cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A survey of endpoint characteristics in periodontal clinical trials published 1988-1992, and implications for future studies.

Abstract Endpoints are conditions or events that are associated with individual study subjects and that are used to assess treatment efficacy. 2 types of endpoints can be distinguished: “true” endpoints (reflect unequivocal evidence of tangible benefit to the patient) and “surrogate” endpoints (usually a measure of disease process). The purpose of this study was to survey four aspects of endpoint usage in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of periodontitis: (1) the typical number of endpoints per RCT. (2) the proportion of RCTs using the same endpoint, (3) the proportion of RCTs using true endpoints, and (4) whether treatment choice influenced endpoint choice. 92 publications (1988–1992) reporting on 82 RCT's were identified. The typical number of endpoints per RCT was 6 (range: 1–28). The 3 most frequently used endpoints were mean probing depth (78% of the trials), mean probing attachment level (66%), and the plaque index (37%). In total, 153 distinct surrogate endpoints were defined. Most of these were used infrequently; over 80% of the 153 endpoints were used in fewer than 5 of the 82 trials. No trials used tooth loss as a true endpoint. In the design of an RCT, treatment choice influenced surrogate endpoint choice. Surrogate endpoints based on re-entry surgery were exclusively used for regenerative procedures and microbiological surrogate endpoints were mostly used for RCT's on antimicrobials. The conclusion is that the typical RCT used multiple surrogate endpoints. some of which were used infrequently by other trials. Such endpoint usage characteristics are suitable for exploratory RCTs (designed to identify active treatments or to elucidate treatment mechanisms). The question is raised as to whether periodontal research has reached the point of needing properly designed definitive studies, whose purpose it would be to provide unequivocal evidence of tangible benefits to the patient by the various treatments. If a need for definitive randomized controlled trials is perceived, then the use of (multiple) surrogate endpoints as primary outcomes should be questioned. Surrogate endpoint usage has led to both false positive and false negative conclusions in other chronic disease studies. Endpoint selection and validation in RCTs may be an important element in resolving controversies about periodontal treatments.
Respiration and cold-hardiness in overwintering eggs of the bagworm moth, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Lepidoptera: Psychidae)

Abstract 1. 1. Respiration rates of eggs of the bagworm moth, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Haworth) declined from October until March. Rates increased in the spring with the resumption of embryogenesis. 2. 2. Respiratory Q10 values (2–12°C) varied from 3.2 to 4.5. Lipid was utilized primarily in respiration. 3. 3. Mean supercooling points (SCP) decreased from −26 to −30°C in autumn, remained low during winter and increased in the spring. 4. 4. The autumn depression in SCP was considered important for survival. 5. 5. Substantial mortality was predicted during the winter of 1984–1985. 6. 6. Glycerol and at least one other polyol were detected in eggs.
Hydrodynamic analysis of pancreatic islet micro-encapsulation by selective withdrawal.

Abstract A hydrodynamic analysis of a selective-withdrawal process suitable for the micro-encapsulation of pancreatic islets is presented. In the micro-encapsulation device, a feeding system located on the upper side of a water–oil interface dispenses individual cells or cell aggregates in a single file by hydrodynamic focusing, while a valveless, diffuser-nozzle micro-pump located on the lower side of the interface removes the encapsulated islets for further processing. The apparatus ensures the separate encapsulation of the individual islets by a structurally stable, semi-permeable, controlled thickness membrane. In the theoretical model, the feed nozzle is modeled as a point source and the removal nozzle is modeled as a point sink. Small and large deformations of the interface are considered by analytical and boundary element methods, and critical conditions for selective withdrawal are established.
Objective analysis of sea-level winds and pressures derived from simulated observations of a satellite radar-radiometer and actual conventional data.

A computer-based procedure is developed that combines a field of simulated satellite-derived wind speeds with a limited amount of conventional surface data so as to recover the surface pressure field and the vector wind field over the North Pacific Ocean. Wind speeds are determined from an objective analysis of high spatial density ship observations in order to simulate the anticipated output of a proposed satellite-mounted radar-radiometer system. The simulated speeds are combined with the conventional network for various spatial distributions of ship data. The average rms departure of sea-level pressure fields analyzed by deleting from 75-94% of the available ship observations from the maximum data analysis is from 3.0-4.0 mb. Comparison of the wind components implied by the isobaric patterns to those of the withheld ship observations yields average rms differences of from 8.7-9.4 kt for a range of 75-94% data deletion.
DataNet: A model source for local documents

Abstract DataNet, a database produced by the Metro Chicago Information Center, is a unique resource for Chicago area government, regional government, and community organization information. It has a dual role as both a traditional source of bibliographic information and as a clearinghouse for names, addresses, and phone numbers of local agencies and information producers. In addition, DataNet could serve as a model local information database for other municipalities or local regional governments.
Examining Indigenous Rights to Culture in North America

