cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Duodenal atresia: A comparison of techniques of repair

Although duodenal atresia is a common cause of congenital intestinal obstruction, the optimal technique of repair remains controversial. In a 10-year period, 41 newborns (20 male, 25 premature) underwent either side-to-side duodenoduodenostomy (SDD, 10 infants), side-to-side duodenojejunostomy (SDJ, 9 infants), or diamond-shaped duodenoduodenostomy (DDD, 22 infants) in a nonrandomized series. One-layer anastomosis was used in each case, and gastrostomy was placed in most patients. Groups were compared for survival, prematurity, associated anomalies, time until feeding onset, total hospitalization time, and complications. The three groups were identical for survival (all 100%), prematurity (60% SDD, 67% SDJ, 59% DDD), and serious associated anomalies (cardiac, gastrointestinal, Down's; 33% SDD, 44% SDJ, 50% DDD). The time until feeding onset was shortest with DDD (4.1 +/- 0.4 days), compared with 8.0 +/- 1.1 days for SDD and 9.6 +/- 1.9 days for SDJ (both P less than .05 v DDD). Total hospitalization was significantly less in DDD (16.2 +/- 2.1 days) v 24.2 +/- 3.1 days for SDD (P less than .05) and 28.3 +/- 4.3 days for SDJ (P less than .01). One complication necessitating reoperation occurred in each group (SDD, adhesions; SDJ, stenotic anastomosis; and DDD, missed second atresia). These data suggest that DDD is superior to SDD and SDJ for repair of duodenal atresia, resulting in earlier feeding and discharge.
Document classification using associative memories

Summary form only given. An automated document classification system is presented which deals with documents containing horizontal lines and text. The system consists of two major components: the preprocessing module and the classification module. The preprocessing module digitizes input documents, scales them to a suitable level of resolution, and locates horizontal lines. The classification module is a heteroassociative memory that makes the decision on the type of input documents in the form of multiple line patterns. The experimental results using unidirectional linear associative memory show that the classification error rate is near zero. Discussions about employing the bidirectional associative memory in the classification module is also given. >
Calibration of stewart platforms and other parallel manipulators by minimizing inverse kinematic residuals

This paper focuses on the accuracy enhancement of Stewart platforms through kinematic calibration. The calibration problem is formulated in terms of a measurement residual, which is the discrepancy between the measured leg length and the computed leg length. With this formulation, one is able to identify kinematic error parameters of the Stewart platform without the necessity of solving the forward kinematic problem; thus avoiding the numerical problems associated with any forward kinematic solution. By this formulation, a concise differential error model with a well-structured identification Jacobian, which relates the pose measurement residual to the errors in the parameters of the platform, is derived. Experimental studies confirmed the effectiveness of the method. It is also shown in this paper that the proposed approach can be applied to other types of parallel manipulators, assuming that their inverse kinematic solution is simpler than its forward kinematic solution. Because this condition is satisfied by almost all parallel manipulators, the method is very useful for kinematic calibration of such machines. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evolution: The complexity chronicles

Nancy Moran enjoys a treatise on symbiosis — the intimate association of species that transformed life and Earth.
Poverty in the family: Race, siblings, and socioeconomic heterogeneity

Abstract We use the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to characterize siblings of middle class and poor blacks and whites, testing for racial differences in the probability of having a sibling on the other side of the socioeconomic divide. In support of theories in the urban poverty literature about the social isolation of poor blacks, we find that poor African-Americans are less likely to have a middle class sibling than poor whites, controlling for individual and family background factors. For the middle class, being black is positively correlated with the probability of having a poor sibling, challenging the notion that the black middle class is separated from the black poor, but supporting recent research on black middle class fragility. Overall, we find that African-Americans are less likely than whites to have siblings that cross important social class lines in ways that are beneficial. Racial differences in the composition of kin networks may indicate another dimension of racial stratification.
Ecosystem restoration a challenge for unified hydrologic science

Will a unified, but increasingly interdisciplinary hydrologic science provide the knowledge now needed by water managers to restore and conserve regional ecosystems? Or will divisions present in hydrologic science compel managers themselves to gather and synthesize information developed in narrow subfields of water-related science? On July 1,1999, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a plan that would spend $8 billion over the next 20 years for the “primary and overarching purpose” of restoring the natural ecosystems of south Florida, in particular the vast wetlands of the Everglades and adjacent coastal areas. This plan signals a radical expansion in the goals for water management in south Florida to include responsibility for the health and sustainability of regional ecosystems.
The apotheosis of white men? : A reexamination of beliefs about Europeans as ancestral spirits

