cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
General results concerning the stability of 2-D digital filters with nonessential singularities of the second kind

Abstract Previous results concerning the stability of 2-D digital filters in the presence of simple nonessential singularities of the second kind are extended to a very broad class of functions having second kind singularities on T2, the distinguished boundary of the unit bidisk, where these singularities may be simple or of multiple order. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for the l2- and l1-stabilities and for theboundedness for a function of the type G(z 1 ,z 2 ) = P(z 1 ,z 2 ) {Π n 1 Q ν i i (z 1 , 1 ,z 2 )} , where P Q i has simple nonessential singularities of the second kind on T2. These conditions are computationally simple and are expressed in terms of multiplicities of the zeros of certain resultants of two-variable polynomials. Several examples are considered to illustrate the results.
Experimental and analytical study of a loop heat pipe at a positive elevation using neutron radiography

Abstract An experimental and analytical study has been conducted of a loop heat pipe's steady state operating conditions at a positive elevation, which refers to when the condenser is higher than the evaporator. A unique trend of the steady state operating temperature as a function of evaporator heat load at a positive elevation was observed in the experimental data. A gravity-assisted operating theory was proposed and explained in detail. In addition, the proposed hypothesis was validated by neutron radiography, a non-destructive visualization tool. When the LHP is operated at a positive elevation, it can operate in the capillary-controlled mode, which means the system is driven by pressure gain from both surface tension and liquid head, or in the gravity-controlled mode, which means the system is driven only by the pressure gain from the liquid head. A pressure–temperature diagram illustrating the thermodynamic states of the circulating fluid was presented when the system is operating in a gravity-controlled mode. Experimental temperature data were presented for a loop heat pipe operating at 25.4, 76.2, and 127.0 mm positive elevations. Lastly, predicting results from an analytical model with the newly added features at a positive elevation were compared with the experimental results obtained at a 76.2 mm positive elevation. The model prediction and the experimental data agree well, which means the operating mechanisms were understood and captured in the model. This is the first study of a loop heat pipe focusing on a positive elevation, which unveils the unique temperature trend at low heat load operating conditions.
Nucleases in HeLa cell nucleoplasm and nucleoli.

Abstract HeLa cell nucleoplasmic and nucleolar nucleases were fractionated on DEAE-cellulose columns. Each fractionation showed at least three activity peaks that produced acid-soluble fragments from [ 3 H]poly(A); but different enzyme activities seemed to be differentially concentrated in nucleoli and nucleoplasm. The most active ribonuclease in nucleoplasm (called “Nu-B”) was identified as a processive exonuclease, while the most active ribonuclease in the nucleolar fraction (called “Nu-A”) was shown to be an endonuclease that produced oligonucleotides bearing 5′-phosphate groups. Crude and partially purified nuclease fractions were all tested for their capacity to cleave pre-rRNA in nucleoli and preribosomes. With both substrates, the sizes and the specific methyl content of the fragments resembled those made in vivo to some extent; but all the column fractions also degraded purified 18 S rRNA, 28 S rRNA, and artificial polynucleotides. Thus, previous reports of “processing” activity from nucleoli were apparently measuring the effects of a number of enzymatic activities of weak specificity. In spite of the apparent localization of enzymes in nucleoli and nucleoplasm, there is as yet no clear correlation with specific physiological functions.
SINGLE-LEG HOP BIOMECHANICAL ADAPTIONS FOLLOWING AN INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM

Background Injury prevention programs (IPP) have demonstrated positive results in reducing the incidence of traumatic lower extremity (LE) injuries. However, it is not well documented how biomechanical alterations caused by IPP9s contribute to improved physical performance. Objective To evaluate the effects of an IPP on bilateral LE biomechanics during a single-leg hop task (SLH). Design Quasi-experimental. Setting Collegiate Soccer Players. Participants 16 athletes (19.3±1.0 years; 1.67±0.05 m; 62.7±5.9 kg) free of any LE injuries. Interventions A 3-D motion-capture system assessed LE biomechanics at pre- and post-IPP, while participants performed 3 SLH (cm) bilaterally from a force-plate. A 10-week IPP, which included agility and plyometric drills, was integrated into the normal team practice during the off-season period. Main outcome measurements Mean peak knee flexion (KF) and abduction (KA) were appraised during propulsion phase (PP), takeoff, touchdown, and landing phase (LP). Peak ground reaction forces (GRF), normalized to body weight, were also measured during PP. Repeated measures ANOVAs assessed the effects of training and leg dominance. Results Pre-IPP, SLH displacement significantly differed between legs (P=.013), and post-IPP, training significantly improved for both legs (P=.026), resulting in a significant interaction effect (P=.035). KF significantly decreased pre-to-post-IPP at PP for training (P=.017) and dominance (P = .015). KA significantly differed pre-to-post-IPP during PP for training (P=.025) and dominance (P = .026), takeoff for training ( p =0.016), touchdown for training (P=.001), and LP for training (P=.002). Pre-to-post-IPP, training significantly increased GRF anteriorly (P=.001). Conclusions Previous researchers have suggested increased LE injury risk due to inter-limb differences. Our results demonstrated inter-limb equivalence in SLH force-production and displacement post-IPP, with KA shifting toward a more neutral frontal-plane alignment. Thus, the increased ability and frontal-plane neutrality exhibited between legs may be an influencing factor in how the IPP can reduce LE injury risk.
First infectious clone of the propagatively transmitted Oat blue dwarf virus

