cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical Post-Processing of Dynamical Tropical Cyclone Model Track Forecasts

Abstract The Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center Tropical Cyclone Model (TCM) exhibits a systematic bias in track forecasts. Based on a 1975–78 sample of western North Pacific tropical cyclones, the mean zonal and meridional 72 h errors are about 280 and 350 km, respectively. A series of statistical regression equations is derived to adjust the TCM forecasts. Predictors include zonal and meridional displacements and speeds over various forecast intervals to 72 h. The dynamical model is also integrated backward in time for 36 h to derive additional predictors. Inclusion of predictors derived from comparing the backward-integrated positions with the known warning positions at −12, −24 and −36 h resulted in smaller forecast errors than the case which involved only forward integration predictors. Use of the forward-backward statistical post-processing with an independent set of TCM forecasts resulted in an error reduction of ∼200 km at 72 h.
Basal forebrain atrophy is a presymptomatic marker for Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common degenerative neurologic disorder. The onset of symptoms is insidious and follows a long period of progression of an asymptomatic pathology that proceeds in a precise anatomic and temporal sequence. Recent studies with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging techniques have shown the localization of the in vivo pathology of AD and its antecedent, mild cognitive impairment. The objective of the present study was to determine whether a sensitive and reliable marker for the presymptomatic phase of the disorder could be identified by longitudinal analysis of an initially asymptomatic, community-based population. Methods One hundred forty-eight healthy, cognitively normal participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study–Cognition Study had detailed clinical examinations and magnetic resonance imaging scans in 1998–1999 and 2002–2003. Modulated voxel-based morphometry was used to compare regional brain volumes in subjects who remained cognitively normal after 5 to 6 years of follow-up (n = 127) with those who developed probable AD during the same period (n = 21). Results Among normal subjects destined to develop AD, there was significant atrophy in the basal forebrain area as long as 4.5 years before the development of clinical symptoms. When the left hippocampus was also atrophic, the onset of dementia typically occurred earlier than in cases in which the atrophy was confined to basal forebrain. Conclusions Atrophy in the basal forebrain precedes the development of AD in subjects with cognition judged to be normal by neuropsychological testing. The time required to develop dementia appears to be shortened if hippocampal atrophy is also present. These data indicate that atrophy restricted to medial basal forebrain is a biomarker that predicts development of probable AD in asymptomatic elderly subjects.
An intermediate systems language for the PDP-11

In this paper we describe Version 2 of Intermediate Systems Language (ISL/V2), a general purpose software implementation language developed at the B. F. Goodrich Company. The particular implementation we discuss here is for the PDP-11 family of minicomputers that use the 11/40 instruction set.ISL has a FORTRAN like syntax with a number of added features to make it a versatile software development tool. It is the implementation language of IDMS-11, a CODASYL-type Data Base Management System (DBMS) for the PDP-11.The language puts a minimal amount of constraint on the programmer. Top down logic design and modular programming are encouraged but not enforced by the compiler. The ISL compiler produces an assembly program that very closely approaches hand-written code both in appearance and quality. A compile time option is provided for the generation of re-entrant programs. In-line assembler language statements may be inserted into the ISL source program.
Sociodemographic, Perinatal, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Predictors of Weight Retention at 3 and 12 Months Postpartum

Postpartum weight retention plays an important role in the pathway leading to obesity among women of childbearing age. The objective of this study was to examine predictors of moderate (1-10 pounds) and high (>10 pounds) postpartum weight retention using data from a prospective pregnancy cohort that followed women into the postpartum period; n = 688 and 550 women at 3 and 12 months, respectively. Analysis included descriptive statistics and predictive modeling using log-binomial techniques. The average weight retained at 3 and 12 months postpartum in this population was 9.4 lb (s.d. = 11.4) and 5.7 lb (s.d. = 13.2), respectively. At 3 months postpartum, prepregnancy weight, gestational weight gain, and hours slept during the night were associated with moderate or high weight retention, whereas having an infant hospitalized after going home and scoring in the upper 75th percentile of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) were associated only with high weight retention. At 12 months postpartum, prepregnancy weight, gestational weight gain, and maternal education were associated with moderate weight retention; and gestational weight gain, maternal age, race, employment status, and having an infant hospitalized at birth were associated with high weight retention. The results of this study illustrate the importance of prepregnancy weight and gestational weight gain in predicting postpartum weight retention. Furthermore, given the lack of successful intervention studies that exist to date to help women lose weight in the postpartum period, the results of this study may help to inform future interventions that focus on such aspects as hours of sleep, dealing with stress associated with a hospitalized infant, and nonclinical eating disorder symptomatology.
Optimizing agile user-centred design

The goal of this workshop is to improve future Agile user centred design (UCD) experiences for User Experience (UX) practitioners (such as interaction designers, usability professionals, UI designers, etc.) by investigating best practices for Agile UCD. To achieve this, senior UX practitioners with prior experience on an Agile project will share their knowledge, collaborating in order to: Identify success factors for Agile UCD Find and remove obstacles that block Agile UCD Find opportunities that Agile projects give us Identify best UX practices for Agile UCD Identify UX skills that Agile projects need. The results of this investigation will be shared with the wider UX community (including those new to Agile development practices).
Identification of sturgeon IgD bridges the evolutionary gap between elasmobranchs and teleosts.

