cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting willingness to share electronic health data among California consumers

Abstract Background Robust technology infrastructure is needed to enable learning health care systems to improve quality, access, and cost. Such infrastructure relies on the trust and confidence of individuals to share their health data for healthcare and research. Few studies have addressed consumers’ views on electronic data sharing and fewer still have explored the dual purposes of healthcare and research together. The objective of the study is to explore factors that affect consumers’ willingness to share electronic health information for healthcare and research. Methods This study involved a random-digit dial telephone survey of 800 adult Californians conducted in English and Spanish. Logistic regression was performed using backward selection to test for significant ( p -value ≤ 0.05) associations of each explanatory variable with the outcome variable. Results The odds of consent for electronic data sharing for healthcare decreased as Likert scale ratings for EHR impact on privacy worsened, odds ratio (OR) = 0.74, 95% CI [0.60, 0.90]; security, OR = 0.80, 95% CI [0.66, 0.98]; and quality, OR = 0.59, 95% CI [0.46–0.75]. The odds of consent for sharing for research was greater for those who think EHR will improve research quality, OR = 11.26, 95% CI [4.13, 30.73]; those who value research benefit over privacy OR = 2.72, 95% CI [1.55, 4.78]; and those who value control over research benefit OR = 0.49, 95% CI [0.26, 0.94]. Conclusions Consumers’ choices about electronically sharing health information are affected by their attitudes toward EHRs as well as beliefs about research benefit and individual control. Design of person-centered interventions utilizing electronically collected health information, and policies regarding data sharing should address these values of importance to people. Understanding of these perspectives is critical for leveraging health data to support learning health care systems.
Improving adaptive network fuzzy inference system with Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm

The well-known adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) uses a combination of least-square estimation (LSE) and gradient descent back-propagation methods to model a training data set. In this paper, we show that the rate of convergence of ANFIS can be very much improved by using a combination of LSE and Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (LMA). The improved ANFIS converges more closely and significantly more rapidly to the data. Detail explanation of the proposed ANFIS is presented, and its validity is verified via simulation.
Calcium regulation of myosin I--a motor for membrane movement.

Calcium (Ca2+) is essential as a second messenger in the activation of a variety of cell processes including mechanoenzyme function, structural changes and regulation of exocrine and endocrine secretions. Ca2+ may regulate cellular processes as a necessary ion for the association of calmodulin with some target protein. Conversely, Ca2+ induces the dissociation of calmodulin from other proteins, including neuromodulin and brush border myocin I. Ca2+ also participates in the phosphoinositide cascade, wherein the hydrolysis of phosphoinositol bisphosphate yields a diacylglycerol that activates protein kinase C (PKC) (in the presence of phospholipids such as phosphatidylserine) and phosphorylates proteins participating in mechanoenzyme function. A prototype for the study of the role of Ca2+ in these cellular mechanisms is the more contractile protein myosin I.
Speaking without seeing, or the effect of interviewer absence on interviewee disclosure time

The results of the present study confirmed earlier findings that the elimination of the usual face-to-face confrontation between interviewer and interviewee enhances disclosure time in relation to intimate questions. By unconfounding speaking time and pausing time, the present research demonstrated that the facilitating effect of an interviewer's absence is not simply an artifact of increased latencies and silent pauses within responses. The earlier findings were extended by manipulating the intimacy level of questions asked of subjects in the context of a gender-balanced design.
Block row projection method based on M-matrix splitting

Abstract We propose a hybrid sparse linear system solver based on M-matrix splitting and block-row projection (BRP). We split the sparse coefficient matrix A into two (nonsingular) M-matrices, and construct an augmented larger linear system which we solve using a BRP method. The robustness of BRP is compared with those of ILUT-preconditioned GMRES, and the sparse direct solver Pardiso. We also demonstrate the parallel scalability of BRP on a cluster of multicore nodes.
Effects of incorporating nanosilica on carbonation of cement paste

An accelerated carbonation test (at 5 % CO2, 22 °C and 55 % RH) was carried out on bulk and powdered cement paste samples incorporating two different supplementary cementitious materials: microsilica and nanosilica. Extensive characterization using thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis, and image analysis was performed at various degrees of carbonation, to study the fundamental effects of nanosilica on carbonation of main hydration products, calcium hydroxide (CH) and calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H). Results at every stage were compared with the effects of microsilica addition to cement paste. Results suggested that incorporation of small amounts of micro or nanosilica can decrease the total carbonation of cement paste. In particular, nanosilica could reduce carbonation (decalcification) of C–S–H and the depth of carbonation significantly.
Child Mortality In The US And 19 OECD Comparator Nations: A 50-Year Time-Trend Analysis