Oat blue dwarf virus (OBDV) is a small, phloem-limited marafivirus that replicates in its leafhopper vector. We have developed complete cDNA clones of OBDV from which infectious transcripts may be derived––the first such clones for any propagatively transmitted plant virus. Prior to clone construction, the reported sequences of the 5′ and 3′ ends were confirmed using 5′ RACE, primer extension, and ligation-anchored PCR. Using vascular puncture of maize seeds with capped transcripts, multiple clones were shown to be infectious at an average rate of 24.3% (range 14–36%). Aster leafhoppers successfully transmitted OBDV to oats and barley after feeding on detached, infected maize leaves. Proteins and RNAs consistent in size with those expected in OBDV infection were detected in young leaves via western and northern blotting, respectively. One construct, pOBDV-2r, was designated as the reference clone. An infectious clone of OBDV will be valuable in examining the interaction of this virus with both its insect and plant hosts.
Sindbis virus with a tricomponent genome

We established a system for propagation of Sindbis virus (SIN)-based replicons in tissue culture in the form of a tricomponent genome virus. Three RNA fragments containing complementing genetic information required for virus replication are packaged into separate viral particles, and each cell produces at least 1,000 packaged replicons and the number of packaged helpers sufficient to perform the next passage. This system can be used to generate large stocks of packaged replicons. The formation of infectious recombinant SIN virus was not detected in any experiments. These features make multicomponent genome SIN an attractive system for a variety of research and biotechnology applications.
Cyclobenzaprine and ethanol interaction.

The effects of cyclobenzaprine, a tricyclic compound, on the central depressant action of ethanol and on hepatic ethanol metabolizing enzymes were studied in rodents. Administration of cyclobenzaprine, 5 mg/kg, IP, 30 min prior to a narcotic dose of ethanol solution, 5 g/kg, IP, enhanced ethanol-produced narcosis in mice. This effect was greater in male than in female mice. Cyclobenzaprine inhibited endogenous rat liver alcohol dehydrogenase in vitro in the concentration range between 10−5M and 10−6M. Cyclobenzaprine exerted little effect on hepatic aldehyde dehydrogenase in vitro. The results suggest that cyclobenzaprine possesses depressant properties and inhibition of liver alcohol dehydrogenase may underlie the observed behavioral response studied. It is concluded that alteration of endogenous liver alcohol dehydrogenase by certain tricyclic antidepressant drugs may be involved in the mechanism(s) of their toxic interaction with ethanol.
High-temperature sensing applications of silica and sapphire optical fibers

Two silica fiber strain sensors are presented and their capabilities at high temperatures are demonstrated. A silica fiber extrinsic Fabry-Perot strain sensor is demonstrated with nanometer resolution at temperatures up to 975 C. The second silica-based fiber sensor is an intensity-based strain sensor constructed by placing two multimode fibers inside a hollow silica tube. As the gap between the endfaces of the fibers changes, the intensity of the output optical power varies depending on the longitudinal misalignment. SiO2 was deposited using a CVD method to form a cladding on commercially-available sapphire rods. The sapphire optical fiber was used to build a displacement sensor.
On assemble-to-order systems with flexible customers

We consider an assemble-to-order system in which each customer order consists of a mix of key and non-key items. Key items are items where the customer is lost if one or more of his key items are not available. The non-key items are items which are not essential, and therefore, customers may ignore those items if they are not available. We also allow substitution in our model, and assume that some proportion of customers accept substitutions for missing items. We then develop a quasi-birth-and-death process which can be used to obtain the performance measures of the assemble-to-order system. We also introduce new measures which evaluate different levels of customer satisfaction. Through a numerical study, we reveal some interesting behaviors of the system and explore the underlying causes.
Determination of oryzalin in water, citrus fruits, and stone fruits by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

A new methodology is described for rapidly determining the herbicide oryzalin in water, citrus fruits, and stone fruits by liquid chromatography with negative ion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Oryzalin is extracted from water using a polymeric sorbent solid phase extraction (SPE) column and from fruit using methanol. The water samples require no further purification, but an aliquot of the fruit sample extracts is diluted with water and purified using a polymeric 96 well SPE plate. Purified extracts are concentrated prior to determination by LC/MS/MS at m/z 345 (Q1) and m/z 281 (Q3) using an external standard for calibration. The validated limits of quantitation were 0.05 μg/L in water (drinking water, surface water, and groundwater) and 0.01 μg/g in citrus fruits (oranges and lemons) and stone fruits (peaches and cherries). Recoveries averaged 102% for water samples and 85−89% for the various types of fruit samples. For all fortification levels combined, the relative standar...
Frequency and Risk Factors Associated With Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Cancer Patients Treated With Intravenous Bisphosphonates

