cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
1488 PROPHYLACTIC INDOMETHACIN (I) FOR THE PREVENTION OF PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS (PDA)

To assess the efficacy of prophylactic I therapy in decreasing the incidence of PDA, premature infants 6 hrs. of age) were randomized to receive intravenous I or placebo (P). Infants were pair-matched for birthweight, gestational age and severity of respiratory distress at the time of randomization: one of each pair received I, the other P. I (0.2 mg/kg) was given intravenously at < 24 hrs. of age and every 12 hrs. thereafter for 3 doses total. After initial 3 doses, I was prescribed in any infant who developed a hemodynamically significant PDA. Courses of study infants have been analyzed for PDA and severity of respiratory disease (time on IMV and on O2). Sequential analysis has been used to monitor possible adverse effects of therapy: intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), death. Forty-two babies have been entered into the study and 16 pairs have been completely analyzed: Results: Prophylactic I decreases incidence of PDA but has no effect on respiratory disease. The trend toward increased incidence and severity of IVH is not statistically significant. Ongoing study monitored by sequential analysis will determine if trend toward increased incidence and/or severity of IVH is real.
Microscopic origins of irreversible macroscopic behavior

Abstract Time-asymmetric behavior as embodied in the second law of thermodynamics is observed in individual macroscopic systems. It can be understood as arising naturally from time-symmetric microscopic laws in accord with the ideas of Thompson, Maxwell and Boltzmann. Alternative explanations based on equating irreversible macroscopic behavior with the mixing type of behavior already present in the time evolution of ensembles (probability distributions) of certain systems having only a few degrees of freedom are, in my opinion, unnecessary, misguided and misleading.
Investigating slanted double bounce scattering mechanisms based on scattering models

In this paper, we investigate the double bounce radar backscattering from building walls not aligned in the azimuth direction (i.e., slanted double bounce scattering) based on scattering models. We apply the Fresnel equation for reflections from the building wall, and then the bistatic small perturbation model developed by Ulaby for ground scattering. Our analysis indicates that scattering matrix is not symmetrical for the path from radar to wall to ground and back to radar, but adding the reverse path from radar to ground to wall and back to radar makes the scattering matrix symmetrical. The effect on the polarization orientation estimation for an urban scene using L-band E-SAR will be analyzed.
Engineering and scientific subroutine library for the IBM 3090 vector facility

The Engineering and Scientific Subroutine Library (ESSL) provides FORTRAN, Assembler, and APL2 application programmers with a high-performance set of mathematical subroutines which take advantage of the performance gains offered by the IBM 3090 Vector Facility. This paper describes the contents of ESSL and presents some of the techniques that were used to develop high-performance vector subroutines. Other key design considerations such as accuracy, ease of use, and error handling are also discussed. This information should be useful to anyone developing programs for the IBM 3090 Vector Facility.
Unusual Bacterial Infections and Colorectal Carcinoma—Streptococcus bovis and Clostridium septicum: Report of Three Cases

Several types of unusual bacterial infections have been reported in association with colorectal malignancy. In the three cases described, uncommon infections resulted in further workup and subsequent resection for occult colonic malignancy. Awareness of this association is critical for early diagnosis and management.
Neurogenic tumors of the pelvis: clinicopathologic features and surgical outcomes using a multidisciplinary team.

Few data exist regarding the outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for pelvic tumors of neurogenic origin. Our aim was to characterize the clinical and pathologic features of pelvic neurogenic tumors and assess surgical outcomes. All patients who underwent operations for pelvic neurogenic tumors at our institution between 1956 and 2004 were identified. Data analyzed included demographics, clinical features, histopathology, local recurrence, and survival. Eighty-nine patients were identified, of whom 44 were male. Median age was 38 years. The most common presenting symptom was low back or pelvic pain (56%). Malignant lesions were found in 43 patients (48%). Schwannomas were the most common benign tumor (61%) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors the most common malignant lesion (81%). Median tumor size was 9.5 cm (range 0.8–32 cm). Malignant tumors had histopathologic evidence of infiltration of surrounding structures in 49% of cases. Intralesional resection was the most common surgical technique for both benign and malignant tumors. Thirty-day mortality was nil; major morbidity was seen in 13%. Adjuvant therapy was given to 91% of the patients with malignant disease. Five-year local recurrence rates for benign and malignant lesions were 35.9% and 35.0%, respectively. Distant recurrence for malignant lesions was 65.1% at 5 years. Five-year disease-free survival for malignant tumors was 25.9%. Pelvic neurogenic tumors occurring in young patients may be large when detected and present with nonspecific symptoms. Benign and malignant tumors had a high local recurrence rate and survival for malignant tumors was poor. Early detection and aggressive surgical intervention should improve outcome.
Mechanism of antitumor drug action: Poisoning of mammalian DNA topoisomerase II on DNA by 4'-(9-acridinylamino)-methanesulfon-m-anisidide