Criticisms of work on cargo beliefs argue it supports paternalistic colonial projections and patronizes Melanesians. But researchers continue to hear Melanesians asserting that Europeans communicate with ancestral spirits. Such assertions are part of a dynamic religious tradition responding to troubling times. Some have cast cargo beliefs as naive - if rational - attempts to understand bewildering changes. Such work fails to capture the innovative, discriminating tenor of cargo beliefs as a religious ideology that adherents manipulate to address their own needs. Case material comes from the Bumbita Arapesh, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea.
Effective Hydraulic Fracture Length and the Determination of Productivity Index

This paper presents a new technique for analyzing the performance of hydraulically fractured vertical wells in bounded reservoirs. The main objective is to present a new set of practical equations, based on the recently introduced concepts in well testing, for evaluating the effective length of the hydraulic fracture contributing to unrestricted production. It is determined that the performance of a hydraulically fractured vertical well with mechanical skin and fracture half length x{sub f1} can be substituted by the performance of a fractured half-length x{sub f2} with no skin. New equations presented in this paper can be used to determine pseudo skin factor, effective fracture half-length, mechanical skin factor, shape factor, and productivity index of fractured vertical wells. The new equations and guidelines given in this paper can be used to determine the magnitude of formation damage around hydraulically fractured vertical wells and to evaluate the success of the stimulation treatment. An example based on simulated well test data is presented to illustrate the application of the new technique. The problems associated with the use of the finite-conductivity fracture model are discussed and it is recommended that the pressure transient data obtained on fractured vertical wells be analyzed with effective hydraulicmore » fracture length concept, in preference to the finite-conductivity fracture model.« less
Observations of maternal‐infant interactions in a captive herd of sable antelope (Hippotragus niger)

The New York Zoological Society's captive-breeding program on St Catherine's Island, Georgia, includes a herd of sable antelope (Hippotragus niger). Two aspects of mother-infant interactions, nursing and hiding, are described herein. Three younger calves, up to 6 d of age, and three older calves, 8 to 50 d of age, were the subjects of focal-animal and continuous observations and instantaneous time-point samples. Two of the younger calves were born to multiparous cows. One cow was primiparous. Between the three calves, quantitative differences in nursing episodes were found in the mean duration (1.7–3.6 min), mean number per d (1.0–8.6 episodes), and mean total time per d (2.6–14.6 min). Despite these differences, all calves thrived. The multiparous cows exhibited a pattern described in captive and wild ungulates: approaching their calves prior to nursing before the calves emitted any response; and nursing their calves early and late in the day. The cows also exhibited nursing-time synchrony. Three instances of calves suckling younger calves' mothers are also described. Two new interpretations of the function of hiding behavior are offered: (1) If older calves exploit the inexperience of newborn calves by nursing from their mothers, then younger calves may benefit by hiding out of the view of other herd members. Hiding behavior may result from intercalf competition; and (2) if newborns vacillate between arousal-increasing and arousal-reducing activities, then “hider” species may hide to attain arousal-reduction.
Molecular messengers of olfaction

Abstract Our knowledge of olfactory signal transduction has been greatly clarified by several recent advances. Molecular cloning has revealed a large family of putative odorant receptors localized to olfactory epithelium that display a seven-transmembrane-domain motif suggesting an association with G proteins. Very potent and rapid enhancement of both adenylyl cyclase and phosphoinositide turnover has been demonstrated in response to odorants both in isolated olfactory cilia and primary olfactory receptor neuronal cultures. Ca 2+ -calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterase has been localized to olfactory cilia. A key role for Ca 2+ is evident from many investigations. More recently, odorants have also been shown to affect the levels of cGMP in olfactory receptor neurons. The involvement of multiple second messengers may provide mechanisms for both fine-tuning and desensitization of olfaction.
The Woodland and Mississippian traditions in the prehistory of Midwestern North America

