cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linking inpatient clinical registry data to Medicare claims data using indirect identifiers

Background Inpatient clinical registries generally have limited ability to provide a longitudinal perspective on care beyond the acute episode. We present a method to link hospitalization records from registries with Medicare inpatient claims data, without using direct identifiers, to create a unique data source that pairs rich clinical data with long-term outcome data. Methods and Results The method takes advantage of the hospital clustering observed in each database by demonstrating that different combinations of indirect identifiers within hospitals yield a large proportion of unique patient records. This high level of uniqueness also allows linking without advance knowledge of the Medicare provider number of each registry hospital. We applied this method to 2 inpatient databases and were able to identify 81% of 39,178 records in a large clinical registry of patients with heart failure and 91% of 6,581 heart failure records from a hospital inpatient database. The quality of the link is high, and reasons for incomplete linkage are explored. Finally, we discuss the unique opportunities afforded by combining claims and clinical data for specific analyses. Conclusions In the absence of direct identifiers, it is possible to create a high-quality link between inpatient clinical registry data and Medicare claims data. The method will allow researchers to use existing data to create a linked claims-clinical database that capitalizes on the strengths of both types of data sources.
Zipper-interacting Protein Kinase Induces Ca2+-free Smooth Muscle Contraction via Myosin Light Chain Phosphorylation

The inhibition of myosin phosphatase evokes smooth muscle contraction in the absence of Ca(2+), yet the underlying mechanisms are not understood. To this end, we have cloned smooth muscle zipper-interacting protein (ZIP) kinase cDNA. ZIP kinase is present in various smooth muscle tissues including arteries. Triton X-100 skinning did not diminish ZIP kinase content, suggesting that ZIP kinase associates with the filamentous component in smooth muscle. Smooth muscle ZIP kinase phosphorylated smooth muscle myosin as well as the isolated 20-kDa myosin light chain in a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-independent manner. ZIP kinase phosphorylated myosin light chain at both Ser(19) and Thr(18) residues with the same rate constant. The actin-activated ATPase activity of myosin increased significantly following ZIP kinase-induced phosphorylation. Introduction of ZIP kinase into Triton X-100-permeabilized rabbit mesenteric artery provoked a Ca(2+)-free contraction. A protein phosphatase inhibitor, microcystin LR, also induced contraction in the absence of Ca(2+), which was accompanied by an increase in both mono- and diphosphorylation of myosin light chain. The observed sensitivity of the microcystin-induced contraction to various protein kinase inhibitors was identical to the sensitivity of isolated ZIP kinase to these inhibitors. These results suggest that ZIP kinase is responsible for Ca(2+) independent myosin phosphorylation and contraction in smooth muscle.
Thin-film interference effects on the efficiency of a normal-incidence grating in the 100–350-Å wavelength region

Thin-film interference effects were observed in the normal-incidence efficiency of a 2400-groove/mm replica grating. The efficiency was measured in the 100-350-A wavelength range and had an oscillatory behavior that resulted from the presence of a thin SiO(2) coating. The thicknesses of the SiO(2) and the underlying oxidized aluminum layers were inferred from computer modeling of the zero-order efficiency. The efficiencies in the diffracted orders were calculated with the modified integral approach and accounting for the multilayer coating and the groove profile derived from atomic force microscopy. The calculated and measured efficiencies were in good agreement.
Storm-time behaviors of O/N2 and NO variations

Abstract Algorithms have been developed to extract net nitric oxide (NO) radiances in the wavelength range of 172–182 nm from the dayside TIMED/GUVI spectrograph data and convert them to NO column density (100–150 km). The thermospheric O/N2 column density ratios (referenced from an altitude ~135 km with a N2 column density of 1017 cm−2) are also obtained from the spectrograph data. The spatial resolution of the NO and O/N2 products along the GUVI orbit is 240 km. The coincident O/N2 ratio and NO column density maps during a few geomagnetic storms reveal two major features: (1) Storm-time O/N2 depletion and NO enhancement extend from high to mid and low latitudes. They are anti-correlated on a global scale, (2) the NO enhancement covers a wider longitude and latitude region than O/N2 depletion on a local scale. The similarity between O/N2 depletion and NO enhancement on global scale is due to storm-time equatorward meridional wind that brings both O/N2 depleted and NO enhanced air from high to low latitudes. The altitude dependence of the storm-time meridional wind, different peaks altitudes of the local O/N2 and NO variations, and long life time of NO (one day or longer) may explain the different behaviors of O/N2 and NO on a local scale.
Phenotypic malformations in association with maternal trimethadione therapy.