Abstract The intercalative acridine derivative 4'-(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide (m-AMSA), but not its isomer o-AMSA, is a potent antitumor drug that in mammalian cells stimulates the formation of DNA strand breaks that are characterized by tightly bound proteins. Using purified mammalian DNA topoisomerases, we have analyzed the effects of these antitumor drugs on topoisomerase-DNA interactions. The antitumor drug m-AMSA dramatically stimulates the formation of a topoisomerase II-DNA complex that is detected on protein-denaturant treatment: both single- and double-stranded DNA breaks are produced and a topoisomerase II subunit is linked covalently to each 5' end of the broken DNA strands. The noncytotoxic isomer, o-AMSA, which does not induce significant amounts of DNA breaks in cultured cells, exhibits a correspondingly smaller effect in stimulating formation of the complex in vitro. The agreement between in vitro and in vivo studies suggests that mammalian DNA topoisomerase II may be the primary target of m-AMSA and that the drug-induced complex formation between topoisomerase II and DNA may be the cause of cytotoxicity and other effects such as DNA sequence rearrangements and sister-chromatid exchange.
The Chromatic Number of Random Graphs

Let χ(G(n, p)) denote the chromatic number of the random graphG(n, p). We prove that there exists a constantd 0 such that fornp(n)>d 0,p(n)→0, the probability that $$\frac{{np}}{{2 log np}}\left( {1 + \frac{{\log log np - 1}}{{\log np}}} \right)< \chi (G(n,p))< \frac{{np}}{{2 log np}}\left( {1 + \frac{{30 \log \log np}}{{\log np}}} \right)$$ tends to 1 asn→∞.
Semiparametric Thurstonian Models for Recurrent Choices: A Bayesian Analysis

We develop semiparametric Bayesian Thurstonian models for analyzing repeated choice decisions involving multinomial, multivariate binary or multivariate ordinal data. Our modeling framework has multiple components that together yield considerable flexibility in modeling preference utilities, cross-sectional heterogeneity and parameter-driven dynamics. Each component of our model is specified semiparametrically using Dirichlet process (DP) priors. The utility (latent variable) component of our model allows the alternative-specific utility errors to semiparametrically deviate from a normal distribution. This generates a robust alternative to popular Thurstonian specifications that are based on underlying normally distributed latent variables. Our second component focuses on flexibly modeling cross-sectional heterogeneity. The semiparametric specification allows the heterogeneity distribution to mimic either a finite mixture distribution or a continuous distribution such as the normal, whichever is supported by the data. Thus, special features such as multimodality can be readily incorporated without the need to overtly search for the best heterogeneity specification across a series of models. Finally, we allow for parameter-driven dynamics using a semiparametric state-space approach. This specification adds to the literature on robust Kalman filters. The resulting framework is very general and integrates divergent strands of the literatures on flexible choice models, Bayesian nonparametrics and robust time series specifications. Given this generality, we show how several existing Thurstonian models can be obtained as special forms of our model. We describe Markov chain Monte Carlo methods for the inference of model parameters, report results from two simulation studies and apply the model to consumer choice data from a frequently purchased product category. The results from our simulations and application highlight the benefits of using our semiparametric approach.
Isolation and complete amino acid sequence of osteocalcin from canine bone

Osteocalcin was purified in high yield and to homogeneity from the diaphysis of dog femora by the following steps: (1) acid demineralization of bone powder, (2) solid-phase extraction of acid-soluble proteins on Sep-Pak C18 cartridges, (3) gel filtration on Sephadex G-50, and (4) fast protein liquid chromatography on an Accell-QMA anion-exchange column. Starting from 30 g washed bone powder, approximately 7-10 mg pure protein was obtained in 2 days. The key step is the initial solid-phase extraction of osteocalcin from a large volume of a demineralized bone solution. The primary structure was established by automated sequence analyses of two tryptic peptides, of two endoproteinase Glu-C carboxy-terminal peptides, and of the first 30 amino acid residues of the intact protein. Dog osteocalcin contains 49 amino acids, has a molecular mass of 5654 daltons, contains no Thr, Met, Hyp, or Trp, has a disulfide bond between Cys 23 and 29, and is fully gamma-carboxylated at residues 17, 21, and 24. Dog osteocalcin does not contain a pair of basic amino acids found at positions 43-44 in most other osteocalcins from mammals and birds. A computer search for homology indicated 88, 90, 84, 88, 66, and 57% sequence identity of dog osteocalcin with human, bovine, cat, monkey, chicken, and swordfish osteocalcin, respectively, and weaker homologies with the gamma-carboxylated domains of blood-clotting proteins and the Pro-rich N-terminal extensions of myosin light-chain A1 and beta-crystalline B1. The possible relevance of these homologies to the structure and potential functions of osteocalcin is discussed.
Chronic Brain Oxidation in a Glutathione Peroxidase Knockout Mouse Model Results in Increased Resistance to Induced Epileptic Seizures

