cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Audio communication with orthogonal time functions

An audio signal may be decomposed into components having certain frequency and phase. Half the information of the signal is contained in the phase of the frequency components. Since the human ear is almost insensitive to phase, one may eliminate the phase information without causing a noticeable reduction in the signal quality. The elimination of the phase information implies a permissible reduction of the bandwidth required for the transmission of the signal to one-half and a reduction of the signal power by 3 dB without increase of distortions due to additive white normal noise. A method for the elimination of the phase information is based on the decomposition of the audio signal by correlation with a set of orthogonal functions. These correlations yield for each orthogonal function one coefficient which is represented by a voltage. One may process these coefficients in analogue or digital computers to reduce further the bandwidth required for the transmission of audio signals with certain spectral distribution, e. g. voice signals.
Idiopathic rhabdomyolysis in children

Abstract Idiopathic rhabdomyolysis (myoglobinuria) in children differs clinically from adult cases. The childhood form generally presents with fewer attacks of greater severity and without an exertional precipitant. The mortality rate in children is high. Two fatal cases, in patients ages 3 years and 8 months and 9 months respectively, are reported. The second case is the youngest patient reported to have died with rhabdomyolysis. Both children had weakness of a subacute but relentlessly progressive nature. Weakness of the respiratory muscles led to death in each case after a course of several weeks. Myoglobinuria was never a prominent feature of the illness. The pathologic changes in the skeletal muscles of both cases were similar and consisted of widespread necrosis of individual muscle fibers randomly distributed among intact fibers. There was no evidence of inflammatory changes. Electron microscopic study of the muscle of Case 1 showed the affected fibers to be in various stages of necrosis. Phagocytosis and regeneration were also seen. These morphologic alterations of muscle are similar to those seen in adult cases of rhabdomyolysis, despite the differences in the clinical manifestations and in the prognosis.
Calibration of mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide permanent deformation models

The performance models in the Mechanistic—Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG), developed under NCHRP 1-37A and 1-40D, are calibrated with sections throughout the United States. Hence, it is necessary to calibrate these models for specific states and regional conditions because of the differences in materials, environmental conditions, and construction practices. In general, a pavement design based on the nationally calibrated MEPDG will result in either an overestimate or underestimate of the pavement layer thicknesses because of systematic errors arising from local differences. This deficiency calls for local calibration of the performance models in the MEPDG so that they can be used to design pavements at a regional level. The calibration procedure described in this paper concentrates on finding two bias correction factors for the asphalt concrete (AC) permanent deformation performance model after values derived from expert knowledge have been assumed for the subgrade permanent deformation calibrati...
Decision support systems: An expert systems approach

Abstract This paper provides a conceptual framework for designing decision support systems (DSS) using an expert systems approach. Currently there is a significant trend towards the use of knowledge-based systems techniques in DSS design, but a comprehensive framework is yet to be proposed. Our paper addresses this problem and presents such a framework. Efforts are currently underway to design, implement and test a system based on this framework.
The role of common sense knowledge in menu planning

Abstract Planning nutritious and appetizing menus is a task at which experts consistently outperform computer systems, making it a challenging domain for AI research. This paper describes lessons learned through the sequential construction of four expert systems for menu planning. The first of these systems, ESOMP (Expert System on Menu Planning), was built to plan menus for patients on severely restricted low protein diets. A need for common sense in structuring “sensible” looking meals was identified and addressed via meal patterns and food exchange groups. PRISM (Pattern Regulator for the Intelligent Selection of Menus) expanded upon ESOMP by planning menus to meet a broad range of dietary requirements and personal preferences. Simple knowledge representation structures, implemented in PRISM 1.0, proved inadequate for the expanded task. A hierarchical network structure was developed and implemented in PRISM 2.0 and PRISM 3.0. This structure captures the common sense concept of menu form and describes context-sensitive relationships among menu parts. A major contribution of this paper is showing how to represent common sense knowledge about food and menus in a form amenable to successful menu planning.
Photophysical properties of non-homoconjugated 1,2-dihydro, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro and 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-C60 derivatives

The photophysical properties of a novel series of non-homoconjugated 1,2-di-, 1,2,3,4-tetra-, and 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexasubstituted fullerenes (compounds 1, 2, and 3, respectively) have been systematically investigated. In this report, we examine the effect of substitution pattern of non-homoconjugated derivatized fullerenes on the ground state UV-Vis absorption, triplet state properties (lifetime, quantum yield, extinction coefficient), and singlet oxygen quantum yield. The non-homoconjugated fullerene derivatives 1–3 exhibit higher singlet oxygen quantum yield than analogous homoconjugated Bingel adducts with the same number of saturated CC bonds and exhibit decreasing quantum yield of singlet oxygen generation upon increasing the degree of functionalization on a single six member ring on the fullerene cage. This trend is similar for triplet quantum yield and triplet lifetime. The triplet extinction coefficient increases with functionalization. A detailed discussion comparing 1, 2, and 3 with functionalized homoconjugated systems and with other non-homoconjugated derivatives is presented.
Quality control of bone densitometry in a national health survey (NHANES III) using three mobile examination centers