Indian tribal groups in the United States and Canada are vigorously asserting cultural ownership of the content of cultures with which they identify, ownership rights that allow them to prevent others from appropriating that content, or to use it only with conditions. Additionally, they assert the right to their own cultural futures, to practice an evolving cultural form with sufficient natural and fiscal resources to be viable, and the right to be treated respectfully by the dominant society. These rights claims take various forms, and have encountered varying levels of success. Five types of rights assertions are reviewed here.
Regulation of immunoglobulin (Ig)E synthesis in the hyper-IgE syndrome

The hyper-IgE (HIE) syndrome is characterized by high IgE serum levels, chronic dermatitis, and recurrent infections. The mechanisms responsible for hyperproduction of IgE in HIE patients are presently unknown. We investigated whether spontaneous in vitro IgE synthesis by PBMC from seven HIE patients was sensitive to signals (cell adhesion, T/B cell cognate interaction and lymphokines: IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-gamma) known to regulate IgE induction in normals. Our results show that, unlike IL-4 dependent IgE synthesis induced in normals, spontaneous IgE production by PBMC from HIE patients was not blocked by monoclonal antibodies to CD2, CD4, CD3, and MHC class II antigens. Furthermore, antibodies to IL-4 and IL-6 did not significantly suppress IgE production. IFN-gamma had no significant effects on spontaneous in vitro IgE synthesis. To test whether an imbalance in lymphokine production might underlie hyperproduction of IgE in HIE patients, mitogen-induced secretion of IL-4 and IFN-gamma by PBMC was assessed. No significant difference was detected between HIE patients and normal controls. Thus, ongoing IgE synthesis in the HIE syndrome is largely independent of cell-cell interactions and endogenous lymphokines, and is due to a terminally differentiated B cell population, no longer sensitive to regulatory signals.
The NRC Postdoctorate Fellowships, 1948-1978.

Following World War II the National Research Council established a programme of Postdoctorate Fellowships to meet the increasing need for postdoctoral training. Initially for tenure in the NRC laboratories and overseas, the fellowships were rapidly extended to Canadian universities, other federal departments and agencies and, eventually, Canadian industries. The development and achievements of the programme are reviewed from its inception in 1948 to its transfer to the new Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council in 1978.
Mining for high complexity regions using entropy and box counting dimension quad-trees

This paper introduces an algorithm for capturing high complexity regions of a data domain. In this work, we focus on domains in R2. In particular, we analyze 2-dimensional image domains. Two different methods for mining are considered. The first method performs an information-theoretic analysis based on entropy to find diverse areas. The second method applies the concept of box-counting dimension related to fractal geometry. We propose the use of a quad-tree as main search structure where complex areas are represented by leaves with high feature1 values at the highest level on the tree. Nodes that refer to specific sub-domains are split when the level of the analyzed feature exceeds a chosen threshold. The relationship between the threshold and the number of pixels located in high value feature sub-domains at the highest level on the resultant quad-tree is demonstrated on test images for both methods. Experimental results also show the relation between the former measurements and characteristics of the images. Finally, we identify a correlation between the methods presented.
One step forward, two steps back: Flood management policy in the United States

Abstract After reviewing two core flood hazard mitigation policies within the United States – the 100-year standard and the National Flood Insurance Program – this discussion focuses upon policy recommendations for improving flood hazard mitigation in the US. In the end, it is found that flood hazard mitigation policy within the US, while full of good intentions, has unintentionally produced many hurdles. These hurdles are detailed and recommendations designed to overcome them are suggested.
Maternal characteristics and mid-pregnancy serum biomarkers as risk factors for subtypes of preterm birth.

Objective To examine the relationship between maternal characteristics, serum biomarkers, and preterm birth (PTB) by spontaneous and medically-indicated subtypes.
Clinical doses of amikacin provide more effective suppression of the human CFTR-G542X stop mutation than gentamicin in a transgenic CF mouse model

Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause the disease cystic fibrosis. We previously reported that gentamicin administration suppressed a CFTR premature stop mutation in a Cftr-/- mouse model carrying a human CFTR-G542X (hCFTR-G542X) transgene, resulting in the appearance of hCFTR protein and function. However, the high doses used in that study resulted in peak serum levels well beyond the levels typically administered to humans. To address this problem, we identified doses of both gentamicin and amikacin that resulted in peak serum levels within their accepted clinical ranges. We then asked whether these doses could suppress the hCFTR-G542X mutation in the Cftr-/- hCFTR-G542X mouse model. Our results indicate that low doses of each compound restored some hCFTR protein expression and function, as shown by immunofluorescence and short-circuit current measurements. However, we found that amikacin suppressed the hCFTR-G542X premature stop mutation more effectively than gentamicin when administered at these clinically relevant doses. Because amikacin is also less toxic than gentamicin, it may represent a superior choice for suppression therapy in patients that carry a premature stop mutation in the CFTR gene.
The Social Construction of Learning Disabilities

