cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardio-oncology: what you need to know now for clinical practice and echocardiography

Cardio-oncology is a rapidly growing field aimed at minimizing the effects of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors. To meet this aim, patients are assessed at baseline to define their risk of cardiotoxicity and then followed closely during and after chemotherapy to assess for early signs or symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Cardiac imaging, and in particular, transthoracic echocardiography, plays an essential role in the baseline assessment and serial follow-up of cardio-oncology patients. The objectives of this paper are to review the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity of several common chemotherapeutic agents associated with an increased risk for left ventricular systolic dysfunction and to outline recommendations regarding the baseline assessment and serial follow-up of cardio-oncology patients with a focus on the role of echocardiography.
Robotic Swarm Dispersion Using Wireless Intensity Signals

Dispersing swarms of robots to cover an unknown, potentially hostile area is useful to setup a sensor network for surveillance. Previous research assumes relative locations (distance and bearing) of neighboring robots are available to each robot through sensors. Many robots are too small to carry sensors capable of providing this information. We use wireless signal intensity as a rough approximation of distance to assist a large swarm of small robots in dispersion. Simulation experiments indicate that a swarm can effectively disperse through the use of wireless signal intensities without knowing the relative locations of neighboring robots.
Creating a marketing strategy in healthcare industry: a holistic data analytic approach

This study aims to assist marketing managers in identifying locations in which to host peer-to-peer educational events for healthcare professionals (HCPs) throughout the country using data analytics. These events would allow physicians and other HCPs to engage with their peers and learn about the most up-to-date clinical data and research from worldwide known Key Opinion Leaders. Decision making power in the healthcare industry is beginning to grow and fragment into numerous drivers. There are increasingly more variables, which affect marketing initiatives, and hence marketing managers are challenged to find the right methodology to place large investments and resources in the correct market segment. 3400 observations were collected from several sources including: The National Institute of Infant Nutrition monthly survey, Nielsen Consumer Behavior Data Reports, Congressional Budget Office Core Based Statistical Areas, US Census 2010 SF2 File, ZCTA Population and account information from the sales force. There were 17 input variables considered in this current analysis. The variables included; Return on Investment rank, total dollars of distribution margin, hospital influence rate, mother’s decision rate, healthcare professional decision rate, total investment, and competitive market share. The results from the data analytic models indicate that the most accurate classifier was the support vector machines followed by artificial neural networks and decision trees respectively. Marketing managers can flexibly utilize the proposed data analytic methodology proposed here to assist in identifying their target market. With the deployment of data analytics, marketing managers may now begin to sort through the large and complex data they gather and enhance their analyses of key target markets.
Q2-dependence of the nucleon's G1 structure function sum rule

Abstract We study the Q2 variation of the first moment of the nucleon's spin-dependent structure function G1. As Q2→0 the moment is determined by the low energy theorem for Compton scattering. In the deep-inelastic region the moment is calculated using twist expansion to order 1 Q 2 . Based on these limits, we construct a formula which smoothly interpolates between the two regions.
Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation

Prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is defined as requiring mechanical ventilation for greater than 14 to 21 days for acute illness or injury. Use of the ProVent14 score to assess expected survival can guide provider communication with patients and caregivers. Placement of a tracheostomy can aid recovery and liberation from mechanical ventilation, but usually should not be pursued before day 10 of mechanical ventilation. Effective weaning for PMV patients should consist of daily trials on tracheostomy collar until the patient is successfully liberated. Early mobility and use of speaking valves while still requiring ventilator support improves functional outcomes and communication with patients. Transfer to long-term acute care hospitals (LTACs) have the potential to reduce the overall cost of the episode of care by reducing readmissions to acute care hospitals. Coordination of outpatient care in post-ICU clinics could improve evaluation of post-intensive care syndrome.
Comparison of ultrasound-measured properties of the common carotid artery to tobacco smoke exposure in a cohort of Indonesian patients.