The United States has poorer child health outcomes than other wealthy nations despite greater per capita spending on health care for children. To better understand this phenomenon, we examined mortality trends for the US and nineteen comparator nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for children ages 0–19 from 1961 to 2010 using publicly available data. While child mortality progressively declined across all countries, mortality in the US has been higher than in peer nations since the 1980s. From 2001 to 2010 the risk of death in the US was 76 percent greater for infants and 57 percent greater for children ages 1–19. During this decade, children ages 15–19 were eighty-two times more likely to die from gun homicide in the US. Over the fifty-year study period, the lagging US performance amounted to over 600,000 excess deaths. Policy interventions should focus on infants and on children ages 15–19, the two age groups with the greatest disparities, by addressing perinatal causes ...
Does the number of sentinel lymph nodes removed affect the false negative rate for head and neck melanoma

Background and objectives Head and neck (HN) cutaneous melanoma is associated with worse disease-free survival compared to non-HN cutaneous melanoma, possibly due to inadequate staging. We aim to determine if a higher yield of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) affected rates of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) positivity. Methods Two Cancer Registries were used to identify patients who underwent SLNB for HN melanoma. A false negative (FN) was defined by nodal recurrence after negative SLNB. Results Out of 333 patients who underwent SLNB, 20% (n = 69) had a positive SLN with a FN rate of 6.3%. Those with three or more SLNs had a higher rate of SLN positivity (23.8% [17.5-29.9% CI] vs 16.4% [10.7-23.6% CI]), a lower FN rate (16.7% [10.2-21.2% CI] vs 35.3% [27.1-42.9% CI]), and higher sensitivity (83.3% [82.59-84.09% CI] vs 65.7% [64.87-66.53% CI]) compared to those with one or two SLNs. Of patients in Group 1 (one or two SLNs) with a positive SLN who underwent completion lymph node dissection (20/23), 47% (33-61% CI) had one or more positive non-sentinel nodes compared to 29% (16-51%) of patients in Group 2 (three or more SLNs) (42/46). Conclusion In HN melanoma cases in which multiple nodes are identified, removal of all SLNs will more adequately stage patients.
A Theoretical Context for Documenting Social Change in Yucatán: Changing Modes of Production and the Entry of the Yucatec Maya into the World System

The findings, interpretation, and ultimate meaning associated with any archaeological study are the cumulative result of the theoretical frameworks and methodological choices employed by archaeologists throughout the course of study, regardless of whether these assumptions and conditions are explicitly or implicitly recognized (see for example Hodder and Hutson 2003; Shanks and Tilley 1987, 1992; Trigger 2006). That is to say that no work of archaeological interpretation is completely objective or value neutral. This of course does not imply that we should not strive for objectivity through the use of sound theoretical and methodological frameworks and a healthy dose of self-reflection.
Induction of Hepatic P-450 Isozymes

The mammalian liver is a major site of cytochrome P-450-mediated metabolism of endogenous and exogenous compounds. Multiple forms of P450 have been purified from rodent liver.1,2 Some of these P-450 proteins are expressed constitutively, while others are expressed only in response to specific hormonal or chemical stimuli. Examples of such chemical stimuli are polycyclic aromatic compounds, barbiturates, and steroids such as pregnenolone 16a-carbonitrile. A major goal of research has been to identify the cellular processes that “connect” a chemical stimulus to the expression of a specific P-450 protein. Cellular macromolecules have been identified that bind polycyclic aromatic compounds; among these macromolecules is an intracellular protein termed the Ah receptor.3,4 This protein may be involved directly in the regulation of expression of P-450 genes. Hepatic receptors for barbiturates and pregnenolone 16a-carbonitrile have not been identified. In this chapter, recent data are discussed that deal with the problem of identifying cellular “receptors” for these compounds.
Effect of Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome on Incident Kidney Disease and the Progression to Chronic Kidney Failure

Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic, placing many at increased risk for the constellation of traits known as the metabolic syndrome. As the majority of kidney disease is attributable to hypertension and diabetes, which are strongly influenced by nutritional factors, the obesity epidemic can only be accompanied by a rise in obesity-related kidney disease. Indeed, a graded increase in risk of kidney disease is noted across overweight and obese groups even after accounting for blood pressure, diabetes, and proteinuria. Most likely, multiple mechanisms mediate this link between obesity and kidney disease. Several of these postulated mechanisms are discussed in this chapter. Weight loss interventions in the extremely obese decrease urine protein excretion and improve insulin resistance. More studies are needed to examine whether progression of kidney disease can be delayed or arrested by engendering weight loss through lifestyle modification.
Withholding and withdrawing life support.