Systemic administration of kainic acid (KA) to rodents results in limbic seizures and subsequent neurodegeneration similar to that observed in certain types of human epilepsy, and it is a commonly used animal model for this disease. Oxidative stress has been suggested to play a role in the neuronal injury associated with KA administration. Based on this observation, chronic treatment with antioxidants has been proposed as a possible protective therapy against neuronal damage associated with epileptic seizures. Here we demonstrate by histochemical, electrophysiological, and biochemical means that knockout mice with decreased activity of the protective antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which display elevated basal brain oxidative stress levels, are resistant to KA-induced seizure activity and neurodegeneration. This appears to be a result of decreased NMDA receptor function due to oxidation of its NR1 subunit. This suggests that the chronic use of antioxidants as antiepileptic agents to modulate NMDA-dependent seizure-induced neurodegeneration may be detrimental rather than protective and calls into question their use as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of epilepsy.
Application of ESEM to fluxless soldering.

The ESEM is ideally suited to study soldering processes. We have used it to observe solder reflow and joining in ambient gases. It reproduces effects of atmospheric pressure reflow in a hot stage light microscope, but with much better clarity and depth of field. Compared to a regular SEM, the ESEM offers advantages of atmosphere control and ability to observe the solder samples without carbon or gold coating. These coatings could interfere with the oxidation/reduction reactions which occur at the solder/ambient gas interface. Very thin surface films, especially oxide layers dramatically influence the flow of liquid solder and the ability of solder to wet or join to another surface. Fluxless processes in particular are ideally suited for study in the ESEM. We have used the ESEM to observe dynamic fluxless soldering and have recorded events on videotape for later stop-action still pictures and slow motion photography. Examples of these processes are shown to illustrate the ESEM capability. Included are solder deformation structure, balling reflow of eutectic solder in hydrogen, balling reflow of eutectic solder in nitrogen, joining of two solder disks in nitrogen, and dynamic melting and freezing of an off-eutectic dendritic alloy. All of these are observed in the absence of flux. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Use of musculoskeletal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of pes anserine tendinitis: A case report

A 45-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department with a chief complaint of acute, nontraumatic medial knee pain. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography was performed, and the diagnosis of pes anserine tendinitis was elucidated. A discussion of this clinical entity, the characteristic ultrasonographic findings, and therapy follow in this case report.
Structural domains in venom proteins: evidence that metalloproteinases and nonenzymatic platelet aggregation inhibitors (disintegrins) from snake venoms are derived by proteolysis from a common precursor.

Abstract A comparison of the structures of a precursor of trigramin (a disintegrin), metalloproteinases, disintegrins and related proteins, suggests the existence of common precursors for metalloproteinases and disintegrins. The proposed common precursor and related proteins have four distinct domains (A–D). Domain B contains the metal binding site and the catalytic Glu residue, which comprise the active site of metalloproteinases. Domain C contains the Arg-Gly-Asp sequence and hence the ability to inhibit the activity of integrins. Domains A and D are unique and their biochemical or biological activity is unknown. The proposed precursor can be proteolytically cleaved at several interdomain sites, releasing the disintegrins and metalloproteinases. A survey of more than 100 venom metalloproteinases and disintegrins strongly supports the existence of precursor proteins and their structural domains. This is also upheld by the co-occurrence of metalloproteinases and disintegrins in the venoms of several genera of crotalid and viperid snakes. The likelihood of intradomain disulfide bridges, and accessibility of all interdomain cleavage sites also supports our contention. The susceptibility of the cleavage sites appears to be determined by nearby disulfide bridges and glycosylation. Recognition of the proposed structural domains of venom proteinases should help clarify the structure-function relationships of several related proteins, and influence the synthesis of recombinant disintegrins, metalloproteinases and related polypeptides.
Fourier transforms with rotations on circles or ellipses in signal and image processing

Fast unitary transforms are widely used in different areas such as data compression, pattern recognition and image reconstruction, interpolation, linear filtering, and spectral analysis. In this paper, we analyze the general concept of rotation and processing of data around not only circles but ellipses, in general. For that, we describe and analyze the general concept of the elliptic Fourier transform which was developed by Grigoryan in 2009. The block-wise representation of the discrete Fourier transform is considered in the real space, which is effective and that can be generalized to obtain new methods in spectral analysis. The N-point Elliptic discrete Fourier transform (EDFT) uses as a basic 2 × 2 transformation the rotations around ellipses. The EDFT distinguishes well from the carrying frequencies of the signal in both real and imaginary parts. It also has a simple inverse matrix. It is parameterized and includes also the DFT. Our preliminary results show that by using different parameters, the EDFT can be used effectively for solving many problems in signal and image processing field, in which includes problems such as image enhancement, filtration, encryption and many others.
Hierarchical Nanostructures by Sequential Self‐Assembly of Styrene‐Dimethylsiloxane Block Copolymers of Different Periods