demonst ra ted . Sulkin and associates ~2 repor ted two pat ients who developed orchitis and significant rises in ant ibody titer after accidental laboratory infection with bat salivary gland virus a group B arbovirus. Orchitis has also been no ted in association with influenza, dengue, ph lebo tomus fever, smal lpox and varicella, and possibly echovirus 11 and vaccinia infect ions? Since bo th aseptic meningi t is and orchitis are f requent manifesta t ions of m a n y enteroviral infections, it is suprising that the dual occurrence has no t been previously reported. More f requent uti l ization of viral diagnost ic services would p robab ly reveal o ther cases of orchitis associated with enterovira l infections. Echovirus 6 infect ion should be considered when orchitis, with or wi thout meningitis, occurs in a pa t ient with a history of previous , mumps vaccinat ion or na tu ra l infection; re infect ion with mumps virus must also be considered.
Motivation for electrical stimulation of the brain and for natural reinforcement in mice

Abstract Strength of motivation for electrical self-stimulation of the brain (ESB) and for a conventional reinforcer (water) was compared in C57BL 6 mice with electrodes in the lateral hypothalamus (LHA) and in the septum. Latency to begin lever pressing was longer and rate slower in septally implanted mice than in mice with LHA electrodes. None of the mice required priming to initiate lever pressing. Extinction tests immediately and 60 min following continuous reinforcement showed that mice with LHA electrodes made fewer responses 60 min later than immediately after continuous reinforcement, while mice with septal electrodes made more responses during extinction after a delay of 60 min than immediately following continuous reinforcement. Resistance to extinction following water reinforcement was similar to that of subjects receiving ESB to the septum. Mice with LHA electrodes worked for ESB and for water reinforcement on schedules up to FR 32. Mice with septal implants worked up to FR 32 for a water reward but would not go beyond FR 8 for ESB. With a progressive ratio reinforcement schedule, the mice with LHA electrodes would make up to 76 presses to obtain a single ESB reinforcement and their performance on this schedule was comparable to that of a food rewarded mouse. These results indicate that in mice motivational similarity of ESB and conventional rewards dependes both on site of stimulation in the brain and the behavioral indices of motivation employed.
A TWO-GENE MODEL FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA WITH THE POSSIBILITY TO DETECT CARRIERS OF THE MODIFIER GENE

A two-gene model for the hereditary transmission of schizophrenia is presented involving two pairs of autosomal alleles Ss and Pp. It is hypothesized that the recessive gene can produce schizophrenia in homozygous state with a penetrance of .40. In the presence of the gene P schizophrenia can occur in the heterozygote Ss, resulting in a more serious form of the disease and having a manifestation rate of .70. The population frequencies best fitting the available data are estimated to be approximately .03 for P and .07 or .08 for s. It is also hypothesized that the reproductive fitness is .80 in manifest schizophrenics with genotype ss pp and .50 in overt schizophrenics carrying the modifier gene P. The model is proposed to cover only the so-called “process” or “nuclear” type of schizophrenia. The remaining schizophrenics of “reactive” and other types may belong to different genotypes or consist in phenocopies. The model is discussed in relation to literature observations and our own previous studies. The possibilities for increased fitness of non-schizophrenic carriers of P and s are also discussed.
Some aspects of the morphology of Betz cells in the cerebral cortex of the cat.

Abstract Betz cells have been examined in the motor cortex of the cat. The perikarya of these large pyramidal neurons have a large mass of cytoplasm containing relatively well developed Nissl bodies. The nuclei are pale, and frequently the nuclear envelope is thrown into folds which enclose cytoplasm containing a high concentration of free polysomes. Adjacent to these areas mitochondria accumulate. The apical dendrites of Betz cells characteristically fork near to the cell body. In addition to numerous mitochondria and microtubules, the dendritic cytoplasm contains bundles of neurofilaments and cisternal organelles resembling the spine apparatus. The dendritic spines vary in shape and while most resemble those of smaller pyramidal neurons, a few are unusually large and synapse with a number of axon terminals. About 23% of the Betz cell perikaryal surface is covered by axon terminals, which form symmetric synapses. It has been calculated that some 13 axon terminals synapse on each 100 sq. μm of the perikaryal surface and that the average Betz cell perikaryon bears some 870 axon terminals.
Prevalence and impact of active and passive cigarette smoking in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Objective Cigarette smoke exposure has recently been found to be associated with increased susceptibility to trauma- and transfusion-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We sought to determine 1) the prevalence of cigarette smoke exposure in a diverse multi-center sample of ARDS patients, and 2) whether cigarette smoke exposure is associated with severity of lung injury and mortality in ARDS.
Is UAA or UGA part of the recognition signal for ribosomal initiation

In none of the 92 published prokaryotic sequences is a translation codon preceeded by UAG as the first "termination codon". In most cases the UAA or UGA is close to the initiation codon and may be part of the ribosome recognition signal.
Discovery of a cool expanding shell at -1200 kilometers per second around V471 Tauri