Intensive care units have become a routine part of modern American medicine during the past 3 decades. Presently, it is estimated there are more than 60,000 intensive care unit (ICU) beds in America, and these beds account for approximately 35 billion dollars in health care costs per year. Because of the widespread availability of mechanical ventilators, dialysis machines, and cardiovascular support technique extraordinary life support is commonplace. Furthermore, the lay public is quite aware of the struggle for life and death which takes places in intensive care units. Along with the development of life support techniques have come the perplexing ethical issues dealing with whether or not to withhold or withdraw life support. Many patient cases have been adjudicated in courts of law and thus there is now a significant body of law that deals with withholding and withdrawing life support. This chapter addresses the medicolegal aspects of withholding and withdrawing life support. Initially, we review recent legal trends and precedents involving life support. Following this we suggest general and specific principles to promote effective decision making. Finally, we use these principles to examine four common clinical situations dealing with life support: initiating basic life support, initiating advanced life support, withdrawing advanced life support, and withdrawing basic life support.
CRISPR as agent: a metaphor that rhetorically inhibits the prospects for responsible research.

In 2015, a group of 18 scientists and bioethicists published an editorial in Science calling for “open discourse on the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to manipulate the human genome” and recommending that steps be taken to strongly discourage “any attempts at germline genome modification” in humans with this powerful new technology. Press reports compared the essay to a letter written by Paul Berg and 10 other scientists in 1974, also published in Science, calling for a voluntary deferral of certain types of recombinant DNA experimentation. A rhetorical analysis of the metaphors in these two documents, and in the summary statements that came out of the respective National Academy of Sciences conferences they instigated, shows that while they have a lot in common, they are different in at least one important way. The more recent texts deploy conceptual metaphors that portray the biotechnology in question as an autonomous agent, subtly suggesting an inevitability to its development, in contrast to the earlier texts, which portray the scientists who are using the technology as the primary agents who take action. Rhetorical moves depicting biotechnology as an agent in the 2015 texts hint at contemporary skepticism about whether humans can restrain the forward momentum of science and technology in a global context, thus inhibiting scientists from imagining a consequential role for themselves in shaping the future of responsible research.
Latino students and the academic library: A primer for action

Abstract As the growth in Latino college enrollment is expected to continue for years to come, academic libraries at Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and beyond will be serving increasing numbers of Hispanic students. Since Latino educational attainment remains lower than of other groups and academic libraries' impact on retention, GPA and related educational outcomes has been well documented, it is crucial that academic libraries actively foster Latino students' success. A review of the literature on Hispanic students and library use, the article also includes recommendations for practice and offers a local example to illustrate strategies libraries may implement to better meet the educational needs of Hispanic students.
E-129 Selective middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rabbit: technique and characterization with pathologic findings and multimodal MRI

Background and purpose A reliable animal model of ischemic stroke is vital for pre-clinical evaluation of stroke therapies. We describe a reproducible middle cerebral artery (MCA) embolic occlusion in the French Lop rabbit characterized with multimodal MRI and histopathologic tissue analysis. Methods Fluoroscopic-guided microcatheter placement was performed in five consecutive subjects with angiographic confirmation of MCA occlusion with autologous clot. Multimodal MRI was obtained prior to occlusion and up to six hours post after which repeat angiography confirmed sustained occlusion. The brain was harvested for histopathologic examination. Results Angiography confirmed successful MCA catheterization and durable (>6 hour) MCA occlusion in all animals. There was increase of ADC volume over time and variable final core volume presumably related to individual variation in collateral flow. FLAIR hyperintensity indicative of cytotoxic edema and parenchymal contrast enhancement reflective of blood brain barrier disruption was observed over time. Tissue staining of the ischemic brain showed edema and structural alterations consistent with infarction. Conclusions We demonstrate the feasibility of a rabbit model of embolic MCA occlusion with angiographic documentation. Serial MR imaging demonstrated changes comparable to those observed in human ischemic stroke, confirmed histopathologically. Disclosures R. Jahan: None. P. Villablanca: None. R. Harris: None. S. Duarte-Vogel: None. C. Williams: None. H. Vinters: None. N. Rao: None. D. Enzmann: None. B. Ellingson: None.
Relationship of brake power to various energy efficiencies and other engine parameters: the efficiency rule