Poly(styrene-block-dimethylsiloxane) (PS-b-PDMS) block copolymers with a period as low as 13 nm have been self-assembled on a template formed from PS-b-PDMS of a 34–40 nm period, which is itself templated by micron-scale substrate features prepared using conventional lithography. This hierarchical process provides a simple method for directing the self-assembly of sub-10 nm features and registering them on the substrate.
High-throughput Characterization of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins from the Protein Structure Initiative

The identification of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) among the targets that fail to form satisfactory crystal structures in the Protein Structure Initiative represent a key to reducing the costs and time for determining three-dimensional structures of proteins. To help in this endeavor, several Protein Structure Initiative Centers were asked to send samples of both crystallizable proteins and proteins that failed to crystallize. Initially, the abundance of intrinsic disorder in these proteins was evaluated via computational analysis using Predictors of Natural Disordered Regions (PONDR®) and the potential cleavage sites and corresponding fragments were determined. Then, the target proteins were analyzed for intrinsic disorder by their resistance to limited proteolysis. The rates of tryptic digestion of sample target proteins were compared to those of myoglobin, apomyoglobin and α-casein as standards of ordered, partially disordered and completely disordered proteins, respectively. Results from these digestion experiments generally correlated with the results of disorder predictions. At the next stage, the protein samples were subjected to both far-UV and near-UV circular dichroism (CD) analysis. For most of the samples, a good agreement between CD data, predictions of disorder and the rates of limited tryptic digestion was established. Most samples corresponded to proteins that were predicted to be ordered had slower digestion rates and showed a good amount of ordered structure as determined by near- and far-UV CD analysis. On the contrary, predicted to be disordered proteins were digested fast and possessed spectral features characteristic of IDPs. Further experimentation is being performed on a smaller subset of these samples in order to obtain more detailed information about the ordered/disordered nature of the proteins.
Dietary self-selection at cold temperatures☆

Abstract Animals housed in the cold (2°C) were given the opportunity to select the components of their diets from protein and carbohydrae fractions. Housing in the cold was accompanied by depressed growth, which was not affected by giving the animals the opportunity to select their diets. Animals in the cold increased total caloric intake relative to controls at room temperature (22°C). Selecting animals housed in the cold chose a lower percentage of the diet as protein (and, therefore, a higher percentage as carbohydrate) than did controls. Since protein intake levels did not differ as a function of environmental temperature, the altered dietary selection pattern was due to an increase in the absolute amount of carbohydrates consumed. These data were interpreted as suggesting that the level of protein selected is determined by age factors and the level of carbohydrate selected is determined by energy requirements.
Lexical composition of effective L1 and L2 students' academic presentations

The present study set out to examine the lexical profiles of L1 (n = 30) and proficient L2 students’ presentations (n = 30), aiming at finding out the overall lexical composition of successful academic presentations. It was also of interest to see how some of the presentations’ lexical features compared to findings about the lexical composition of students’ productively used vocabulary in writing. In addition to this, the analysis focused on the lexical composition of both groups’ oral production in an attempt to uncover patterns of lexical uses that may need to be discussed in oral communication courses, specifically targeting the development of L1 and L2 students’ presentation skills. Overall, the analysis revealed more similarities than differences in the lexical composition of the L1 and L2 presentations while, at the same time, outlined few areas that need to be addressed in oral academic instruction.
On the myth of plastic waves

Using a Malvem type stress-strain relationship, we show that dynamic elastic-plastic deformation processes can be viewed as a change in the mode of transfer of elastic energy. The result is in support of the view advocated by Gilman for many years that plastic flow is a transport phenomenon. it is shown that in the case of axially impacting rods, plastic response is characterized by a single, diffusion-like parameter.
The anatomy of the porta hepatis in patients with preduodenal portal vein, with special reference to portoenterostomy for biliary atresia

The aims of this study were to demonstrate the anatomic relationship between portal vein (PV) branches and hepatic ducts in the porta hepatis in individuals with preduodenal portal vein (PDPV) and to examine the validity of portoenterostomy (Kasai procedure) for patients with biliary atresia (BA) and PDPV. The porta hepatis of four subjects with PDPV without BA was dissected. Similar dissection supplemented by computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction of the hilar structures was undertaken in a patient with BA and PDPV who underwent an unsuccessful Kasai procedure and died at 5 months of age. In three of the four subjects with PDPV alone, PV branches and extrahepatic bile ducts were abnormally arranged in the porta hepatis, some of the hepatic ducts entering the liver substance posterior, and occasionally lateral, to the main PV branches. The three-dimensional study showed that the original right main intrahepatic bile duct was located anterolateral to the portoenterostomy, which had been placed just anterior and to the right of the PV bifurcation. These findings strongly suggest that the PV may not be a reliable landmark for the Kasai procedure in patients with BA and PDPV.
Corticosterone alone does not explain increased muscle proteolysis in septic rats.