Introduction: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) has been reported in patients treated with bisphosphonates. The incidence and risk factors associated with this disorder have not been clearly defined. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 4019 patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates between 1996 and 2004. Our goals were to estimate the frequency, understand the clinical presentation, and identify risk factors associated with ONJ development. Results: Sixteen of 1338 patients with breast cancer (1.2%) and 13 of 548 patients with multiple myeloma (2.4%) developed ONJ. The median dose and duration of treatment with pamidronate or zoledronic acid were significantly higher in patients with ONJ (p < 0.0001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis identified treatment with zoledronic acid (hazards ratio [HR], 15.01; 95% CI: 2.41–93.48; p = 0.0037), treatment with pamidronate followed by zoledronic acid (HR, 4.00; 95% CI: 0.86–18.70; p = 0.078), and dental extractions (HR, 53.19; 95% CI: 18.20–155.46; p < 0.0001) as significant risks for ONJ in breast cancer. In multiple myeloma, dental extractions (HR, 9.78; 95% CI: 3.07–31.14; p = 0.0001) and osteoporosis (HR, 6.11; 95% CI: 1.56–23.98; p = 0.0095) were significant risk factors while controlling for bisphosphonate therapy. Thirteen of 29 patients were followed for a median of 17.1 mo (range, 7–67 mo); lesions healed in 3 patients during this period. Conclusions: ONJ is an uncommon but long-lasting disorder that occurs mainly in breast cancer and multiple myeloma patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates. High cumulative doses of bisphosphonates, poor oral health, and dental extractions may be significant risk factors for ONJ development. ONJ resolved in 23% of patients with conservative therapy.
Percutaneous Heart Catheterization in Infants and Children II. Prospective Study of Results and Complications in 127 Consecutive Cases

This report describes in detail the materials and methods used in the authors' laboratory for percutaneous insertion of catheters and for manipulation of catheters with guide wires in infants and children. A simple thin-walled spinal needle is used to enter femoral vessels initially. Catheter insertion is effected thereafter with the sequential uses of a guide wire, a dilator, and an end-hole catheter. Insertion of two or three catheters into a single vessel may be accomplished. In infants weighing less than 20 pounds, dilation of the vascular puncture wound may be accomplished in stages. Guide wires of different configurations are used for catheter manipulation into various cardiac structures including some which are relatively inaccessible. Guide wires are also used for catheter exchange. Angiograms of high quality may be obtained safely.
Guest Editorial Optical And Digital Processing I

Over one year ago, the concept of this special issue was first formulated. It was conceived, initially, as one special issue on digital image processing and a second special issue on optical data processing. These topics have been retained. However, rather than two separate issues, we have chosen to intersperse digital and optical papers throughout two issues. This has been done both for content and to emphasize the similarities in techniques and application areas between these two powerful computing disciplines. We trust that these truly joint-dual special issues will typify the rapidly increasing marriage of the disciplines of optical data processing and digital image processing.
Distributional clustering for content-based browsing of unstructured video

The focus of this paper is to facilitate access into an important class of multimedia content: unscripted and casually shot home videos. Unlike scripted video (such as movies and commercials), video that has been shot for the simple purpose of recording an event of place has no structure to facilitate its access. Our approach to tackling the unstructured video problem is to use clustering techniques to create multiple groupings of the video. We describe two clustering algorithm in this paper, which assume fairly general probability density descriptions of video. In addition, we describe an application built upon these clustering algorithms that enables browsing and rescripting unstructured content.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Single amino acid substitutions in the N-terminus of Vibrio cholerae TcpA affect colonization, autoagglutination, and serum resistance

Summary The toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) of Vibrio cholerae O1 is required for successful infection of the host. TcpA, the structural subunit of TCP, belongs to the type IV family of pilins, which includes the PilE pilin of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Recently, single amino acid changes in the N-terminus of PilE were found to abolish autoagglutination in gonococci. As type IV pilins demonstrate some similarities in function and amino acid sequence, site-directed mutagenesis and allelic exchange were used to create corresponding mutations in TcpA. All four mutant strains demonstrated autoagglutination defects, and all were highly defective for colonization in the infant mouse model. These results support the previously proposed correlation between autoagglutination and colonization. Finally, all four mutants are serum sensitive, indicating that TcpA plays a role in serum resistance, a phenotype previously attributed to TcpC. As the mutations have similar effects in N. gonorrhoeae and V. cholerae, our results support the idea that type IV pilins have similar functions in a variety of pathogenic bacteria.
The Ballistocardiogram in a Free Clinic

Of 240 patients consecutively admitted to the Cardiac Clinic of the Cincinnati General Hospital, and on whom a clinical diagnosis of heart disease was ultimately established, 204 had a ballistocardiogram taken and either an electrocardiogram, a six-foot chest plate or both of the latter two. The ballistocardiogram was evaluated (1) in terms of abnormality of pattern and (2) in degree of deviation from normal initial cardiac force. Frequency of abnormality in the various technics is presented for the group as a whole as well as for several etiologic groups. It is concluded that for a population of this kind the frequency of abnormality in the ballistocardiogram and electrocardiogram is essentially the same, whereas it is somewhat less in the chest plate.
Nitric oxide synthesis inhibition attenuates behavioral actions of neuropeptide FF.

Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) has certain antiopiate actions and may play a role in opiate tolerance and dependence. Third ventricle injection of 10 micrograms NPFF induces a quasimorphine abstinence syndrome in opiate-naive rats. Nitric oxide synthesis may also contribute to opiate tolerance and dependence. The present study tests the hypothesis that NPFF acts through stimulation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Third ventricular injection of 10 micrograms NPFF precipitated an average of 46 abstinence-like signs during a 20-min observation. Pretreatment (30 min earlier) with 7.5 or 15 mg/kg s.c. of the NOS inhibitor nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) resulted in a significant and dose-dependent alleviation of NPFF-induced abstinence-like signs. The anti-NPFF activity of 15 mg/kg L-NNA was blocked by 750 mg/kg L-arginine, but not by the same amount of D-arginine, indicating that L-NNA attenuates NPFF activity through a stereospecific inhibition of NOS.
When politics matter: Economic stabilization in Argentina and Israel

This is an attempt at a systematic comparison of the heterodox stabilization plans instituted by Argentina and Israel in 1985. Despite the remarkably similar stabilization plans instituted, Israel managed to dramatically reduce its inflation rate, while Argentina’s experience was exactly the opposite. This article suggests that the explanation for the different outcomes can be found in the variations in state power, autonomy, and capacity. In israel, state power was more effectively mobilized to pursue the goal of stabilization than in Argentina, where the state was riddled by special interests and lacked any semblance of cohesion.
Investigation of the temperature dependent recombination processes in periodic four-narrow-asymmetric-coupled-quantum-well structures

Abstract Continuous-wave intensity-dependent photoluminescence spectra of periodic four-narrow-asymmetric-coupled-quantum-well structures were measured at different temperatures. Above 215 K, the photoluminescence depends linearly on high pump laser intensities and quadratically on low pump laser intensities. This is due to the competition between radiative recombination, and nonradiative recombination of carriers at excitation intensity saturable deep traps. Below 215 K the trapping becomes negligible and the photoluminescence is linearly proportional to all laser intensity levels; radiative recombination dominates. Based on this transitional (from quadratic to linear) behavior of the photoluminescence and our simple theory, the transition intensity, the effective nonradiative decay time of the carriers, and the photoluminescence quantum efficiency have been determined as a function of temperature.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy: Two steps forward, one step back

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is poised to establish a new clinical paradigm; however, recent trials have produced mixed results. Although MSC were originally considered to treat connective tissue defects, preclinical studies revealed potent immunomodulatory properties that prompted the use of MSC to treat numerous inflammatory conditions. Unfortunately, although clinical trials have met safety endpoints, efficacy has not been demonstrated. We believe the challenge to demonstrate efficacy can be attributed in part to an incomplete understanding of the fate of MSC following infusion. Here, we highlight the clinical status of MSC therapy and discuss the importance of cell-tracking techniques, which have advanced our understanding of the fate and function of systemically infused MSC and might improve clinical application.
Grading technical papers during student conferences

Engineering, technology, and technical communication professors who promote writing excellence in their classrooms face the age-old problem of handling the paper load. On the one hand, professors want to include more writing assignments. On the other hand, they must find enough time to grade the extra papers. One efficient and effective way to grade writing is in an individual conference with each student. For her classes, the author has adapted the individual conference method of Roger Garrison (1981) to use in on-the-spot grading with a grading scale. This method offers many benefits, the most important being that it is a powerful teaching tool rather than just a tool for assessment. The individual conference can be used not only to grade, but to discuss an already graded paper and to discuss numerous drafts before grading a final draft.
Quantifying the impact of androgen therapy on the female larynx

Abstract Objective To describe the timing of changes in fundamental frequency of the female voice following androgen therapy during female to male gender reassignment. Methods A 33-year-old female semi-professional singer undergoing gender reassignment and intramuscular androgen injections was examined at monthly intervals to monitor the impact of therapy on the voice. Laryngostroboscopy and acoustic analysis were performed simultaneously to monitor for potential laryngeal pathology. Results Pretreatment mean fundamental frequency (MF0) was 228.45 Hz and ranged from 140.26 Hz to 430.64 Hz. Between month 3 and month 4 of treatment, MF0 declined to 116.52 Hz and ranged from 90.75 Hz to 201.07 Hz. Shimmer increased from 3.4% to 7.8%. Noise to harmonics ratio (NHR) also increased from 0.12 to 0.17. The patient has continued to sing semi-professionally despite these changes in laryngeal function. Conclusion Androgen therapy exerted a profound change on mean fundamental frequency between the third and fourth months of treatment. In addition, pitch range was reduced in a commensurate fashion. Patients undergoing androgen therapy may undergo a significant change in speaking voice between the third and fourth months of therapy. Moreover, though these changes may exert a profound impact on the singing voice, patients undergoing gender reassignment may still be able to achieve personal and professional success in their singing careers.
Dietary Energy Density Determined by Eight Calculation Methods in a Nationally Representative United States Population