Author(s): Yu, Allen R; Hasjim, Bima; Yu, Luke E; Gabriel, Christopher; Anshus, Alexander; Lee, Jonathan B; Louthan, Michael J; Kim, Esther C; Lee, Katrina; Tse, Christina; Keown, Thomas; Lahham, Shadi; Alvarado, Maili; Bunch, Steven; Gari, Abdulatif; Fox, J Christian | Abstract: BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to use point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to investigate the relationship between tobacco smoke exposure and the characteristics of the common carotid artery (CCA). The effect of both primary and secondary smoking on CCA properties was evaluated.MethodsWe performed a prospective cross-sectional study across 20 primary care clinics in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia in July 2016. Point of care ultrasound was performed on a convenience sample of Indonesian patients presenting to clinic. The CCA wall stiffness and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were measured during diastole and systole. These measurements were correlated with smoke exposure and cardiovascular disease.ResultsWe enrolled 663 patients in the study, with 426 patients enrolled in the smoking category and 237 patients enrolled in the second-hand smoke category. There was an overall positive correlation with the measured lifestyle factors and the ultrasound-measured variables in the group of individuals who smoked. For all variables, age seemed to contribute the most out of all of the lifestyle factors for the positive changes in CIMT and CCA wall stiffness.ConclusionOur data yielded correlations between CCA properties and cardiovascular risk, as well as between CIMT and arterial stiffness. We were also able to demonstrate an increase in thickness of the CIMT in patients who have been exposed by tobacco through the use of ultrasound. Further large scale studies comparing patients with multiple cardiac risk factors need to be performed to confirm the utility of ultrasound findings of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The Politics of Institutional Choice Across Sub-Saharan Africa: Presidential Term Limits

During the transitions to multipartyism that began in the late 1980s, presidential term limits were adopted into the constitutions of a majority of sub-Saharan African states. Yet, a sizable minority of African governments resisted implementing such restrictions on executive power. How can this variation be explained? This article proposes an expanded strategic choice approach that posits that the degree of electoral uncertainty affects institutional choice in cases of controlled, unilateral constitutional revisions (which were common across Africa) just as much as it shapes institutional choice in situations of cooperative constitution-making through bargaining and pact-making. Based on this logic, I argue that term limits were adopted as an electoral insurance mechanism in all cases where constitutional drafters perceive the degree of future electoral uncertainty to be high, regardless of whether the constitutional review process is cooperative or controlled. Alternatively, term limits are eschewed in cases where one unified party fully controls the constitutional review process and also perceives that they will win elections into the foreseeable future. The argument is tested through a statistical analysis of the determinants of term limit choice across all relevant sub-Saharan cases.
Ecotoxicity of the insensitive munitions compound 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) and its reduced metabolite 3-amino-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (ATO).

Abstract The insensitive munitions compound 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO) was recently approved by the U.S. Army to replace cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) in conventional explosives. As its use becomes widespread, concern about the potential toxicity of NTO increases. NTO can undergo microbial reduction to 3-amino-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (ATO), which is recalcitrant in waterlogged soils. In this study, the acute toxicity of NTO and ATO towards various organisms, including microorganisms (i.e., methanogenic archaea, aerobic heterotrophs, and Aliivibrio fischeri (Microtox assay)), the microcrustacean Daphnia magna (ATO only), and zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio), was assessed. NTO was notably more inhibitory to methanogens than ATO (IC50 = 1.2 mM, > 62.8 mM, respectively). NTO and ATO did not cause noteworthy inhibition on aerobic heterotrophs even at the highest concentrations tested (32.0 mM). High concentrations of both NTO and ATO were required to inhibit A. fischeri (IC20 = 19.2, 22.4 mM, respectively). D. magna was sensitive to ATO (LC50 = 0.27 mM). Exposure of zebrafish embryos to NTO or ATO (750 μM) did not cause lethal or developmental effects (22 endpoints tested). However, both compounds led to swimming behavior abnormalities at low concentrations (7.5 μM). The results indicate that the reductive biotransformation of NTO could enhance or lower its toxicity according to the target organism.
Correction to: Interparental Interactions and Adolescent Mood: A Daily Diary Approach

The original version of this article unfortunately contained mistakes. The affiliation of the first author was included as one of the authors and the affiliations were incorrect. They are now corrected with this erratum. The original article has been corrected.
Ebook Readers: An iPod for Your Books in the Cloud

The new way to carry books or literature is to not carry it at all. Not only have computing resources and data moved to the cloud, so has the latest novel or self-help book. The key to the acceptance of this technology is usable design that anticipates a reader’s needs while still invoking a comfortable form factor – the book [1]. Though e-book readers have been available for a decade, the latest wave of e-book readers has achieved a new level of technology acceptance. This trend and potential acceptance of future models can be understood by applying task-technology fit theory [2] to a usability study of the Barnes and Noble Nook and Amazon Kindle ebook readers.
Examining Students’ Cultural Identity and Player Styles Through Avatar Drawings in a Game-Based Classroom

This chapter reports on the seemingly incongruous use of 2D media-avatar drawings and 3D media-math-based digital gameplay. As part of a larger mixed methods study, we examined students’ cultural identity, player styles, and tacit perceptions of schooling while inventing their own avatars, which are analyzed as symbols representing who they are and who they wish to be as gameplayers enrolled in a yearlong game-based course. Interviews, class discussions, observations, drawings, and short questionnaires were used to analyze issues of identity that emerged during the drawing process and the ways that the pedagogical activity of making the drawings affected student engagement in the game-based learning process. An emergent typology of drawings is reported on: race-based, where the student explicitly affiliated himself with his race and cultural, and race-less avatar drawings, where the student does not associate himself with race and cultural. This typology is explained in terms of two representative students. Finally, we compare the findings with extant theories of student identity and arts-based research as well as generate implications for an integrated theory of academic, possible, and virtual selves that emphasize the dynamic and culturally responsive needs of learners in educational settings that use gameplaying as a learning modality.
The Long-Term Effects of Acarbose on Type II Diabetics on Diet or Oral Agents