Abstract IgD has been found in almost all jawed vertebrates, including cartilaginous and teleost fish. However, IgD is missing in acipenseriformes, a branch that is evolutionarily positioned between elasmobranchs and teleost fish. Here, by analyzing transcriptome data, we identified a transcriptionally active IgD-encoding gene in the Siberian sturgeon ( Acipenser baerii ). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that it is orthologous to mammalian IgD and closely related to the IgD of other fish. The lengths of sturgeon membrane-bound IgD transcripts ranged from 1.2 kb to 6.2 kb, encoding 3–19 CH domains. As in teleosts, the first CH domain of the sturgeon IgD transcript is also derived from μCH1 by RNA splicing. However, the variable region of the expressed sturgeon IgD shows limited V(D)J usage. In addition to IgD, three IgM variants were also identified in this species, whereas no IgT/Z-encoding genes were observed. This study bridges the gap in Ig evolution between elasmobranchs and teleosts and provides significant insight into the early evolution of immunoglobulins.
A Flexible Statistic for Detecting a Preponderance of Short or Long Term Variation in a Series of Events

A series of independent, normally distributed events may be arbitrarily intervalized on some a priori basis. The within interval variation is taken as a measure of short term variation in the series of events. The between interval variation is taken as a measure of long term variation in the series of events. The a priori intervalization is under the experimenter's control so that he may define short and long term variation for his own experimental situation. A conservative F statistic is developed for detecting a preponderance of short or long term variation.
Slow spontaneous signals from brain tissue culture.

La exploration con microelectrodos, de explantes telencefalicos de embrion de pollo, registra espontaneamente senales de dos tipos: lentas y rapidas, confirmando hallazgos similares previamente reportados con macroelectrodos. Observandose un patron en la distribution de las senales lentas, las cuales son originadas por la misma fuente en cada explante pudiendo ser esta, las celulas de glia o el producto de potensiales dendriticos.
Co-firing of coal and cattle feedlot biomass (FB) fuels. Part I. Feedlot biomass (cattle manure) fuel quality and characteristics☆

Abstract The use of cattle manure (referred to as feedlot biomass, FB) as a fuel source has the potential to solve both waste disposal problems and reduce fossil fuel based CO2 emissions. Previous attempts to utilize animal waste as a sole fuel source have met with only limited success due to the higher ash, higher moisture, and inconsistent properties of FB. Thus, a co-firing technology is proposed where FB is ground, mixed with coal, and then fired in existing pulverized coal fired boiler burner facilities. A research program was undertaken in order to determine: (1) FB fuel characteristics, (2) combustion characteristics when fired along with coal in a small scale 30 kWt (100,000 BTU/h) boiler burner facility, and (3) combustion and fouling characteristics when fired along with coal in a large pilot scale 150 kWt (500,000 BTU/h DOE–NETL boiler burner facility). These results are reported in three parts. Part I will present a methodology of fuel collection, fuel characteristics of the FB, its relation to ration fed, and change in fuel characteristics due to composting. It was found that FB has approximately half the heating value of coal, twice the volatile matter of coal, four times the N content of coal on heat basis, and due to soil contamination during collection, the ash content is almost 9–10 times that of low ash (5%) coal. The addition of
Bidirectional interference in an A-B, C-B paradigm

In Exp. I, two transfer paradigms (A-B, C-B and A-B, C-D) were combined factorially with two levels of relearning direction (A-B and B-A), and an S-R matching task was used during relearning. Relearning performance was affected only by transfer paradigm ( p Martin's (1965) multistage analysis of transfer.
A cognitive-behavioral approach to substance abuse prevention

The effectiveness of a 20 session cognitive-behavioral approach to substance abuse prevention was tested on seventh grade students (n = 1,311) from 10 suburban New York junior high schools. The prevention strategy attempted to reduce intrapersonal pressure to smoke, drink excessively, or use marijuana by fostering the development of general life skills as well as teaching students tactics for resisting direct interpersonal pressure to use these substances. Additionally, this study was designed to compare the relative effectiveness of this type of prevention program when implemented by either older peer leaders or regular classroom teachers. Results indicated that the prevention program had a significant impact on cigarette smoking, excessive drinking, and marijuana use when implemented by peer leaders. Furthermore, significant changes were also evident with respect to selected cognitive, attitudinal, and personality predisposing variables in a direction consistent with non-substance use. These results provide further support for the efficacy of a broad-spectrum smoking prevention strategy and tentative support for its applicability to the prevention of other forms of substance abuse.
Boundary element modeling with variable nodal and collocation point locations