High-resolution IUE spectra of V471 Tauri reveal the presence of a very-high-velocity cool expanding gas in the line of sight to the binary system with an expansion velocity of -1200 km/s. The summed strength of the coadded absorption is 125 mA + or - 25 mA, with FWHM = 30 km/s. It is suggested that the observed absorption may be related to the narrow coadded absorption at -590 km/s noted by Bruhweiler and Sion (1966). The large expansion velocity suggests a possible association with an ancient nova outburst.
A reconsideration of the correlation between veteran status and firearm suicide in the general population

Background The relationship between veteran status and firearm suicide has been evaluated previously, but multiple sources of bias limit conclusions. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between a history of military service and firearm suicide. Methods Data obtained from suicide death certificates from nine states (1999–2009) were analysed. History of military service was validated using data obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. Modified Poisson Regression with robust SEs was used to compute adjusted prevalence ratios for the common outcome of firearm use among suicide decedents. Results Male veteran suicide decedents were 6% more likely to use firearms, and female veteran suicide decedents were 18% more likely to use firearms compared with their non-veteran peers. Conclusions Prior estimates based on logistic regression and death certificate reporting of veteran status may have overestimated the relationship between veteran status and firearm use among suicide decedents.
The Vsepr Model of Molecular Geometry

Abstract The valence shell electron-pair repulsion model successfully accounts for geometrical variations in extensive classes of compounds. According to its basic postulate the geometry of a molecule is determined by the space requirements of all electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom. The compatibility of a structure with this model must be tested by examining the variations of all angles of all electron pairs in the valence shell.
Activation of STAT5-dependent transcription by the neurotrophin receptor Trk.

Neurotrophins exert many of their biological effects via the Trk receptor tyrosine kinases and require the regulated activation of distinct transcriptional and post-translational cellular events. Here we provide evidence for a novel signaling cascade from activated Trks to the transcription factor STAT5. Utilizing the STAT5 responsive element derived from the p21WAF1/Cip1 promoter to modulate luciferase expression, neurotrophin-dependent activation of Trk A, B, and C was found to induce STAT5-mediated transcriptional response. Structure-function analysis using Trk A mutants in heterologous cells further revealed that the kinase activity and an intact phospholipase C-gamma binding site are required for STAT5 activation. In most cytokine responsive cell systems, STAT5 function is modulated by JAK2-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation. However, reconstitution studies using a JAK2 deficient cell line indicate that neurotrophin-induced STAT5 activation does not require the cognate upstream kinase JAK2. In contrast, the Src kinase inhibitor PP1 significantly abolishes STAT5-dependent transcription in Trk A expressing 293T cells and in BDNF-treated primary cortical neurons. Together these results suggest that neurotrophins may regulate neuronal gene expression via STAT5 in a JAK2 independent manner. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2005
Surgery for permanent atrial fibrillation: impact of patient factors and lesion set.

Background Whether a complete Cox-maze procedure is needed to ablate permanent atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing concomitant cardiac surgery is unknown. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of different lesion sets in such patients. Methods From November 1991 to January 2004, 575 patients underwent surgical treatment of permanent atrial fibrillation (duration > 6 months); mitral valve disease was the primary indication for surgery in 74%. Procedures included pulmonary vein isolation alone (n = 68, 12%), pulmonary vein isolation with left atrial connecting lesions (n = 265, 46%), and Cox-maze (n = 242, 42%). Rhythm documented on 5,120 postoperative electrocardiograms was used to estimate time-related prevalence of, and risk factors for, atrial fibrillation. Results Prevalence of postoperative atrial fibrillation peaked at 46% two weeks after operation, declining to 24% at one year. Patient-related risk factors for increased prevalence included older age (p Conclusions This study suggests that in cardiac surgical patients with permanent atrial fibrillation the left atrial lesion set should include wide pulmonary vein isolation, at least one connection between right and left pulmonary veins, and a connection to the mitral anulus. Availability of alternative energy sources to create lesions sets has virtually eliminated the need for the cut-and-sew Cox-maze procedure.
ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF HOLLOW FIBER REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEMS

Abstract A new model is derived based on the assumption of complete mixing on the shell side of hollow fiber modules. This simple model predicts the experimentally observed linear relationship between the inverse of the superficial solute rejection coefficient [R¯ = 1 − (Cr/CR,)] and the inverse of the permeate (product) flow-rate per unit membrane surface area. Fr/SM. This predicted relationship is independent of the membrane model used.
Comparative studies on the in Vitro response of bacteria to invertebrate body fluids. I. Dendrostomum zostericolum, a sipunculid worm☆