Underpinning the technical gaze that dominates learning disabilities theory and practice is the assumption that learning disabilities are a pathology that resides in the heads of individual students, with the corollary that remedial efforts also focus on what goes on in the heads of students classified as learning disabled. This article begins with a critique of the ideology of individualism that situates individual success and failure in the heads of individuals as a means of introducing an alternative perspective—social constructivism—that locates learning and learning problems in the context of human relations and activity. Extended examples are used to illustrate how the performative aspects of learning disabilities emerge in the context of human relationships. The primary argument developed here is that one cannot be learning disabled on one's own. It takes a complex system of interactions performed in just the right way, at the right time, on the stage we call school to make a learning disability. T...
Diagnostic potential of multimodal imaging of ovarian tissue using optical coherence tomography and second-harmonic generation microscopy

Ovarian cancer is particularly deadly because it is usually diagnosed after it has metastasized. We have previously identified features of ovarian cancer using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy (targeting collagen). OCT provides an image of the ovarian microstructure, while SHG provides a high-resolution map of collagen fiber bundle arrangement. Here, we investigated the diagnostic potential of dual-modality OCT and SHG imaging. We conducted a fully crossed, multireader, multicase study using seven human observers. Each observer classified 44 ex vivo mouse ovaries (16 normal and 28 abnormal) as normal or abnormal from OCT, SHG, and simultaneously viewed, coregistered OCT and SHG images and provided a confidence rating on a six-point scale. We determined the average receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, area under the ROC curves (AUC), and other quantitative figures of merit. The results show that OCT has diagnostic potential with an average AUC of 0.91±0.06. The average AUC for SHG was less promising at 0.71±0.13. The average AUC for simultaneous OCT and SHG was not significantly different from OCT alone, possibly due to the limited SHG field of view. The high performance of OCT and coregistered OCT and SHG warrants further investigation.
Myoepithelial Cell Differentiation Markers in Ductal Carcinoma in Situ Progression

We describe a preclinical model that investigates progression of early-stage ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and report that compromised myoepithelial cell differentiation occurs before transition to invasive disease. Human breast cancer MCF10DCIS.com cells were delivered into the mouse mammary teat by intraductal injection in the absence of surgical manipulations and accompanying wound-healing confounders. DCIS-like lesions developed throughout the mammary ducts with full representation of human DCIS histologic patterns. Tumor cells were incorporated into the normal mammary epithelium, developed ductal intraepithelial neoplasia and DCIS, and progressed to invasive carcinoma, suggesting the model provides a rigorous approach to study early stages of breast cancer progression. Mammary glands were evaluated for myoepithelium integrity with immunohistochemical assays. Progressive loss of the myoepithelial cell differentiation markers p63, calponin, and α-smooth muscle actin was observed in the mouse myoepithelium surrounding DCIS-involved ducts. p63 loss was an early indicator, calponin loss intermediate, and α-smooth muscle actin a later indicator of compromised myoepithelium. Loss of myoepithelial calponin was specifically associated with gain of the basal marker p63 in adjacent tumor cells. In single time point biopsies obtained from 16 women diagnosed with pure DCIS, a similar loss in myoepithelial cell markers was observed. These results suggest that further research is warranted into the role of myoepithelial cell p63 and calponin expression on DCIS progression to invasive disease.
A software based approach for providing network fault tolerance in clusters with uDAPL interface: MPI level design and performance evaluation

In the arena of cluster computing, MPI has emerged as the de facto standard for writing parallel applications. At the same time, introduction of high speed RDMA-enabled interconnects like InfiniBand, Myrinet, Quadrics, RDMA-enabled Ethernet has escalated the trends in cluster computing. Network APIs like uDAPL (user direct access provider library) are being proposed to provide a network-independent interface to different RDMA-enabled interconnects. Clusters with combination(s) of these interconnects are being deployed to leverage their unique features, and network failover in wake of transmission errors. In this paper, we design a network fault tolerant MPI using uDAPL interface, making this design portable for existing and upcoming interconnects. Our design provides failover to available paths, asynchronous recovery of the previous failed paths and recovery from network partitions without application restart. In addition, the design is able to handle network heterogeneity, making it suitable for the current state of the art clusters. We implement our design and evaluate it with micro-benchmarks and applications. Our performance evaluation shows that the proposed design provides significant performance benefits to both homogeneous and heterogeneous clusters. Using a heterogeneous combinations of IBA and Ammasso-GigE, we are able to improve the performance by 10-15% for different NAS parallel benchmarks on 8 times 1 configuration. For simple micro-benchmarks on a homogeneous configuration, we are able to achieve an improvement of 15-20% in throughput. In addition, experiments with simple MPI micro-benchmarks and NAS applications reveal that network fault tolerance modules incur negligible overhead and provide optimal performance in wake of network partitions
Low-cost high-efficiency substrate-integrated cavity-backed single element antenna

