cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How the Business Analyst supports and encourages collaboration on agile projects

Agile teams need the Business Analyst (BA) to clearly define and communicate the detailed user stories to ensure a successful product. MITRE's Corporate IT Systems Engineering department supports software development activities which recently adopted an agile methodology. Unlike the detailed requirements documentation of more traditional, waterfall-based projects, we have found the streamlined “user stories” inadequate for developers or testers. Our BA experiences with eliciting user story details and maintaining the backlog for sprint planning are a critical component to agile development. BA activities include grooming the backlog, documenting user stories with detailed contracts, and performing user story verification through testing. This paper will review the techniques we have used during agile projects to manage the sprint cycle, including templates for user story management. Capturing artifacts from other agile projects and documenting recommended agile process guidelines can help projects be successful through reuse and collaboration. Many agile projects generate artifacts that are lost or are created for the benefit of only their project and discarded when through. Agile encourages lean documentation in order to maximize agility. We established a repository using an internal website where we documented corporte IT processes and share agile templates and samples. This repository includes samples of sprint schedules, backlog lists, burn-down charts, retrospective items, and user stories. The corporate IT process recommends agile but also includes traditional waterfall guidance and correlates the two different approaches. All projects, whether they are agile or otherwise, need similar deliverables, including project schedules and project plans. In correlating agile considerations to a waterfall approach, we hope to ease the transition to agile. The process guidance and repository site promotes collaboration, reuse, and review among agile projects within the organization.
A Case of Osteoma of the Tongue in a 68-Year-Old Man

Osteoma of the tongue is a rare entity of unknown origin. Clinically, the majority of the osteoma are described as growth of pedunculated mass on the posterior dorsum of the tongue without symptoms. The mechanism for its formation is unknown, but various theories have been proposed. Surgery is an appropriate treatment and no recurrence after surgery has been reported. We experienced a 68 year old man with undiagnosed osteoma of the tongue, incidentally detected during gastroscopy. We report this case with a review of literature.
Gene therapy for genetic diseases.

(1989). Gene Therapy for Genetic Diseases. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 179-192.
Fabrication of multi-tiered structures on step and flash imprint lithography templates

Step and flash imprint lithography (SFIL) replicates patterns by using a transparent template with relief images etched into its surface. Recent work has examined alternative methods for template fabrication. One scheme incorporates a conductive and transparent layer of indium tin oxide (ITO) on the surface of the substrate. Features are defined on the templates by patterning a thin layer of PECVD oxide that is deposited on the ITO layer. A second method bypasses the oxide etch process by imaging a thin layer of hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ). By combining or iterating the two methods, it is possible to form multi-tiere, structures on a template. Two and three tier structures were fabricated on silicon wafers and templates. A two layer structure was fabricated on a quartz photoplate by patterning PECVD oxide and subsequently patterning a second tier using HSQ. The resulting relief structures were successfully replicated on wafers using SFIL.
Specific binding of α-bungarotoxin to synaptic membranes in rat sympathetic ganglion: Computer best-fit analysis of electron microscope radioautographs

Abstract In the rat superior cervical sympathetic ganglion (SCG), α-bungarotoxin (αBT) demonstrates binding that is saturable and inhibited by nicotinic ligands. However, αBT does not inhibit the physiological response of ganglionic neurons to preganglionic stimulation or to exogenously applied acetylcholine. Thus the specificity of αBT for ganglionic nicotinic cholinergic receptors has been questioned. The present study provides a morphological localization of the binding sites of 125 I-labelled αBT in the rat SCG using the method of Blackett and Parry on electron microscopic radioautographs. The distribution of grains resulting from specific binding was calculated by substracting the nonspecific distribution (αBT in the presence of d -tubocurarine, a known nicotinic ligand) from the total grain distribution (αBT alone). A hypothetical grain distribution was obtained based on the geometrical properties of the tissue sections. A computer minimizing routine was employed to adjust the relative weights of each of the potential sources of hypothetical grains until a ‘best-fit’ with the real grain distributions occurred. The nonspecific binding of αBT was uniform across all tissue components, with the exception of a significant concentration on the membrane of the ganglion cell body. By contrast, the specific binding of αBT was highly localized to synaptic membranes, and to a lesser extent, to dendritic membranes.
Complete stability robustness of third-order LTI multiple time-delay systems

A unique procedure is presented in this paper, for a complete stability robustness of the third-order LTI multiple time-delay systems (LTI-MTDS). The uniqueness of the treatment is simply due to the fact that there is no comparable methodology, presently, in the literature. The end result of this procedure is an exhaustive and precise determination of the stable regions in the domain of time delays. The backbone of the method is a novel framework called ''the cluster treatment of characteristic roots, (CTCR)''. CTCR is constructed over two fundamental propositions. The first proposition claims the existence of a bounded number of so-called ''kernel curves'', where the only imaginary characteristic roots occur. The second proposition is on an interesting directional invariance property of the crossing tendencies of these imaginary roots. For simplicity of conveyance and without loss of generality, the number of time delays is taken as two in this document. The new methodology is expandable to higher-order dynamics with more time delays than two, as the authors intend to demonstrate in future publications. publications.
NBQX inhibits AMPA-induced locomotion after injection into the nucleus accumbens

