system lists events by their date and value. Algorithms for data exporting can access these lists in defined ways to mine for specific parameters. Results The most recent working model of our database was implemented with over 2000 patients entered and over 250,000 rows of data. It is utilized by the entire staff and is central for processing prostate cancer data within the department. Outcome studies have been performed using the system, and data export algorithm development remains ongoing. Conclusions This work demonstrates that functional database systems are possible for large clinics treating patients with prostate cancer. The ability to maintain up-to-the-minute data variables is vital not only for unbiased outcomes analysis, but for patient flow and care. Future systems will migrate to web platforms.
Mammalian MAP kinase signalling cascades

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are important signal transducing enzymes, unique to eukaryotes, that are involved in many facets of cellular regulation. Initial research concentrated on defining the components and organization of MAPK signalling cascades, but recent studies have begun to shed light on the physiological functions of these cascades in the control of gene expression, cell proliferation and programmed cell death.
Spinal motoneurons of the larval zebrafish.

Application of horseradish peroxidase to lesions of the muscles and the central nervous system of larval zebrafish Brachydanio rerio was used to identify several types of neurons present in the spinal cord. The spinal cord was found to contain three distinct motoneuronal types: primary and secondary motoneurons that innervate the axial muscles, and pectoral fin motoneurons that innervate the muscles of the pectoral girdle. The cell types are similar to those described in larvae of other anamniote vertebrates. The axial muscles of t, given hemisegment are innervated by two or three primary motoneurons and a larger number of secondary motoneurons in the corresponding spinal segment, whereas fin muscles are innervated by a pool of motoneurons spanning several spinal segments.
Reactions of Os3(CO)10(μ-H)2 with 1,8-Bis(ferrocenyl)octatetrayne Yield Products Involving Cyclizations and Trans-Hydrogenation of Alkyne Groups

The reaction of 1,8-bis(ferrocenyl)octatetrayne (1) with Os3(CO)10(μ-H)2 (2) yielded three new osmium cluster complexes containing two electroactive ferrocenyl groups: Os3(CO)9(μ3,η3-FcCCHC4COC⋮CFc)(μ-H) (3); Os3(CO)10(μ3,η2-E-FcCHCHC2−C⋮C−C⋮CFc) (4); and Os6(CO)20(μ3,μ3-η2-η2-E,E-FcCHCHC2−C2CHCHFc) (5). All three compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. In compound 3, the tetrayne chain was coupled to a CO ligand and cyclized to form an eight-membered heterobicycle containing two five-membered rings that bridges a closed cluster of three osmium atoms. Compound 4 contains one triangular triosmium cluster. Compound 5 contains two triangular triosmium clusters. In both 4 and 5, both the hydride ligands were transferred from the cluster to an alkyne group to form an olefinic group with E-stereochemistry. A mechanism for trans-hydrogenation at a bimetallic site is proposed. Cyclic and differential pulse voltammetric measurements show two reversible one-electr...
The Affordable Resources strategy and the Milieux Embeddedness strategy as alternative approaches to facilitating innovation in a knowledge-intensive industry

Abstract The paper reports the results of an original empirical field study of firms in a knowledge-intensive technology industry, the biotechnology industry. Data on the firms are compared with data on firms in related fields, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors of bioscience technology. The relative roles of interorganizational relationships, locational attractiveness, and research and development (R&D) intensity, as determinants of performance, are examined. It is found that firms whose people engage in high levels of informal interorganizational communication perform better than other firms but only when they also exhibit high levels of R&D intensity. The paper concludes that a Milieux Embeddedness strategy will be superior to an Affordable Resources strategy as a basis for managing innovation in knowledge-intensive technology firms.
Ego deficiencies in the areas of pleasure, intimacy, and cooperation: guidelines in the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunctions.