A novel family of substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity-backed antennas is proposed. The proposed SIW cavity-backed topology has the potential to be used for a bandwidth enhancement where it could widen the inherent limited bandwidth of the conventional patch (typically 2%) to about 10%. Unlike the conventional metalized cavity-backed antenna which requires two fabrication processes; a PCB process to print the patches on the substrate and a CNC machining to attain the cavity backing the patch, the proposed SIW topology has a low fabrication cost, as the whole structure could be attained using a conventional PCB process. Here the radiation could be related to both the patch and the slot elements.
Synthetic communities, the sum of parts

Cooperation between cells is one of evolution's fundamental innovations. It allows cells to specialize: Different members of a consortium assume different responsibilities, increasing overall productivity and allowing for more complex behavior than is possible with a single cell or a monoculture ( 1 ). These features of natural systems have attracted the attention of synthetic biologists, who have made engineering of cooperation between cells a long-standing goal. On page 986 of this issue, Chen et al. ( 2 ) report the creation of a synthetic consortium of cooperating Escherichia coli bacteria. The design principles they demonstrate have important implications for the construction of multicellular synthetic systems.
Nondetection of Polarized, Scattered Light from the HD 189733b Hot Jupiter

Using the POLISH instrument, I am unable to reproduce the large-amplitude polarimetric observations of Berdyugina et al. to the >99.99% confidence level. I observe no significant polarimetric variability in the HD 189733 system, and the upper limit to variability from the exoplanet is ΔP < 7.9 × 10^(–5) with 99% confidence in the 400-675 nm wavelength range. Berdyugina et al. report polarized, scattered light from the atmosphere of the HD 189733b hot Jupiter with an amplitude of two parts in 10^4. Such a large amplitude is over an order of magnitude larger than expected given a geometric albedo similar to other hot Jupiters. However, my nondetection of polarimetric variability phase-locked to the orbital period of the exoplanet, and the lack of any significant variability, shows that the polarimetric modulation reported by Berdyugina et al. cannot be due to the exoplanet.
A Branch-and-Cut Method for Dynamic Decision Making Under Joint Chance Constraints

In this paper, we consider a finite-horizon stochastic mixed-integer program involving dynamic decisions under a constraint on the overall performance or reliability of the system. We formulate this problem as a multistage dynamic chance-constrained program, whose deterministic equivalent is a large-scale mixed-integer program. We study the structure of the formulation and develop a branch-and-cut method for its solution. We illustrate the efficacy of the proposed model and method on a dynamic inventory control problem with stochastic demand in which a specific service level must be met over the entire planning horizon. We compare our dynamic model with a static chance-constrained model, a dynamic risk-averse optimization model, a robust optimization model, and a pseudo-dynamic approach and show that significant cost savings can be achieved at high service levels using our model. Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1822 . This paper was accepted by Dimitris Bertsimas, optimization.
Synthesis and characterization of a series of rhodium, iridium, and ruthenium isocyanide complexes

Several new electrophilic metal isocyanide complexes have been fully characterized and reported herein. Isocyanide induced cleavage of the dimer, [LMCl2]2 {LM = Cp ⁄ Ir, Cp ⁄ Rh, or (p-cymene)Ru}, with 2, 6-xylylisocyanide or 2,6-diethylphenylisocyanide produces complexes of the general formula LM(CNAr)Cl2. Halide metathesis of the dichloro complexes with sodium iodide produces the corresponding complexes with the general formula LM(CNAr)I2. For the analogous ruthenium complexes better results were achieved via isocyanide induced cleavage of [(p-cymene)RuI2]2 and was synthesized differently from previous reports. Several neutral complexes in reaction with AgPF6 in acetonitrile form cationic, solvent-coordinated complexes have been fully characterized. Most reactions with rhodium decomposed to either [Cp ⁄ RhCl(MeCN)]2[(PF6)2] starting from the dichloro complexes, or [Cp
Multiple-Access Channels with Distributed Channel State Information

This paper considers a multiple-access channel with two state components, where the first sender knows only the first state component, the second sender knows only the second component, and the receiver knows both components. The notion of adaptive-rate capacity is introduced to characterize the set of achievable rates when the state is fixed in each transmission block but can vary between blocks. Single-letter characterizations of the adaptive-rate capacity region for the discrete-memoryless and the Gaussian models are established. The expected adaptive sum-rate capacity is compared to the ergodic sum-rate capacities when the senders have complete and partial state information, and to the sum-rate capacity of the compound MAC. This comparison shows that the adaptive sum-rate capacity can be close to the ergodic capacity and much higher than the sum-rate capacity of the compound MAC.
Digital systems for live multimodal performance in Death and the Powers