Abstract The role of glutamate receptors in locomotor activity was investigated by examining the ability of 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(F)quinoxaline (NBQX), a non-NMDA antagonist, to inhibit the stimulation of locomotion produced by the activation of various excitatory amino acid receptors in the nucleus accumbens. NBQX inhibited the stimulation of locomotor activity produced by intra-accumbens α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) at doses which had no effect on the locomotion produced by kainate or NMDA. Furthermore, this dose of NBQX had no effect on locomotion when injected alone into this brain region. These data suggest that AMPA receptors in the nucleus accumbens may play a very different role in the control of locomotion than NMDA receptors.
Right ventricular function in adults with pulmonary hypertension with and without atrial septal defect.

Using equilibrium (gated) radionuclide ventriculography, right ventricular (RV) function was studied in 22 adults with pulmonary hypertension and in 16 patients without evidence of cardiac disease. To assess the effect of volume overload on RV performance in pulmonary hypertension, RV ejection fractions were compared in patients with and without left-to-right shunts due to atrial septal defect (ASD). In addition, the effect of ASD repair on RV function was examined. In 14 patients with pulmonary hypertension without RV volume overload (group I), the RV ejection fraction (0.35 ± 0.11, mean ± standard deviation [SD]) was significantly lower than in the normal group (0.47 ± 0.11, p < 0.01). In 8 patients with left-to-right shunts due to ASD (group II) and with RV systolic pressures similar to those in group I, the mean RV ejection fraction (0.53 ± 0.15) was normal and was significantly higher than in group I (p < 0.01). Right ventricular end-diastolic volumes, estimated from combined radionuclide and hemodynamic data, were higher (p < 0.01) in group II patients (171 ± 70 ml/m2) than in group I patients (70 ± 13 ml/m2). In 5 patients who underwent isolated shunt repair, mean RV ejection fraction decreased postoperatively from 0.57 ± 0.17 to 0.40 ± 0.12 (p < 0.05). It is concluded that (1) pulmonary hypertension frequently causes a decrease in RV systolic function due to abnormal afterload; (2) in patients with RV volume overload due to left-to-right shunt, systolic function, as measured by the ejection fraction, remains normal despite pulmonary hypertension, possibly through the Starling mechanism; and (3) RV systolic function often decreases after repair of an ASD.
The Importance of Whole Body Imaging in Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia

A 66-yr-old woman was referred to the National Institutes of Health for evaluation of tumor-induced osteomalacia. She had bone pain, fractures, and an elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) (2295 pg/ml; normal, 10–50). Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) was performed, but she was unable to keep her arms raised above her head, and due to her body habitus, her elbows were excluded from the imaging when her arms were positioned at her side (Fig. 1A). On 111In-octreotide scan, a region of uptake was noted at the left elbow on the 4-h whole body scan (Fig. 1B). Targeted images demonstrated the finding more convincingly (Fig. 1, C and D), and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a tumor (Fig. 1E). Her phosphate and FGF23 normalized after resection, indicating cure. Fig. 1. A, Elbows were excluded on FDG PET/CT (circles). Activity in foot (arrow) was due to fracture. B, Suspicious uptake was seen in the left elbow on the 4-h 111In-octreotide scan (arrow). C and D, Targeted images verified this uptake (arrows; D = 111In-octreotide ... Tumor-induced osteomalacia is a rare endocrine disease due to small tumors that secrete FGF23 (1). Wide surgical excision of the tumor leads to rapid cure, but locating these tumors can be difficult. Multiple imaging modalities such as 111In-octreotide scans (2) and FDG PET (3, 4) are often necessary, and in some cases selective venous sampling may also be needed (5). Routine nuclear medicine imaging often excludes the extremities, but because these tumors can occur anywhere in the body, it is important to include the extremities, as was the case here. Clinicians should be aware of the need for literal whole-body imaging and should realize that it is possible that excluded areas could harbor the causative tumor.
Label-free 3D optical microangiography imaging of functional vasa nervorum and peripheral microvascular tree in the hind limb of diabetic mice.