A quality control (QC) program for bone mineral measurements at the proximal femur by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was designed for the osteoporosis component of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Major elements of the QC program are (1) a QC center for review of all scans, (2) setup procedures for and continuous monitoring of daily QC procedures, (3) reference standards for cross-calibration, (4) longitudinal studies for assessment of instrument stability, (5) monitoring of technologist performance, and (6) training. This report describes the results of the QC program of the first half of this 6 year study, which began in 1988. Measurements were performed on 7376 subjects in three mobile examination centers, which traveled to a new location about every 3 months, a total of 44 locations. A small percentage (3.5%) of all scans were rejected, mostly because of patient motion during scanning, but 33% of the remaining scans required reanalysis at the QC center to refine the location of the regions of interest. Precision in spine and hip phantoms was below 1% at all ROIs. In 535 subjects with duplicate scans, age 20-91 of both sexes, examined in a blinded review, precision for BMD at the femur neck ROI was 3.2% (CV) and 5.1% for Ward's triangle BMD. The central review improved scan quality, increased the number of usable scans, and reduced significantly the range of the mean percentage difference in the duplicate scans. Minor alterations in machine function were observed and corrected. QC results on phantoms were similar to those obtained with stationary instruments in dedicated laboratories. Retrospective analysis of the regression slopes from QC records did not show a need for correction of the data base, indicating that the instruments were stable during the course of the study.
Linking RNA biology to lncRNAs

The regulatory potential of RNA has never ceased to amaze: from RNA catalysis, to RNA-mediated splicing, to RNA-based silencing of an entire chromosome during dosage compensation. More recently, thousands of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) transcripts have been identified, the majority with unknown function. Thus, it is tempting to think that these lncRNAs represent a cadre of new factors that function through ribonucleic mechanisms. Some evidence points to several lncRNAs with tantalizing physiological contributions and thought-provoking molecular modalities. However, dissecting the RNA biology of lncRNAs has been difficult, and distinguishing the independent contributions of functional RNAs from underlying DNA elements, or the local act of transcription, is challenging. Here, we aim to survey the existing literature and highlight future approaches that will be needed to link the RNA-based biology and mechanisms of lncRNAs in vitro and in vivo.
Applications of Euclidian Snyder Geometry to the Foundations of Space-Time Physics

The following document is to answer if higher dimensions add value to answering fundamental cosmology questions. The results are mixed, 1 st with higher dimensions apparently helping in reconstructing and preserving the value of Planck's constant, and the fine structure constant from a prior to a present universe, while 2 nd failing to add anything different from four dimensional cosmological models to the question of what would cause an increase in the expansion rate of the universe, as of a billion years ago. Finally 3 rd , higher dimensions may allow creation of a joint DM and DE model. A choice between LQG and brane world geometry is introduced by Snyder geometry, where Snyder geometry's minimum uncertainty length calculations Δx may help determine to what extent gravity is an emergent field that is classical. Independent of the choice of LQG and branes (four dimensions versus higher dimensional cosmology models) is the following question: If gravity is largely classical, how much nonlinearity is involved? Gravitons and their structure as information carriers may help answer these questions. The main point of this document: DM and DE may be unified in terms of cosmological dynamics if the higher dimensional models of DM, as seen by KK towers of gravitons are seen to be pertinent to increasing acceleration of the universe a billion years ago via a4 th dimensional small graviton mass term added to the KK tower DM representation of gravitons (a model of DM). c
Analysis of cyclazocine in plasma.

The analysis of plasma cyclazocine by two methods is described. The radioimmunoassay employed a 125I-labeled radioligand, rabbit antiserum, and separation of bound from free cyclazocine with a second antibody. The radioimmunoassay was specific for cyclazocine and had a detection limit of ∼20 pg/ml. The GLC method employed a mass spectrometer as the detector and had a detection limit of ∼109 pg/ml. Both techniques had acceptable accuracy and precision when used to quantitate cyclazocine in dog and human plasma. The methods were used successfully to quantitate cyclazocine from beagle hounds receiving 0.5 mg of 3H-cyclazocine/kg iv. The decline in plasma cyclazocine fitted a two-compartment body model with a mean plasma clearance rate of 39.2 liters/hr.
Modulation of Lipid Rafts by Ω-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Cancer: Implications for Use of Lipids During Nutrition Support