A precise mathematical relationship between the brake power of a piston engine and the various energy efficiencies and other engine parameters of interest is developed. This equation, called the Efficiency Rule for convenience, is: Pb = ηti • ηc • ηv • ηM • LHV FA • p • D • N/X. Similar equations are also developed for indicated power, indicated and brake mean effective pressure, and indicated and brake specific fuel consumption. These equations are significant for several reasons. Most importantly, they are physically meaningful, can be used to explain observed engine characteristics, and can illuminate methods for improving engine performance. Examples of the usefulness of these equations are presented and discussed. It is expected that these equations will prove to be valuable educational and research tools.
Survey of instructor and student impressions of a high-fidelity model in canine ovariohysterectomy surgical training.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the usefulness of a high-fidelity model for teaching ovariohysterectomy (OHE) to veterinary students. STUDY DESIGN Longitudinal survey. SAMPLE POPULATION Clinicians with ≥2 years postgraduate experience in small animal surgery and a sophomore veterinary student population at 1 institution. METHODS Twelve clinicians evaluated the high-fidelity model for realism. Questionnaires were distributed to sophomore veterinary students prior to and after OHE training on the high-fidelity model (SynDaver Surgical Canine) and after performing OHE as primary surgeon with a live dog. Time for students to perform OHE (identify the first ovarian pedicle to transecting the uterine body) and number of technical errors (visceral injury, hemorrhage, loose ligatures) were compared between the model and live dog groups. RESULTS Evaluators rated the high-fidelity model as moderate-to-highly realistic. Students' confidence improved after practicing on the model in all critical steps and additionally improved after performing an OHE on a live dog. Time to complete the OHE on the model (mean ± SD,73.4 ± 27.1 minutes) and live dogs (83.0 ± 24.7 minutes) did not differ (P = .20). Frequency of hemorrhagic events (P = .77) and accidental visceral injury (P = .30) did not differ between the model and live dogs. However, fewer loose ligatures were placed in live dogs (23/64) compared with the model (22/37; P = .02). CONCLUSION The high-fidelity model improved the confidence of sophomore students. The duration of OHE did not differ between the model and live dogs. CLINICAL IMPACT The high-fidelity model is valuable for improving confidence in veterinary students prior to live-dog OHE.
Temperature and Light Induced Bistability in a Co3[Os(CN)6]2·6H2O Prussian Blue Analogue.

The photomagnetic title compound is prepared from a 2:3 mixture of (PPN)3[Os(CN)6] and Co(NO3)2 in a H2O/MeOH mixture (10 °C, 12 h, 77% yield).
Internally resonant wave energy exchange in weakly nonlinear lattices and metamaterials

This paper presents a multiple-scales analysis approach capable of capturing internally resonant wave interactions in weakly nonlinear lattices and metamaterials. Example systems considered include a diatomic chain and a locally resonant metamaterial-type lattice. At a number of regions in the band structure, both the frequency and wave number of one nonlinear plane wave may relate to another in a near-commensurate manner (such as in a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio) resulting in an internal resonance mechanism. As shown herein, nonlinear interactions in the lattice couple these waves and enable energy exchange. Near such internal resonances, previously derived higher-order dispersion corrections for single plane wave propagation may break down, leading to singularities in the predicted nonlinear dispersion relationships. Using the presented multiple-scales approach and the two example systems, this paper examines internal resonance occurring (i) within the same branch and (ii) between different branches of the band structure, resolving the aforementioned singularity issue while capturing energy exchange. The multiple-scales evolution equations, together with a local stability analysis, uncover multiple stable fixed points associated with periodic energy exchange between internally resonant propagating modes. Response results generated using direct numerical simulation verify the perturbation-based predictions for amplitude-dependent dispersion corrections and slow-scale energy exchange; importantly, these comparisons verify the exchange frequency predicted by the multiple-scales approach.
Eosinophilic cholangitis: A case report of diagnostically challenging eosinophilic infiltrative biliary obstruction

Eosinophilic cholangitis: A case report of diagnostically challenging eosinophilic infiltrative biliary obstruction
Relationship Characteristics Associated with Perceptions of Partners’ HIV Testing Behavior Among Male Couples

Partnered men who have sex with men are not immune to the risk of HIV. Analyzing dyadic data from 360 male couples recruited from April 2016 to June 2017, we examined how relationship characteristics might influence HIV testing behavior and perceptions of partners’ HIV testing. Increasing levels of mutual trust were associated with lower odds of both partners (versus neither) having been tested in the past year (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–0.99), but increasing levels of communal coping were associated with higher odds (aOR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.10). Only one partner was more likely to be correct about whether or not his partner had been tested in the past year (versus both) if someone had broken their sexual agreement (aOR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.17–5.76). Increasing differences in trust (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.20) were also associated with higher odds of only one partner being correct. Dyadic HIV prevention efforts should incorporate skills building around negotiating sexual agreements and constructive communication.
Mobile learning and pedagogical opportunities: A configurative systematic review of PreK-12 research using the SAMR framework

Abstract Scholars postulate that mobile devices can be used to transform learning. However, there is a paucity of evidence to determine if mobile learning is redefining learning or if these devices are being used to replicate past teaching practices. To fill this gap in scholarly understanding, this systematic review was conducted to examine studies from 2014 to 2019 involving mobile devices in PK-12 (2–18 years) learning. Technology use was coded using the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition (SAMR) framework. This framework was empirically extended and presented in this study. The data revealed unique findings, including the concerning discovery that while mobile technologies can and were used to transform learning in 54% of the studies, 46% of the time devices were used to replicate activities that can be conducted without technology. This has larger implications on school integration of mobile devices and whether these devices are being used to redefine learning to provide the most benefit to PK-12 students.
Rhinoscopic Appearance and Clinical Features of a Nasal Transmissible Venereal Tumor in a Dog.