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is, at least in part, associated with the functional attenuation of vasa nervorum, the microvascular structure of peripheral nerves. Microvascular imaging options for vasa nervorum still remain limited. In this work, optical microangiography (OMAG), a volumetric, label-free imaging technique, is utilized for characterizing, with high resolution, blood perfusion of peripheral nerve in diabetic mice. We demonstrate that OMAG is able to visualize the structure of microvasculature and to quantify the changes of dynamic blood flow and vessel diameters during administration of vessel stimulant in both diabetic and normal mice. The results indicate the potential of OMAG to assess the blood supply of nerve involved in the pathology and treatment of DN.
Reconstruction of a Recurrent First Dorsal Web Space Defect using Acellular Dermis

Oncologic defects of the hand can be problematic for the reconstructive surgeon. These defects may require a delay in definitive coverage until clear margins of resection can be obtained, which can result in a prolonged period of painful dressing changes and increased risk of soft-tissue infection. In addition, reconstructive options for oncologic defects are often limited to skin grafting, which can yield functional deficits secondary to contracted healing. Currently, there is no definitive method for preventing skin graft contracture; however, acellular dermis has been proposed as a biomechanical scaffold to enhance subsequent skin graft healing and slow this functionally debilitating process. Here, we present a patient with recurrent melanoma of the first dorsal web space. After re-resection of the melanoma, the 11 cm × 5 cm defect was reconstructed using acellular dermis as temporary coverage to allow ample time for permanent section results. Ten days later, after confirming negative margins of resection, a split-thickness skin graft (STSG) was applied over the vascularized neo-dermis. Follow-up clinical examination and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaires were used to assess outcome. At 7 months, the patient had no recurrence of melanoma and a DASH functional reduction of only 6.9%. After approximately 18 months, the patient’s wounds had healed with excellent cosmetic and functional results, without any evidence of a web space contracture. These observations suggest that acellular dermis is a useful adjunct for wound coverage of the hand, particularly in areas of functional importance, such as the first dorsal web space.
Torque, lateral preference, and cognitive ability in primary-grade children.

It has been suggested that torque, the tendency to draw circles in the clockwise direction, is related to left-handedness and is a marker for psychopathology. Results of recent studies conflict with this hypothesis hut are weakened by imprecise definition and unreliable assessment of torque. Measures of torque, lateral preference, and cognitive ability were administered to 181 children in kindergarten and first grade. As reported previously, rate of torque decreased with age and was greater among males. Children with complete clockwise or counter-clockwise circling at both assessments differed in pattern but not in overall level of cognitive ability No differences were found in strength, direction, or concordance of hand and foot preference. Results of this and other studies are seen as inconsistent with proposals that torque is symptomatic of psychopathology.
Determination of the Permeability Characteristics of Two Sulfenamide Prodrugs of Linezolid Across Caco-2 Cells

The purpose of this work was to study the permeability of two relatively lipophilic sulfenamide prodrugs of linezolid (clogP 0.85), N-(phenylthio)linezolid (1, clogP 2.77) and N-[(2-ethoxycarbonyl)ethylthio]linezolid (2, clogP 1.43), across Caco-2 cell monolayers. Both prodrugs were found to convert to linezolid in the donor compartment presumably from the reaction with free thiol groups on proteins on the surface of the Caco-2 cells, as no conversion was seen in the donor compartment media per se. Neither of the prodrugs could be detected in the receptor phase from either apical (AP) to basolateral (BL) or BL to AP studies. However, the appearance of linezolid in the receptor phase was biphasic with an initial rapid phase suggesting that the prodrugs were indeed more permeable, and for a short period, some prodrug was able to permeate in competition with conversion to linezolid on the donor phase surface. It appears that the prodrug was able to permeate was rapidly converted to linezolid prior to acceptor phase appearance. The second slower phase was due to the permeability of the donor-phase-formed linezolid, with the slopes similar to those from control experiments with linezolid. The limitations and possible utility of oral sulfenamide prodrugs are discussed.
Latest in vitro and in vivo models of celiac disease

Introduction: Currently, the only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet, and there is an increased desire for alternative therapies. In vitro and in vivo models of celiac disease have been generated in order to better understand the pathogenesis of celiac disease, and this review will discuss these models as well as the testing of alternative therapies using these models. Areas covered: The research discussed describes the different in vitro and in vivo models of celiac disease that currently exist and how they have contributed to our understanding of how gluten can stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses in celiac patients. We also provide a summary on the alternative therapies that have been tested with these models and discuss whether subsequent clinical trials were done based on these tests done with these models of celiac disease. Expert opinion: Only a few of the alternative therapies that have been tested with animal models have gone on to clinical trials; however, those th...
Prevalence, Management, and Clinical Consequences of QT Interval Prolongation During Treatment With Arsenic Trioxide

Purpose Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is a highly effective agent for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). QT interval prolongation is common with ATO and can pose a barrier to effective administration. The objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence, management, and clinical consequences of QT prolongation in a large cohort of patients treated with ATO. Patients and Methods We analyzed 3,011 electrocardiograms from 113 patients with non-APL acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome who were treated on a previously reported clinical trial. QT intervals were assessed using four different correction formulas, and data were correlated with clinical parameters and treatment with ATO. Results There were no clinically significant cardiac events in the study population. Of those receiving ATO therapy, 29 patients (26%) had rate-uncorrected QT values above 470 ms and 13 (12%) had values exceeding 500 ms. With the commonly used Bazett rate correction formula, 102 patients (90%) ha...
Temporary and lasting cardiac effects of pre- and postnatal exposure to carbon monoxide.