Abstract Psychopathology, in the form of a deficiency in the ego functions of pleasure, intimacy, or cooperation, is usually associated with sexual dysfunctions that prove ref'ractory to sex therapy techniques alone. Each of these deficiencies forms a distinct clinical syndrome with specific treatment requirements, necessitating further diagnostic subcategorization of sexual disorders.
Enhancement of the critical current of Ag8Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3010 by compressive reorientation

Abstract Superconducting samples of bulk composition Ag 8 T l2 Ba 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 0 10 with zero-resistance T c of 118–122 K were prepared by a three-step procedure. The sample was cut into thin rectangular slices and subsequently forced to reorient its grains by compression in the z direction while allowing the sample to expand freely in the x and y directions. Compressive deformation of the sample under 44 kbar pressure was found to raise its transport critical current density at 77 K from 1.1 × 10 2 to 1.3 × 10 3 A/cm 2 . The compressive deformation raised the magnetic critical current density at H = 0.1 T from 4.5 × 10 2 to 3.4 × 10 3 A/cm 2 at 77 K and from 2.0 × 10 4 to 1.6 × 10 5 A/cm 2 at 5 K. DC susceptibility measurements also showed enhancement of magnetic anisotropy of the deformed sample.
FEASIBILITY AND ACCURACY OF DOPPLER ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC ESTIMATION OF PULMONARY ARTERY OCCLUSIVE PRESSURE IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract Mitral inflow and pulmonary vein inflow variables have been shown to relate to left ventricular filling pressures. However, the feasibility and accuracy of Doppler estimation of pulmonary artery (PA) occlusive pressure in the intensive care unit have not been previously assessed. Accordingly, 67 consecutive patients in intensive care units who had PA catheters underwent Doppler recordings of mitral inflow, pulmonary vein flow, and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT). Thirty-six patients met Doppler inclusion criteria. Most exclusions were due to atrial fibrillation, merging of peak velocity during early diastole (E) and atrial contraction (A) mitral flow velocities, and inadequate recordings. Mean age (±SD) was 65 ± 12 years, ejection fraction varied between 19% and 80%, and 45% of patients were on mechanical ventilation. Doppler-derived variables were related to occlusive pressure (mean 16 ± 6 mm Hg, range 6 to 40), and the most significant variables were entered into a multiple linear regression analysis. The derived relation was tested in 30 repeat studies after a variety of hemodynamic interventions and in a prospective group of 32 additional patients (mean age 63 ± 11.6 years, pressure range 7 to 28 mm Hg). The highest correlations with occlusive pressure were observed with the E/A ratio (r = 0.75), IVRT (r = −0.55), atrial filling fraction (r = −0.65), and deceleration time (r = −0.50). Pulmonary venous recording could be obtained in only 16% of patients. The best model was with E/A and IVRT: PA occlusive pressure = 17 + (5.3 E/A) − (0.11 IVRT), r = 0.79. In the group with repeat studies, a significant correlation was observed between predicted and observed changes in occlusive pressure (r = 0.87), with a mean difference between pressure changes of 0.4 ± 3 mm Hg. Similarly, in the prospective group, a significant correlation was observed between measured and Doppler-derived occlusive pressures (r = 0.88). Of the total 112 patients screened, Doppler estimation of occlusive pressure could be performed in 63%. Estimation of PA occlusive pressure is therefore feasible by Doppler in approximately two thirds of adult patients in intensive care units and may significantly contribute to management of the critically ill patient.
Design and implementation of a precision material handling robot control system

Abstract Robotic transfer of silicon wafers in semiconductor fabrication facilities is becoming increasingly attractive. This paper discusses the benefits of a DSP-based computed torque controller over standard PID algorithms for a three degree of freedom, cleanroom material transfer manipulator. Formulation of robot kinematics, dynamic modeling, and numerical simulation assist in the implementation of this nonlinear controller. Simulation and experimental data correlate well and show that a factor of 2–3 times improvement in performance can be obtained.
A Graph Theoretic Analysis of Pattern Classification via Tamura's Fuzzy Relation