In previous studies [1, 2] we have shown that acarbose, an α-glucosidase inhibitor which slows carbohydrate absorption, can decrease insulin requirements of diabetics, as assessed in acute experiments with the artificial endocrine pancreas. Moreover, it creates a smoothening of blood glucose fluctuations over 24 h. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the addition of acarbose, 200–400 mg per day, leads to an improvement of carbohydrate homeostasis in type II diabetics on diet or oral agents. Ninety patients (24 on diet, 21 on phenformin, 18 on glibenclamide, 16 on a combination of glibenclamide and phenformin, and 12 with secondary failure of oral antidiabetic therapy) were studied. The regimen of oral agents remained the same during the whole period of observation.
Now that the audience is assembled

The page is set for an imaginative and almost unimaginable musical performance and sonic exploration. An uncertain instrument, an inquisitive musician, and a broadly assorted audience fill the perf...
New Biomarkers to Evaluate Hyperandrogenemic Women and Hypogonadal Men

Abstract Androgens can have variable effects on men and women. Women may be evaluated for androgen excess for several reasons. Typically, young premenopausal women present with clinical symptoms of hirsutism, alopecia, irregular menses, and/or infertility. The most common cause of these symptoms is polycystic ovary syndrome. After menopause, even though ovaries stop producing estrogen, they continue to produce androgen, and women can have new onset of hirsutism and alopecia. Laboratory evaluation involves measurement of the major ovarian and adrenal androgens. In women, age, phase of the menstrual cycle, menopausal status, obesity, metabolic health, and sex hormone-binding proteins significantly affect total-androgen levels and complicate interpretation. This review will summarize the clinically relevant evaluation of hyperandrogenemia at different life stages in women and highlight pitfalls associated with interpretation of commonly used hormone measurements. Hypogonadism in men is a clinical syndrome characterized by low testosterone and/or low sperm count. Symptoms of hypogonadism include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased vitality, decreased muscle mass, increased adiposity, depressed mood, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Hypogonadism is a common disorder in aging men. Hypogonadism is observed rarely in young boys and adolescent men. Based on the defects in testes, hypothalamus, and/or pituitary glands, hypogonadism can be broadly classified as primary, secondary, and mixed hypogonadism. Diagnosis of hypogonadism in men is based on symptoms and laboratory measurement. Biomarkers in use/development for hypogonadism are classified as hormonal, Leydig and Sertoli cell function, semen, genetic/RNA, metabolic, microbiome, and muscle mass-related. These biomarkers are useful for diagnosis of hypogonadism, determination of the type of hypogonadism, identification of the underlying causes, and therapeutic assessment. Measurement of serum testosterone is usually the most important single diagnostic test for male hypogonadism. Patients with primary hypogonadism have low testosterone and increased luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Patients with secondary hypogonadism have low testosterone and low or inappropriately normal LH and FSH. This review provides an overview of hypogonadism in men and a detailed discussion of biomarkers currently in use and in development for diagnosis thereof.
Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is one of several eating disorders that are more common among young women in developed societies that overvalue thinness. There are variations along their compulsion to lower their weight – one of them is self-induced vomiting following binges (Bulimia). These syndromes and their specific changes in psychiatric, metabolic, and medical aspects need to be addressed.
Promoting Small Business Support of Youth Physical Activity in Low-Income, Minority Neighborhoods: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: An unacceptably high percentage of our nation’s low-income, minority youth (age<18 years) are not regularly physically active. One reason for this could be their lack of access to quality youth physical activity opportunities (YPAOs). Our previous research found that small businesses (<500 employees), which represent over 99.64% (27.9/28.0 million businesses in United States) of all employers, are powerful resources for creating and improving YPAOs. In accordance with the socioecological model and established philanthropic principles, we developed an alpha version of an intervention (alpha-i) for increasing small businesses’ involvement with YPAOs. Objective: The aims of this proposed study are to (1) create a beta version (beta-i) of the intervention and (2) conduct a pilot study of its impact on small business support for YPAOs and YPAO utilization by the youth in low-income, minority neighborhoods. Methods: The alpha-i will be refined using information from focus groups and surveys conducted with small business owners and managers, YPAO providers, and parents and guardians of the youths from low-income, predominantly minority neighborhoods. A cluster randomized controlled trial will then be conducted for 1 year to examine the effects of the refined intervention (beta-i) on small business support for YPAOs in 10 low-income, minority neighborhoods. The control group of neighborhoods (n=10) will be provided with a standard practice intervention. The primary outcome for aim 2 will be the percentage of small businesses not supporting YPAOs at baseline that subsequently provide support for YPAOs at follow-up. We also will consider the US dollar equivalent of all types of support (monetary, goods/services, and time) donated for YPAOs by small businesses. In addition, we will examine the impact of the increased small business support for YPAOs on YPAO utilization by the youth. Results: As of May 1, 2019, all YPAOs and small businesses in the study neighborhoods have been identified, and surveys have begun with these groups. In addition, 9 focus groups were completed, and the data have been transcribed. We anticipate that manuscripts regarding these aspects of the study will be submitted in fall 2019. Conclusions: The proposed study is significant because it will provide evidence that an easily replicated approach can be used to increase small business support for YPAOs and that this support results in greater use of the YPAOs by youth. A logical next step will be to determine if YPAO changes resulting from increased small business support positively influence youth physical activity levels. ClinicalTrial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03936582; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03936582. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/13141
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Outcomes Based on the Presence of Chronic Total Occlusion.