Abstract Pregnant female rats inhaled 200 ppm CO for the last 18 days of gestation, and a portion of their young inhaled 500 ppm CO for an additional 29 days after birth. Body weight (BW) and litter size of the CO-exposed newborn were significantly lower than those of unexposed controls. Heart weight (HW) of the exposed newborn was significantly larger than the controls, as was also HW BW ratio. Hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and red blood cell count were significantly lower in the exposed newborn than in controls In young rats exposed to CO both pre- and postnatally, HW BW ratio was more than twice as large as that of unexposed controls at 14, 21, and 29 days after birth (statistically significant), while in young rats exposed only as fetuses HW BW ratio was only slightly higher than in controls at the same time intervals. The remaining rats in all three groups were allowed to mature to 105 days of age in room air, at which time they too were sacrificed. HW BW ratio of the pre- and postnatally exposed rats was significantly elevated above the same parameters for the controls and rats exposed to CO as fetuses only. The HW BW ratio of the latter two groups did not differ significantly from one another. Analysis of HW data using multiple exponential regression equations relating HW to BW, showed HW of the rats exposed to CO both pre- and postnatally to be 22% larger than predicted. The results suggest that fetal cardiomegaly induced by CO is entirely reversible, while neonatal exposure produces long-standing changes in HW.
Towards an Ethical Approach to Perspective-taking and the Teaching of Multicultural Texts: Getting Beyond Persuasion, Politeness and Political Correctness

This paper aims to problematize perspective-taking – an instructional practice widely thought to be useful in helping students develop the ability to better understand their own worlds and the worlds of others in multicultural texts. We provide examples that illustrate difficulties discovered in implementing a perspective-taking approach to teaching multicultural texts across three diverse classrooms. Specifically, these examples suggest that perspective-taking was perceived by students to be a rhetorical strategy that their teachers wanted them to acquire in the interests of persuasion, politeness, political correctness and uncritical tolerance. Through discussion of these examples this paper argues that in order for perspective-taking to be a valuable instructional strategy for teaching multicultural texts it must be grounded in a larger effort towards an ethical approach to response to multicultural texts – an effort by which teachers encourage ownership of initial responses, genuine and continual cons...
Case Report: Alternaria Osteomyelitis: Eight Years of Recurring Disease Requiring Cyclic Courses of Amphotericin B for Cure

A 51-year-old man with a chronic maxillary sinus infection and osteomyelitis of adjacent bony structures had Alternaria identified as the cause of the infection by both pathologic examination and by culture. Although the fungus was shown to be susceptible to amphotericin B in vitro, clinical relapses occurred three times over an 8-year period, despite extensive surgical debridement and treatment with amphotericin B. Ultimately, cyclic courses of amphotericin B administered 2 years beyond clinical resolution of the disease were required to eradicate the fungal infection.
A method for determining the permeability and solubility of sulfur in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (RTV)

A method has been devised whereby the S8 permeability and solubility in silicon resin are determined by observing the reaction between sulfur vapors and silver particles within the polymer. The particles (∼10 μm diameter), which may vary between 0.1 and 100 μm in diameter, are dispersed in the polymer at a concentration up to 20% within a glass cylinder (also an aluminum container). The polymer is cured according to procedure and exposed to S8 saturated vapors at various temperatures (55°–125°C), leaving one end of the cylinder open. The Ag particles are a perfect sink for sulfur, which is consumed as soon as it reaches the reaction boundary that separates the reacted and unreacted Ag particles. Consequently, a distinct black region containing Ag2S product is left behind as the boundary advances. The line displacement, measured at time intervals for the several temperatures, is used to calculate the gas permeability in the polymer as a function of temperature on the basis of a mass transport model developed from diffusion theory. The S8 solubility in the polymer is calculated from the permeability and diffusivity. The latter is determined independently by measuring the time that the Ag2S reaction is delayed when a layer of plain polymer separates a silver surface and the sulfur environment.
Ginkgolide A attenuates homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction in porcine coronary arteries.