Graph theoretical arguments are used to show that the hierarchical clustering scheme induced by Tamura's N-step fuzzy relation f is contained in the maximal single linkage hierarchy. A method of computing f is proposed, based upon Prim's algorithm for generating maximal spanning trees and a result reported by Hu on maximal capacity routes in maximal spanning trees. It is shown that this procedure is superior to Tamura's generalized matrix multiplication algorithm with regard to both computing time and storage requirements.
Comparing war images across media platforms: methodological challenges for content analysis

Although many news consumers see war images on multiple media platforms, scholars generally have studied those visuals a single medium at a time. This article discusses the challenges of conducting a quantitative content analysis of war images across print, broadcast and online media in a single research project. It details some of the obstacles the authors faced in their examination of visuals of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq and offers suggestions for researchers studying images across multiple platforms.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in neonatal motoneurons are regulated by axotomy: an electrophysiological and immunohistochemical study in human bcl-2 transgenic mice.

Motoneuron axotomy was exploited as a model system for studying functional and morphological changes caused in motoneuron cell bodies by peripheral axon injury. Rodent facial motoneurons express functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. We have determined the effect of neonatal unilateral facial nerve transection on these receptors by using electrophysiological and immunohistochemical techniques. To avoid rapid apoptotic cell death of axotomized motoneurons, the study was done in mice overexpressing the human bcl-2 transgene. Intact motoneurons responded to acetylcholine by generating a rapidly rising inward current, which was insensitive to methyllycaconitine, a selective antagonist of alpha7-containing nicotinic receptors, but was suppressed by dihydro-beta-erythroidine, a broad-spectrum antagonist. This indicates that mouse facial motoneurons possess nicotinic receptors which are probably devoid of the alpha7 subunit. In striking contrast, axotomized motoneurons displayed little or no sensitivity to acetylcholine. Axotomy did not affect the sensitivity of facial motoneurons to the selective glutamate receptor agonist alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxaxolepropionic acid. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the alpha4 nicotinic receptor subunit was present in intact motoneurons but was undetectable in axotomized motoneurons. By contrast, the beta2 subunit was comparable in intact and axotomized motoneurons. alpha3 immunoreactivity was undetectable, both in intact and in axotomized motoneurons.Thus, mouse facial nicotinic receptors are possibly of the alpha4beta2 type and axotomy interferes negatively with the expression of the alpha4 subunit. By down-regulating nicotinic receptors, peripheral nerve injury may facilitate motoneuron degeneration. Alternatively, nicotinic receptor downregulation and motoneuron degeneration may be independent consequences of peripheral axotomy.
Shadow costs of disease and its impact on output supply and input demand: the dual estimation approach

Abstract An economic analytical model working with prices (the dual approach) was developed in which diseases were treated as fixed inputs. The dual approach was preferred to the primal approach (working with quantities) because of its ease of estimation with standard linear regression models. The impacts of disease on milk supply, demand for concentrates, and the shadow costs (lost profits) of a disease case were estimated to examine the impact of disease on milk production. The data were from 1913 dairy herds which participated in the Norwegian farm efficiency program during 1987. Reproductive diseases, ketosis, udder diseases and other diseases had shadow costs per case of 1751, 1268, 295 and 617 Nkr, respectively (1 US$ = 7 Nkr). Decreased incidence of reproductive diseases, ketosis and other diseases was associated with increased milk supply and increased demand for concentrates. Dual-approach models might be used in decision making on the industrial level with regard to disease control and for supply management.
Presurgery expectations, postsurgery satisfaction, and psychosocial adjustment after epilepsy surgery.