Abstract Six species of marine bacteria, five gram-negative rods and one gram-positive micrococcus, plus a strain of the terrestrial gram-negative rod Serratia marcescens , were tested. They were incubated in vitro in cell-free coelomic fluid and whole coelomic fluid from the sipunculid worm Dendrostomum zostericolum . Incubation with seawater alone and in a mixture of seawater and bovine albumin were used as controls. The whole fluid was strongly depressive or fatal to all the bacteria except the grampositive micrococcus and S. marcescens . Cell-free fluid was less depressive or fatal in its effects. There is discussion of the possibility that some of the depressive effects of the sipunculid fluids might be similar to the effect of incubation in seawater alone. Attributes of the various bacteria that might make them susceptible or resistant to the effects of the fluids are discussed also.
Simulation of natural scenes using textured quadric surfaces

Because of the high complexity of the real world, realistic simulation of natural scenes is very costly in computation. The topographical subtlety of common natural features such as trees and clouds remains a stumbling block to cost-effective computer modeling. A new scene model, composed of quadric surfaces bounded with planes and overlaid with texturing, provides an efficient and effective means of representing a wide range, of natural features. The new model provides a compact and functional data base which minimizes the number of scene elements. Efficient hidden surface algorithms for quadric surfaces bounded by planes are included. A mathematical texturing function represents natural surface detail in a statistical manner. Techniques have been developed to simulate natural scenes with the artistic efficiency of an impressionist painter.
Social Work Information Center 2.0 : A Case Study

The social work library at USC provides a case study of an academic library's transition to an information center service model. Analysis of the collection, user community, Web 2.0 applications, and Web usage data demonstrates how the changes facilitated library services and information literacy instruction.
A New Speech Input System for Use in Cars

A speech recognition system suitable for use in cars has been developed by the Volkswagen Research Department, Wolfsburg, Germany. The aim was to show that such a device can satisfy the following conditions: remain functional over the entire vehicle operating range with bad signal-to-noise ratios; and reduce costs in comparison with conventional systems.
Organizational change in management of hepatitis C: evaluation of a CME program.

Introduction: Effective treatment regimens exist for the hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, clinicians are often resistant to evaluation or treatment of patients with alcohol or substance abuse problems. We describe a continuing medical education (CME) program for clinicians in a nationwide health care system, with emphasis on current treatment practices, multispecialty collaboration, and organizational change. Methods: Quantitative measures were used to assess changes in knowledge and treatment confidence, and site-specific organizational changes were qualitatively evaluated. The CME program included a preassessment of current HCV knowledge and care; a 2-day preceptorship; and follow-up with coaching calls at 1, 3, and 6 months. Program attendees included 54 medical and mental health providers from 28 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Results: Knowledge following the CME program increased significantly. In 93% of the sites, there were organizational changes such as HCV support group-initiated group education, in-service training, improvement in patient notification or scheduling processes, hiring of new clinical staff, development of a business plans, and discussions about changes with administration. Of all sites, 15 (54%) changed existing antiviral treatment protocols, 18 (64%) established collaborative relationships, and almost half (13/28) established regular use of depression and alcohol use screening tools. Major barriers to change included lack of administrative support or resources (or both) and difficulty collaborating with mental health colleagues. Discussion: This multifaceted CME program with follow-up coaching calls significantly increased individual knowledge and confidence scores and resulted in improved clinic processes and structures. Organizational change was facilitated by the development of an action plan. The major change agent was a nurse; the primary deterrent was an administrator.
Predictability of PCBs in carp harvested in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron

Samples of carp flesh were analyzed for PCBs, dieldrin, and DDT using a gas chromatograph equipped with a Ni/sup 63/ electron capture detector. Of 211 carp obtained commercially from Saginaw Bay, none exceeded the current tolerance of 5 ppm PCBs in edible fillet. Prediction equations were calculated which accounted for 68-90 percent of PCB in many groups. The carp from 2 to 4 kg were less predictable as to their level of PCBs as were female carp or those caught in the fall. The percentage fat was an important component of these prediction equations. Length of fish correlated better for fish 4 to 5.5 kg. Correlations were highest for spring and summer catches and for males. Thus size alone could be a reasonably good predictor of PCBs caught during the spring and summer but is less so the rest of the year.
Age and Ethnicity Affect the Risk and Outcome of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Children Presenting with Proteinuria 1692

Age and Ethnicity Affect the Risk and Outcome of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in Children Presenting with Proteinuria 1692
Extended microcode error checking on a pipelined machine

In a pipelined computer, there is a possibility of interaction between microwords. These interactions may cause the operation of the computer to slow down, or they may cause errors. An extended error checking tool is used to detect these cases and help the microcode be more correct and more efficient.
Optimal Reconstruction Periods for Stochastically Deteriorating Infrastructures