Background Homocysteine is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to investigate whether ginkgolide A (GA), a major constituent of Ginkgo biloba , could block homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction in porcine coronary arteries. Methods Porcine coronary artery rings were assigned to six treatment groups: control; homocysteine (50 μmol/L); low-dose (50 μmol/L) or high-dose (100 μmol/L) GA; and homocysteine plus low-dose or high-dose GA. After 24 hours' incubation, the rings were analyzed for vasomotor function in response to a thromboxane A2 analogue (U46619), bradykinin, and sodium nitroprusside. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was studied by using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry analysis. Superoxide anion production was assessed by chemoluminescence analysis. Results Endothelium-dependent relaxation (bradykinin) was significantly reduced in ring segments treated with homocysteine as compared with the control ( P P Conclusions Homocysteine significantly impairs endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation through oxidative stress and downregulation of eNOS in porcine coronary arteries. GA effectively prevents homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction and molecular changes in porcine coronary arteries. This study underscores the potential clinical benefits and applications of GA in controlling homocysteine-associated vascular injury and cardiovascular disease.
Phase diagrams of surface plasmon polaritonic crystals

The homogenous form of the reduced Rayleigh equation has been employed in this work to study absolute photonic band gaps in the frequency spectrum of surface plasmon polaritons propagating across a vacuum-metal interface formed from a hexagonal array of hemiellipsoids. The complex dielectric function that characterizes a specific metal within this approach is obtained from experimental data for silver, aluminum, and gold. Nonperturbative numerical solutions of the resulting dispersion relation are analyzed for the occurrence of absolute band gaps while the geometrical parameters of the surface are varied. This approach is exact within the domain of validity of the Rayleigh hypothesis and produces phase diagrams that reveal suitable parameters for the design of surface plasmon polaritonic crystals. The lifetimes of characteristic surface plasmon polariton modes are calculated to judge the applicability of these designs. The numerical predictions in this work are compared with existing experimental data.
Mechanisms of ultraviolet radiation tolerance in the freshwater snail Physa acuta

AbstractIdentifying mechanisms of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) tolerance is an important step in understanding the direct and indirect effects of UVR exposure on aquatic organisms. We used laboratory exposure experiments and a solar exposure experiment to evaluate mechanisms of UVR tolerance in the freshwater snail, Physa acuta. Survival following short-wavelength UVB exposure was higher in the presence of simultaneous exposure to longer-wavelength UVA and visible light than with UVB alone, indicating that P. acuta possessed photoenzymatic repair. Survival also increased as a function of body size and shell thickness, suggesting that the shell provides photoprotection. Last, snails actively selected locations further below the water surface in the presence than in the absence of solar UVR, suggesting behavioral avoidance as another mechanism of UVR tolerance. These defense mechanisms can be influenced by environmental conditions, so effects of UVR exposure may vary widely among populations and will be stro...
Vital issues in computing decompression schedules from fundamentals

The review has been continued of the vital issues which must be answered in deriving equations for predicting the imminence of decompression sickness from fundamental physical and physiological reasoning. In this part (II), the evidence is considered for deciding whether diffusion or blood perfusion limits the rate of uptake of inert gases by the tissue type(s) responsible for marginal symptoms. This is also discussed with regard to tissues of known anatomic identity relevant to estimations of the uptake of anaesthetic agents and the measurement of local circulation rates. While this data would indicate that neither process can be ignored, the best correlation of decompression data which can be isolated from the effects of the other vital issues would appear to be offered by bulk diffusion models. The conventional method for computing decompression schedules can then be considered as a calculation technique by which hypothetical tissues of longer "half-time" must be invoked empirically in order to simulate deeper penetration of extravascular tissue by gas.
Ribosomes Left in the Dust: Diverse Strategies for Peptide-Mediated Translation Stalling

In two recent papers, Arenz et al. (2014a) and Bischoff et al. (2014) provide structural insights into drug-induced, peptide-mediated stalling of the ribosome.
Poor utility of the age of onset criterion for DSM-IV attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: recommendations for DSM-V and ICD-11.

Background: To test whether the retrospective reporting of the age of onset impairment criterion for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) required in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – IV (DSM-IV) complicates identification of new and known child and adolescent cases later in life. Methods: A birth-records-based cohort of twins assessed at ages 7 to 19 years were blindly reassessed five years later using the MAGIC interview. Study outcome measures were differences in reported ages of onset for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Results: For all age groups and respondents (parent on youth or youth self-report), later ages of ADHD onset were reported five years later. The same phenomenon was also present for the other diagnostic groups. Of the initial ADHD individuals who continued to meet all other ADHD criteria at follow-up, 46% failed the age of onset criterion five years later. When ignoring the age of onset criterion, late onsets of ages 7–16 years accounted for about 10% of all ADHD. Conclusions: Use of the DSM-IV age of onset criterion for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the assessment of adolescents and young adults results in under-identification of affected individuals. Consideration should be given to revising the current nomenclatures to reflect the reality of retrospective reporting errors in age of onset as well as the presence of late onset cases.
Issues of Personal Name Authority Control in a Retrospective Cataloging Project