Cultural developments in Midwestern North America between 5000 and 400 B.P. are reviewed and related to two overlapping, but contrasting, cultural traditions: Woodland and Mississippian. Significant changes in prehistoric subsistence systems, settlement patterns, and sociopolitical organization are reviewed within a three-division framework, beginning with a Transitional period (5000–2000 B.P.) when Late Archaic and Early Woodland societies “settled into” different regions, constructed regional markers (cemeteries, mounds, earthworks), and established economic and social relations with both neighboring and more distant groups. This was followed by the Middle Woodland period (2000–1500 B.P.) that is associated with the Hopewell “climax” of long-distance exchange of exotic materials, mound building, and ceremonial activities, although all Middle Woodland groups did not participate in this “Hopewell interaction sphere.” In the Late Prehistoric period (1500–400 B.P.), the Woodland tradition persisted in some areas, while the Mississippian tradition developed from local Late Woodland societies elsewhere. Finally, the patterns of interaction between the two traditions are discussed.
A Comparison of Poisson, Negative Binomial, and Semiparametric Mixed Poisson Regression Models: With Empirical Applications to Criminal Careers Data

Specifications and moment properties of the univariate Poisson and negative binomial distributions are briefly reviewed and illustrated. Properties and limitations of the corresponding poisson and negative binomial (gamma mixtures of Poissons) regression models are described. It is shown how a misspecification of the mixing distribution of a mixed Poisson model to accommodate hidden heterogeneity ascribable to unobserved variables—although not affecting the consistency of maximum likelihood estimators of the Poisson mean rate parameter or its regression parameterization—can lead to inflated t ratios of regression coefficients and associated incorrect inferences. Then the recently developed semiparametric maximum likelihood estimator for regression models composed of arbitrary mixtures of Poisson processes is specified and further developed. It is concluded that the semiparametric mixed Poisson regression model adds considerable flexibility to Poisson-family regression models and provides opportunities for...
Open access to geophysical data sets requires community responsibility

In our increasingly digital age, access to data is becoming faster and easier. This has many positive consequences for scientific discovery, but it also presents challenges for protecting the data collectors and ensuring proper citation (e.g., M. A. Parsons et al.,Eos, 91(34), 297, doi:10.1029/2010EO340001). These issues have been concerns of UNAVCO's staff and those involved in the governance of UNAVCO as they crafted a new open data policy that became effective on 2 March 2012. UNAVCO is a nonprofit consortium of 177 university and research institutions from around the world. Founded in 1984 as the University Navstar Consortium and formally incorporated in 2001 as UNAVCO, Inc., the organization facilitates the collection and archiving of geodetic data (http://www.unavco.org).
Towards developing a non-SnCl2 formulation for RP444, a new radiopharmaceutical for thrombus imaging.

There are many factors influencing the yield and radiochemical purity (RCP) of the radiopharmaceutical RP444. These include heating temperature, heating time, pH, the use of a buffering agent and a bulking agent, as well as the component (XV066, tricine, TPPTS, and Na99mTcO4) concentration. Through a series of radiolabeling experiments, we found that a formulation comprised of 20 μg of XV066, 6.5 mg of tricine, 40 mg of mannitol, 5 mg of TPPTS, and 0.1 mg of Pluronic acid dissolved in 1.0 mL of 250 mM succinate buffer (pH 5.0) gives the best RCP for RP444. The formulation can be lyophilized to form a stable crystal “cake”. The radiolabeling is achieved by adding 1.5 mL generator eluant (33–133 mCi of Na99mTcO4) to a lyophilized vial and heating the reaction mixture at 100°C for 10 min. Using this formulation, RP444 is prepared consistently in high yield with RCP ≥ 90%. Formation of [99mTc]colloid is minimal (< 0.5%). © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 90:114–123, 2001
The price of anarchy in bertrand games

The Internet is composed of multiple economically-independent service providers that sell bandwidth in their networks so as to maximize their own revenue. Users, on the other hand, route their traffic selfishly to maximize their own utility. How does this selfishness impact the efficiency of operation of the network? To answer this question we consider a two-stage network pricing game where service providers first select prices to charge on their links, and users pick paths to route their traffic. We give tight bounds on the price of anarchy of the game with respect to social value--the total value obtained by all the traffic routed. Unlike recent work on network pricing, in our pricing game users do not face congestion costs; instead service providers must ensure that capacity constraints on their links are satisfied. Our model extends the classic Bertrand game in economics to network settings.
Origin of both great vessels from right ventricle with intact ventricular septum