Dietary energy density [kcal/g (kJ/g)] influences energy intake under controlled laboratory conditions. Little is known about the energy density of the diets of free-living persons. Because energy density investigations are a relatively new endeavor, there are neither standard calculation methods nor published nationally representative values. This paper examines the calculation of energy density based on systematic exclusion of beverage categories, presents data on variability, and compares values by sex, age, and race/ethnicity in a representative sample of U.S. adults. Mean daily dietary energy density values for adults (aged >19 y) were calculated using two 24-h recalls from the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals 1994-1996 based on food, food and liquid meal replacements, food and alcohol, food and juice, food and milk, food and juice and milk, food and energy-containing beverages, and food and all beverages. Energy density varied by calculation method, ranging from 0.94 to 1.85 kcal/g (3.93-7.74 kJ/g). Intraindividual-to-interindividual CV ratios were highest for the food and energy-containing beverages calculation. Men reported diets with a higher energy density than women for all calculation methods (P < 0.0001). There were differences by race/ethnicity and an inverse linear trend for age. These data indicate that beverage inclusion schemes should be clearly defined when reporting energy density values. In epidemiologic studies, calculations based on food and all beverages and food and energy-containing beverages may diminish associations with outcome variables. These nationally representative data, which provide an important frame of reference for other studies, indicate that dietary energy density differs by sex, age, and race/ethnicity.
Power-Efficient OFDM via Quantized Channel State Information

In response to the growing demand for low-cost low-power wireless sensor networks and related applications, we develop bit and power loading algorithms that minimize transmit-power for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) under rate and error probability constraints. Our novel algorithms exploit one of three types of channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT): deterministic (per channel realization) for slow fading links, statistical (channel mean) for fast fading links, and quantized (Q-) CSIT whereby a limited number of bits are fed back from the transmitter to the receiver. By adopting average transmit-power as a distortion metric, a channel quantizer is also designed to obtain a suitable form of Q-CSI. Numerical examples corroborate the analytical claims and reveal that significant power savings result even with a few bits of Q-CSIT.
Synthesis and characterization of poly (styrene-co-vinyl phosphonate) ionomers

Poly(styrene-co-diethyl vinylphosphonate) copolymers were synthesized by free radical copolymerization. The ester groups of the copolymers were hydrolyzed to phosphonic acid groups, and the sodium and zinc salts ionomers were obtained by neutralization. The structure and the thermal and viscoelastic properties of the copol- ymers and ionomers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier trans- form infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and small-angle X-ray scattering. The phosphonate ester lowered the glass transition temperature (Tg) of polystyrene. The free acid derivatives and metal phos- phonates increased Tg and produced a rubbery plateau region in the viscoelastic properties due to the formation of a physical network. The acid and salt ionomers exhibited microphase-separated morphologies and were thermorheologically complex. The phosphonic acid derivatives absorbed relatively little water, even for materials with ion-exchange capacities greater than 1.0 mEq/g, and were not conductive, which made them unsuitable for application as proton exchange membranes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 3628 -3641, 2004
Cold Air Pool Structure and Evolution in a Mountain Basin: Peter Sinks, Utah

Abstract The evolution of potential temperature and wind structure during the buildup of nocturnal cold-air pools was investigated during clear, dry, September nights in Utah's Peter Sinks basin, a 1-km-diameter limestone sinkhole that holds the Utah minimum temperature record of −56°C. The evolution of cold-pool characteristics depended on the strength of prevailing flows above the basin. On an undisturbed day, a 30°C diurnal temperature range and a strong nocturnal potential temperature inversion (22 K in 100 m) were observed in the basin. Initially, downslope flows formed on the basin sidewalls. As a very strong potential temperature jump (17 K) developed at the top of the cold pool, however, the winds died within the basin and over the sidewalls. A persistent turbulent sublayer formed below the jump. Turbulent sensible heat flux on the basin floor became negligible shortly after sunset while the basin atmosphere continued to cool. Temperatures over the slopes, except for a 1–2-m-deep layer, became war...
Implementation of a Quality Improvement Process Aimed to Deliver Higher Value Physical Therapy for Patients With Low Back Pain: Case Report