ABSTRACTThe opera Death and the Powers by Tod Machover tells the story of a man, Simon Powers, who evades death by transferring his essence into his environment as his corporeal body dies. To realize the effect of the theatrical environment coming alive as the main character, the Opera of the Future research group at the MIT Media Lab developed new technologies and control systems for interactive robotics, sound and visuals in live theatre. A core component of this work is the technique of Disembodied Performance, a method and associated technological infrastructure that translates the live performance of the offstage opera singer into multimodal representations onstage. The author was principally responsible for the control architecture and Disembodied Performance software implementation, as well as the design of the visual language used to represent Simon Powers. These digitally-enabled elements were created in order to support the story of the opera and facilitate the process of crafting and rehearsing...
Phosphorylation of the Kinase Homology Domain Is Essential for Activation of the A-Type Natriuretic Peptide Receptor

Natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A) is the biological receptor for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Activation of the NPR-A guanylyl cyclase requires ANP binding to the extracellular domain and ATP binding to a putative site within its cytoplasmic region. The allosteric interaction of ATP with the intracellular kinase homology domain (KHD) is hypothesized to derepress the carboxyl-terminal guanylyl cyclase catalytic domain, resulting in the synthesis of the second messenger, cyclic GMP. Here, we show that phosphorylation of the KHD is essential for receptor activation. Using a combination of phosphopeptide mapping techniques, we have identified six residues within the ATP-binding domain (S497, T500, S502, S506, S510, and T513) which are phosphorylated when NPR-A is expressed in HEK 293 cells. Mutation of any one of these Ser or Thr residues to Ala caused reductions in the receptor phosphorylation state, the number and pattern of phosphopeptides observed in tryptic maps, and ANP-dependent guanylyl cyclase activity. The reductions were not explained by decreases in NPR-A protein levels, as indicated by immunoblot analysis and determinations of cyclase activity in the presence of detergent. Conversion of Ser-497 to Ala resulted in the most dramatic decrease in cyclase activity (;20% of wild-type activity), but conversion to an acidic residue (Glu), which mimics the charge of the phosphoserine moiety, had no effect. Simultaneous mutation of five of the phosphorylation sites to Ala resulted in a dephosphorylated receptor which was unresponsive to hormone and had potent dominant negative inhibitory activity. We conclude that phosphorylation of the KHD is absolutely required for hormone-dependent activation of NPR-A.
Integrated Curricula: Purpose and Design

This paper has two objectives: 1) to define, describe, and discuss integrated programs and their advantages with regard to student and faculty outcomes, as well as student retention; and 2) to describe a design process used to successfully develop and deploy an integrated first year curriculum. This paper details the results of the design process and the content of the first year integrated program implemented by the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University. The curriculum integrates the first year components of calculus, chemistry, engineering graphics, English, physics, and problem solving.
Robust selectivity to two-object images in human visual cortex.

Summary We can recognize objects in complex images in a fraction of a second [1–3]. Neuronal responses in macaque areas V4 and inferior temporal cortex [4–15] to preferred stimuli are typically suppressed by the addition of other objects within the receptive field (see, however, [16, 17]). How can this suppression be reconciled with rapid visual recognition in complex scenes? Certain "special categories" could be unaffected by other objects [18], but this leaves the problem unsolved for other categories. Another possibility is that serial attentional shifts help ameliorate the problem of distractor objects [19–21]. Yet, psychophysical studies [1–3], scalp recordings [1], and neurophysiological recordings [14–16, 22–24] suggest that the initial sweep of visual processing contains a significant amount of information. We recorded intracranial field potentials in human visual cortex during presentation of flashes of two-object images. Visual selectivity from temporal cortex during the initial ∼200 ms was largely robust to the presence of other objects. We could train linear decoders on the responses to isolated objects and decode information in two-object images. These observations are compatible with parallel, hierarchical, and feed-forward theories of rapid visual recognition [25] and may provide a neural substrate to begin to unravel rapid recognition in natural scenes.
Time-resolved x-ray microscopy in biology and medical science

X-ray microscopy offers several inherent advantages for the biological and medical sciences over other high-resolution microscopy techniques, such as confocal optical microscopy and electron microscopy.
Modeling interactions between lignocellulose and ionic liquids using DFT-D

Dissolution of lignocellulose in ionic liquids is a promising route to synthesizing fuels and chemical feedstocks from woody plant materials. While cellulose dissolution is well-understood, less is known about the differences between ionic liquids' interactions with cellulose vs.lignin. This work uses dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT-D) to model the interactions of imidazolium chloride ionic liquid anions and cations with (1,4)-dimethoxy-β-D-glucopyranose and 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methoxyethanol as models for cellulose and the lignin polyphenol, respectively. The cellulose model preferentially interacts with Cl−, confirming previous experimental and theoretical studies. However, the lignin model has significant π-stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions with imidazolium cation. These results are robust to changes in the computational details, and suggest that the ionic liquid cations play important roles in tuning the relative solubilities of lignin and cellulose. Calculations predict that the extended π-systems of benzimidazolium ionic liquids yield stronger interactions with lignin, showing potential for improved lignocellulose solvents.
Time of delirium onset and prognosis amongst Southern Brazilian hospitalized elderly patients