Current understanding of biologic membrane structure and function is largely based on the concept of lipid rafts. Lipid rafts are composed primarily of tightly packed, liquid-ordered sphingolipids/cholesterol/saturated phospholipids that float in a sea of more unsaturated and loosely packed, liquid-disordered lipids. Lipid rafts have important clinical implications because many important membrane-signaling proteins are located within the raft regions of the membrane, and alterations in raft structure can alter activity of these signaling proteins. Because rafts are lipid-based, their composition, structure, and function are susceptible to manipulation by dietary components such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and by cholesterol depletion. We review how alteration of raft lipids affects the raft/nonraft localization and hence the function of several proteins involved in cell signaling. We focus our discussion of raft-signaling proteins on inflammation and cancer.
Simulating growth dynamics in complex adaptive supply networks

This paper discusses an extended adaptive supply network simulation model that explicitly captures growth (in terms of change in size over time, and birth and death) based on Utterback's (Utterback 1994) industrial growth model. The paper discusses the detailed behavioral modeling of the key components in the model with the help of statechart and decision tree representations. The design of a distributed, multi-paradigm, agent-based simulation that addresses the issue of scalability and computational efficiency is presented. The system is targeted to run on a supercomputing grid infrastructure at Vanderbilt University. We present a method for validating this model using an experimental design that models the growth dynamics of the US automobile industry supply network over the past 80 years. The experimental work is now in progress and the results and analysis of this work will be presented during the conference.
Development and initial psychometric evaluation of the sport interference checklist

The Sport Interference Checklist (SIC) was developed in 141 athletes to assist in the concurrent assessment of cognitive and behavioral problems experienced by athletes in both training (Problems in Sports Training Scale, PSTS) and competition (Problems in Sports Competition Scale, PSCS). An additional scale (Desire for Sport Psychology Scale, DSPS) was developed to assess the degree to which athletes desire sport psychology assistance in areas that are determined to be problematic. Factor analysis of PSCS items reveals six factors (Dysfunctional Thoughts and Stress, Academic and Adjustment Problems, Injury Concerns, Lack of Motivation, Overly Confident/Critical, Pain Intolerance), accounting for 64% of the total variance. PSTS and DSPS items yield four factors (Dysfunctional Thoughts and Stress, Academic Problems, Injury Concerns, Poor Team Relationships), accounting for 59% and 63% of total variance, respectively. Scores from these scales demonstrate acceptable internal consistency and convergent and discriminative validity. Response patterns of SIC scales are not influenced by gender or athlete type.
On the optimum gain parameter in LMS adaptation

In this correspondence, the optimum selection of the adaptation parameter μ in LMS adaptive estimation is discussed for a white data covarianee matrix. It is shown via analysis and numerical evaluation, that the optimum selection of μ is a complicated function of the number of filter taps, the initial weight setting, the Wiener weights, and the number of learning samples, μ is not chosen, in general, to yield the most rapid transient response. For most cases of interest, a smaller value of μ will be selected for slower adaptation and smaller misadjustment error at the end of the learning phase.
Subsurface defect detection in ceramics using an optical gated scatter reflectometer

We demonstrate the use of optical gating techniques for determining the size and location of defects in advanced ceramic materials. The subsurface region in various silicon nitride ceramic materials is probed using an optical gated reflectometer based on a low-coherence fiber interferometer. Experimental results indicate that the size and distribution of small subsurface defects can be determined with depth and lateral resolutions of 10 and 7 μm, respectively.
Statistical significance of climate sensitivity predictors obtained by data mining

Several recent efforts to estimate Earth's equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) focus on identifying quantities in the current climate which are skillful predictors of ECS yet can be constrained by observations. This study automates the search for observable predictors using data from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. The primary focus of this paper is assessing statistical significance of the resulting predictive relationships. Failure to account for dependence between models, variables, locations, and seasons is shown to yield misleading results. A new technique for testing the field significance of data-mined correlations which avoids these problems is presented. Using this new approach, all 41,741 relationships we tested were found to be explainable by chance. This leads us to conclude that data mining is best used to identify potential relationships which are then validated or discarded using physically based hypothesis testing.
Design of dielectric-filled cavity filters with ultrawide stopband Characteristics

A methodology is presented for the design of small cavity filters, relying entirely on the use of commercial general-purpose design software. Pertinent filter structures comprise resonated segments of ridge waveguide with evanescent-mode inter-resonator coupling sections, supplemented by impedance-transforming port networks. The ridge and evanescent-mode waveguide segments combine to form a metal-clad dielectric core made of either a single dielectric or a composite material. A parameterized equivalent-circuit model is used to describe each segment based on numerical three-dimensional electromagnetic field analyses. For a bandpass filter, the technique yields low passband insertion loss, an ultrawide upper stopband region, and excellent power handling. The approach provides the option to fabricate structures at low per-unit cost with the help of newly available moldable dielectric materials. The efficacy of the technique is demonstrated with an experimental 1-1.45-GHz bandpass filter.
MANAGING DYNAMIC RISKS IN GLOBAL IT PROJECTS: AGILE RISK-MANAGEMENT USING THE PRINCIPLES OF SERVICE-ORIENTED ARCHITECTURE