Summary: Purpose: The medical benefits of epilepsy surgery are well documented, but the psychosocial consequences of surgery have received less attention. This is especially true of the roles of expectations and satisfaction in postsurgery functioning. The present study was designed to examine the relationships between expectation, satisfaction with surgery, and psychosocial functioning in patients and their significant others before and after epilepsy surgery. Methods: The neuropsychology findings of 79 patients undergoing epilepsy surgery were examined from assessments made before, 2 months after, and 1 year after anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) was performed. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Washington Psychosocial Seizure Inventory (WPSI) were used to assess psychosocial functioning. A subset of 32 patients and their significant others were followed prospectively with an additional semistructured interview to assess expectations for and satisfaction with surgery outcome. Results: Before surgery, patients showed considerable problems with psychosocial adjustment. After surgery, patients in the seizure-free group showed improvements on the psychosocial measures at both follow-ups, whereas patients with continued seizures showed improvement at the 2-month follow -up and then a decline to baseline or worse at the time of the 1-year follow-up. Subjects who were studied prospectively had high presurgery expectations for seizure elimination. After surgery, subjects whose expectations were met reported high satisfaction whereas subjects whose expectations were not met reported low satisfaction. Satisfaction with surgery was associated with better psychosocial functioning. Conclusions: Such data help elucidate the ways in which successful epilepsy surgery results in improved psychosocial functioning. The results identify ways to increase the likelihood that both patients who are seizure-free and those with reduced seizure frequency may benefit from surgery.
Exploratory factor analysis of students' ratings of a problem-based learning curriculum.

PURPOSE To identify the factor structure underlying medical students' initial experience with a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum and to examine the stability of this structure as students acquire further experience with PBL. METHOD The PBL curriculum at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine begins in the students' second year and is divided into 11 domains. In 1992-93 students were asked to evaluate their learning experiences in the first and last domains of their first PBL semester, by using a five-point Likert scale to rate 19 items. Principal-components analysis and varimax rotation were used to identify the factors underlying the students' ratings. RESULTS Ratings of the first and last domains were available from 101 and 71 students, respectively. Analysis yielded four meaningful factors: learning materials, small-group process, tutor effectiveness, and academic support. These four factors shifted in relative importance as the students progressed through the curriculum: for the first domain, tutor effectiveness accounted for the highest percentage of variance in the data; for the last domain, this factor ranked third, after learning materials and small group process. Internal reliabilities for the ratings of the last domain of the semester were higher and more consistent, ranging from .92 to .97. CONCLUSION The students' initial dependence on the tutor progressed to an emphasis on learning resources. This shift is congruent with the theoretical model of the dynamics of PBL. The results suggest that the survey instrument provides a reliable measure of the multidimensional constructs underlying students' experience with PBL.
Corticocortical Connectivity, Autonomous Networks, and Schizophrenia

Dr. David hypothesizes that increased, not decreased, corticocortical connectivity causes schizophrenia. He cites studies suggesting excessive semantic priming and cross-hemispheric interference in this disorder to support his hypothesis. These findings, David suggests, reflect excessive transmission of information between neurons or within neural systems. However, considerable caution should be exercised in making neuroanatomic inferences on the basis of cognitive studies alone. There is an increasing consensus that information is represented by the brain as patterns of neural activation, where the same neuron or group of neurons participates in many different representations. Our simulations, which reflect this consensus, suggest that persistent or intrusive activation patterns do not emerge from too many neural connections, but from too few. This condition causes subgroups of neurons to disregard information processing by other neurons and to produce autonomously their own output, which interferes with the functioning of the system as a whole. Direct neuroanatomic or neurochemical studies of the cerebral cortex are needed to fully assess hypotheses regarding abnormal corticocortical connectivity in schizophrenia.
Self-assembly of spherical colloids into helical chains with well-controlled handedness.