In this paper, the authors address the problem of identifying the optimal period between reconstructions (termed reconstruction periods) for an infrastructure system whose performance deteriorates stochastically over time. Performance may refer to the physical condition, such as pavement or bridge condition. It is first demonstrated that for any stochastic deterioration process and reconstruction period, the long-term cost-effectiveness, defined as the ratio of the total non-monetary benefit to the total monetary cost across several reconstruction periods, is simply the ratio of the expected benefit to the expected cost up to the first reconstruction, assuming that reconstructions bring the facility back to the new state. The authors then select 4 popular mathematical forms of facility performance and present methods to determine the optimal reconstruction periods. The reconstruction cost is assumed to satisfy a certain specified structure.
Unclassified Renal Cell Carcinoma: Clinical Features and Prognostic Impact of a New Histological Subtype

ABSTRACTPurpose: We characterized the histopathological features and clinical behavior of unclassified renal cell carcinoma and compared the prognostic outcome in patients with unclassified and conventional (clear cell) renal cell carcinoma.Materials and Methods: A total of 31 patients with unclassified renal cell carcinoma are included in the kidney cancer database at our institution. Another 317 matched patients with clear cell carcinoma were used for comparing demographic, clinical, pathological and survival data.Results: The incidence of unclassified renal cell carcinoma was 2.9%. At initial diagnosis 29 patients (94%) with unclassified and 264 (83%) with clear cell renal cell carcinoma had metastatic disease (p = 0.143). Compared with the clear cell variety unclassified disease was associated with larger tumors (p = 0.005), increased risk of adrenal gland involvement (25% of cases, p = 0.0001), direct invasion to adjacent organs (42%, p = 0.00001), bone (52%, p = 0.022), regional (52%, p = 0.0042) an...
In situ formation of new crosslinking agents from acrylate derivatives and bisepoxides

The synthesis of several newly available diacrylate crosslinking agents derived from hydroxy functional acrylates and bisepoxides is described. These crosslinking agents are synthesized via the acid catalyzed addition of hydroxyl-containing acrylate monomers to bisepoxides derived from bisphenol-A and its hexafluoropropyl analog. These materials are generated in an excess of the acrylate monomer and the reaction mixtures are then converted directly to highly crosslinked materials. The alcohol functional monomers include hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and the butyl and ethyl esters of (α-hydroxymethyl)acrylic acid. The latter are especially interesting for several reasons. First, they are readily available through the addition of the corresponding acrylate to formaldehyde. Second, these monomers react with the bisepoxides to give all-ether-linked connecting groups, in conrast to HEMA which yields a molecule with both ether and ester linkages between the two acrylate units. Third, the monomers are very different in solubility from HEMA and the polymers display very different chemical and physical properties. For example, while the crosslinked HEMA polymers are swellable in water, those of the (α-hydroxymethyl)acrylates are insoluble in water but swellable in organic solvents such as chloroform. All monomers, crosslinking agents, and crosslinked polymers were characterized by FT-IR, solution or solid state 13C-NMR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis.
Adhesion-Independent α6β4 Integrin Clustering Is Mediated by Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase

Clustering of cell-surface integrins is known to augment integrin-mediated signal transduction, but mechanisms of integrin clustering are poorly understood. Here we report that adhesion-independent clustering of α6β4 integrin, known to be important in mediating tumor cell motility, is driven by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) but does not require activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway. We observed clustering of α6β4 in breast carcinoma cells after adhesion-independent cross-linking of the β4 integrin subunit. Clustering was significantly blocked when cross-linking was performed in the presence of PI3K inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin. In contrast, no significant inhibition of clustering was observed with protein kinase C inhibitor GF109203X, rapamycin, or heparin. Although α6β4 clustering was blocked by PI3K inhibitors, clustering was not associated with increased PI3K lipid kinase activity or increased phosphorylation of Akt. A novel role for PI3K in α6β4 integrin clustering is proposed.
The roles of resource availability and competition in mediating growth rates of invasive and native freshwater snails

Summary The classic paradigm in community ecology is that competition structures communities, limiting the number of species that can coexist. Under this paradigm, highly diverse communities should be biotically resistant to invasion. However, the importance of biotic resistance in repelling invasions might depend on resources because high resource availability can increase growth rates of invasive species and either reduce or increase competitive effects of invasive species on native community members. We tested how experimentally altered resource levels affected growth rates of an invasive (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) and a native snail (Pyrgulopsis robusta) and interspecific competition between them. Potamopyrgus and Pyrgulopis are the dominant macroinvertebrates in streams within the range of the locally endemic Pyrgulopsis in Wyoming, U.S.A. In the absence of competition, we found that Potamopyrgus always grew faster than Pyrgulopsis at both high and low resource levels. In the presence of interspecific competition, Potamopyrgus growth rates were not affected by resource levels or the biomass of Pyrgulopsis competitors. On the other hand, Pyrgulopsis grew slower at low resource levels and especially when the biomass of Potamopyrgus competitors was high. These results indicate that negative effects of Potamopyrgus on Pyrgulopsis growth rates were stronger at low resource levels. In contrast, Pyrgulopsis did not reduce Potamopyrgus growth under any resource scenario. Thus, increased resource availability seems to mitigate strong competitive effects of Potamopyrgus on the native snail in this stream.
Efficient hardware data mining with the Apriori algorithm on FPGAs