Risk management in global information technology (IT) projects is becoming a critical area of concern for practitioners. Global IT projects usually span multiple locations involving various culturally diverse groups that use multiple standards and technologies. These multiplicities cause dynamic risks through interactions among internal (i.e., people, process, and technology) and external elements (i.e., business and natural environments) of global IT projects. This study proposes an agile risk-management framework for global IT project settings. By analyzing the dynamic interactions among multiplicities (e.g., multi-locations, multi-cultures, multi-groups, and multi-interests) embedded in the project elements, we identify the dynamic risks threatening the success of a global IT project. Adopting the principles of service-oriented architecture (SOA), we further propose a set of agile management strategies for mitigating the dynamic risks. The mitigation strategies are conceptually validated. The proposed framework will help practitioners understand the potential risks in their global IT projects and resolve their complex situations when certain types of dynamic risks arise.
Mechanisms of lysosomal enzyme release from leukocytes

In order to determine the possible mechanisms whereby interactions between phagocytic cells and crystals of monosodium urate (MSU) lead to cell death with simultaneous release of both cytoplasmic and lysosomal enzymes, phagocytic leukocytes of the smooth dogfish shart Mustelus canis were studied by means of light and electron microscopy, and biochemistry. Lysosomes of these cells can be stained supravitally with toluidine blue and are large enough (0.7-0.8 mu) to be clearly resolved with the light microscope. Light microscopic observations showed that of cells exposed to MSU 87% of those containing visible ingested crystals died within 1 hour, whereas 92% of adjacent cells in the same wet mount without such srystals survived. Cell death occured after a latent period of 10-15 minutes following fusion of lysosomes with crystal-containing phagosomes. Electron microscopic examination of both dogfish and human leukocytes exposed to MSU for more than 1 hour and then fixed in situ revealed occasional discontinuities or ruptures in secondary lysosome membranes. Endogenous peroxidase activity could be cytochemically localized in primary and secondary lysosomes and in the cytoplasm adjacent to such ruptured secondary lysosomes. It was not seen adjacent to primary lysosomes, a result indicating that the cytoplasmic reaction product was not a diffusion artifact. To exclude the possibility that crystals were exercising their affect primarily upon the plasma membrane, suspensions of dogfish buffy coat cells were incubated with cytochalasin B (5 mug/ml, 10 minutes), which inhibits phagocytosis but not exocytosis of lysosomal enzymes by stimulated phagocytes. Whereas cells exposed to MSU crystals released 30% of their content of lysosomal beta-glucuronidase activity and 28% of their cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity within 3 hours, preincubation with cytochalasin B reduced the release of LDH activity within that period to 6% but reduced the release of beta-glucuronidase activity only to 20%. Preincubation with 10-3 M cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and theophylline (10-3 M), which inhibit lysosomal fusion, reduced the release of both LDH and beta-glucuronidase activities to 7% and 6% respectively. Cells that were preincubated with both cytochalasin B and cAMP + theophylline released only 1% LDH activity and 4% beta-blucuronidase activity. These results are compatible with the "suicide sac" hypothesis of lysosomal enzyme release mediated by MSU for the following reasons: a) cell death was seen to follow uptake, not mere exposure to crystals, b) ultrastructural studies indicated that the primary injury was to the secondary lysosome membrane, and c) cell death was reduced when either phagocytosis or lysosomal fusion was inhibited.
A Unification of the Elastic Network Model and the Gaussian Network Model for Optimal Description of Protein Conformational Motions and Fluctuations

Coarse-grained elastic models with a Cα-only representation and harmonic interactions have been increasingly used to describe the conformational motions and flexibility of various proteins. In this work, we will unify two complementary elastic models—the elastic network model (ENM) and the Gaussian network model (GNM), in the framework of a generalized anisotropic network model (G-ANM) with a new anisotropy parameter, fanm. The G-ANM is reduced to GNM at fanm = 1, and ENM at fanm = 0. By analyzing a list of protein crystal structure pairs using G-ANM, we have attained optimal descriptions of both the isotropic thermal fluctuations and the crystallographically observed conformational changes with a small fanm (fanm ≤ 0.1) and a physically realistic cutoff distance, Rc ∼ 8 A. Thus, the G-ANM improves the performance of GNM and ENM while preserving their simplicity. The properly parameterized G-ANM will enable more accurate and realistic modeling of protein conformational motions and flexibility.
Prevalence of two site‐specific populations of Diplostomum spp. in eye infections of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, from lakes in Washington State, U.S.A.