In both the real variable and Complex Variable Boundary Element Methods (CVBEM), nodal points are typically located on the problem boundary and then various techniques are used to fit boundary condition values at the nodal point locations such as collocation (equating approximation function to boundary condition values at a discrete set of locations on the boundary) or least squares minimization on the boundary, among others. In this paper, the CVBEM is used to examine the significant improvement in approximation accuracy achieved by using as additional approximation variables the actual nodal point locations (both on the problem boundary as well as exterior of the problem domain union boundary), and to also use as additional approximation variables the locations where boundary conditions are fitted (i.e. collocation points). The developed concepts also apply directly to the more commonly used real variable boundary element technique. Our results show that significant improvement in modeling accuracy is achieved by including the nodal point coordinates and also the collocation point coordinates as additional variables to be optimized.
The Social and Political Consequences of Language Planning in Mozambique

At the time of Mozambique's declaration of independence from Portugal in 1975, no common language existed. Because more than eight major languages are spoken in Mozambique, leaders of the successful revolution decided to utilize Portuguese as one way to unify the citizens and to bring about a new Mozambican identity. This study addresses effects of the introduction of Portuguese (the innovation) championed by a powerful change agent (the governing revolution ary leaders) on a populace (the targeted audience) that was no more than 7% literate in the language. Relationships between national language policies and popular language usage in Mozambique are discussed.
Mucoepidermoid tumors of bronchial glands

Mucoepidermoid tumors of bronchial gland origin are extremely rare, and little is known about their natural history. Clinically, their behavior in salivary glands where they were first described is characterized by a low, intermediate, or high degree of malignancy which may be predicted by the histologic appearance of the tumor. The few available reports of these tumors occurring in the lung suggest that they are either clearly benign or of intermediate malignancy, characterized mainly by local invasion. A review of approximately 5,000 patients with cancer of the lung, seen at Memorial Hospital between 1949 and 1968, was undertaken and 12 patients were found whose tumors satisfied the histologic criteria for this diagnosis. This represents one thiord as many cases as have been reported to date. All were considered to be of high-grade malignancy. The information collected suggests that these patients follow a clinical course comparable to that of high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas of salivary glands. All were dead of disease regardless of treatment within 18 months of the onset of their first discernible symptom.
A gradient of Shh establishes mutually repressing somitic cell fates induced by Nkx3.2 and Pax3

Wnt and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signals are known to pattern the somite into dermomyotomal, myotomal and sclerotomal cell fates. By employing explants of presomitic mesoderm cultured with constant levels of Wnt3a conditioned medium and increasing levels of Shh, we found that differing levels of Shh signaling elicit differing responses from somitic cells: the lowest level of Shh signaling allows dermomyotomal gene expression, intermediate levels induce loss of dermomyotomal markers and activation of myogenic differentiation, and higher levels induce loss of myotomal markers and activation of sclerotomal gene expression. In addition, we have found that in the presence of high levels of Wnt signaling, instead of inducing sclerotomal markers, Shh signals act to maintain the expression of dermomyotomal and myotomal markers. One of the sclerotomal genes induced by high levels of Shh signaling is Nkx3.2. Forced expression of Nkx3.2 blocks somitic expression of the dermomyotomal marker Pax3 both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, forced expression of Pax3 in somites can block Shh-mediated induction of sclerotomal gene expression and chondrocyte differentiation in vitro. Thus we propose that varying levels of Shh signaling act in a morphogen-like manner to elicit differing responses from somitic cells, and that Pax3 and Nkx3.2 set up mutually repressing cell fates that promote either dermomyotome/myotome or sclerotome differentiation, respectively.
Solid–fluid phase equilibria of compositionally complex mixtures: contrast of equilibrium and process treatments

Abstract The authors examine the solid–fluid equilibrium problem using two computational perspectives: (1) the thermodynamic equilibrium view, wherein the solid phase remains in the system in equilibrium with the fluid phase, and (2) the process sequential view, wherein the solid phase is removed from the equilibrium system as it is formed. The latter view represents the solid–fluid systems in which the solids forming incrementally at successively lower temperatures remain compositionally unchanged as temperature decreases further, i.e. metastable. It is demonstrated for a quadrature-characterized complex system that choice of perspective affects both the compositions and the phenomenological nature of the phase equilibria.
Uncertainty estimation of ethanol concentration in simulated breath using enzyme-based biosensors