Abstract A 2-year-old male neutered mixed breed dog was referred for evaluation of left-sided unilateral epistaxis and mucoid discharge following adoption from Mexico 2 months prior to presentation. Computed tomography (CT) showed soft tissue that filled the entirety of the left nasal passage with mild turbinate loss. Subsequent rhinoscopy revealed multifocal patches of discrete, white, wispy, vascularized abnormal tissue in the left nasal cavity. Cytology and histopathology procured with rhinoscopic-guidance were suspicious for transmissible venereal tumor (TVT). Confirmation of a TVT diagnosis was made with polymerase chain reaction for the long interspersed element inserted upstream of the c-myc gene. The dog was treated with 4 cycles of vincristine (0.5 mg/m2, IV, once every 7 days) with complete and sustained resolution of clinical signs shortly after the third cycle. Nasal TVT in dogs is an uncommon presentation of a neoplasm that primarily results in genital or oral lesions. There is a void in the veterinary literature regarding the rhinoscopic appearance, as well as limited clinical descriptions of nasal TVT. Therefore, the objectives of this report were to provide a detailed description of the rhinoscopic appearance of a canine nasal TVT, in addition to clinical features, diagnostic findings, CT imaging, and successful therapeutic management.
Boundary Regularity for Solutions to the Linearized Monge–Ampère Equations

We obtain boundary Holder gradient estimates and regularity for solutions to the linearized Monge–Ampere equations under natural assumptions on the domain, Monge–Ampere measures and boundary data. Our results are affine invariant analogues of the boundary Holder gradient estimates of Krylov.
“So That They Leave the Prison Cage as Conscious Revolutionaries”: How Polish Communists Used Prison

Communist identity in Poland between the wars was forged in prisons more than on the streets; thus, it was in a sense produced by the repressive apparatus of the state. Drawing largely upon prisoner communications that were confiscated by the prison authorities, I explore the ways that communists created a collective experience in the prison cell. The komuna was the central organization of communist prison life. Through it, prisoners engineered complex protest actions and engaged in extensive programs of self-education. In this way, the prison was a school of Party politics that helped to shape the generation that took power after 1945.
The small molecule H89 inhibits Chlamydia inclusion growth and production of infectious progeny

Chlamydia is an obligate intracellular bacterium and the most common reportable cause of human infection in the United States. This pathogen proliferates inside a eukaryotic host cell, where it resides within a membrane-bound compartment called the chlamydial inclusion. It has an unusual developmental cycle, marked by conversion between a replicating form, the reticulate body (RB), and an infectious form, the elementary body (EB). We found that the small molecule H89 slowed inclusion growth and decreased overall RB replication by 2-fold but caused a 25-fold reduction in infectious EBs. This disproportionate effect on EB production was mainly due to a defect in RB-to-EB conversion and not to the induction of chlamydial persistence, which is an altered growth state. Although H89 is a known inhibitor of specific protein kinases and vesicular transport to and from the Golgi apparatus, it did not cause these anti-chlamydial effects by blocking protein kinase A or C or by inhibiting protein or lipid transport. Thus, H89 is a novel anti-chlamydial compound that has a unique combination of effects on an intracellular Chlamydia infection.
Exploratory analysis of Spirulina platensis LB 2340 growth in varied concentrations of anaerobically digested pig effluent (ADPE)

Abstract There is a significant interest in novel waste management solutions to treat wastewater from swine operations. Anaerobic digestion is a rising and prominent solution, but this technology still generates highly concentrated effluent that requires further remediation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of cultivating the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis in swine effluent for future applications in biological waste treatment and value-added fermentation. To accomplish this goal, growth of S. platensis was characterized in varying proportions of ideal, synthetic Zarrouk medium and anaerobically digested pig effluent (ADPE) to obtain growth rate models. Results yielded a positive correlation between S. platensis growth rate and Zarrouk medium proportion, with the highest growth rate in 100% Zarrouk media but comparable growth in the 50/50% Zarrouk/ADPE mixture. This study demonstrates the potential for S. platensis to further improve the treatment efficacy of anaerobic digestion systems, and the exploratory analysis also highlights that further testing is required to investigate possible carbon availability, chemical inhibition, and overall nutrient reduction in ADPE. This research contributes important data toward the feasibility of producing value-added cyanobacterial biomass while simultaneously consuming excess nutrients to aid in agricultural wastewater management efforts and generate cost-effective products in a more sustainable manner.
School-Based Prevention Programs for Children and Adolescents