The cataloging department of the Michigan State University Libraries undertook a retrospective cataloging project of digitized Extension bulletins published during the past 100 years. The project's retrospective nature and concentration of authorship created challenges in coordination and execution of personal-name authority work. A decision-making flow chart was created to provide guidelines in searching variant usages and name authority records on OCLC, as well as to help coordinate authority work among project catalogers. Although the project was satisfactorily completed with the help of this flow chart, some issues remained unresolved and the adequacy and efficiency of the existing name authority workflow was questioned.
The flow stress of dual-phase, non-hardening solids

Abstract A dual-phase composite comprised of an isotropic distribution of two elastic—perfectly plastic phases is considered. Each phase is characterized by a Mises yield surface and its associated tensile flow stress. The limiting tensile flow stress of the composite is computed in terms of the flow stresses of the phases and their respective volume fractions using a fully non-linear self-consistent model which identifies one phase as particulate and the other as matrix. It is found that the uniform strain-rate upper bound, which is just the rule of mixtures in terms of the phase flow stresses, provides an excellent approximation to the composite flow stress as long as the flow stresses of the phases do not differ by more than a factor of two. The results are applied to obtain some insight into the effect of a non-uniform isotropic distribution of rigid particles in reinforcing an elastic-perfectly plastic matrix. By identifying the tensile flow stresses of the two phases with flow stresses of particle-rich and particle-poor regions, one can predict the dependence of the limit flow stress of the composite on certain types of non-uniform distributions of the rigid particle reinforcements.
FUNCTIONAL, SOCIAL AND PSYCHOSEXUAL ADJUSTMENT AFTER VAGINAL RECONSTRUCTION

AbstractPurpose: We assessed the long-term functional, social and psychosexual outcome in children who underwent vaginal reconstruction.Materials and Methods: We interviewed and assessed the psychological development of 16 women 17 to 28 years old (mean age 22) who underwent vaginal reconstruction only or in combination with other urogenital reconstructive procedures at ages 11 months to 18 years (mean 8.8). Psychological measures included the Beck Depression Inventory, Draw-a-Person test and Linkowski acceptance of disability scale as well as a standard questionnaire evaluating the sexual adjustment, social adjustment and ability for self-support of these women.Results: Mean Beck Depression Inventory was 8.5 with less than 9 defined as minimal depression. Mean acceptance of disability score was 83.9 (range 54 to 94), indicating that patients were well adjusted with respect to the disability. Functionally 10 women were satisfied with the appearance of the vagina, 4 were neutral and 2 were dissatisfied. A ...
The prevalence of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension in patients with Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism

Abstract Non-motor symptoms in Parkinson disease (PD) have been increasingly recognized as a major cause of declining health-related quality of life. We aimed to determine the prevalence of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (OH) in patients with PD and atypical parkinsonism, and to evaluate the risk factors for OH in this population. We reviewed the records of 1318 patients diagnosed with PD or atypical parkinsonism at the Parkinson’s Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine. The frequency of symptomatic OH was 81% (21/26) in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA), 18% (198/1125) of PD patients, and 19% (31/167) of patients with non-MSA atypical parkinsonism. Among PD patients, those with symptoms of OH were significantly older (p = 0.001), had more advanced Hoehn & Yahr stage (p = 0.007), a longer duration of PD symptoms (p = 0.031), and a greater range between their highest and lowest sitting systolic and diastolic BPs (p = 0.0001) over time. In the atypical parkinsonism group, excluding MSA, patients with symptoms of OH were taking more anti-hypertensive medications than those without symptoms of OH (p = 0.043). On the other hand, MSA patients with symptoms of OH were less likely to be taking anti-hypertensive medications than those without symptoms (p = 0.035). In conclusion, symptomatic OH is a common cause of disability in patients with PD, atypical parkinsonian disorders, and especially in patients with MSA.
Wireless Networked -Based Sensing for Protection and Decentralized Control of Critical Infrastructures

We develop analytical tools to assess the use of wireless data communication in power system environments. The communication functions considered in the study include real time monitoring, protective relaying and control. Two notions of wireless capacity computation in joint additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and impulsive noise channel is presented. We determine the transmit power require to maintain enough wireless channel capacity for reliable data transmission in power system environment. A combined networking and information theoretic approach to address the noise, and bursty source issues was adopted. Instead of posing the transmit power determination problem as a classical optimization problem, a mobile agent based approach to monitor both the queue state and the channel condition, as well as match user's rate demand to the time varying power system wireless channel capacity was proposed. Our results show that under diverse delay constraints, reasonable transmit-power levels to maintain wireless channel capacity for reliable data transmission in power system environment is possible.
PBIR: perception-based image retrieval-a system that can quickly capture subjective image query concepts

We describe the Perception-Based Image Retrieval (PBIR) system that we have built on our recently developed query-concept learning algorithms, MEGA and SVMActive. We show that MEGA and SVMActive can learn a complex image-query concept in a small number of user iterations (usually three to four) on a large, multi-category, high-dimensional image database.
Curriculum-based measurement: Conceptual and psychometric considerations