Background and Purpose The current state of health care demands higher-value care. Due to many barriers, clinicians routinely do not implement evidence-based care even though it is known to improve quality and reduce cost of care. The purpose of this case report is to describe a theory-based, multitactic implementation of a quality improvement process aimed to deliver higher-value physical therapy for patients with low back pain. Case Description Patients were treated from January 2010 through December 2014 in 1 of 32 outpatient physical therapy clinics within an academic health care system. Data were examined from 47,755 patients (mean age=50.3 years) entering outpatient physical therapy for management of nonspecific low back pain, with or without radicular pain. Development and implementation tactics were constructed from adult learning and change management theory to enhance adherence to best practice care among 130 physical therapists. A quality improvement team implemented 4 tactics: establish care delivery expectations, facilitate peer-led clinical and operational teams, foster a learning environment focused on meeting a population's needs, and continuously collect and analyze outcomes data. Physical therapy utilization and change in functional disability were measured to assess relative cost and quality of care. Secondarily, charge data assessed change in physical therapists' application of evidence-based care. Outcomes Implementation of a quality improvement process was measured by year-over-year improved clinical outcomes, decreased utilization, and increased adherence to evidence-based physical therapy, which was associated with higher-value care. Discussion When adult learning and change management theory are combined in quality improvement efforts, common barriers to implementing evidence-based care can be overcome, creating an environment supportive of delivering higher-value physical therapy for patients with low back pain.
Racist America: Roots, Current Realities, and Future Reparations

Joel Feagin. London and New York: Routledge, 2014. xviii and 373 pp., diagrams, appendixes, bibliography, index. $39.95 paper (ISBN 978-0-415-70401-4); $160.00 cloth (ISBN 978-0-415-70401-4).It is ...
United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 and 2 Scores Predict Neuroradiology Fellowship Success

Abstract Purpose Many neuroradiology programs use United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores to assess fellowship candidates. The authors hypothesized that because they are taken several years before fellowship, USMLE scores would correlate poorly with success in fellowship training as measured by faculty evaluations. Methods USMLE scores from 10 years of neuroradiology fellows (n = 73) were compared with their cumulative mean E*Value scores from their fellowship years and their best-to-worst rankings within their fellowship years. If available, subspecialty certification scores were also factored as an outcome. Linear correlation and regression analyses were performed adjusting for gender, medical school site, and practice setting after fellowship. Results USMLE Step 1, 2, and 3 scores were available for 69, 64, and 56 fellows, respectively. Fellowship E*Value scores and rankings showed statistically significant ( P r = 0.443) and rank ( r = 0.370). The mean USMLE Step 1 score of the top-ranked fellows (234.5) was significantly higher than that of the bottom-ranked fellows (217.7). The correlations of E*Value score and rank with USMLE Step 1 and 2 scores remained after adjusting for gender and American versus foreign medical school, but the medical school site attended also was an independent predictor of fellowship evaluations. Subspecialty certification scores did not show correlations but were underpowered (n = 28). Conclusions USMLE Step 1 and 2 scores correlated significantly with success in neuroradiology fellowship, measured by faculty assessments of the six core competencies. Using the scores as a means of assessing candidates for positions is justified.
The Concept of Compatibility in the Study of Language Varieties

(1966). The Concept of Compatibility in the Study of Language Varieties. WORD: Vol. 22, No. 1-3, pp. 310-317.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Bacterium Pseudomonas putida CBB5, Which Can Utilize Caffeine as a Sole Carbon and Nitrogen Source.

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas putida CBB5 was isolated from soil by enriching for growth on caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine). The draft genome of this strain is 6.9 Mb, with 5,941 predicted coding sequences. It includes the previously studied Alx gene cluster encoding alkylxanthine N-demethylase enzymes and other genes that enable the degradation of purine alkaloids.
Chromatographic Separation and Atmospheric Pressure Ionization/Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Nitrogen, Sulfur and Oxygen Containing Compounds in Crude Oils

Crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid whose chemical composition varies depending upon the source. Crude oil and products in refinery streams primarily consist of hydrocarbons (50-90%) with the remainder composed of compounds containing N, S, 0, and trace amounts of organometallics. Oxygen containing compounds usually are alcohols, phenols, furans and acids. The acids include alkanoic, naphthenic and aromatic species. Sulfur containing compounds include thiols, sulfides, disulfides and thiophene type compounds as well as inorganic sulfur. The nitrogen containing compounds usually are anilines, pyrroles, pyridines, indoles, quinolines and carbazoles. In addition to compounds which contain only one functional group based on NSO, recent results indicate that up to 50% of the compounds in crude contain two or more functional groups per molecule.1,3 These multifunctional compounds have yet to be elucidated.
Readability and Understanding of Informed Consent Among Participants With Low Incomes: A Preliminary Report

With passage and implementation of the Affordable Health Care Act, more vulnerable segments of the U.S. population will now have access to regular health care and increased opportunities to participate in biomedical research. Yet, access to new groups brings with it new responsibilities for investigators, most importantly, reducing burdens for participants. Data collected through this small pilot study suggest several preliminary but potentially important findings when working with adults from low-income populations: First, while all participants read some parts of the consent forms (55%), only a minority reported reading the entire form (45%); second, 73% of participants reported understanding the study very well whereas only 27% reported understanding the study "a little"; third, there was a slight reported advantage of the simplified form over the regular form; however, this difference varied by section. Relatedly, other research has shown a high incidence of persons reading none of the consent form, but signing a statement that they have read and understood the study. Why does this occur? What are we teaching people when we request that they sign a consent form they have chosen not to read? What are the ethical and regulatory implications? Embedded ethics studies such as this one, although pilot and preliminary in nature, offer a number of advantages, such as stimulating additional scientific inquiry as well as challenging established institutional practices.
Pictorial essay of hepatobiliary pathology illustrated by scintigraphy