The Apriori algorithm is a popular correlation-based data mining kernel. However, it is a computationally expensive algorithm and the running times can stretch up to days for large databases, as database sizes can extend to Gigabytes. Through the use of a new extension to the systolic array architecture, time required for processing can be significantly reduced. Our array architecture implementation on a Xilinx Virtex-II Pro 100 provides a performance improvement that can be orders of magnitude faster than the state-of-the-art software implementations. The system is easily scalable and introduces an efficient "systolic injection" method for intelligently reporting unpredictably generated mid-array results to a controller without any chance of collision or excessive stalling.
The prospective relationship of interpersonal forgiveness and psychological distress symptoms among college women

Forgiveness has frequently been theorized to be related to decreased psychological distress, and longitudinal survey research is important for the examination of this relationship. The prospective relation of forgiveness to psychological distress symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) at a later time point (an average of 36 weeks later) was examined in a sample of 182 female undergraduate students. Through use of structural equation modeling, it was observed that offense-specific (as compared with dispositional) forgiveness toward an offender of a self-identified interpersonal transgression was significantly negatively related to psychological distress symptoms at Time 2, above and beyond the impact of symptom levels at Time 1. Perceived severity and time since the offense at Time 1 were examined as possible moderators of this relationship; time since offense was found to moderate the relationship between forgiveness and change in psychological distress symptoms between Time 1 and Time 2. Implications for acceptance-based interventions and prevention of psychopathology are discussed.
Phenotypic differences in transient outward K+ current of human and canine ventricular myocytes: insights into molecular composition of ventricular Ito.

The Ca2+-independent transient outward K+ current (Ito) plays an important electrophysiological role in normal and diseased hearts. However, its contribution to ventricular repolarization remains c...
Development of a Real-Time Digital Computer Control Laboratory

Recently, the author was funded through the National Science Foundation to develop a Real-time Control Laboratory. The objective of this new project is to substantially improve the instructional capability of undergraduate instruction in real-time system analysis and control. In addition, the great flexibility of microprocessors in both single and multi-loop control actions offers the students a more versatile means of design and experimentation. In this paper the design, development and implementation of this control educational project is reported.
Identity propagation in N-tier systems

While SOA promises great benefits in productivity and flexibility, the tools for securing these systems continue to lag behind. The ideal of SOA security is to provide trusted containers and frameworks that enforce policies established during deployment, and remove security logic and policy from application code completely. Standards such as WS-Security address some of the issues, but enterprise systems don't stop and start with web services. In an N-tier the user is authenticated at the client platform, and this authentication will ultimately determine access to resources in back-end data stores. The challenge is to create a framework for the end-to-end propagation of user credentials across N-tiers, which doesn't rely on custom security code within applications. This paper will describe a working prototype framework that propagates user credentials through web application, web service and database tiers, and applies label-based access control (LBAC) policies within the database. The paper will also outline known gaps in web and SOA standards, and directions for future work.
Participation in social activities in later life: does enjoyment have important implications for cognitive health?

Studies have demonstrated that regularly participating in activities with others may be important for cognitive health. However, less is known about why social activities are beneficial to cognitive health. This review will highlight several important concepts to consider when studying social activities and the cognitive health of older adults. The potential psychological and physiological mechanisms linking social activities to cognitive health will be discussed, with special attention to enjoyment and the elements important for enjoyment. Little is known about enjoyment in later life and if it is important for cognitive health. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which enjoyment in later life may affect cognitive health could help to inform future clinical and public health interventions.
Constrained Layer Damping of Initially Stressed Composite Beams Using Finite Elements

This paper presents the development of an efficient finite element model for the analysis of laminated composite beams treated by a constrained viscoelastic layer. The formulation presented includes the ability to model a structure about preloaded con- figurations. Since most of the damping ability is due to the shearing of the viscoelastic layer, the model is designed to represent this aspect accurately. An offset beam, shear- deformable element, which is specially suited for modeling such laminated beams is pre- sented. The viscoelastic layer is modeled by using two-dimensional plane finite elements which are compatible with the beam elements. In case of a structure with initial load, the final equations are linearized so that first increment of motion, the part due to the initial load is linear, and the second, the part due to the dynamic load is linearized. System damping and tip displacement are compared with existing approximate results and experi- mental data whenever possible. Results confirm that dynamic response is substantially im- proved by use of such damping treatments, and give some useful information regarding de- signing a structure for high damping using constrained damping treatments.
Acid–Base Balance Disorders