Abstract The mediators and mechanisms of muscle proteolysis in sepsis are not fully known. We investigated the role of corticosterone in increased muscle proteolysis during sepsis in rats. In one series of experiments, plasma corticosterone and total and myofibrillar protein breakdown rates, determined in incubated extensor digitorum longus muscles as release of tyrosine and 3-methylhistidine, respectively, were measured 16 hr after sham operation (control) or cecal ligation and puncture (sepsis). In other experiments, corticosterone (10 mg/100 g body wt) was injected subcutaneously twice over 16 hr; thereafter, plasma hormone levels and muscle protein breakdown rates were determined. Plasma corticosterone was increased from 14 ± 1 μg/dl in control rats to 38 ± 8 μg/dl in septic rats and total and myofibrillar protein breakdown rates were increased by 99 and 326%, respectively, in muscles from septic rats. When administration of corticosterone resulted in plasma levels similar to those observed in septic rats, total or myofibrillar protein breakdown rates were not altered. The results suggest that corticosterone alone is not responsible for increased muscle proteolysis in septic rats. The data, however, do not rule out the possibility that glucocorticoids may be a cofactor to some other substance or substances in the induction of muscle proteolysis during sepsis.
Statistical mechanics of pendular molecules

Abstract When molecules are subjected to an external electric field, static or radiative, the interaction with either permanent or induced dipole moments creates pendular eigenstates, directional superpositions or hybrids of the field-free rotational states. These hybrids reflect the anisotropy of the interaction; for a linear molecule this is proportional to cos θ for a permanent dipole and to cos2 θ for an induced dipole, with θ the angle between the molecular axis and the field direction. In the weak-field regime, the molecular axis tumbles through 360°, but in the strong-field limit it is confined to harmonic librations about the field direction. Here we treat the statistical mechanics of pendular states of linear molecules, either polar (with a permanent dipole moment μ) or nonpolar but polarizable (with a polarizability anisotropy Δα contributing to an induced dipole moment). The partition function and the thermodynamic properties and other ensemble averages can be specified by two reduced variables...
Adenovirus entry into host cells: a role for αv integrins

The mechanism(s) by which nonenveloped viruses enter host cells is poorly understood. The recent identification of cell-surface alpha(v) integrins as receptors for adenovirus internalization has shed much light on this process. In addition, analysis of alpha(v) integrins as internalization receptors for adenovirus has provided further insights into the biology of integrins.
DIABETES ASSOCIATED OXIDATIVE STRESS AND INFLAMMATION ALTERS THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF OBESITY ON SURVIVAL IN CHD PATIENTS

In contrast to the adverse outcomes of obesity in general population, increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with improved survival in hemodialysis (CHD) patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the association between obesity and mortality by diabetic status among 98 maintenance CHD patients. The median follow up was 33 (19, 56) months. Mean age was 49±13 years, 66% were male and 48 % had obesity. 45% of obese subjects were diabetic. Among the subgroups of study population, survival of diabetic obese patients was significantly lower compared to non-diabetic obese subjects (p=0.007) (Figure 1). The subgroup comparisons showed that diabetic obese patients tend to have higher truncal fat percentage (p Download : Download full-size image
Basal metabolism after KI with acid extract of anterior pituitary glands, pituitary tablets and with thyroid.

Studies were made upon the effects of combinations of KI with acid extracts from anterior pituitary glands of cattle, with (Armour) anterior pituitary tablets and with thyroid substance. A large number of determinations were made upon 48 guinea pigs at biweekly intervals, using the Haldane open circuit respiratory colorimeter. Subcutaneous injections of amytal were given the animals in order to eliminate movement while the determinations were being made.In the first set of experiments, 9 animals were given daily intraperitoneal injections of 1 cc. of fresh acid extract of cattle anterior pituitary gland. Nine others were given similar injections and in addition were given 0.05 gm. KI pills by mouth daily. The acid extract injections produced a marked rise in basal metabolism in all the 9 guinea pigs. The basal rate usually reached a maximum of approximately 60% above the normal average within the first 12 days, after which there was usually a gradual decline. The animals which were given the acid extract ...
Contributions of Orthodontists to Organized Dentistry

The first specialty board in dentistry has been celebrating its 50th anniversary. The need for the specialty and for presenting orthodontic diagnosis and classification at the undergraduate level remains. The orthodontic specialty has contributed an active source of leadership to all of dentistry and is proud to share in the common heritage of service to the public and in responsibility to the patient.
The Energetics of Obesity: A Review: Monitoring Energy Intake and Energy Expenditure in Humans

The fundamental components of weight regulation in humans and their relative contribution to the energy equation, and energetics of obesity, are reviewed. In conclusion, the energetics of maintaining body weight is defined by several key components that should remain in balance under normal conditions, and growing agreement that the energy intake and energy expenditure sides of the equation need to be addressed to better understand the challenges of the obesity epidemic.
Statistical Robustness: One View of its use in Applications Today