1033 Learning Objectives We present an overview of hepatobiliary pathology diagnosed by HIDA scintigraphy. Pathologies of the native liver, biliary system and gallbladder are reviewed. Complications of hepatic resection and hepatic transplantation and sequelae of trauma are also illustrated. Reviewing the imaging appearance of HIDA scintigraphy in these pathologic states will improve the accuracy and confidence in interpretation
454 DIABETES MANAGEMENT AND HEMOGLOBIN A1C EDUCATION ON THE LUMMI TRIBAL RESERVATION.

Purpose of Study The Lummi Tribal Reservation has very high rates of type II diabetes in the community, and a lack of compliance from patients has amplified this problem. A community project was designed to help educate diabetic patients on the reservation about hemoglobin A1C and diabetes management in the hope of improving compliance. Methods Discussions with patients, physicians, and a public health nurse certified as a diabetes educator led to the conclusion that many patients did not have a proper understanding of HbA1C, one of the major markers for tracking diabetes management. A literature search was done to investigate past diabetes education projects on Native American reservations. Results Patients with few regular visits to the clinic were identified as the most likely group to have poorly managed blood sugars and were the target population for the program. A brochure was designed for patients upon visit to the clinic, and a short one-on-one visit was conducted with several of these patients. Conclusion Getting poorly regulated Native American patients to take initiative in their own diabetes management is a difficult problem to address. Helping these patients to better understand their illness may be the first step to better self-management.
Sequential Test Generation Based on Preferred Primary Input Cubes

It was shown earlier that certain primary input values have a negative effect on the fault coverage of a functional test sequence when they appear repeatedly in the sequence. A gate-level sequential test generation procedure based on this observation computed a primary input cube ${c}$ with preferred values, and generated random functional test sequences that conformed to ${c}$ with a high probability $ {0.5 \leq p . This procedure selected values for ${p}$ out of a set of possible values, and assigned the same value of ${p}$ to all the primary inputs. Motivated by the low computational complexity of this procedure, this paper addresses the selection of ${p}$ and the possibility of using different values of ${p}$ for different primary inputs. The goal is to increase the fault coverage and reduce the number of functional test sequences. The procedure described in this paper adjusts a functional test sequence to a circuit by complementing values that conflict with ${c}$ . The procedure requires fewer functional test sequences to reach or exceed the fault coverage of the earlier procedure for benchmark circuits. The procedure can be applied to any functional test sequence or set of functional test sequences.
Informed storage management for mobile platforms

Smartphones are not just ordinary phones; they are being used as mobile platforms for serving the computing needs of a significant segment of the user community. We believe that storage in smartphones is an Achilles' heel to achieving the full performance potential of smartphones for meeting the future computing needs of the user community that is starting to become more heavily dependent on mobile platforms. The poor performance of storage in smartphones can be attributed to the fact that smartphones typically employ ash storage, and the OS storage stack is not optimized to deal with the performance quirks of such storage. We have proposed multiple storage software solutions to handle the durability issue and to improve the performance of Flash storage. There are always design tradeoffs involved in building software systems. RAM based write buffering can enhance storage performance, but sacrifices reliability. Redundancy (via replication) can improve data availability, but it has implications for data consistency. Log-structured design to combat the "small write" problem solves the random write issue in Flash storage, but introduces overhead for maintaining mapping information between logical and physical blocks. In this thesis, entitled Informed Storage Management (ISM), we aim at providing a dynamic decision-making framework for system design, specifically targeted to storage systems on mobile platforms. The goal of ISM is maximizing the performance benefits while minimizing the side effects of the design choice. As a concrete example of ISM, we provide mechanisms along three axes, namely, type, temporal, and spatial for selectively supporting write-back buffering, which can be used judiciously by the upper layers of the operating system. We implement and evaluate our solution on a real Android smartphone, and demonstrate significant performance gains for everyday apps on such platforms.
Revisiting the Effects of Forecasting Method Selection and Information Sharing Under Volatile Demand in SCM Applications

Using a two-stage capacitated supply chain with four retailers and one supplier, this paper reveals that volatile demand and the supplier's own forecasting intelligence may limit the value of information sharing (IS). The results show that capacity tightness (CT) is the most important factor that affects the performance of the supply chain compared with the effects of forecasting methods and IS policies. When CT is low, order information sharing is not preferred, because the supplier's own forecasts are more beneficial. When CT is high, IS becomes valuable. In addition, this study demonstrates that advanced forecasting methods such as generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) and properly configured neural network models significantly reduce costs relative to the conventional forecasting methods under most scenarios examined. However, misspecified models often result in poor system performance. The findings also reveal significant interaction effects among forecasting method, IS, and CT. In order to achieve cost reduction, supply chain managers should jointly consider all the critical factors when selecting forecasting method and IS policy.
Use of Bacillus spp. to enhance phosphorus availability and serve as a plant growth promoter in aquaponics systems