Exhaled breath (EB) contains volatile and nonvolatile compounds that are correlated with physiological processes in the body, and these breath biomarkers hold enormous diagnostic potential when they are adequately measured and monitored. Thus, the development of instrumentation, including enzyme-based biosensors, for breath monitoring applications has been expanding rapidly. In this paper, the process of estimating the overall combined uncertainty in predicting ethanol concentration, u(C v)pred, using a calibrated alcohol oxidase-based amperometric biosensor is presented. Components that contributed to u(C v)pred were the standard uncertainties associated with simulation of a breath sample with trace ethanol concentration, sampling temperature, biosensor instrumentation, and regression analysis. In both EB and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) sensing, the largest contributor to overall uncertainty was the random effects captured by the regression model at 38.2 % and 39.8 %, respectively, for EB and EBC. This was followed by biosensor instrumentation (34.5 %) and simulation (25.3 %) in EB sensing. The trend was reversed in EBC sensing with EB simulation having a larger contribution (33.8 %) than biosensor instrumentation (25.5 %) owing to a better repeatability of amperometric measurements with aqueous samples. The remaining 2.0 % and 0.9 % were due to breath sampling temperatures in EB and EBC sensing, respectively. This study provides a framework for how to incorporate uncertainty estimation in both breath monitoring and is applicable to biosensing of other breath biomarkers.
Scale for photographic grading of vitreous haze in uveitis.

Purpose To validate a scale for grading vitreous haze in uveitis using digitized photographs and standardized scoring. Design Evaluation of clinical research methodology. Methods Calibrated Bangerter diffusion filters inducing incremental decrements of spatial contrast were placed in front of the camera lens while photographing a normal eye to simulate vitreous haze. The photographs were digitized and an ordinal scale was created from 0 (none) to 8 (highest level of opacification at which fundus details could be seen). The scale steps correspond approximately to decimal Snellen visual acuities of 1.0, 0.8, 0.4, 0.2, 0.1, 0.04, 0.02, 0.01, and 0.002, with approximately 0.3 log step between each step. For validation, digitized fundus photographs of uveitis patients were displayed on a computer monitor for comparison with the standard photos. Three observers graded the test set twice under standard conditions. Interobserver and intraobserver variability and κ values for agreement greater than chance were calculated. Results Variance component analysis determined that 87.7% of the variance in grades was attributable to the test item rather than to grader or session. The intraclass correlation between graders and grading sessions varied from 0.84 to 0.91. Simple agreement within 1 grade between graders and sessions occurred in 90 ± 5.5% of gradings. κ values averaged 0.91, which is considered near perfect. Conclusions A 9-step photographic scale was designed to standardize the grading of vitreous haze in uveitis patients using fundus photographs. The scale is potentially adaptable to clinical trials in uveitis.
Quantitative dissection of the binding contributions of ligand lysines of the receptor associated protein (RAP) to the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP1)

Although lysines are known to be critical for ligand binding to LDL receptor family receptors, relatively small reductions in affinity have been found when such lysines have been mutated. To resolve this paradox, we have examined the specific binding contributions of four lysines, Lys-253, Lys-256, Lys-270, and Lys-289, in the third domain (D3) of receptor-associated protein (RAP), by eliminating all other lysine residues. Using D3 variants containing lysine subsets, we examined binding to the high affinity fragment CR56 from LRP1. With this simplification, we found that elimination of the lysine pairs Lys-253/Lys-256 and Lys-270/Lys-289 resulted in increases in Kd of 1240- and 100,000-fold, respectively. Each pair contributed additively to overall affinity, with 61% from Lys-270/Lys-289 and 39% from Lys-253/Lys-256. Furthermore, the Lys-270/Lys-289 pair alone could bind different single CR domains with similar affinity. Within the pairs, binding contributions of Lys-270 ≫ Lys-256 > Lys-253 ∼ Lys-289 were deduced. Importantly, however, Lys-289 could significantly compensate for the loss of Lys-270, thus explaining how previous studies have underestimated the importance of Lys-270. Calorimetry showed that favorable enthalpy, from Lys-256 and Lys-270, overwhelmingly drives binding, offset by unfavorable entropy. Our findings support a mode of ligand binding in which a proximal pair of lysines engages the negatively charged pocket of a CR domain, with two such pairs of interactions (requiring two CR domains), appropriately separated, being alone sufficient to provide the low nanomolar affinity found for most protein ligands of LDL receptor family members. Background: Only small effects on affinity are seen for seemingly critical lysines of LRP1 ligand RAP. Results: Lysines act in pairs and fully account for overall affinity to LRP1. Mutagenesis reduces binding up to 100,000-fold. Conclusion: Two pairs of paired lysine interactions can give high affinity binding of protein ligands to LRP1. Significance: Rules for identifying high affinity receptor binding sites are established.
A Simple Model for the Diffuse Double Layer Based on a Generalized Mean Spherical Approximation