Abstract Users of statistical packages need to be aware of the influence that outlying data points can have on their statistical analyses. Robust procedures provide formal methods to spot these outliers and reduce their influence. Although a few robust procedures are mentioned in this article, one is emphasized; it is motivated by maximum likelihood estimation to make it seem more natural. Use of this procedure in regression problems is considered in some detail, and an approximate error structure is stated for the robust estimates of the regression coefficients. A few examples are given. A suggestion of how these techniques should be implemented in practice is included.
Reversion Toward the Mean Independently of Regression Toward the Mean

There is another important artifactual contributor to the apparent improvement of persons subjected to an experimental intervention which may be mistaken for regression toward the mean. This is the phenomenon of random error and extreme selection, which does not at all involve the population regression of posttest on pretest scores but involves a quite different and independent reversion of subjects’ scores toward the population mean. These two independent threats to the internal validity of intervention evaluation studies, however, can be detected and differentiated on the sample data of such studies.
Implications of the Wavelnength Conversion Cascading Constraint on Two Optical Routing Algorithms

In wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical networks, each wavelength conversion performed along the light path of the connection causes some signal-to-noise deterioration. There is therefore an upper bound (threshold) on the number of wavelength conversions that a signal can go through when it is switched optically from its source to its destination. Our test results have shown that the blocking performance of optical routing could deteriorate significantly under the impact of the conversion cascading constraint. In this paper, we review the negative impact of wavelength conversion cascading on the performance of all-optical routing and we examine the implications of the presence of the conversion cascading constraint on the validity of the performance results for two previously proposed routing protocols for optical networks.
Dynamic Interference Patterns from Ferrofluids

Time-dependent interference was observed above a critical magnetic field Hc1 in ferrofluids by a novel technique — magnetic thermal lens effect. The onset of the dynamics is associated with the formation of linear structures in the system. When a second critical field, Hc2, was reached, a lattice of quasi-periodic columns was observed by optical microscopy and random rotating patterns were replaced by stable rings, indicating ordering in the system. This technique provides a useful way to detect microstructures that are much smaller than the optical wave length thus unobservable by conventional optical technique. We found that the result crucially depends on boundary conditions.
Clarifying Life and Death Matters: An Analysis of Instructional Comprehension and Penalty Phase Closing Arguments

We report the results of two studies designed as follow-ups to our earlier research on the comprehension of capital penalty instructions. In the first study we examine whether a California penalty instruction that was revised by the courts to improve its comprehension by jurors accomplishes this goal. In the second study we content-analyze a sample of attorney closing arguments that were given at the conclusion of actual capital penalty phases to explore whether they are likely to clarify those concepts and procedures that are so poorly comprehended in the judge's instructions. Results indicate that the revised instruction suffers from the same comprehension problems that plagued its predecessor and that attorney arguments appear unlikely to significantly reduce confusion among capital jurors.
ASCE's Student Chapters: Statistical Analyses of Key Characteristics

Participation in a healthy and vibrant ASCE Student Chapter or Club enables a civil engineering undergraduate to become better prepared for professional practice. A survey of 230 ASCE Student Chapters and Clubs is conducted to determine: (1) Student Chapter demographics; (2) the characteristiccs of the academic environments within which the Chapters operate; and (3) the perceptions held by Chapter and Club advisors regarding their various responsibilities and roles. Chi‐square analyses are performed to establish whether significant relations exist between any of these characteristics and perceptions. The results of this survey suggest that ASCE's student organizations and advisory personnel share a common set of roles and goals that is largely independent of the academic environment.
Integrated Computations of an Entire Jet Engine

In this paper, we present a framework that we have developed for integrated computations of an entire jet engine. It is based on a software environment, CHIMPS, that allows a simulation of multi-component effects by executing multiple solvers simultaneously. Each of these solvers computes a portion of a given flow domain and exchanges flow data at the interfaces with its peer solvers. We demonstrated this approach in a simulation of a 20 degree sector of the entire gas turbine jet engine, encompassing the fan, low and high pressure compressor, combustor, high and low pressure turbine and the exit nozzle. We will show that such a simulation can deliver important insight into the physics of interaction between different engine components, within a reasonable turnover time, which is necessary for it to be useful in the design process of an engine.
A Nonlinear Dynamic Model With Confidence Bounds for Hydrodynamic Bearings

In conventional rotordynamic modeling, hydrodynamic bearings are often characterized by a set of linear stiffness and damping coefficients obtained from a first-order Taylor series expansion of bearing reactions. Theoretically. these coefficients are only valid for small amplitude motion about an equilibrium position. In this paper, a nonlinear dynamic model that overcomes the small amplitude assumption in the conventional linear analysis is described, By including higher-order terms in the bearing reaction expansion, nonlinearity in the oil film forces for large amplitude motion can be captured and represented by a set of nonlinear stiffness and damping coefficients. These coefficients are functions of static bearing displacement. A finite difference approach is described and is used to solve for these coefficients. The stated model is applied to a conventional slider bearing and a mechanical smart slider bearing that experiences large variations in load. Error assessment is performed numerically on the higher-order solutions to determine an acceptable displacement bound for the higher order coefficients.
A PEDIATRIC NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE: TUNNEL VARIANTS