Abnormalities in maintaining the pH of the blood in a range that is incompatible with sustaining metabolic processes are known as acid–base balance disorders. Here, we define normal acid–base balance and describe the four basic acid–base balance disorders including metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis and respiratory alkalosis that occur. We suggest a diagnostic approach in defining the disorders and a differential diagnosis to their causes. Routine management of these disorders is also discussed. Key Concepts: Normal Physiologic function depends on the maintenance of a systemic arterial pH between 7.35 and 7.45. The coordination of renal and respiratory regulatory mechanisms is responsible for maintaining physiologic pH. The use of simple equations can differentiate between different acid–base disorders. The causes of metabolic acidosis can be divided among those that lead to a high anion gap and those that present with a normal anion gap. An approach to differentiating the causes of metabolic alkalosis is based on assessing volume status. Respiratory acidosis develops in the setting of hypoventilation. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when carbon dioxide output in the lungs exceeds its metabolic production in the tissues. The ultimate treatment of acid–base disorders is focused on identifying and managing their underlying cause. Keywords: acidosis; alkalosis; metabolic disorders; respiratory disorders
Psychogenic nonepileptic “seizures” or “attacks”? It's not just semantics: Seizures

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are paroxysmal, time-limited alterations of bodily/mental function, manifested in movement, behavior, or sensations that are of psychological etiology. The seizures in PNES can resemble epileptic seizures; however, they differ in that epileptic seizures are manifestations of abnormal synchronized cortical neuronal activity (epileptiform discharges) usually visualized on EEG. Recent literature has abandoned the use of older PNES terminology such as pseudoseizures and hysteroepilepsy, possibly because of definition ambiguity and possibly because those pejorative terms distance patients from providers. Some clinicians have requested changing the term PNES to psychogenic nonepileptic attacks to distinguish nonepileptic seizures from “true seizures” and thus avoid misunderstanding. While there may be some controversy about PNES terminology, I submit that the terminology of PNES should stand on …
Assessing the problem-based clerkship: The rationale for and costs of a multidimensional assessment program

The assessment program of the University of Kentucky Surgical Clerkship has been developed to measure not only knowledge acquisition but also the acquisition of problem-solving abilities and clinical skills. Student performance is evaluated both subjectively and objectively using the following methods: tutor, preceptor, and peer evaluations; multiple-choice examinations; computerized patient management problems; standardized patient examinations; objective structured clinical examinations; and surgery shelf examinations (NBME-II surgery). Such a multifaceted evaluation program requires a considerable investment of time and financial resources; estimates of both are included in this report. Because such a program more reliably assesses student performance, however, the costs are well justified.
Representational Competence and Algebraic Modeling

This chapter reviews some key empirical results and theoretical perspectives found in the past three decades of research on students’ capacities to reason with algebraic and graphical representations of functions. It then discusses two recent advances in our understanding of students’ developing capacities to use inscriptions for representing situations and solving problems. The first advance is the insight that students have criteria that they use for evaluating external representations commonly found in algebra, such as algebraic and graphical representations. Such criteria are important because they play a central role in learning. The second advance has to do with recognizing the importance of adaptive interpretation, which refers to ways in which students must coordinate shifts in their perspective on external representations with corresponding shifts in their perspective on problem situations. The term adaptive highlights the context sensitive ways in which students must learn to interpret external representations. The chapter concludes with implications of these two advances for future research and algebra instruction.
Simultaneous determination of estrogens (ethinylestradiol and norgestimate) concentrations in human and bovine serum albumin by use of fluorescence spectroscopy and multivariate regression analysis

The endocrine disruption property of estrogens necessitates the immediate need for effective monitoring and development of analytical protocols for their analyses in biological and human specimens. This study explores the first combined utility of a steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy and multivariate partial-least-square (PLS) regression analysis for the simultaneous determination of two estrogens (17α-ethinylestradiol (EE) and norgestimate (NOR)) concentrations in bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) samples. The influence of EE and NOR concentrations and temperature on the emission spectra of EE-HSA EE-BSA, NOR-HSA, and NOR-BSA complexes was also investigated. The binding of EE with HSA and BSA resulted in increase in emission characteristics of HSA and BSA and a significant blue spectra shift. In contrast, the interaction of NOR with HSA and BSA quenched the emission characteristics of HSA and BSA. The observed emission spectral shifts preclude the effective use of traditional univariate regression analysis of fluorescent data for the determination of EE and NOR concentrations in HSA and BSA samples. Multivariate partial-least-squares (PLS) regression analysis was utilized to correlate the changes in emission spectra with EE and NOR concentrations in HSA and BSA samples. The figures-of-merit of the developed PLS regression models were excellent, with limits of detection as low as 1.6×10(-8) M for EE and 2.4×10(-7) M for NOR and good linearity (R(2)>0.994985). The PLS models correctly predicted EE and NOR concentrations in independent validation HSA and BSA samples with a root-mean-square-percent-relative-error (RMS%RE) of less than 6.0% at physiological condition. On the contrary, the use of univariate regression resulted in poor predictions of EE and NOR in HSA and BSA samples, with RMS%RE larger than 40% at physiological conditions. High accuracy, low sensitivity, simplicity, low-cost with no prior analyte extraction or separation required makes this method promising, compelling, and attractive alternative for the rapid determination of estrogen concentrations in biomedical and biological specimens, pharmaceuticals, or environmental samples.
Implications of North Atlantic Sea Surface Salinity for Summer Precipitation over the U.S. Midwest: Mechanisms and Predictive Value