The prognostic significance of delirium in hospitalized elderly has not yet been fully clarified. Objectives: The present study was designed to evaluate the relationship between prevalent delirium (PrD), incident delirium (InD) and final outcome. Methods: A historical cohort of 261 patients was selected. delirium was diagnosed using the Confusion Assessment Method. Results: The total frequency of delirium detected was 42.5%- 31.4% PrD and 16.2% InD. Among patients with InD, the average length of hospital stay was 9.1 days longer than for patients without delirium (p=0.002), and the hospital mortality associated with InD was 48% versus 2.7% for those without delirium (p<0.001). However, no difference was observed between patients with PrD and those without delirium. Conclusions: These results suggest that, when investigating delirium and prognosis amongst hospitalized elderly, it is fundamental to differentiate in terms of time of onset. Furthermore, the absence of delirium seems to be an important protective factor. Momento de inicio do delirium e prognostico em pacientes idosos hospitalizados no sul do Brasil Resumo - O significado do prognostico de delirium em idosos hospitalizados ainda nao esta completamente elucidado. Objetivos: O presente estudo foi designado para avaliar a relacao entre delirium prevalente (DeP), delirium incidente (DeI) e o desfecho final. Metodos: Uma coorte historica de 261 pacientes foi selecionada. delirium foi diagnosticado pelo Confusion Assessment Method. Resultados: A frequencia total de delirium foi de 42.5%, DeP 31.4%, e DeI 16.2%. Para pacientes com DeI, a media de duracao de hospitalizacao foi 9.1 dias maior do que aqueles sem delirium (p=0.002), e a mortalidade hospitalar associada a DeI foi de 48.3% contra 2.7% dos livres de delirium (p<0.001). Contudo, nao houve diferenca entre pacientes com DeP e sem delirium. Conclusoes: Os resultados sugerem que, ao estudar delirium e prognostico entre idosos hospitalizados, e fundamental diferenciar o problema quanto ao seu momento de inicio. Alem disso, nao apresentar delirium parece constituir-se num fator protetor importante. Palavras-chave: delirium, estado confusional agudo, idoso, prognostico, hospitalizacao.
View and scale invariant action recognition using multiview shape-flow models

Actions in real world applications typically take place in cluttered environments with large variations in the orientation and scale of the actor. We present an approach to simultaneously track and recognize known actions that is robust to such variations, starting from a person detection in the standing pose. In our approach we first render synthetic poses from multiple viewpoints using Mocap data for known actions and represent them in a conditional random field (CRF) whose observation potentials are computed using shape similarity and the transition potentials are computed using optical flow. We enhance these basic potentials with terms to represent spatial and temporal constraints and call our enhanced model the shape, flow, duration-conditional random field (SFD-CRF). We find the best sequence of actions using Viterbi search in the SFD-CRF. We demonstrate our approach on videos from multiple viewpoints and in the presence of background clutter.
Rapid computation of LROC figures of merit using numerical observers (for SPECT/PET reconstruction)

The assessment of positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image reconstructions by image quality metrics is typically time consuming, even if methods employing model observers and samples of reconstructions are used to replace human testing. We consider a detection task where the background is known exactly and the signal is known except for location. We develop theoretical formulas to rapidly evaluate two relevant figures of merit: the area under the localization receiver operating characteristic (LROC) curve and the probability of correct localization. The formulas can accommodate different forms of model observer. The theory hinges on the fact that we are able to rapidly compute the mean and covariance of the reconstruction. For four forms of model observer, the theoretical expressions are validated by Monte Carlo studies for the case of MAP (maximum a posteriori) reconstruction. The theory method affords a 10/sup 2/-10/sup 3/ speedup relative to methods in which model observers are applied to sample reconstructions.
Nonlinear control synthesis by sum of squares optimization: a Lyapunov-based approach

This paper addresses the state feedback control synthesis problems for nonlinear systems, either without or with guaranteed cost or H/sub /spl infin// performance objectives. By representing the open-loop nonlinear systems in a state dependent linear-like form and considering a special class of Lyapunov functions, sufficient conditions for the solutions to the above problems can be formulated in terms of state dependent linear matrix inequalities. Semidefinite programming relaxations based on the sum of squares decomposition are then used to efficiently solve such inequalities.
Collective Modes in Strongly Coupled Electronic Bilayer Liquids