A paucity of literature exists for pediatric near-death experiences with only thirteen cases reported thus far. Morse and his colleagues have called for additional well-documented cases to further our knowledge of children's near-death experiences. The present case study is of a boy who had an NDE due to nearly drowning when he was seven years old. Besides adding to the sparse pediatric NDE population, this case presents a variation of the tunnel experience not before reported in either the adult or the pediatric NDE literature. Instead of seeing deceased friends or relatives or sensing a presence while in the tunnel, this boy was comforted by two of his family's pets who had died prior to the near-drowning incident.
3D Graph Drawing with Simulated Annealing

A recent trend in graph drawing is directed to the visualization of graphs in 3D [1, 5, 6]. A promising research direction concerns the extension of proven 2D techniques to 3D. We present a system extending the simulated annealing algorithm of Davidson and Harel [2] for straight-line two-dimensional drawings of general undirected graphs to three dimensions. This system features an advanced 3D user interface that assists the user in choosing and modifying the cost function and the optimization components on-line.
Children’s Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

The Issue. Disparities and inequities characterize the health and social well-being of children in the United States and the United Kingdom. Children’s rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child are among the most powerful tools available to respond to and increase the relevance of pediatrics to contemporary disparities and determinants of child health outcomes. The articles of the convention establish the framework for a redefinition of what constitutes child health. The convention establishes a template for child advocacy, a matrix for establishing new approaches to health services, a curriculum for professional education, and a set of challenges for future child health outcomes and health systems research.
Validating markers in osteoarthritis

This conference focuses on exciting new work evaluating molecular markers for joint and skeletal diseases. Yet the term “markers” has not been operationally defined. Further, while many studies are now attempting to evaluate the correlation between synovial fluid or serum “markers” and the prevalence or development of such diseases, no one has yet laid out “Koch's postulates” for markers, the criteria that would be necessary to prove the existence of a marker for disease. I shall try both to discuss the different meanings of the word marker when used in the context of a biochemical measure of osteoarthritis and try to develop criteria that might be used to validate whether a potential marker should be accepted definitively.
Comparative off-host survival of larval Rocky Mountain Wood Ticks (Dermacentor andersoni) collected from ecologically distinct field populations.

Dermacentor andersoni (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Stiles, also known as the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (RMWT), is found throughout the western United States and transmits pathogens of importance to human and animal health. The distributions and activity patterns of RMWTs are shaped by regional climatic variation. However, it is unknown if responses to climatic variation differ across the tick's geographical range. The objective of this narrow study was to test the hypothesis that the responses of RMWTs to abiotic conditions [e.g. temperature and RH (relative humidity)] vary among populations. We collected RMWTs from ecologically distinct field sites in the states of Montana and Oregon (USA). In the laboratory, we tracked weekly survival of tick larvae under four combinations of RH (75% and 98%) and temperature (26 and 32 °C) that reflected the range of conditions observed in the source habitats during spring-summer. For both populations, larval survival time decreased at the higher ambient temperature (50% mortality 1-2 weeks earlier). Differences in RH did not affect the survival time of larvae from Oregon. By contrast, the survival time of larvae from Montana decreased at the lower RH (50% mortality 1 week earlier). These data suggest that the tolerance limits for water stress may differ among populations of D. andersoni.
New Strategies in HER2-Overexpressing Breast Cancer: Many Combinations of Targeted Drugs Available

The anti-HER2 drugs trastuzumab and lapatinib are increasingly changing the natural history of early and metastatic HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. Many other agents targeted against the HER2 signaling network are in clinical development. These are or will soon be combined with the currently approved anti-HER2 therapies. We review herein recent data in support of the early use of combinations of agents targeted to the HER2 network as the most rational approach against this subtype of breast cancer. We propose the optimal combination or combinations of anti-HER2 agents delivered early in the natural history of HER2+ breast cancer should close to eliminate acquired drug resistance, shorten the duration of therapy, and potentially dispense with the need of concurrent chemotherapy.
CERAMICS: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