Abstract Aims Chronic total occlusion (CTO) has been linked to worse survival. While controversial and limited to observational data, successful CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been associated with improved left ventricular (LV) function and mortality. However, the role of CTO PCI prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is not clear. We sought to explore the prognostic impact of a pre-TAVR CTO on post-TAVR outcomes. Methods and results We retrospectively reviewed 783 consecutive TAVR cases performed at a single tertiary care medical center. Pre-TAVR angiograms were analyzed for the presence of a CTO. At the time of TAVR, 12.6% (n = 99) patients had a CTO. At one-year post-TAVR, there was no significant association between the presence of a CTO and death (14.2% vs 13.1%, p = 0.75), functional status, quality of life, or adverse events. There was also no difference in long-term survival (4.1 years vs 4.1 years, p = 0.55). LV ejection fraction was lower in the CTO group at baseline and one year (p Conclusions The presence of a CTO did not have any prognostic impact on mortality, change in LV function, or improvement in functional status and angina scores following TAVR in our cohort of elderly, high-risk patients. CTO before TAVR was associated with decreased ejection fraction at baseline and at one year.
The de Rham–Hodge Analysis and Modeling of Biomolecules

Biological macromolecules have intricate structures that underpin their biological functions. Understanding their structure-function relationships remains a challenge due to their structural complexity and functional variability. Although de Rham-Hodge theory, a landmark of twentieth-century mathematics, has had a tremendous impact on mathematics and physics, it has not been devised for macromolecular modeling and analysis. In this work, we introduce de Rham-Hodge theory as a unified paradigm for analyzing the geometry, topology, flexibility, and Hodge mode analysis of biological macromolecules. Geometric characteristics and topological invariants are obtained either from the Helmholtz-Hodge decomposition of the scalar, vector, and/or tensor fields of a macromolecule or from the spectral analysis of various Laplace-de Rham operators defined on the molecular manifolds. We propose Laplace-de Rham spectral-based models for predicting macromolecular flexibility. We further construct a Laplace-de Rham-Helfrich operator for revealing cryo-EM natural frequencies. Extensive experiments are carried out to demonstrate that the proposed de Rham-Hodge paradigm is one of the most versatile tools for the multiscale modeling and analysis of biological macromolecules and subcellular organelles. Accurate, reliable, and topological structure-preserving algorithms for implementing discrete exterior calculus (DEC) have been developed to facilitate the aforementioned modeling and analysis of biological macromolecules. The proposed de Rham-Hodge paradigm has potential applications to subcellular organelles and the structure construction from medium- or low-resolution cryo-EM maps, and functional predictions from massive biomolecular datasets.
A vulnerability inspired Universal Design of Justice

The US criminal justice system is built on the notion of the liberal, autonomous subject who chooses to engage in criminal activity, rather than one that addresses the underlying factors that lead ...
Potential Role of Lactoferrin and Heparin in COVID-19: A Review

Aim: The aim of the research is to evidence the potential role of lactoferrin (LF) and heparin in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Moreover, we discuss and underline the mechanisms involved in this possible association. Methods: PubMed and Scopus databases were used to conduct the literature search. Findings and Conclusion: Studies have widely proven the principal activity of LF, in the inflammatory process, as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory glycoprotein. Evidence shows that LF has important antibacterial and antiviral effects against human and animal pathogens. Heparin and LF could reduce viral entry by preventing the attachment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a result of competitive binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Clinical studies are necessary to specify LF and heparin mechanisms of action and the therapeutical dose in patient affected with COVID-19.
Effective Head Impact Kinematics to Preserve Brain Strain.