Basic Concepts and Approaches Prevention of Behavioral and Social Problems Substance Use Prevention of Academic Problems Health Education Program Diffusion Current Status and Future Directions
21 Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: Long-Term Management

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding continues to be an effective treatment for severe and morbid obesity. The consistent safety profile continues to make it an attractive option. However without dedicated long-term postoperative management and maintenance, weight loss can be suboptimal and complications more frequent. Band adjustments are performed in either the office or the radiology setting and are used to titrate the band for optimal hunger and satiety control. Behavioral counseling and patient education are critical for patient understanding of the band as a tool for weight loss and health improvement. Early recognition of side effects and problems can avert serious complications which may require surgical correction or revision.
ELECTRONIC BOUGIE A BOULE CALIBRATION OF FEMALE URETHRA Technique of Recording Urethral Elastic Profile

Abstract A method of recording the forces exerted by the female urethra along its entire length, preventing the withdrawal of a specific size bougie a boule, is presented. These forces, monitored by a special transducer, are graphically documented. Aided by a motor-driven apparatus, the bougie a boule together with the transducer is withdrawn at a known rate so that a longitudinal profile of urethral elastic forces is obtained. Profiles obtained with various sizes of bougies can determine the elastic behavior of the entire length of urethra. The method is recommended for baseline clinical evaluation of patients with urethral syndrome. It is also a valuable research tool for further studies on urethra in health and disease.
The materials science of semiconductors

The book reviews the most relevant concepts of semiconductor materials and processing including condensed matter physics, electronic device theory, and materials science. It describes the development of energy bands from atomic orbitals and the effect of atomic chemistry on the semiconductor. Semiconductor alloys are described including issues of miscibility, ordering, and electronic properties. Defects in semiconductors are described with particular emphasis on point and line defects, their sources and effects. A chapter on amorphous semiconductors is included as well as a chapter on organic materials used in optical and switching devices. The book concludes with chapters on general aspects of thin film nucleation and growth, physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition methods. Examples of the application of the concepts in each chapter to specific problems or situations is included, along with recommended readings and homework problems.
Direct Differential Range Estimation Using Optical Masks

We describe a novel formulation of the range recovery problem, based on computation of the differential variation in image intensities with respect to changes in camera position. The method uses a single stationary camera and a pair of calibrated optical masks to directly measure this differential quantity. The subsequent computation of the range image is simple and should be suitable for real-time implementation. We also describe a variant of this technique, based on direct measurement of the differential change in image intensities with respect to aperture size. These methods are comparable in accuracy to other single-lens ranging techniques. We demonstrate the potential of our approach with a simple example.
Review article: Indeterminate colitis--definition, diagnosis and management.

Summary Background The term indeterminate colitis is imprecise and without a generally accepted definition. Nevertheless, it is a term that is commonly used by gastroenterologists, pathologists and surgeons. Aim To offer an opinion supported by published data, about the appropriate use of the term indeterminate colitis by addressing a series of questions. Methods A PubMed database search was performed using the keywords, ‘colitis’ and ‘inflammatory bowel disease’ each combined individually with the following adjectives: ‘indeterminate’, ‘unclassified’, ‘undefined’, ‘undiagnosed’ and ‘non-specific’. Results There is no generally accepted definition of indeterminate colitis. All current applications of the term rely on exclusionary criteria and there is no confirmatory diagnostic test. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of indeterminate colitis appears to be durable in a subgroup of patients, suggesting that this group represents a unique phenotype. Conclusions Indeterminate colitis has expanded from a strictly defined, postcolectomy pathological diagnosis to become, in addition, a clinical diagnosis without generally accepted criteria. A diagnosis of indeterminate colitis should be qualified with descriptors for the diagnostic criteria applied.
Incremental Benchmarks for Software Verification Tools and Techniques

This paper proposes an initial catalog of easy-to-state, relatively simple, and incrementally more and more challenging benchmark problems for the Verified Software Initiative. These benchmarks support assessment of verification tools and techniques to prove total correctness of functionality of sequential object-based and object-oriented software. The problems are designed to help evaluate the state-of-the-art and the pace of progress toward verified software in the near term, and in this sense, they are just the beginning. They will allow researchers to illustrate and explain how proposed tools and techniques deal with known pitfalls and well-understood issues, as well as how they can be used to discover and attack new ones. Unlike currently available benchmarks based on "real-world" software systems, the proposed challenge problems are expected to be amenable to "push-button" verification that leverages current technology.
The Decay of Isotropic Temperature Fluctuations in an Isotropic Turbulence