National Council for Scientific and Technological Development - Brazil [CNPq, Portuguese: Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico]; University of Arizona Graduate and Professional Student Council [GPSC]
2008년 위기 예측 가능했나?:신호접근법 분석 (Was 2008 Crisis Predictable in Korea? A Signal Approach)

Korean Abstract: 본 연구는 신호접근법을 사용하여 조기경보모형을 구축하고 2008년 우리나라의 위기가 예측 가능했는지를 살펴본다. 특히 1997년 외환위기를 예측하기 위해 구축된 모형의 골격을 바꾸지 않고 2008년 위기를 예측함으로써 우리나라의 1997년 위기와 2008년 위기가 대내외 여건의 비슷한 변화로 인해 발생하였음을 보였다. 또한 2008년 전체를 전반적으로 위기기간으로 간주하는 경우와 실제로 위기가 발생한 2008년 9월 이후로 위기기간을 한정하는 경우에 위기예측이 어떻게 달라지는지도 보였다. 분석 결과, 신호접근법 조기경보모형의 예측력은 매우 양호했던 것으로 나타났다. 위기를 앞두고 신호발생 건수가 급증하고, 위기발생 확률도 급격하게 높아지면서 위기를 조기에 경보할 수 있었다. 가장 중요한 지표는 외채/외환보유액 비율과 예금취급기관 해외부채/총부채 비율이었다. 모형의 표본외 예측력도 양호하였다. 우리나라가 위기 재발을 방지하기 위해 구축한 조기경보시스템이 잘 작동하기 위해서는 조기경보모형의 신뢰도를 높이고 '이번은 다르다 신드롬' 에 빠지지 않아야 한다.English Abstract: This paper investigates whether the 2008 crisis in Korea was predictable by applying the signal approach. It shows that the early warning model constructed to predict the 1997 crisis in Korea works very well to predict the 2008 crisis, implying the similarity of the two crises.In predicting the 2008 crisis, crisis period is defined two ways. One is to define the whole year of 2008 as the crisis period. The other confines the crisis period to the post September, 2008. The early warning was not sensitive to the crisis period. Both models provide early warning successfully. Well before the crisis period, signals increased rapidly and the conditional probabilities of crisis rose sharply. The most important indicators were the foreign debt/foreign reserves ratio and the foreign debt/total debt ratio of depository corporations. The models performed well in the out-of-sample period.It seems that Korea did not utilize the early warning systems to be ready for the 2008 crisis, although she had built them after the 1997 crisis to be ready for the another crisis. We must overcome the this-time-is-different syndrome and trust the early warning models to rely on early warning.
The Determinants of European Union (EU) Foreign Direct Investments in the EU Countries from Central and Eastern Europe During 1994–2012

This study examines whether the CEECs’ financial market development can explain the EU FDI in the CEECs during 1994–2012. The higher bank credit flows had a positive effect on the FDI in 2005–2012. This can be attributed to the major banking sector reforms undertaken before the CEECs’ EU accession. Second, the stock market size had a positive effect in 1997–2004. This is due to the fact that the EU membership announcement facilitated deeper stock market integration. Third, the higher country income, in interaction with a higher bank credit flow, had only a small positive effect in 2005–2012. The higher income CEECs have pursued much deeper bank liberalization through large-scale privatization of state-owned banks. Finally, the higher country income, in interaction with a larger stock market size, had a negative effect in 2005–2012. A possible reason for this is that the EU countries have started to divert their new FDI to the non-EU countries.
Frontocingulate cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular reactivity associated with antidepressant response in late-life depression

Abstract Background Vascular pathology is common in late-life depression (LLD) and may contribute to alterations in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). In turn, such hemodynamic deficits may adversely affect brain function and clinical course. The goal of this study was to examine whether altered cerebral hemodynamics in depressed elders predicted antidepressant response. Methods 21 depressed elders completed cranial 3 T MRI, including a pseudo-continuous Arterial Spin Labeling (pcASL) acquisition on both room air and during a hypercapnia challenge. Participants then completed 12 weeks of open-label sertraline. Statistical analyses examined the relationship between regional normalized CBF and CVR values and change in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and tested for differences based on remission status. Results 10 participants remitted and 11 did not. After controlling for age and baseline MADRS, greater change in MADRS with treatment was associated with lower pre-treatment normalized CBF in the caudal anterior cingulate cortex (cACC) and lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), as well as lower CVR with hypercapnia in the caudal medial frontal gyrus (cMFG). After controlling for age and baseline MADRS score, remitters exhibited lower CBF in the cACC and lower CVR in the cMFG. Limitations Our sample was small, did not include a placebo arm, and we examined only specific regions of interest. Conclusions Our findings suggest that increased perfusion of the OFC and the ACC is associated with a poor antidepressant response. They do not support that vascular pathology as measured by CBF and CVR negatively affects acute treatment outcomes.