Conventional kinematics-based brain injury metrics often approximate peak maximum principal strain (MPS) of the whole brain but ignore the anatomical location of occurrence. In this study, we develop effective impact kinematics consisting of peak rotational velocity and the associated rotational axis to preserve not only peak MPS but also spatially detailed MPS. A pre-computed brain response atlas (pcBRA) serves as a common reference. A training dataset (N = 3069) is used to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) to automate impact simplification. When preserving peak MPS alone, the CNN-estimated effective peak rotational velocity achieves a coefficient of determination ( $${R}^{2}$$ ) of ~ 0.96 relative to the directly identified counterpart, far outperforming nominal peak velocity from the resultant profiles ( $${R}^{2}$$ of ~ 0.34). Impacts from a subset of data (N = 1900) are also successfully matched with pcBRA idealized impacts based on elementwise MPS, where their regression slope and Pearson correlation coefficient do not deviate from 1.0 (when identical) by more than 0.1. The CNN-estimated effective peak rotation velocity and rotational axis are sufficiently accurate for ~ 73.5% of the impacts. This is not possible for the nominal peak velocity or any other conventional injury metric. The performance may be further improved by expanding the pcBRA to include deceleration and focusing on region-wise strains. This study establishes a new avenue to reduce an arbitrary head impact into an idealized but actual “impact mode” characterized by triplets of basic kinematic variables. They retain specific physical interpretations of head impact and may be an advancement over state-of-the-art kinematics-based scalar metrics for more effective impact comparison in the future.
Dietary glycemic index does not influence adaptation of resting energy expenditure during weight loss (371.7)

It has been suggested that low glycemic index (GI) diets may help prevent weight regain following weight loss by attenuating the decline in energy expenditure that is associated with lower body wei...
Computation of Jacobsthal's function h(n) for n<50 .

'. Let j(n) denote the smallest positive integer m such that every sequence of m consecutive integers contains an integer prime to n. Let P n be the product of the first n primes and define h(n) = j(P n ). Presently, h(n) is only known for n ≤ 24. In this paper, we describe an algorithm that enabled the calculation of h(n) for n < 50.
Opioid sensitivity in mice selectively bred to consume or not consume methamphetamine.

There has been little investigation of genetic factors and associated mechanisms that influence risk for development of methamphetamine (MA) dependence. Selectively bred mouse lines that exhibit high (MAHDR) or low (MALDR) levels of MA intake in a two-bottle choice MA drinking (MADR) procedure provide a genetic tool for this purpose. These lines were used to determine whether opioid sensitivity and MA intake are genetically associated, because opioid-mediated pathways influence some effects of MA. Sensitivity to the analgesic effects of the μ-opioid receptor (MOP-r) agonist fentanyl (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 mg/kg) was examined using two acute thermal tests (hot plate and tail flick) and one chronic pain test (magnesium sulfate abdominal constriction). Locomotor stimulant responses to fentanyl (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 mg/kg) and morphine (10, 20, 30 mg/kg) were also examined. In addition, MADR was measured in the progenitor strains [(C57BL/6J (B6), DBA/2J (D2)] of the F2 population from which the selected lines were generated. The MADR lines did not differ in sensitivity to the analgesic effects of fentanyl; however, MALDR mice exhibited greater locomotor activation than MAHDR mice to both fentanyl and morphine. D2 mice consumed more MA than B6 mice. The line differences for MA consumption and morphine activation recapitulated B6 and D2 strain differences for these two traits, but not strain differences previously found for opioid analgesic responses. These results support a negative genetic correlation between MA consumption and sensitivity to the stimulant effects of opioids and suggest the involvement of MOP-r regulated systems in MA intake.
A Generalized Vandermonde Determinant

We prove two determinantal identities that generalize the Vandermonde determinant identity \det \left(x^j_i\right)_{i,j=0,\ldots,m}= \prod\limits_{0\leq i \lt j \leq m}(x_j-x_i). In the first of our identities the set l0, …, mr indexing the rows and columns of the determinant is replaced by an arbitrary finite order ideal in the set of sequences of nonnegative integers which are 0 except for a finite number of components. In the second the index set is replaced by an arbitrary finite order ideal in the set of all partitions.
Midlatitude Aerosol-Cloud-Radiation Feedbacks in Marine Boundary Layer Clouds

Abstract : Conduct detailed studies of marine stratocumulus cloud microphysical processes in order to achieve a better understanding of interactions between microphysical, radiative and boundary layer thermodynamical processes and to improve their formulation in numerical weather prediction models. Develop parameterizations of individual cloud physics processes for use in numerical weather prediction models
Cooperative Application/OS DRAM fault recovery