The approach of von Karman and Howarth (to isotropic turbulence) has been applied to the decay of isotropic temperature fluctuations in a decaying isotropic turbulence, under the restriction that the temperature differences are too small to have any effect on the velocity field. From the correlation equation it is found that, if the scalar functions characteristic of the pertinent double and triple correlations are assumed to descend to zero faster than r~, the product of the second moment of the double temperature correlation coefficient and the mean square temperature fluctuation is a constant during decay. This is analogous to Loitsiansky's "theorem" for the constancy of the product of turbulent energy and fourth moment of the velocity correlation coefficient in the turbulence decay. For extremely small Peclet Number the correlation equation reduces to the three-dimensional heat conduction equation with spherical symmetry. The corresponding equation for the linear viscous decrement of the velocity field is a quasi-five-dimensional equation. Estimates of decay and scale growth of the temperature fluctuations a t both extremely small and extremely large Peclet Numbers are compared with the corresponding results for the turbulence. Perhaps the most practical result is that the temperature "spottiness" always seems to die off at a slower rate than the velocity "spottiness."
Two cascaded Mach-Zehnder modulators' harmonic distortion analysis in single side-band millimeter wave generation system

Two cascaded Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs) are utilized to generate optical single-side band millimeter wave signals. This modulation scheme is tolerant to fiber chromatic dispersion effect for long distance communication. Since, electrical voltage setting is critical to control the unwanted harmonics' power, harmonic distortions analysis is necessary for the two cascaded MZMs. Second order (HD2) and third order (HD3) harmonic distortions due to the intrinsic nonlinear electric/optic transfer curve of the two cascaded dual electrode MZMs are mathematically obtained and analyzed. These dual electrode MZMs are used to generate OSSB 60-GHz sub-bands. In order to compare second and third order harmonic distortions' effects on the mm-wave generation system, noise to signal ratio (NSR) curves are represented. HD2 and HD3 are studied in this article and the results represent the second order distortion should be regarded as a minatory factor for the system.
The physiology of the breast as it concerns the clinician

Abstract Physiological changes in the breasts are often mistaken for breast disease. The normal physiological changes are described, and means of distinguishing them from disease are presented.
K-Maude: a rewriting based tool for semantics of programming languages

K is a rewriting-based framework for defining programming languages. K-Maude is a tool implementing K on top of Maude. K-Maude provides an interface accepting K modules along with regular Maude modules and a collection of tools for transforming K language definitions into Maude rewrite theories for execution or analysis, or into LATEX for documentation purposes. The current K-Maude prototype was successfully used in defining several languages and language analysis tools, both for research and for teaching purposes. This paper describes the K-Maude tool, both from a user and from an implementer perspective.
Cracks in the Iron Closet: Travels in Gay and Lesbian Russia

Cracks in the Iron Closet: Travels in Gay and Lesbian Russia. David Tuller. Boston, MA: Faber and Faber, 1996. 313 pp.
Transition Metal Catalysts for the Ambient Temperature Destruction of Organic Wastes Using Peroxydisulfate

Destruction of the organic components of hazardous or mixed waste has been demonstrated in a process known as Direct Chemical Oxidation (DCO). This technology, developed over the last six years at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), is an aqueous-based process which mineralizes almost all organics through oxidative destruction by peroxydisulfate. The process typically operates at 80–100 °C but there are obvious advantages to lowering this operating temperature to near ambient for the treatment of volatile materials, or for situations where heating the waste is impractical (e.g., large area decontamination of soil). For the purposes of quantifying transition metal catalytic activity in a prototype DCO system, the Destruction and Removal Efficiencies (DRE’s) for the oxidation of several model organic substrates in acid peroxy-disulfate solutions have been measured. Results are presented for the enhancement of destruction rates of ethylene glycol, 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol, tributyl phosphate, and a “real world” waste surrogate using catalysts such as ionic Ag, Cu, Co, and Fe.
Supervisory Control of a Flexible Manufacturing System

This paper describes a study that explored human capabilities in supervisory control of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). Implications of current design strategies concerning the human supervisory role in FMSs are discussed. Also examined are issues in human supervisory control that arise from features characteristic of these types of automated systems. A real-time interactive simulation methodology is described that served as the basis for evaluating human performance. Results are explained in terms of two frameworks: (1) one that incorporated hypothetical dimensions of the mental workload construct into various task conditions; and (2) a simple decision-making model intrinsic to which was the imposition on the human of a relatively well-defined locus of control. The effectiveness of graphics was evaluated as a decision-support device aimed at enhancing human pattern-recognition capabilities.
Trust region nonlinear optimization learning method for dynamic synapse neural networks

We formulate the dynamic synapse neural network from the averaged activity of local population of neurons perspective. We have applied the trust region nonlinear optimization approach to train the network and show the new learning method effectiveness in comparison to the genetic algorithms by optimizing large-scale networks.
Gene expression analysis in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Alzheimer's disease model.