We present the first reliable calculation of the collective mode structure of a strongly coupled electronic bilayer. The calculation is based on a classical model through the 3rd frequency-moment-sum rule preserving quasi-localized-charge approximation, using the recently calculated hypernetted-chain pair correlation functions. The out-of-phase spectrum shows an energy gap at k=0 and the absence of a previously conjectured dynamical instability. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Prevalence and Correlates of Suicidal Ideation among Court-Referred Male Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence

Despite the documented association between intimate partner violence perpetration and suicidal ideation, few studies have examined the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation in men attending batterer intervention programs. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation in 294 males court-ordered to a batterer intervention program. Twenty-two percent of the sample reported experiencing suicidal ideation within the 2 weeks prior to entering the batterer intervention program. Multiple linear regression indicated that depression and borderline personality disorder symptoms, but not intimate partner violence perpetration, victimization, or antisocial personality disorder symptoms, accounted for significant variance in suicidal ideation. These results suggest that symptoms of depression and borderline personality disorder observed in males attending batterer intervention programs should warrant thorough suicide risk assessment. Implications of the findings and limitations of the study are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Increases in purine excretion and rate of synthesis by drugs inhibiting IMP dehydrogenase or adenylosuccinate synthetase activities.

Hershfield reported an assay system devoid of hypoxanthine for evaluating the rate of purine synthesis de novo based on rates of [14C]-formate incorporation into intracellular purine components of lymphoblasts and into purines excreted into the culture medium. Using this system normal and in vitro selected, biochemically-characterized HPRT* deficient lines were found to have similar rates of total purine synthesis; however, these cell lines differed markedly in the excretion of newly-formed purine into the medium (1,2).
Predictable Anomaly Patterns and the Forecast Skill of Northern Hemisphere Wintertime 500-mb Height Fields

Abstract Technique for identification of well-predicted spatial patterns in numerical weather prediction model output are outlined and applied to a 14-winter set of Northern Hemisphere 500-mb geopotential height analyses and 1–10-day forecasts produced by the ECMWF operational model. Three approaches are investigated: canonical correlation analysis (CCA), singular value decomposition analysis, and predictable component analysis, the products of which are related to the optimization of forecast-analysis correlation, covariance, and rms error, respectively. In confirmation of earlier results, the most predictable anomaly pattern identified by all three methods is found to be similar to the leading empirical orthogonal function of the analyzed 500-mb height anomaly field, which is dominated by the Pacific-North American pattern. The time series of forecast and verifying analysis projections onto the leading pattern have temporal correlations of at least 0.75 at all forecast intervals out to 10 days and great...
NCAA basketball: when does recruiting talent translate into wins for power conferences?

NCAA men’s basketball teams are spending an increasing amount of money on recruiting expenditures in an effort to win more games. We examine the recruiting quality of both freshmen and returning players to determine the impact of recruiting on a power conference team’s success. In particular, we identify the point at which players of different recruiting quality begin to contribute to a team’s success and estimate the impact of returning players by year and position. We find that elite freshmen guards are the only position that immediately impacts a team’s success, while forwards and centers need one or more seasons to develop into a player that generates wins for his team. We conclude by noting how these results may inform coaches regarding the makeup of talent and positions on their roster.
Volvariella in North America

Volvariella is a sharply circumscribed group of agaric species characterized macroscopically by possessing pink spores, free lamellae, and a stipe which bears no annulus but is encased at the base by a volva. The genus is widely distributed; species have been reported from tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions of both the eastern and the western hemispheres. More than one hundred species, subspecies, and varieties, which today would be considered to belong in Volvariella, have been described from throughout the world. Eighteen species are here recognized for North America. Lloyd (1898, 1899a, 1899b, under the name Volvaria) and Murrill (1917, under the name Volvariopsis) were the last to treat the North American species of the genus, but Kauffman (1918, under the name Volvaria) and Coker (1947, under the name Volvaria) published keys to and descriptions of the species occurring in Michigan and North Carolina, respectively.
Use and Interpretation of Canonical Correlation Analyses in Journal of Educational Research Articles: 1978-1989

AbstractThe use and interpretation of canonical correlation analysis in Journal of Educational Research articles from 1978 to 1989 were reviewed. Wide variation in the use of terminology was found across 10 articles reporting 11 studies. The sample sizes used did not always achieve a desired level of stability in the interpretation of results. Given that several supplementary analyses are now available, researchers should be encouraged to use the model more fully in the interpretation of their results.
Surgical Induction of Varicocele in the Rabbit