A semiempirical method of including the effects of ionic size in a simple analytical model of the diffuse double layer is described. Guided by earlier work in the hypernetted-chain approximation, the ion−wall correlation functions are modified from their Gouy−Chapman approximations by addition of two new parameters. The first is a constant related to the osmotic pressure and thus to the volume of the ions. The second is related to the effect that ion size has on the thickness of the ionic atmosphere in the electrolyte system, and depends on the electrical field at the wall. The exact form of the potential-dependent correction is found using Monte Carlo estimates of the potential drop across the diffuse layer φd. In this way, an analytical expression for the potential drop is derived and used to estimate φd as a function of electrolyte concentration and charge density on the wall for 1−1 electrolytes assuming that the component ions have a diameter of 425 pm.
Seamless Video Streaming: A Light Weight Session Handoff Scheme for Dynamic Stream Merging Based Wireless Mesh Networks

The flexibility of Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) architecture has made it easier for the delivery of video streams over such networks. However, delivering video streams over WMNs increases workload on the mesh nodes, increases bandwidth usage due to dedicated streams and limits scalability. These challenges are overcome by using WMNs with Dynamic Stream Merging Capability (DSM) [1]. DSM is a communication sharing technique that can merge redundant streams at upstream nodes before flowing to downstream nodes in the multicast streaming tree. In spite of these benefits, there is a growing need to use a distributed session handoff scheme to support seamless video streaming for fast moving clients, which not many research works are concentrating on. Thus in this paper, we propose a light weight, fast and distributed scheme that uses a novel session rate prediction technique and a novel Dynamic Relationship Tree (DRT). The proposed session handoff scheme promotes workload sharing and supports mobile clients moving at speeds as high as 250 miles per hour. Based on extensive simulations performed in NS2 we found that the proposed scheme can provide robust and seamless inter and intra-domain session handoff producing less latency and overhead compared to existing schemes.
Nursing's Contribution to the Literature on Preterm Labor and Birth

Although preterm labor and birth continues to plague us as an unsolved mystery in maternal/child health, much has actually been learned over the past few decades. Most reviews of the preterm labor literature examine the research in an interdisciplinary manner; this article instead looks at the active role that nurses have taken in the research concerning preterm labor and birth. This article will categorize research conducted by nurses over the past 30 years on preterm labor and birth, emphasizing some of the changes in nursing practice engendered by nursing's important research effort.
Gamma guidance schemes for flight in a windshear

This paper is concerned with guidance strategies for near-optimum performance in a windshear. The takeoff problem is considered with reference to flight in a vertical plane. In addition to the horizontal shear, the presence of a downdraft is assumed. A gamma guidance scheme, based on the absolute path inclination, is presented. This approach needs local information on the windshear and the downdraft. The gamma guidance scheme produces trajecories that preserve the basic properties of the optimal trajectories. The relation between the gamma guidance scheme and the acceleration guidance scheme is explored. In logic, these two guidance schemes are complementary to one another; in implementation, they yield almost identical results. Although local information on the windshear and the downdraft will be available in future aircraft, it might not be available on current aircraft. Hence, a simplified gamma guidance scheme (quick transition to horizontal flight) is presented which is useful for flight in severe windshears. The simplified gamma guidance scheme yields trajectories that are close to the optimal trajectories in severe windshears; in addition, it is easy to implement as a practical piloting technique.
Life history parameters of Tetranychus pacificus McGregor (Acari: Tetranychidae) on almonds under differential water stress.

The effect of water stress on specific life history parameters of Tetranychus pacificus McGregor mites was tested in a greenhouse using potted almond trees. Significantly more eggs were deposited by females on trees under variable water stress than by females on trees under continuous water stress. Total egg production was not found to differ significantly between the nonstressed control and either water-stress treatment. Compared with females on control trees, the sex ratio of offspring that developed from eggs deposited on water-stressed trees exhibited a female-biased trend. In addition, the net fecundity rate in the variable water-stress treatment was significantly greater than the control by >20%. Almond leaves subjected to continuous water stress had significantly higher afternoon temperatures and, at the end of the study, significantly lower total nitrogen than nonstressed leaves. The implications of these results for spider mite outbreaks are discussed.
Fracture-dislocation of the base of the fifth metacarpal associated with injury to the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve: a case report

Traumatic neuropraxia of the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve after a fracture-dislocation of the fifth metacarpal is reported. Salient anatomy is discussed and the diagnostic tests necessary to identify this lesion are described. Residual effects of the injury consisted of only a mild wasting of the first dorsal interosseous muscle. The patient had complete functional recovery 4 months after the initial injury.
The Curatorial Voice: U.S. Institutions Exhibit the Ancient Andes