Abstract We have engineered transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans animals to inducibly express the human beta amyloid peptide (Aβ). Gene expression changes resulting from Aβ induction have been monitored by cDNA hybridization to glass slide microarrays containing probes for almost all known or predicted C. elegans genes. Using statistical criteria, we have identified 67 up-regulated and 240 down-regulated genes. Subsets of these regulated genes have been tested and confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. To investigate whether genes identified in this model system also show gene expression changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain, we have also used quantitative RT-PCR to examine in post-mortem AD brain tissue transcript levels of αB-crystallin (CRYAB) and tumor necrosis factor-induced protein 1 (TNFAIP1), human homologs of genes found to be robustly induced in the transgenic C. elegans model. Both CRYAB and TNFAIP1 show increased transcript levels in AD brains, supporting the validity of this approach.
Predicting critical flow velocity leading to laminate plate collapse – Cylindrical plates

Abstract A new prototypic fuel is presently being developed to support the conversion of the U.S. high performance research reactors (HPRRs). This fuel material is a uranium molybdenum alloy and is clad in aluminum. In order to optimize neutron efficiency and reactor performance characteristics the U.S. HPRR core geometry has been designed to accommodate plate type fuel geometry. The relatively thin plate-type geometry provides susceptibility for mechanical failure under the extreme hydraulic loadings that the fuel is exposed to in-pile. An analytical model has been developed and is described in detail which supports the development efforts of the heterogeneous prototypic fuel, and advances the science of hydro-mechanics. This study investigates a single method for determining the ‘critical flow velocity’ for a laminate cylindrical plate. The objective is accomplished by incorporating a flexural rigidity term into the formulation of critical flow velocity originally derived by Donald R. Miller, and employing super position method to determine the rigidity term. The final outcome of this study results in the development of a single equation for each of three different edge boundary conditions which reliably and comprehensively predicts the onset of plate collapse. Select test cases are performed on this new model and compared against existing models.
Maternal imprinting of human SNRPN, a gene deleted in Prader-Willi syndrome.

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), a human neuroendocrine disorder, is associated with deficiencies of paternal chromosome 15q12. Small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N (SNRPN) is the first expressed gene identified in the PWS critically deleted region. Following our demonstration that the murine homologue of SNRPN is imprinted, we have characterized a sequence polymorphism within expressed portions of human SNRPN and show that human SNRPN is monoallelically expressed in fetal brain and heart and in adult brain. Analysis of maternal DNA and SNRPN cDNA confirmed that the maternal allele of SNRPN is not expressed in fetal brain and heart. Maternal imprinting of SNRPN supports the hypothesis that paternal absence of SNRPN is responsible for the PWS phenotype.
Implications of Gender Difference in Coronary Calcification as Assessed by CT Coronary Angiography.

Background: Arterial calcium as measured by 64-slice computed tomography coronary angiography (64-CT) is a reliable predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. Lipid-rich plaques with lower degrees of calcification may pose greater risk for adverse coronary events than more stabilized calcified plaques as a result of the increased risk of plaque rupture, migration, and subsequent acute coronary syndrome. We sought to examine coronary artery calcium scores as measured via 64-CT to assess the extent of calcification and plaque distribution in women compared to men. Methods: A total of 138 patients referred for 64-CT were evaluated. Computerized tomographic angiography was performed using the GE LightSpeed VCT. Subgroup analysis comparing male and female data (including demographic data) was performed. All major coronary arteries were analyzed for coronary stenosis/plaque characterization as well as total vessel calcium (Agatston) score quantification. Patient demographics and coronary risk factors were recorded. Results: A total of 552 coronary arteries were evaluated in 138 patients (85 men, 53 women). The average age for females was 64.4 ± 10.8 years and for males 60.0 ± 12.8 years. The only demographic/cardiovascular risk factor in which the difference between men and women was significant was smoking history, where 23.5% of men had a history of smoking while only 9.6% of females endorsed having a smoking history (P 100 (versus not) was 3.62 times greater in males relative to females, given that all the other cardiovascular risk factors are adjusted for (95% confidence interval: 1.37–9.54). On average, men had an average of 2.1 ± 1.5 epicardial vessels with a calcium score ≥11 compared to 1.3 ± 1.4 for women (P < 0.005). Conclusion: There are clear differences between males and females regarding total vessel calcium scores and therefore risk of future adverse coronary events. Males tended to have higher average calcium scores in each coronary artery than females with a greater tendency to have multiple vessel involvement. Using this information, more large-scale, randomized controlled studies should be performed to correlate differences in the extent of coronary calcification with the observed variance in clinical presentation during coronary events between males and females as a means to potentially establish gender-specific therapeutic regimens.
Constraints in linearly elastic materials

The general theory of linear constraints in linear elasticity theory is outlined. For problems that are ill-posed in constraint theory although well-posed in the absence of any constraint, a modified form of constraint theory is proposed.