Two distinct site-specific populations of Diploslomum spp., occurring concurrently in the lens and retina of naturally infected rainbow trout, were different morphologically. They represent separate populations epidemiologically. The lens and retina metacercariae did not differ immunologically when tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay against immune rabbit and trout antisera. Antibody titres became positive by September 1982 in a natural population of yearling rainbow trout infected with lens and retina metacercariae and remained positive for at least 8 months. The antibodies formed may offer protection against reinfections with Diplostomum spp. cercariae.
Mending a broken heart: the role of mitophagy in cardioprotection

The heart is highly energy dependent with most of its energy provided by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria also play a role in many other essential cellular processes including metabolite synthesis and calcium storage. Therefore, maintaining a functional population of mitochondria is critical for cardiac function. Efficient degradation and replacement of dysfunctional mitochondria ensures cell survival, particularly in terminally differentiated cells such as cardiac myocytes. Mitochondria are eliminated via mitochondrial autophagy or mitophagy. In the heart, mitophagy is an essential housekeeping process and required for cardiac homeostasis. Reduced autophagy and accumulation of impaired mitochondria have been linked to progression of heart failure and aging. In this review, we discuss the pathways that regulate mitophagy in cells and highlight the cardioprotective role of mitophagy in response to stress and aging. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting mitophagy and directions for future investigation.
Time-Frequency Coherent Modulation Filtering of Nonstationary Signals

Modulation filtering is a class of techniques for filtering slowly-varying modulation envelopes of frequency subbands of a signal, ideally without affecting the subband signal's temporal fine-structure. Coherent modulation filtering is a potentially more effective type of such techniques where, via an explicit product model, subband envelopes are determined from demodulation of the subband signal with a coherently detected subband carrier. In this paper we propose a coherent modulation filtering technique based on detecting the instantaneous frequency of a subband from its time-frequency representation. We devise theory to show that coherent modulation filtering imposes a new bandlimiting constraint on the product of the modulator and carrier as well as the ability to recover arbitrarily chosen envelopes and carriers from their modulation product. We then formally show that a carrier estimate based on the time-varying spectral center-of-gravity satisfies the bandlimiting condition. This bandwidth constraint leads to effective and artifact-free modulation filters, offering new approaches for potential signal modification. However, the spectral center-of-gravity does not, in general, satisfy the condition of arbitrary carrier recovery. Finally, the results from modulation-filtering a speech signal are then used to validate the theory.
Malaria Blood Stage Suppression of Liver Stage Immunity by Dendritic Cells

Malaria starts with Plasmodium sporozoites infection of the host's liver, where development into blood stage parasites occurs. It is not clear why natural infections do not induce protection against the initial liver stage and generate low CD8+ T cell responses. Using a rodent malaria model, we show that Plasmodium blood stage infection suppresses CD8+ T cell immune responses that were induced against the initial liver stage. Blood stage Plasmodium affects dendritic cell (DC) functions, inhibiting maturation and the capacity to initiate immune responses and inverting the interleukin (IL)-12/IL-10 secretion pattern. The interaction of blood stage parasites with DCs induces the secretion of soluble factors that inhibit the activation of CD8+ T cells in vitro and the suppression of protective CD8+ T cell responses against the liver stage in vivo. We propose that blood stage infection induces DCs to suppress CD8+ T cell responses in natural malaria infections. This evasion mechanism leaves the host unprotected against reinfection by inhibiting the immune response against the initial liver stage of the disease.
Frequency of gefitinib responder mutations in EGFR (+) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 4204 Gefitinib is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is highly expressed in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (H&N SCC). A recent phase II study reported a 10.6% response rate and a 53% disease control rate using gefitinib as monotherapy in these tumors. In earlier studies this year, mutations in EGFR exons 19 and 21 were found to be associated with a dramatic clinical response to gefitinib in EGFR expressing non-small cell lung tumors. It was postulated these mutations alter the kinase domain, thereby stabilizing the interaction between certain amino acid residues and gefitinib. The presence or absence of mutations in these exons and their frequency in H&N SCC has not been reported. Determining the status and frequency of mutations in these exons may help to rationally stratify the administration of gefitinib to potential responders. Eleven cases of H&N SCC were identified from the archival files of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. All cases were stained with a monoclonal antibody to EGFR (Dako, Carpenteria, CA). An additional slide was cut, deparaffinized, stained with hematoxylin and dehydrated. EGFR expressing tumor cells were identified from the immunohistohemically stained slide and procured from the unstained slide using a PixCell II laser capture instrument (Arcturus, MountainView, CA). The procured cells were digested with proteinase K and the DNA isolated using spin columns (Zymo Research, Tustin, CA). Primers specific for EGFR exons 19 and 21 were used for polymerase chain reactions (PCR). The amplified product was excised from an agarose gel and isolated using spin columns (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). The PCR product was sequenced on an ABI Prism 3100 using BigDye Ternminator kit v3.1. Exons 19 and 21 could be amplified from the available DNA in eight of eleven cases (8/11). The remainder of cases had no amplification for either exons. A paired sequence analysis of the exons from each sample with the wild type sequence showed no evidence of mutations in either exon. These results show that clinical material fixed in formalin and paraffin embedded can retrospectively be analyzed at the molecular level for potential targeted therapy. It also emphasizes the need to include molecular analysis in the treatment assessment of patients being considered for targeted molecular agents. Based on the absence of “responder mutations” in EGFR exons 19 and 21 in this study, H&N SCC may not be an appropriate candidate for gefinitib. Additional cases will need to be studied. Alternative explanations for the clinical success of gefitinib in EGFR (+) H&N SCC trials may need to be investigated.
Active Versus Passive Anchoring Vascular Closure Devices Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Safety and Efficacy Comparative Analysis.