Two new exhibits on ancient Andean civilizations are open in the United States. Machu Picchu: Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas is a large traveling exhibition and Tiwanaku: Ancestors of the Inca is a smaller temporary exhibition that is not traveling. Both introduce North American audiences to objects and information that have never been exhibited in the United States and each includes some extraordinary artifacts. The two exhibits differ in many ways: Machu Picchu emphasizes information, archaeological science, and cultural history, whereas Tiwanaku focuses on art style and objects. The curatorial voice and point of view are strong in each exhibit, as is the institutional perspective of its originiating museum. In this respect these exhibits differ significantly from contemporary ones on ancient North America, which generally include the voices and points of view of descendant communities and others.
Note on the Archaeology of Chiriqui

THE faunal environment of a given region is apt to be reflected in its primitive art, especially when the art is primarily of local origin. The province of Chiriqui, Republic of Panama, affords a good example of this interrelation. Archeologically the most common medium of art expression is pottery. The principal motives in the ceramic art of Chiriqui have been traced to certain animal forms. For example, the armadillo and motives derived from that animal, or parts thereof, are so dominant in one large class of pottery as to justify the name armadillo ware for that par-
Differences between clinical subspecialties in the outpatient evaluation and treatment of dementia in an academic medical center.

Background: Professional organizations have recommended guidelines for the optimal investigation and management of dementia. It is unknown whether physicians from different subspecialties investigate and treat dementia in the same manner or according to these guidelines. Methods: We screened 1,401 charts of patients who were seen in neurology, mental health, geropsychiatry and geriatrics clinics. The charts of 410 patients who were diagnosed with dementia were reviewed in detail to determine how they were evaluated and managed. Results: Overall, 40% of patients received a complete laboratory workup to rule out comorbidities, 70% of patients received neuroimaging with either computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, 63% had a depression screen and 38% of patients underwent neuropsychological testing. However, the frequency with which they were obtained differed significantly across clinics (p Conclusions: There were significant differences between subspecialties in the evaluation and treatment of dementia. It will be important to investigate whether these differences alter patient outcomes.
Limiting design criteria framework for manual electronics assembly

The electronics assembly industry is mainly characterized by high-mix, low-batch production of components that are becoming more miniaturized. The concomitant formidable physical and mental demands placed on operators goes well beyond the traditional scope of manual assembly. This research provides a framework for the design of manual electronics assembly by identifying the limiting design criteria from a human factors perspective that affect productivity. Collecting and analyzing in vivo biomechanical and throughput data, which provided the basis for quantifying ergonomic risks and productivity ratios, validated the design criteria. An increase of 53 PC boards per shift was obtained, thereby minimizing biomechanical risk factors associated with manual electronics assembly. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 13: 165–179, 2003.
The unique ribbon morphology of the major ampullate silk of spiders from the genus Loxosceles (recluse spiders)

The morphology of silk produced by recluse spiders (Loxosceles arizonica) was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. This silk ...
Confidence Intervals for Probabilities and Tolerance Regions Based on a Generalization of the Mann-Whitney Statistic

Abstract Inference procedures are proposed for any specified function of two random variables f(X, Y), assuming that independent random samples from the X and Y populations are available. A generalization of the Mann-Whitney statistic is used to obtain point and interval estimates for the probability that f(X, Y) falls in a given interval. One proposed confidence interval is a modification and improvement to the approach of Halperin, Gilbert, and Lachin (1987) for estimating Pr(X < Y). A thorough review is made of the literature on nonparametric confidence bounds for Pr(X < Y), with emphasis on methods based on the central limit theorem. In addition to the improvement of Halperin et al.'s method, bounds analogous to the Clopper-Pearson confidence interval for a binomial parameter are proposed. Simulation results show the performance of the alternative procedures. Approximate nonparametric tolerance limits for f(X, Y) are also proposed. The article closes by constructing a two-sided tolerance interval for ...
3D Monte-Carlo device simulations using an effective quantum potential including electron-electron interactions

Effective quantum potentials describe the physics of quantum-mechanical electron transport in semiconductors more than the classical Coulomb potential. An effective quantum potential was derived previously for the interaction of an electron with a barrier for use in particle-based Monte Carlo semiconductor device simulators. The method is based on a perturbation theory around thermodynamic equilibrium and leads to an effective potential scheme in which the size of the electron depends upon its energy and which is parameter-free. Here we extend the method to electron-electron interactions and show how the effective quantum potential can be evaluated efficiently in the context of many-body problems. The effective quantum potential was used in a three-dimensional Monte-Carlo device simulator for calculating the electron-electron and electron-barrier interactions. Simulation results for an SOI transistor are presented and illustrate how the effective quantum potential changes the characteristics compared to the classical potential.
A feedforward loop motif in transcriptional regulation: induction and repression

We study the dynamical behavior of a unit of three positive transcriptional regulators which occurs frequently in biological networks of yeast and bacteria as a feedforward loop. We investigate numerically a set of reactions incorporating the basic features of transcription and translation. We determine (i) how the feedforward loop motif functions as a computational element such as an AND gate in the presence of stochastic fluctuations, and (ii) the robustness of the motif when transcription at the primary level is suddenly repressed. We highlight the effective time-scales which underlie both of these aspects of the feedforward loop motif. We show how threshold behavior of the motif output arises as a function of the number of external inducers as well as the time over which the inducer acts. We discuss how individual cell behavior can deviate significantly from average behavior, due to intrinsic fluctuations in the small number of molecules present in a cell.
A new computer program for comparative analysis of serial scalar electrocardiograms: description and performance of the 1976 IBM program.