This review of published literature and research critically examines the conceptual and psychometric problems associated with curriculum-based measurement (CBM) as they relate to eligibility decision making and programming for special education. It is concluded that although CBM can provide a useful supplement in assessing and remediating academic difficulties, it suffers from many of the criticisms leveled at traditional assessments as well as some unique limitations of its own. It is concluded that CBM, to be of most value, needs to be part of a larger systematic psychoeducational assessment program rather than a replacement for it.
Stratocumulus cloud thickening beneath layers of absorbing smoke aerosol

Abstract. Marine stratocumulus cloud properties, and the free-tropospheric environment above them, are examined in NASA A-Train satellite data for cases where smoke from seasonal burning of the West African savannah overlay the persistent southeast Atlantic stratocumulus cloud deck. CALIPSO space-borne lidar observations show that features identified as layers of aerosol occur predominantly between 2 km and 4 km. Layers identified as cloud features occur predominantly below 1.5 km altitude and beneath the layer of elevated smoke aerosol. The diurnal mean shortwave heating rates attributable to the absorption of solar energy in the aerosol layer is nearly 1.5 K d−1 for an aerosol optical thickness value of 1, and increases to 1.8 K d−1 when the smoke resides above clouds owing to the additional component of upward solar radiation reflected by the cloud. As a consequence of this heating, the 700 hPa air temperature above the cloud deck is warmer by approximately 1 K on average for cases where smoke is present above the cloud compared to cases without smoke above cloud. The warmer conditions in the free-troposphere above the cloud during smoke events coincide with cloud liquid water path values that are greater by 20 g m−2 and cloud tops that are lower for overcast conditions compared to periods with low amounts of smoke. The observed thickening and subsidence of the cloud layer are consistent with published results of large-eddy simulations showing that solar absorption by smoke above stratocumulus clouds increases the buoyancy of free-tropospheric air above the temperature inversion capping the boundary layer. Increased buoyancy inhibits the entrainment of dry air through the cloud-top, thereby helping to preserve humidity and cloud cover in the boundary layer. The direct radiative effect of absorbing aerosols residing over a bright cloud deck is a positive radiative forcing (warming) at the top of the atmosphere. However, the greater liquid water path for cases of smoke overlaying cloud contributes an additional negative semi-direct radiative forcing (cooling) of climate in locations such as the southeast Atlantic Ocean owing to the enhanced albedo of the thicker cloud.
On the evaluation of voltage collapse criteria

The authors provide an approach that enables a power system operator or planner to evaluate his or her alternatives in selecting a certain voltage collapse criterion. Specifically, the selection of a criterion must guarantee that the risk of making a wrong decision is minimal for any operating point and disturbance. This is done by recasting the various voltage collapse criteria in terms of a decision framework. This framework is based on statistical decision theory and provides a method for evaluating the risk of making the wrong decision in terms of the probability of a missed voltage collapse or a false alarm. Some examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. >
Comparison of the performance of serum and urine hCG immunoassays in the evaluation of gynecologic patients

We conducted a study to compare the performance of serum and urine pregnancy tests in the evaluation of gynecologic patients presenting to our ED. The overall efficiency of the two tests was very similar: 99.5% for the serum test, and 97.6% for the urine test. In patients proven to have ectopic pregnancies, however, the serum test was positive in 100%; the urine test was positive in only 60%. The serum test misclassified (gave false-negative or false-positive results) in three of 607 patients (0.5%). The urine test misclassified 14 of 607 patients (2.3%). Moreover there were 18 inconclusive or invalid urine test results. Thus the urine test provided misinformation or no information in 32 of 607, or 5.3%, of the total study population.
Atrial Fibrillation as a Cause of Left Ventricular Dysfunction After Cardiac Transplantation

We report 3 cases of late-onset atrial fibrillation several years after cardiac transplantation, each involving left ventricular systolic dysfunction in the absence of cardiac rejection or cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Although the etiology of late-onset atrial fibrillation in cardiac transplant recipients is not clear, its presence in the absence of cardiac rejection or coronary allograft vasculopathy can result in left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and therefore should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cardiac allograft failure. The onset of atrial fibrillation years after a heart transplant is not necessarily an indication of rejection. Aggressive rate control and restoration of normal sinus rhythm may improve allograft function in such cases.
The fine structure of the circumesophageal nerve in several decapod crustaceans.