Objective We evaluate the prevalence of complications and failure rates between the most commonly used “active” anchoring vascular closure device (VCD), AngioSeal™ and the “passive” anchoring VCD, Mynx™, in all-comers undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods A total of 4,074 patients between 2008 and 2014, representing an era when both devices were available, were included. Thirty-two percent were acute coronary syndromes (37% STEMI). VCD choice was at the operator's discretion and included AngioSeal (n = 2,910) or Mynx (1,164). Cardiogenic shock or patients receiving intra-aortic balloon pumps were excluded. Safety was assessed by vascular complications defined as either vascular injury (perforation, dissection, acute limb ischemia, arteriovenous fistula, pseudoaneurysm with thrombin injection, or surgical repair) or access-site bleed (hemoglobin droP >3 g/dL requiring transfusion, retroperitoneal bleed, or hematoma >5 cm, or the composite of both. Efficacy was evaluated by device failure and defined as inability to achieve immediate hemostasis or use of additional hemostatic mechanisms. Outcomes at 30-days were evaluated. Results Groups (AngioSeal vs Mynx) were fairly balanced with regards to bleeding risk factors of gender (male, 65% vs 66%), body mass index (30 ± 6 vs 30 ± 7), heart failure class III/IV (5% vs 6%), chronic kidney disease (15% vs 17%), use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (5% vs 4%), or bivalirudin (86% vs 88%), all P >0.5. The AngioSeal group was slightly younger (64 ± 12 vs 65 ± 12, P < 0.001) with less peripheral arterial disease (11.3% vs 13.9%, P = 0.03), and increased 7F sheath use compared with Mynx (59% vs 22%, P < 0.001). Safety and efficacy outcomes were similar between groups. Conclusions AngioSeal and Mynx appear to be equally safe and efficacious VCDs following PCI. The passive anchoring system may prove desirable as no intra-arterial anchor remains upon device removal.
Augustine and the rhetoric of Roman decline

The rhetoric of moral, spiritual and political decline represents a recurrent rhetorical form, one that has appeared throughout history in a variety of contexts. This article takes a closer look at one episode in the history of decline rhetoric -- the fourth-century anti-Christian critiques regarding Roman imperial decline, and Augustine's responses to them in his City of God -- in order to explore the phenomenon of decline rhetoric more deeply. Augustine's response to those who blamed Christianity for the empire's decline took place on both the empirical and the interpretive levels. First, he drew on the Roman historians Sallust and Livy to argue that moral decline, if it took place at all, predated Christianity. Second, his theory of the two cities took issue with the notion of decline as a fundamental misunderstanding of historical change. The article closes by drawing out some implications of this particular study for approaching decline rhetoric in political life more generally, concluding with a consideration of the controversial remarks of Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell, who viewed the 11 September attacks as divine punishment for American moral decline.
Classifying substance use disorder treatment facilities with co-located mental health services: A latent class analysis approach.

Abstract Background The Affordable Care Act calls for increased integration and coordination of behavioral health services, as people with co-occurring disorders (CODs), meeting criteria for both substance use and psychiatric disorders, are overrepresented in treatment samples. Nationwide estimates of mental health (MH) service co-location in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facilities are needed. We empirically derived a multiple-indicator categorization of services for CODs in SUD treatment facilities. Methods We used latent class analysis to categorize 14,037 SUD treatment facilities in the United States and territories included in the 2012 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services. Latent class indicators included MH screening and diagnosis, MH support services, psychiatric medications, groups for CODs, and psychosocial approaches. Multinomial logistic regression compared facility-identified primary focus (i.e., SUD, MH, mix of SUD-MH, and general/other) and other facility characteristics across classes. Results A four-class solution was chosen with the following classes: Comprehensive MH/COD Services (25%), MH without COD Services (25%), MH Screening Services (21%), and Limited MH Services (29%). The former two classes with co-located MH services were less likely to report a SUD-primary focus than the latter classes reporting only MH screening or Limited MH Services. Only the Comprehensive MH/COD Services class also had a high probability of providing special groups for CODs. Conclusions Approximately half of SUD treatment facilities were in classes with co-located mental health services, but only a quarter provided comprehensive COD services. Future studies should assess differences in patient experiences and treatment outcomes across facilities with and without COD services.
A radiographic study of pediatric ulnar anatomy.