Abstract Surgically induced varicoceles were created in male rabbits of proven fertility by partially occluding the left lumbotesticular trunk, which receives the left testicular vein before draining into the left renal vein. Semen was collected every 2 weeks following surgery and left testicular biopsy was performed at 2, 4, 8 and 13 postoperative weeks. Tissue was processed for light and electron microscopy. Animals were sacrificed at 20 postoperative weeks. Left testicular vein dilatation was observed at autopsy (20 weeks postoperative), as were changes in semen quality. These included an increase in the number of round germ cells and abnormal spermatozoa, as well as a decrease in sperm numeric density and motility. Seminiferous tubule pathology was variable and germ cell sloughing was observed as soon as 8 weeks following surgery. Spermatids were maloriented relative to Sertoli cells and Sertoli-germ cell junctional complexes were structurally abnormal. Results indicate that surgical induction of varicocele in the rabbit leads to altered spermatogenic function and decreased semen quality similar to that described in humans. Epithelial disruption appears to be a phenomenon of the adluminal testicular compartment and apical Sertoli cell cytoplasmic degeneration may account for the poor semen quality associated with varicocele.
Psychiatric school consultation. An organizing framework and empowering techniques.

Psychiatric consultations, including techniques that empower school staff, are increasingly valuable. More collaborative roles with school staff will improve not only the success of individual students but also the redefinition of schools as they better address the future needs of their students.
Developing an Optical Brain-Computer Interface for Humanoid Robot Control

This work evaluates the feasibility of a motor imagery-based optical brain-computer interface BCI for humanoid robot control. The functional near-infrared spectroscopy fNIRS based BCI-robot system developed in this study operates through a high-level control mechanism where user specifies a target action through the BCI and the robot performs the set of micro operations necessary to fulfill the identified goal. For the evaluation of the system, four motor imagery tasks left hand, right hand, left foot, and right foot were mapped to operational commands turn left, turn right, walk forward, walk backward that were sent to the robot in real time to direct the robot navigating a small room. An ecologically valid offline analysis with minimal preprocessing shows that seven subjects could achieve an average accuracy of 32.5i¾?%. This was increased to 43.6i¾?% just by including calibration data from the same day of the robot control using the same cap setup, indicating that day-of calibration following the initial training may be important for BCI control.
Kin Groups and Divine Kingship in Lowland Maya Society

“There is a blind spot in the [documentary] sources on ancient Mesoamerican life, covering the crucial region between the kinship terminology and political structure” (M. Coe 1965:98). This observation reflects the fact that sixteenth-century conquerors/chroniclers of the Americas approached the “other” from two perspectives: (1) with an eye to gaining military supremacy and political dominance, which required an understanding and conquest of the governing structures of the elite, and (2) with a desire to garner resources, enslave productive labor, and capture the “souls” of indigenous inhabitants. The latter necessitated population tallies and some knowledge of the familial residence and scale of production. As a consequence of this agenda, rarely did chroniclers of the past (or archaeologists of today, for that matter) speak of that middle ground in which kin groups coalesced to form factions which, in turn, played a powerful role in defining and changing the nature of pre-Hispanic political authority. This chapter addresses the interaction and the relationships, often conflictive, between these two realms of authority—that of kin groups and divine kingship. It is an investigation of the imposition of power by a centralized authority upon the more diffuse power network of the lineage; it is also about the myriad ways in which such an imposition is thwarted, resisted, and accommodated through the formation and mobilization of factions.
Through-focus performance with a corneal shape-changing inlay: One-year results.

Purpose To evaluate improvement in the through-focus acuity and visual function provided by a corneal inlay designed to modify the surface shape of the central cornea. Setting Two clinical practices, United States. Design Prospective nonrandomized clinical trial. Methods Emmetropic patients with presbyopia who required a reading addition (add) from +1.50 to +2.00 diopters (D) had implantation of the Raindrop Near Vision Inlay in the nondominant eye. The inlay was designed to modify the anterior curvature of the central cornea with the intent to improve near and intermediate vision. At the preoperative and 1-year postoperative visits, the following visual functions were recorded: defocus curves in the nondominant eye, required add for best near vision, distance-corrected binocular contrast sensitivity, and uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at 6 m, 80 cm, and 40 cm. Results The study comprised 30 patients. One year postoperatively, on average, distance-corrected near acuity improved by more than 3 lines, with patients achieving a distance-corrected acuity of 0.3 logMAR (20/40) or better across a 3.50 D range of defocus. Binocular uncorrected visual acuity of 0.2 logMAR (20/32) or better at distance, intermediate, and near distances was obtained in 97% of patients. The mean reduction in the reading add was 1.60 D. There was no significant change in binocular contrast sensitivity. Overall patient satisfaction was high. Conclusion A corneal inlay in the nondominant eye of emmetropic patients provided a significant increase in the range of functional vision at intermediate and near, with no loss in binocular distance acuity. Financial Disclosure Drs. Whitman, Hovanesian, Steinert, and Koch received compensation for participating in the study from Revision Optics, Inc. Drs. Steinert and Koch are medical monitors for Revision Optics, Inc. None of the other authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.