The selection and application of synthetic materials for surgical implants has been directly dependent upon the biocompatibility profiles of specific prosthetic devices. The early rationale for ceramic biomaterials was based upon the chemical and biochemical inertness (minimal bioreactivity) of elemental compounds constituted into structural forms (materials). Subsequently, mildly reactive (bioactive), and partially and fully degradable ceramics were identified for clinical uses. Structural forms have included bulk solids or particulates with and without porosities for tissue ingrowth, and more recently, coatings onto other types of biomaterial substrates. The physical shapes selected were application dependent, with advantages and disadvantages determined by: (1) the basic material and design properties of the device construct; and (2) the patient-based functional considerations. Most of the ceramics (bioceramics) selected in the 1960s and 1970s have continued over the long-term, and the science and technology for thick and thin coatings have evolved significantly over the past decade. Applications of ceramic biomaterials range from bulk (100%) ceramic structures as joint and bone replacements to fully or partially biodegradable substrates for the controlled delivery of pharmaceutical drugs, growth factors, and morphogenetically inductive substances. Because of the relatively unique properties of bioceramics, expanded uses as structural composites with other biomaterials and macromolecular biologically-derived substances are anticipated in the future.
Comparison of ICl and IBr for Dry Etching of III-Nitrides

ICl/Ar ECR discharges provide the fastest dry etch rates reported for GaN, 1.3 µm/min. These rates are much higher than with Cl2/Ar, CH4/H2/Ar or other plasma chemistries. InN etch rates up to 1.15 μm/min and 0.7 μm/min for In0.5Ga0.5N are obtained, with selectivities up to 5 with no preferential loss of N at low rf powers and no significant residues remaining. The rates are much lower with IBr/Ar, ranging from 0.15 μm/min for GaN to 0.3 μm/min for InN. There is little dependence on microwave power for either chemistry because of the weakly bound nature of IC1 and IBr. In all cases the etch rates are limited by the initial bond breaking that must precede etch product formation and there is a good correlation between materials bond energy and etch rate. The fact that low microwave power can be employed is beneficial from the viewpoint that photoresist masks are stable under these conditions, and there is no need for use of silicon nitride or silicon dioxide. Selectivities for GaN over AlN with ICl and IBr are still lower than with Cl2− only.
On the discovery of significant statistical quantitative rules

In this paper we study market share rules, rules that have a certain market share statistic associated with them. Such rules are particularly relevant for decision making from a business perspective. Motivated by market share rules, in this paper we consider statistical quantitative rules (SQ rules) that are quantitative rules in which the RHS can be any statistic that is computed for the segment satisfying the LHS of the rule. Building on prior work, we present a statistical approach for learning all significant SQ rules, i.e., SQ rules for which a desired statistic lies outside a confidence interval computed for this rule. In particular we show how resampling techniques can be effectively used to learn significant rules. Since our method considers the significance of a large number of rules in parallel, it is susceptible to learning a certain number of "false" rules. To address this, we present a technique that can determine the number of significant SQ rules that can be expected by chance alone, and suggest that this number can be used to determine a "false discovery rate" for the learning procedure. We apply our methods to online consumer purchase data and report the results.
Counseling About Firearms: Proposed Legislation Is a Threat to Physicians and Their Patients

In early 2006, 2 separate but virtually identical bills were introduced in the Virginia and West Virginia legislatures that would have profoundly affected the relationship between a physician and his or her patients. Each bill would have prohibited a physician from asking a patient if he or she owned firearms for the purpose of counseling that patient about ways to reduce risks associated with firearms. Penalties for violation of the bills included revocation of a physician's license to practice. The Virginia bill was initially approved by its state House of Delegates by a vote of 88 to 11. It was ultimately defeated in a Virginia Senate committee. The West Virginia bill did not receive a vote during the 2006 legislative session. Although neither bill became law this year, this type of bill is likely to reappear in future legislative sessions. The Virginia and West Virginia bills were contrary to the best-practices recommendations of medical societies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. Anticipatory guidance regarding firearms can indeed reduce risks to patients. Yet, the bills would have preferred the judgment of legislators over physicians regarding this aspect of the practice of medicine. In addition, the 2 bills raise legal issues regarding both medical malpractice and the First Amendment protection of the freedom of speech. The Virginia and West Virginia bills would have treated risks associated with firearms differently from other hazards and interfered with a physician's ability to protect his or her patients. The Virginia bill was defeated, in part, through the efforts of physicians to educate legislators. However, physicians must remain prepared to respond to similar state legislative initiatives in the future.
Nanoindentation characterization of the cement lines in ovine and bovine femurs

It was observed that the cement line (CL), namely the border of the osteon in cortical bone, plays an important role in bone fracture: arresting and deflecting cracks. The underlying mechanism was speculated to be that each CL behaves as a weak interface, and thus, it attracts and deflects the bone cracks due to the debonding at the CL. This speculation of a weak CL has not been experimentally verified due to the CL’s challengingly small width. In this study, nanoindentation arrays were carefully conducted to characterize the CLs in ovine and bovine femurs. We found that the modulus and hardness of the CLs are about 30% less than those of the surrounding bone tissues in both species. Thus, for the first time, we characterized the mechanical properties of the CL and verified the speculation of a weak CL, providing a quantitative/constitutive basis for the theoretical modeling of bone micromechanics involving the CL.