Physical constraint and capillary force have been combined to provide a generic approach to assemble achiral building blocks such as monodisperse spherical colloids into helical mesostructures. The key component of this process is an array of V-shaped grooves anisotropically etched in the surface of a Si(100) wafer. The structural arrangement among the spherical colloids is determined by the ratio between the width of the V-grooves and the diameter of the colloids. Double-layered structures with a helical morphology will be formed when this ratio falls between 2.70 and 2.85. The exact handedness of these helical structures could be controlled by varying the relative orientation of capillary force with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spirals. The processing of an achiral material into helical mesostructures having well-controlled handedness should allow us to explore new properties that this material otherwise does not exhibit. The self-assembly process may also provide valuable insights to improve...
Amniotic fluid volume in normal singleton pregnancies: modeling with quantile regression

To develop uniform and reliable reference ranges for amniotic fluid volume (AFV) across gestation in normal singleton pregnancies using quantile regression (QR). An analysis of true AFVs determined by dye-dilution techniques or by direct measurement at cesarean delivery in normal singleton pregnancies. AFV centiles were established by QR, a flexible semi-parametric approach of estimating rates of change across the entire distribution of AFV rather than just in the mean as is observed with standard linear regression. The study evaluated 379 women with normal singleton pregnancies between 16 and 41 weeks gestation. QR was used to determine the association between AFV and gestational age (GA). A second-order quantile regression model indicated a nonlinear relationship between AFV and gestational age at the upper centile range (≥80th percentile). This study defines normative centile charts for true AFVs between 16 and 41 weeks gestation in normal singleton pregnancies using QR. This statistical approach more appropriately reflects true AFV across gestation at each centile of interest (e.g. 5th, 50th, 95th, etc.) as compared to standard linear regression.
Variable-metric technique for the solution of affinely parametrized nondifferentiable optimal design problems

The composite functions which appear in various optimal feedback system design problems, as well as in open-loop optimal control problems, can lead to severely ill-conditioned minimax problems. This ill-conditioning can cause first-order minimax algorithms to converge very slowly. We propose a variable-metric technique which substantially mitigates this ill-conditioning. The technique does not require the evaluation of second derivatives and can be used to speed the convergence of any first-order minimax algorithm which produces estimates of the optimal multipliers. Numerical experiments are presented which show that the variable-metric technique increases the speed of two algorithms.
Peroxide‐mediated crosslinking of poly(ethylene oxide)

The crosslinking of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with a difunctional peroxide such as 2,5-bis(tert-butylperoxy)-2,5-dimethylhexane (Luperox 101) may proceed through at least two different pathways. Thus, the thermally formed alkoxy radicals abstract hydrogen from PEO, and the resulting PEO radicals may combine or react with the peroxide radicals to give ether or acetal crosslinks. However, these reactions also produce noncrosslinking acetals and vinyl ethers. The acetals may react further with peroxy or other radicals and yield orthoesters and ketene acetals. These and similar groups, in the presence of dilute acids, are susceptible to acid hydrolysis, leading to the disintegration of the gels. The gels, upon swelling in dilute acids, undergo a slow degradation process that is not observed for unmodified PEO. The acid hydrolysis is confirmed by a combination of size exclusion chromatography and dynamic mechanical analysis. IR analysis shows the presence of hydroxyl end groups and the presence of carboxylates rather than aldehyde groups, this is consistent with orthoesters and ketene acetal intermediates. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 3021–3026, 2002
Concerning the structure of 3β-benzoyloxy-5β-cholesta-8,14-diene, a major byproduct in the chemical synthesis of 5α-cholest-8(14)-en-3β-ol-15-one

The X-ray crystal structure of 3 beta-(p-bromobenzoyloxy)-5 beta-cholesta-8,14-diene (space group P21, a = 10.698 A, b = 9.487 A, c = 15.024 A, beta = 96.05 degrees, Z = 2) was determined by the heavy atom method and refined to R = 0.075. This heavy atom derivative was synthesized from 5 beta-cholesta-8,14-diene-3 beta-ol, the benzoate ester of which was previously shown to be the major byproduct in the low-temperature isomerization of 7-dehydrocholesteryl benzoate in HCl/chloroform. The work presented here establishes unequivocally that the configuration of this isomerization byproduct at C-5 is 5 beta-H and that the configuration at C-17 was unchanged.