In order to obtain a better understanding of the significance of the anatomy of the crustacean nervous system with respect to behavior entire cross sections of circumesophageal connective nerves were examined by electron microscopy to determine the number and diameter of nerve fibers in the following species: Crangon septemspinosa, Pagurus pollicaris, P. longicarpus, Carcinus maenas, Cal. linectes sapidus, Podophthalmus vigil, Cancer irroratus, C. borealis, Grapsus grapsus, Gecarcinus lateralis, Uca pugnax, and Libinia emarginata. The diameter of the fibers ranged from 0.1 μ to 80 μ; in each case the larger fibers being in the dorsal portion of the connective. In most species the smaller fibers were most numerous; with increasing diameter the fibers became less numerous. The total number of fibers ranged from 1,500 to 9,600. This interspecies difference is primarily due to variance in the number of very fine fibers. Unusual patterns of fiber distribution appeared in Crangon and Callinectes, which had no fibers of very small diameter, in Pagurus with a large bundle of such fine fibers, and in Grapsus, which had several giant fibers. In some of the species the peculiar fiber distributions appear to be related to particular adaptations.
The Role of Predictive Features in Retrieving Analogical Cases

Access to prior cases in memory is a central issue in analogical reasoning. Previous research accounts for access in terms of overall similarity between complete new exemplars compared to complete stored instances and stresses the relative importance of surface-level similarities in access to complete cases (Gentner & Landers, 1985; Rattermann & Gentner, 1987). However, for cross-domain remindings, abstract similarities capture the important commonalities between cases (h Seifert, McKoon, Abelson, & Ratcliff, 1986). Therefore, models of analogy must account for structural-level remindings when they do occur in terms of abstract similarities. In planning and problem-solving tasks, a stored exemplar may be more useful if accessed before the new pattern is complete, when past experience can bring to bear possible solutions or warn of potential dangers while the outcome is yet undetermined. Further, different partial sets of abstract features may result in differing access to analogous cases. Features that predict when prior cases might be useful to problem solving could serve as better retrieval cues than other abstract cues that are equally similar, yet less distinctive to the specific problem situation. To test these hypotheses, several experiments were conducted using thematic stories in a modification of the reminding paradigm developed by Gentner and Landers (1985). By examining the relative effectiveness of subsets of features in accessing relevant cases, it was found that a subset of
Reverse genetics of negative-strand RNA viruses: Closing the circle

The study of viruses and their interactions with host cells and organisms has benefited greatly from the ability to engineer specific mutations into viral genomes, a technique known as reverse genetics. Genome manipulations of DNA viruses, either by transfecting cells with plasmids encoding the viral genome (1) or by heterologous recombination of plasmids bearing viral sequences with the virus genome (2–4), were the first to be performed. Positive-strand RNA virus genome manipulation followed quickly, partly because the viral genome is also mRNA sense. Simply transfecting plasmids, or RNA transcribed from plasmids, containing the poliovirus genome into susceptible cells resulted in the recovery of infectious poliovirus (5, 6). The negative-strand RNA viruses include a number of human and animal pathogens such as influenza A, B, and C viruses, hantaviruses, Lassa virus, rabies virus, Ebola virus, Marburg virus, measles virus, canine distemper virus, rinderpest virus, respiratory syncytial virus, mumps virus, human parainfluenza virus types 1–4, and Nipah virus (which recently emerged in Malaysia, causing respiratory distress and encephalitis in pigs and humans). However, the genomes of the negative-strand RNA viruses have been less amenable to artificial manipulation for several reasons: (i) precise 5′ and 3′ ends are required for replication and packaging of the genomic RNA; (ii) the viral RNA polymerase is essential for transcribing both mRNA and complementary, positive-sense antigenome template RNA; and (iii) both genomic and antigenomic RNAs exist as viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes (reviewed in ref. 7). The segmented genomes of influenza viruses, bunyaviruses, and arenaviruses allowed some genetic manipulation through the isolation of reassortant viruses, but manipulation of the complete genome of segmented negative-strand RNA viruses has progressed slowly, hampered by the very fact that the genome is segmented.
A gridless multi-layer router for standard cell circuits using CTM cells

We present a gridless multi-layer router suitable for standard cell circuits using central terminal model (CTM) cells. A CTM cell has pins in the middle which split the over-the-cell routing region into top and bottom parts. Our router routes nets in both the channel (if needed) and over-the-cell. The router uses a combined constraint graph and tile expansion algorithm. It achieves channelless solutions for the Primary1 circuit by routing over the cell in three layers. For classical channel routing examples, it achieves solutions at density for Deutsch's difficult example in two, three, four and five metal layers. It also generates equal or better results compared to the best of the previous channel routers for all the examples we have tried.
Semantic Association Networks: Using Semantic Web Technology to Improve Scholarly Knowledge and Expertise Management

(SANs), a novel means of using semantic web technology to tag and interlink scientific datasets, services (e.g., algorithms, techniques, or approaches), publications (e.g., papers, patents, grants), and expertise (i.e., author and user information) to improve scholarly knowledge and expertise management. Among other ends, the proposed SANs • Facilitate new types of searches, e.g., the retrieval of all authors that worked with dataset