Exascale systems will present considerable fault-tolerance challenges to applications and system software. These systems are expected to suffer several hard and soft errors per day. Unfortunately, many fault-tolerance methods in use, such as rollback recovery, are unsuitable for many expected errors, for example DRAM failures. As a result, applications will need to address these resilience challenges to more effectively utilize future systems. In this paper, we describe work on a cross-layer application / OS framework to handle uncorrected memory errors. We illustrate the use of this framework through its integration with a new fault-tolerant iterative solver within the Trilinos library, and present initial convergence results.
Reconciling Returns-Based and Holdings-Based Analyses

Two popular ways to measure a manager’s performance relative to a benchmark are attribution analysis - based on portfolio holdings and style analysis - based on portfolio returns. An econometric method is proposed that helps reconcile their results and overcomes the limitations of attribution and style analysis as it is commonly implemented. The key is to recognize the difference between "excess returns," and "alpha."
Software Collaboration Networks

The need to work together with others on large projects has been emphasized with industrialization. As the software industry grew, it should be no surprise that communities to serve this purpose appeared. With the creation of websites such as Sourceforge.net, Github.com, and Freshmeat.net developers from around the world are able to collaborate on open source projects. This paper will attempt to extend previous studies of software collaboration networks through the use of network analysis. Examining Sourceforge.net, we analyze this community of developers who have contributed greatly to open source software despite not being paid to do so.
Morphology and Cellular Physiology of Neutrophil Granulocytes

Mature neutrophils, as found in normal blood, are very uniform cells with a diameter of 12–15 μm as measured in smears on glass slides. In tissue, the cells are rounded (presumably) and appear somewhat smaller. They are highly differentiated and have some unique structural features.
A Review of Condition-Specific Instruments to Assess the Impact of Urinary Incontinence on Health-Related Quality of Life

To date, severity of symptoms of urinary tract conditions, such as overactive bladder (OAB) and stress incontinence, have been the main indicators used to understand the burden on the patient. However, there is also an impact on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) that should also be assessed. A literature search was conducted and all HRQoL instruments published in peer-reviewed journals were evaluated. Ten instruments were identified: general use (five); urinary urge (OAB) incontinence (four); and stress incontinence (one). Several were identified as valid instruments for assessing HRQoL in urinary incontinence patients.
Characterization and Identification of Proteinases and Proteinase Inhibitors Synthesized by Temporomandibular Joint Disc Cells

The adult mammalian temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is a fibrocartilaginous tissue that undergoes normal developmental remodeling, requiring removal of the existing extracellular matrix and its replacement by new matrix macromolecules. This remodeling is probably mediated by matrix-degrading enzymes, but to date none has been demonstrated in association with the TMJ disc. We characterized, identified, and determined the regulation of proteinases and proteinase inhibitors (PIs) synthesized by TMJ disc cells in organ and cell cultures. TMJ discs were retrieved from 14-week-old male NZW rabbits and both tissue- and disc-derived cells were cultured in serum-free medium. The conditioned media were retrieved at 12-hour intervals and assayed for proteinases and PIs in gelatin- and casein-impregnated polyacrylamide gels. Three proteinases with gelatinolytic activities at 92 kDa, 72 kDa, and 53/57 kDa and one caseinolytic activity at 51/54 kDa were detected. All were inhibited by 1,10-1 phenanthroline, thus cha...
The Fuertes Observatory Ultraviolet Stellar Spectrograph

A new design for a stellar spectrograph which embodies lightness in weight with high rigidity is described. The instrument is composed of three parts: the spectrograph proper, the inner case or “rigidity box,” and the constant temperature case. The spectrograph proper is a light weight instrument which may be removed easily from the mounting and used as a laboratory instrument if desired. The “rigidity box” is the member which forms the main support for the spectrograph. The method of mounting is such that the spectrograph proper has a small degree of freedom which minimizes the possibility of small stresses being transmitted to it from mechanical or thermal causes. The constant temperature case is an easily removed cover which provides a second constant temperature air space about the spectrograph and with a triple fan system provides an efficient temperature control for the instrument. The spectrograph is equipped with a slit which eliminates troubles arising from lack of parallelism of the jaws, shifting zero and back-lash. The slit may be opened rapidly to maximum width for intensity calibration without loosing a predetermined slit width. Curves showing the performance of the thermal-control system are given, as well as photographs of the mechanical parts.
Selective reagents in chemical ionization mass spectrometry: tetramethylsilane