Abstract An ECG analysis program capable of serial comparison has been written and its performance tested by the authors. The data base consisted of 772 comparisons from patients each having an average of 2.7 ECGs within a 2-month period. In 1939 contour statements, there were 3.3% statements omitted and 6.3% statements erroneously added. In 72 evolving infarctions there were 8.7% statements omitted and 12.5% erroneously inserted. There were 1249 P, Q, QRS, S-T, and T actual measurement changes of which 4.1% were missed. Twelve percent of the measurement change found by the program was not actually present. The program appears clinically acceptable for measurement and analysis of significant serial changes in the majority of ECGs and performs reasonably well in the more difficult task of defining evolution of myocardial infarction.
Guides to understanding the aeromagnetic expression of faults in sedimentary basins: Lessons learned from the central Rio Grande rift, New Mexico

High-resolution aeromagnetic data acquired over several basins in the central Rio Grande rift, north-central New Mexico, prominently display low-amplitude (5–15 nT) linear anomalies associated with faults that offset basin-fill sediments. The linear anomalies give an unparalleled view of concealed faults within the basins that has significant implications for future basin studies. These implications provide the impetus for understanding the aeromagnetic expression of faults in greater detail. Lessons learned from the central Rio Grande rift help to understand the utility of aeromagnetic data for examining concealed faults in sedimentary basins in general. For example, linear anomalies in the rift can be explained entirely by the tectonic juxtaposition of magnetically differing strata rather than the product of chemical processes acting at the fault zone. Differences in layer thickness, depth to the layer(s), and magnetic susceptibility govern the variability of the anomaly shape. Further investigations of these variables using simple models provide graphical, mathematical, and conceptual guides for understanding the aeromagnetic expression of faults, including the criteria for aeromagnetic expression of faults, how to locate fault traces from aeromagnetic anomalies, the effect of fault dip, and how to assess the role of topography. The horizontal gradient method applied to reduced-to-pole aeromagnetic data is particularly effective in mapping fault locations, especially at regional scales. With our new understanding of the aeromagnetic expression of faults, we updated interpretations of faults from the aeromagnetic data for the central Rio Grande rift. These interpretations, along with the guides, should provide direction and fuel for future work in a wide variety of multidisciplinary basin-related topics.
Characterization of a new virus from cockatoos with psittacine beak and feather disease

Abstract A novel virus isolated from the feather follicles of cockatoos diagnosed as having psittacine beak and feather disease was characterized by electron microscopy, nucleic acid content, and polypeptide composition. Purified virions displayed an icosahedral symmetry, were nonenveloped, and had a mean diameter of 14 to 16 nm negatively stained. Three major viral proteins were identified, with approximate molecular weights of 26.3, 23.7, and 15.9 kDa. The viral nucleic acid was found to be single-stranded DNA based on acridine orange staining, resistance to alkali and ribonuclease, and sensitivity to both DNasei and S1 nuclease. The size of the DNA was estimated to be between 1.7 and 2.0 kb by agarose gel electrophoresis. This size and its circular conformation were confirmed by electron microscopy. A preliminary transmission study using purified virus induced pathological lesions characteristic of those observed in the natural disease. On the basis of the extremely small size of the virions and the single-stranded circular viral DNA, we propose that the etiologic agent of psittacine beak and feather disease represents a previously undescribed viral pathogen.
Mapping Space With Neurons

justs his hand and body, and the ball lands in his mitt. Somehow, the changing pattern of light on his ret ina was transformed into a motor command that brought his hand to the correct location for catching the ball. How was this accomplished? Is there a map of visual space in the brain that encodes the location of the ball and the fielder's glove? In this article, we review some recent experiments, using monkeys, on visuomotor transformations in the brain. We ask how neurons repre sent the location of a stimulus for the
American Society for Microbiology focus on clinical microbiology.