Background The adult ulna has a unique bony architecture that has been described in the literature, but, to the best of our knowledge, the ulnar anatomy in children has not been described. Methods We examined 75 anteroposterior (AP) and 64 lateral radiographs (29 were bilateral) of 50, 0.5- to 11-year-old, healthy children's forearms. On AP radiographs, the total ulnar length, the ulnar proximal angle, the ulnar distal angle, and the distance between each angle from the tip of the triceps insertion; and, on lateral radiographs, the ulnar length and bow deviation were measured. The correlation between age and radiographic measurements, differences based on sex, differences compared with adults' measurements, and interobserver/intraobserver reliability were assessed. Results Age had a very strong/strong positive correlation with length/distance measurements on both AP and lateral radiographs. Only AP ulnar distal angle was significantly different between sexes (females > males). Compared with the adult ulnar studies, the AP proximal angle in children is significantly smaller and the location of this angle is significantly more distal. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were very good for length/distance measurements on AP and lateral radiographs. Conclusions The knowledge of pediatric ulnar anatomy could be helpful in the treatment of forearm deformities due to multiple hereditary exostosis and osteogenesis imperfecta, and in the treatment of ulnar fractures, particularly in Monteggia variants, where restoration of the correct forearm anatomy is essential to obtain good clinical and functional results. Level of evidence Study of diagnostic test, Level II.
Summarization of Domestic Research on Industry-university-research Institute Cooperation——Based on the Analysis of Journals in 2002—2012

Taking the papers on "Industry- University- Research Institute Cooperation"published in the 29 journals promulgated by the Chinese Social Science Citation Index( CSSCI)( 2012- 2013) source journals directory as the analysis object,this paper analyzes the research scheme of Industry- University- Research Institute during the period from 2002 to2012; obtains a result that the research on Industry- University- Research Institute mainly focused on the cooperation mode research,problems and measures research,operation mechanism research,game research,performance research,knowledge management research,cooperative network research as well as research on supporting technologies,etc. in recent ten years( 2002—2012); points out the problems existing in the "Industry- University- Research Institute cooperation"research in China and the development direction.
Shaping components of assertive behavior with instructions and feedback.

The authors describe the use of instructions and immediate feedback in sequentially shaping target assertive behaviors. Deficiencies in assertive behavior were assessed in two subjects by means ofr...
Variants of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Papillary thyroid carcinomas are the most common thyroid cancers and constitute more than 70 % of thyroid malignancies. The most common variants are the conventional type. However, many other uncommon variants have been described; the classification of these variants is based on the architectural patterns, such as follicular, solid, and cribriform-morular variants; the cell types, such as oncocytic, tall cell, and columnar cell variants; and the stromal reaction such as diffuse sclerosing, Warthin-like, and those with nodular fasciitis-like stroma. The common denominator for all the variants is the presence of nuclear features of PTC. The cytology may not be representative of the major morphologic pattern because of sampling error. In addition, a definitive cytologic diagnosis of PTC can sometimes be challenging if the typical nuclear changes of PTC were subtle or not readily apparent. It is advantageous in recognizing certain variants, namely, those with more aggressive clinical course, preoperatively since it may help the clinicians to plan for more aggressive treatment.
Instructing a Witness Not to Answer Questions at a Deposition

What do you do when an opposing lawyer instructs his client not to answer yourr questions during a deposition? Do you immediately terminate the deposition and go to see the judge? Do you ”certify" the question? Do you rant and rave and threaten to do something about it, but never do? Thc purpose of this Practice Tips article is generally to discuss the problems, applicable rules and case law with respect to dealing with situations where lawyers instruct witnesses not to answer questions at depositions. Typically, the problem should arise only when the lawyer instructing the witness not to answer a question is counsel for the witness. A lawyer may not instruct a witness who is not his client, to refuse to answer questions at a deposition.
C-terminal peptides as inhibitors and probes of mammalian ribonucleotide reductase

Mammalian ribonucleotide reductase (mRR) catalyzes the rate-determining step in de novo DNA biosynthesis, and is a target enzyme for cancer chemotherapy [1]. RR exists as an oligomer of a heterodimer The mR2 subunit binds to the mRl subunit via its C-terminal heptapeptide [2,3], allowing catalytically essential electron transfer between a stable tyrosyl radical in R2 and substrate nucleotide diphosphate bound to Rl. Here we describe recent efforts to (a) develop linear and cyclic peptide ligands for Rl that inhibit RR by competition with R2 binding, as lead compounds for potential drug development; and (b) utilize modified peptides to probe enzyme function.
Use of the Semantic Differential with Poetic Forms