Mixtures of 50% tetramethylsilane (TMS) and methane have been found to give [M+73]+ adduct ions and structurally useful fragment ions for many oxygen- and nitrogen-containing organic compounds. All of the reagent ions in TMS react with polar compounds. The high-pressure TMS chemical ionization spectra of many simple oxygenated compounds are in agreement with predictions from ion chemistry of (CH3)3Si+ obtained by ion cyclotron resonance experiments at very low pressures, but differences are noted. Sensitivities for oxygen-, nitrogen-, and sulfur-containing compounds with TMS as the reagent gas appear to be approximately the same.
The Velocity Spectrum of Normal Gaseous Ions in Air and the Problem of Ionic Structure

A consideration of the evidence as to the existence of the so called spectra of ion mobilities recently reported by various observers combined with experimental results of the writers indicate that while ions at ages of from 0.5 to 2.0 seconds show marked ranges of mobilities this is not necessarily the case for the normal ions studied over shorter time intervals. It is shown from the recent work of Loeb and the more recent results of Luhr that ions probably consist of one or two molecular addition products of an active type of molecule which pick up the original charged carrier as a result of electrochemical forces depending on the molecular constitution and the sign of the charge. Such products may be present in traces as impurities or may be produced in air by the ionizing agent. The rate of formation of the velocity spectrum therefore will depend on the relative stability of the various ion addition products and the relative and absolute concentrations of the active molecules. Hence the appearance of such a spectrum will vary with the age of the ions and the experimental conditions. It is believed that the greater portion of the lowering of the mobility of the ions below the theoretical value deduced by the assumption that the neutral molecules are not attracted by the ions is due to the usually assumed force of dielectric polarization as utilized in the complete Langevin equation. While the law utilized is not accurate for close approach of ion and molecule (i.e. to one or two atomic radii) it suffices at greater distances. The effect of the electrochemical combinations mentioned above are superposed on this general attraction and lead to an explanation of the differences of positive and negative mobilities and to the three fold lowering of the recombination coefficient on long aging without a very significant (10 percent) change in the ionic mobility recently observed by Luhr and Bradbury.
Temporal Aspects Of Electro-Optical Imaging Systems

Historically, the performance evaluation of imaging systems has been based on static parameters. These imaging systems were purely optical in nature and did not possess temporal characteristics. With the development of electro-optical imaging systems, and their use in dynamic environments, performance is no longer independent of time constants associated with components of the system. However, static methods often remain the sole measure of performance. In order to accurately measure the performance of an electro-optical imaging system, it is necessary to develop assessment techniques which incorporate both static and dynamic parameters. Justification for considering the temporal characteristics in the performance evaluation of such systems is discussed.© (1987) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
FINS: Model-based design of flying indoor navigation system

In this paper, we introduce a simple and accurate indoor navigation system that can track and re-direct flying objects modeled from digital pixel designs. Using Pseudolite idea, this system works accurately indoors in spite of a high noise and multipath, to track and control helicopters with mounted LED lights mimicking the digital designs. The system was built using Simulink and Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) hardware. It can also be used for many indoor applications, for example, tracking persons or things in a hospital with high accuracy.
Model Reduction of Uniformily Controllable Continuous Time Varying Linear Systems

A method for reducing the order of uniformly controllable linear time varying systems is proposed. It uses the uniform controllability property of the time varying system to transform it into a time invariant system of the same order, then a time invariant model is found. Using the model parameters, a time varying model of the same order is determined.
Pediatric FAST and elevated liver transaminases: An effective screening tool in blunt abdominal trauma.

Background The current standard for the evaluation of children with blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) consists of physical examination, screening lab values, and computed tomography (CT) scan. We sought to determine if the focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) combined with elevated liver transaminases (AST/ALT) could be used as a screening tool for intra-abdominal injury (IAI) in pediatric patients with BAT. Methods Registry data at a level 1 trauma center was retrospectively reviewed from 1991–2007. Data collected on BAT patients under the age of 16 y included demographics, injury mechanism, ISS, GCS, imaging studies, serum ALT and AST levels, and disposition. AST and ALT were considered positive if either one was >100 IU/L. Results Overall, 3171 cases were identified. A total of 1008 (31.8%) patients received CT scan, 1148 (36.2%) had FAST, and 497 (15.7%) patients received both. Of the 497 patients, 400 (87.1%) also had AST and ALT measured. FAST was 50% sensitive, 91% specific, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 68%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 83%, and accuracy of 80%. Combining FAST with elevated AST or ALT resulted in a statistically significant increase in all measures (sensitivity 88%, specificity 98%, PPV 94%, NPV 96%, accuracy 96%). Conclusions FAST combined with AST or ALT > 100 IU/L is an effective screening tool for IAI in children following BAT. Pediatric patients with a negative FAST and liver transaminases
The impact of object-oriented technology on software quality: three case histories