Abstract The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) spends a major percentage of its resources on programs that benefit clinical microbiologists. This article explores the ways that ASM helps clinical microbiologists.
The Origin of Spinal Cord Oligodendrocytes Is Dependent on Local Influences from the Notochord

During spinal cord development, oligodendrocytes originate in a discrete region of the ventral ventricular zone. What regulates this initial localization of oligodendrocyte precursors is unclear. Using a combination of notochord transplantations in vivo and co-culture experiments, we demonstrate that the origin of chick spinal cord oligodendrocytes is dependent on local influences from the notochord. In stage 10-12 dorsal chick spinal cord, Mab O4+ oligodendrocyte precursors were induced both in vivo by isochronic transplantation of an additional notochord adjacent to the dorsal neural tube and in vitro by co-culture of notochord and dorsal neural tube. Heterochronic transplantations demonstrated that the notochord was capable of inducing O4+ cells in adjacent neural tube until stage 12 and that the competence of the dorsal neural tube to respond to this inductive signal declined after stage 10. During normal development the ventral neural tube is competent to develop oligodendrocytes independent of the notochord by stage 10. The induction of oligodendrocytes by the notochord may either reflect a direct interaction or be mediated through other ventrally located cells such as the floor plate. In the majority of experimental animals the appearance of ectopic oligodendrocyte precursors was correlated with local floor plate formation.
The XIST locus replicates late on the active X, and earlier on the inactive X based on FISH DNA replication analysis of somatic cell hybrids.

We have recently reported results of DNA replication analysis of three X-linked loci (FRAXA, F8C and XIST) on the X chromosomes in male and female fibroblasts using fluorescencein situ hybridization (FISH) (1). Although our findings that XIST replicates later on the active X than on the inactive X are similar to those of Boggs & Chinault (2) based on a FISH assay in female lymphoblasts, they are the opposite of observations recently reported by Hansen et al. (3) using a different technique. Because our conclusions about the inactive X were deduced from the behavior of the active X in male cells, we reexamined the time when these loci replicate on the human inactive X chromosome isolated from its homolog in somatic cell hybrids. We also studied the same chromosome as an active X in related hybrids. The results provide direct evidence that the expressed XIST locus on the inactive X replicates earlier than its repressed homolog on the active X and earlier than the FRAXA locus which is repressed on this chromosome. The silent XIST locus on the active X replicates late along with F8C which is also not transcribed in these cells. Possible reasons for the different results obtained by Hansen et al. (3) are discussed.
The Early History of the Cornell Mathematics Department: A Case Study in the Emergence of the American Mathematical Research Community

Abstract In this paper I describe the early history of the Cornell University mathematics department in the historical context of the late 19th century. In particular, I show that it is a case study of the emergence of the American mathematical community.Copyright 1998 Academic Press. En este ensayo, describo la premera historia de departamento de matematica de Cornell Universitad en el contexto de Siglo XIX. En particular, demonstro que este departamento es un ejemplo do lar emergencia de communidad matematica de Estados Unidos.Copyright 1998 Academic Press. In dieser Arbeit beschreibe ich die Fruhgeschichte des Mathematics Department der Cornell University wahrend des ausgehenden neunzehnten Jahrhunderts. Ich zeige insbesondere, daβ diese Geschichte als Fallstudie fur die Entstehung der amerikanischen Mathematikergemeinschaft angesehen werden kann.Copyright 1998 Academic Press. MSC 1991 subject classification: 01A55, 01A73.
A versatile and highly efficient method for scarless genome editing in Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica

Recently developed methods for genome editing in bacteria take advantage of the introduction of double-strand breaks by I-SceI in a mutation cassette to select for cells in which homologous recombination has healed the break and introduced a desired mutation. This elegantly designed method did not work well in our hands for most genes. We corrected a mutation in the gene encoding I-SceI that compromised the function of a previously used Red helper plasmid. Further, we found that transcription extending into the mutation cassette interferes with cleavage by I-SceI. Addition of two transcription terminators upstream of the cleavage site dramatically increases the efficiency of genome editing. We also developed an improved method for modification of essential genes. Inclusion of a segment of the essential gene consisting of synonymous codons restores an open reading frame when the mutation cassette is integrated into the genome and decreases the frequency of recombination events that fail to incorporate the desired mutation. The optimized protocol takes only 5 days and has been 100% successful for over 100 genomic modifications in our hands. The method we describe here is reliable and versatile, enabling various types of genome editing in Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica by straightforward modifications of the mutation cassette. We provide detailed descriptions of the methods as well as designs for insertions, deletions, and introduction of point mutations.
Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Colon Cancer: Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

Colorectal cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer mortality and morbidity in developed nations and is on the rise in developing countries. In metastatic setting, systemic therapy provides palliation and overall survival advantage as proved in multiple clinical trials. Unfortunately, the survival benefit often comes at the cost of significant toxicities in the recipients. The emerging data of immunotherapy and recent advancements in understanding of immune cells, cytokines, and their roles in cancer pathogenesis have shed some light in our search for the new approaches of combating cancer; yet, clinical utility of immunotherapy is still in its infancy. The data for immunotherapy in colorectal cancer is less impressive and lags behind several other tumor types such as melanoma, signifying the differences in their biology as well as the great need of further research in this area. In this article, the authors will discuss the evolving knowledge about immunotherapy pertinent to colorectal cancer, focusing on monoclonal antibody and emerging clinical data.