AbstractMoisture originating from the subtropical North Atlantic feeds precipitation throughout the Western Hemisphere. This ocean-to-land moisture transport leaves its imprint on sea surface salinity (SSS), enabling SSS over the subtropical oceans to be used as an indicator of terrestrial precipitation. This study demonstrates that springtime SSS over the northwestern portion of the subtropical North Atlantic significantly correlates with summertime precipitation over the U.S. Midwest. The linkage between springtime SSS and the Midwest summer precipitation is established through ocean-to-land moisture transport followed by a soil moisture feedback over the southern United States. In the spring, high SSS over the northwestern subtropical Atlantic coincides with a local increase in moisture flux divergence. The moisture flux is then directed toward and converges over the southern United States, which experiences increased precipitation and soil moisture. The increased soil moisture influences the regional ...
Does Career and Technical Education Strengthen the STEM Pipeline? Comparing Students With and Without Disabilities

Despite the strategic investment of the Perkins IV legislation to promote a broader application of career and technical education (CTE) to all students, it is unclear whether these initiatives distinctively support the needs of students with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields of study. This is a critical lapse in the research, as knowing the efficacy of CTE experiences in promoting the STEM pipeline will be important for policy makers as they consider new or revised educational policies to support the pursuit and persistence of students with disabilities into STEM fields. This study evaluates whether two CTE experiences (applied STEM course taking and school-based experiential programs) in high school differentially predict the declaration of STEM college majors for students with and without disabilities. Assessing nationally representative data, the analyses suggest that CTE experiences consisting of applied STEM courses and school-based experiential programs ...
Peacemakers or rent-a-spies?

Nations that can't afford their own satellites have another way to learn more about their neighbors: detailed imagery may now be purchased “over the counter” courtesy of commercial observation satellites.
Tin compounds inhibit the plasma cell response to metallic tin. Transfer of inhibition by parabiosis.

Injection of metallic tin powder causes intense proliferation of plasma cells in draining lymph nodes of Lewis rats. Pretreatment orally with soluble tin salts prevents this response to subsequently injected metallic tin. In the present work, pretreatment with tin salts by parenteral injection was just as effective as addition to the drinking water. This new approach made the following experiments possible. Poorly soluble tin compounds were found to be inhibitory when injected parenterally. Tin salts injected parenterally intoone of two rats joined in parabiotic union prevented the plasma cell response to metallic tin inboth parabionts. The transfer of the inhibitory effect via the cross-circulating blood represents significant progress toward understanding the mechanisms involved. The evidence suggests the possibility that tin salts elicit an intermediary substance or process that is responsible for inhibition of the plasma cell response to metallic tin.
Effect of Free Surface Heat Transfer on Oscillatory Thermocapillary Flow in Differentially Heated Cylindrical Annulus

Oscillatory thermocapillary flow of high Pr silicon oil in a differentially heated cylindrical annulus is numerically investigated under micro gravity conditions. Heat loss and heat gain effects on thermocapillary flow with fixed flat free surface are computed. Beyond a certain imposed temperature difference (ΔTcr) between the hot and cold walls, the steady thermocapillary flow is observed to transition to an unsteady oscillatory state. Considerable variation in the critical temperature difference (ΔTcr), or critical Marangoni number (Macr) is observed in both heat loss and heat gain situations. The heat loss / gain conditions are imposed by variation of ambient temperature (TA), while keeping heat transfer coefficient (h) constant. Typically, critical temperature difference (ΔTcr) increases with decreasing heat loss and when ambient temperature (TA) is greater than the cold wall temperature (TH), heat gain starts at the liquid free surface in the low temperature region adjacent to the cold wall. It is observed that critical temperature difference increases with increasing heat gain. It is also reported that critical temperature difference with free surface heat loss at room temperature is not much different from the insulated free surface case. Generally, effect of significant heat gain at the free surface is stabilizing in nature. Velocity & temperature fields are also analyzed to get an insight into the mechanism of critical temperature difference (ΔTcr), or critical Marangoni number (Macr) variation under heat loss and heat gain conditions. The computed oscillatory flow exhibits similarity with micro-gravity experiments data available in literature for similar configuration.