The semantic differential technique was used to evaluate the mood evoked by the 4 basic types of poetic feet. Data from 129 Ss showed that iambic and trochaic feet evoked significant feelings of heavy, sad, earnest, tragic, and outdoor, whereas anapestic and dactylic feet were associated with feelings of light, happy, playful, humorous, and indoor. There were no differences on dimensions of restless-calm and important-trivial. Implications for selection of poems used in poetry therapy and for interpretations of poems written by patients were considered.
Indirect Discrimination and the Duty to Avoid Compounding Injustice

This chapter resurrects, conceptualizes and defends an old account of why disparate impact discrimination sometimes wrongs its victims. In Local 189, United Papermakers v. United States, a Fifth Circuit case from 1969, the court prohibited the use of a seniority system that effectively kept African-Americans from better paying jobs within the company on the grounds that “[w]hen an employer adopts a system that necessarily carries forward the incidents of discrimination into the present, his practice constitutes on-going discrimination, unless the incidents are limited to those that safety and efficiency require.” Drawing on that insight, I argue that sometimes laws, policies and practices that produce a disparate impact on a protected group compound prior injustice and are, for that reason, wrong. I begin by arguing for a general duty to avoid compounding injustice. Next, I turn to disparate impact discrimination and suggest that some paradigm cases involve the wrong of compounding injustice. Finally, I explore whether this account provides a reason to describe the wrong at issue as a form of discrimination.
INFLUENCE FUNCTIONS AND REGRESSION DIAGNOSTICS

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on influence functions and regression diagnostics. Influential-data diagnostics are becoming an accepted part of data analysis. The chapter discusses asymptotic influence functions and the identification of influential subsets of data points. Asymptotic influence functions can be used to identify influential observations by finding bounded-influence regression estimates and a weight for each observation. Low weights indicate influential observations. One of the reasons for measuring influence is to see if there is severe imbalance in the influence of the individual observations. Ideally, the influence of each observation would be about the same with some allowance for stochastic variation. The chapter presents the exploratory approach that considers an influence measure as a batch of n numbers and used the techniques of exploratory data analysis including stem-and-leaf plots, box plots, and transformations to symmetry to identify unusual observations. The features most noticed are gaps among groups of observations with influence of approximately the same magnitude. Determining cut-offs for influential subsets is a complex matter. For single observations, computational costs are not significant and choices among diagnostics may be made on the basis of utility and experience. When subsets are involved, the best diagnostics may be too expensive to obtain and compromises are often needed.
Local thermal non-equilibrium in porous media with heat conduction

Abstract In classical theory of porous media, a local thermal equilibrium between fluid phase and solid phase is assumed. According to this theory, the fluid and solid temperatures reach an equilibrium temperature value rapidly. However, in porous media, the rate of heat transfer between the fluid and solid may not be fast enough to achieve a local thermal equilibrium (LTE) due to their thermal diffusion properties. Therefore, this paper examines the importance of local thermal non-equilibrium (LTNE) in porous media with conductive heat transfer. The LTNE is constituted by energy equations and defines distinctive temperature profiles for both the solid and fluid phases. The Laplace transform and Stehfest algorithm methods have been employed in formulating an exact solution. Using the weighted average method, a temperature for the porous media is defined. Subsequently, the model is applied to a cylindrical hole subjected to a uniform temperature in an infinite porous medium (rock formation). The exact solution and transient temperature profile are the advantages of this model compared to existing LTNE models.
Image and Distribution Based Volume Rendering for Large Data Sets

Analyzing scientific datasets created from simulations on modern supercomputers is a daunting challenge due to the fast pace at which these datasets continue to grow. Low cost post analysis machines used by scientists to view and analyze these massive datasets are severely limited by their deficiencies in storage bandwidth, capacity, and computational power. Trying to simply move these datasets to these platforms is infeasible. Any approach to view and analyze these datasets on post analysis machines will have to effectively address the inevitable problem of data loss. Image based approaches are well suited for handling very large datasets on low cost platforms. Three challenges with these approaches are how to effectively represent the original data with minimal data loss, analyze the data in regards to transfer function exploration, which is a key analysis tool, and quantify the error from data loss during analysis. We present a novel image based approach using distributions to preserve data integrity. At each view sample, view dependent data is summarized at each pixel with distributions to define a compact proxy for the original dataset. We present this representation along with how to manipulate and render large scale datasets on post analysis machines. We show that our approach is a good trade off between rendering quality and interactive speed and provides uncertainty quantification for the information that is lost.
Transient Global Behavior in Nonlinear Experimental Oscillators

This papers is concerned with the determination of basin boundaries in experimental nonlinear oscillators. Global transient behaviour has received considerable attention in numerical studies but is relatively unexplored from an experimental perspective, despite the fact that a global view of transient behaviour provides a much more complete description of the dynamics of a system than a traditional concentration on steady-state behaviour. Three differnt physical systems are studied: two mechanical and one electrical.