Techniques to obtain software quality are examined from the experiences of three very different object-oriented projects carried out by IBM Information Solutions Limited in 1991 and 1992. Object-oriented programming systems are sold on the promise of improved productivity from object reuse and a high level of code modularity. Yet it is precisely these aspects that also lead to their greatest benefit, namely improved software quality. In this paper, lessons learned from the three projects are described and compared, indicating approaches to consider in using object-oriented technology.
Psychotherapy and the modern ego

Abstract The self, as understood by the educated and scientific world‐view of the modern west, is closely identified with ego‐functioning. This image is significantly narrowed in its exclusion of relational and transpersonal aspects of the person. The assumption that a person is essentially a bounded, self‐interested, adaptive system has some undesirable consequences for persons who so understand themselves. These consequences have increasingly reached clinical severity. Some traditional therapeutic goals and practices perpetuate, rather than challenge, aspects of the problematic modern self‐image. Ways are suggested in which psychotherapy can avoid these problems and help to restore a broader and more connected sense of self.
Will oil markets tighten again? A survey of policies to manage possible oil supply disruptions

Abstract The effects of an oil supply disruption on the U.S. economy are analyzed along with the various policy options. Part of the analysis is based on a computerized model of the U.S. economy and the world oil market. Micro as well as macroeconomic issues are considered. The paper argues against the use of price controls and allocations and also against a disruption tariff used as a stand-alone measure. It advocates the use of some stabilizing macroeconomic measures and a temporary producer tax similar to the windfall profits tax.
Evaluation of self-contained training procedures for the Time-Sample Behavioral Checklist

The comparative effectiveness of two time-limited modes of training observers to code the behavior of clients in residential treatment programs on the Time-Sample Behavioral Checklist (TSBC) was evaluated. The susceptibility of training procedures to consensual observer drift and the predictability of TSBC mastery from trainee characteristics were also examined. Two equated groups of undergraduate students (N=15 each) participated in full-time training on the TSBC and another instrument for 27 days, followed by criterion testingin vivo and on videotapes. One group was trained by experienced personnel using procedures known to be effective but potentially subject to consensual observer drift. The other group was trained using a previously untested set of written and videotape procedures that do not rely on experienced personnel. Comparative effectiveness and observer drift were evaluated by multivariate and univariate ANOVAs on mastery scores reflecting both pattern agreement and level differences between each trainee and criterion codings. The new, more efficient training procedures were found to be as effective as the original training procedures in the degree of mastery achieved by trainees. Original training procedures were found to be resistant to consensual observer drift, with such a phenomenon appearing in only 1 instance of 156 opportunities. The high degree of mastery achieved by trainees during the time-limited training period was comparable to that previously achieved with the original training procedures. No meaningful predictions of coding mastery were found, with only one trainee characteristic being significantly related to one of six mastery criteria. The results document procedures that are both efficient and resistant to invalidity for training observers in the use of multidimensional observational systems, as well as providing guidelines for the development of standardized procedures.
A two-dimensional, time-dependent, near-earth magnetotail

A kinetic approach is presented for obtaining slowly time-dependent, self-consistent plasma, and magnetic field configurations for this region, using anisotropic particle distributions. At present, a 2D configuration is used. The time variation of the plasma/field configuration is assumed to be driven by a slowly varying, externally imposed electric field (representing, for example, a change in solar wind conditions). The numerical approach involves solving a 2D nonlinear Poisson equation for the magnetic vector potential at each time step. The local current density is calculated from particle velocity distributions under the assumption of adiabatic particle motion. The obtained equations of state are compared with those of double-adiabatic theory. Numerical examples of self-consistent responses of the near-earth plasma and field to an externally imposed electric field pulse are presented.
Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as a possible method to investigate biophysical parameters of stratum corneum in vivo.

We investigated the use of attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as a method to study differences in the molecular components of human stratum corneum in vivo. These variations as a function of the anatomic site and of the depth into its layered structure are important to understand the biology and physiology of the tissue. In this preliminary study we have investigated spectroscopic changes in 18 healthy individuals. Total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy represents a potentially powerful tool to study biophysical properties of surfaces. We observed that, in vivo, biophysical parameters of the stratum corneum (such as hydration, lipid composition, and conformation of the aliphatic chains) are indeed dependent on the anatomic site. As in total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy experiments the penetration depth of the evanescent field into the stratum corneum is comparable with the thickness of a layer of corneocytes, this technique can be used to follow the distribution of lipids, water, and proteins as a function of depth into the tissue. We found that, in vivo, these molecular components are non-uniformly distributed, in agreement with the presence of water and lipid reservoirs as observed with ex vivo ultrastructural investigations. Composition and conformational order of lipids are also a function of depth into the stratum corneum. Finally we compared the in vivo superficial hydration measured using the infrared absorption of the OH stretch of water, with the hydration measured using the Skicon hygrometer. Our results indicate that total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy might be useful to measure important chemical and biophysical parameters of stratum corneum in vivo.