Abstract Origin of both great vessels from the right ventricle with intact ventricular septum is extremely rare, only two cases of this cardiac malformation has been reported previously according to our knowledge. Reported herein, is the case of a two-day-old infant who exhibited cyanosis at birth and an ejection systolic murmur along the left sternal border with a normal ECG. Necropsy observation revealed origin of both great vessels arising from a dilated right ventricle with intact ventricular septum. An atrial septal defect, hypoplasia of the mitral valve and left ventricle were present. The intracardiac hemodynamics are similar to aortic valvular atresia and/or mitral atresia with intact ventricular septum.
What are the most important issues confronting academic librarianship as we approach the 21st century

In the universities, some programs are being cut back, others are expanding to include innovative concepts and new programs are being introduced that incorporate or explore emerging technologies. The priorities that are set dictate how university funds will be distributed. Each program, including library services, must justify its existence through measures such as enrollment, successful fund raising, or demonstrated use
The Selection of Friends

A theory of friendship is proposed which emphasizes the importance of the interaction process to the participants' choice of friends. It is suggested that persons will prefer for friends those with whom they have experienced encounters which are validating, successful and effective. Validation is defined as the correspondence between the actor's self-image and the impression of others; success is defined as the favorableness of the other's responses; and effectiveness is defined as the correspondence between the self actor intended to project and the other's impression. The maj or implication of the theory is tested in the small group setting and the results indicate the empirical validity of the theoretical propositions.
Programmed cell death of primordial germ cells in Drosophila is regulated by p53 and the Outsiders monocarboxylate transporter.

Primordial germ cell development uses programmed cell death to remove abnormal, misplaced or excess cells. Precise control of this process is essential to maintain the continuity and integrity of the germline, and to prevent germ cells from colonizing locations other than the gonads. Through careful analyses of primordial germ cell distribution in developing Drosophila melanogaster embryos, we show that normal germ cell development involves extensive programmed cell death during stages 10-12 of embryogenesis. This germ cell death is mediated by Drosophila p53 ( p53 ). Mutations in p53 result in excess primordial germ cells that are ectopic to the gonads. Initial movements of the germ cells appear normal, and wild-type numbers of germ cells populate the gonads, indicating that p53 is required for germ cell death, but not migration. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a loss-of-function phenotype for Drosophila p53 in a non-sensitized background. The p53 phenotype is remarkably similar to that of outsiders ( out ) mutants. Here, we show that the out gene encodes a putative monocarboxylate transporter. Mutations in p53 and out show nonallelic noncomplementation. Interestingly, overexpression of p53 in primordial germ cells of out mutant embryos partially suppresses the out germ cell death phenotype, suggesting that p53 functions in germ cells either downstream of out or in a closely linked pathway. These findings inform models in which signaling between p53 and cellular metabolism are integrated to regulate programmed cell death decisions.
Effects of HCO3/CO2 on the cytochrome redox potential and metabolic responses of isolated rat cerebral cortex.

Abstract The importance of HCO 3 − /CO 2 to the maintenance of stable metabolic conditions in rat cerebral cortex slices has been investigated. Replacement of bicarbonate buffered media with glycylglycine or phosphate buffered salines resulted in an increased lability of the cytochrome redox potential of brain slices as measured by dual wavelength spectroscopy. Depletion of reduced cytochrome in the electron transport chain was associated with changes in the metabolic responses of tissues to electrical stimulation or elevated concentrations of potassium. This appears primarily as a loss of the late reductive responses of the tissue nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides NAD(P)H to these stimuli and decreased lactic acid output of the tissues. The effects could be largely reversed in a combined glycylglycine and HCO 3 − /CO 2 buffered media. It is suggested that although the reduction of NAD(P) in response to stimulation may be substantially located in the cytosol, it is also modulated by the mitochondrial redox potential. It is suggested that the lability of the redox potential in the absence of HCO 3 − /CO 2 may be related to depletion of TCA cycle intermediates normally replaced by CO 2 fixation.
Surgical treatment of cardiac myxomas: Longterm results

Between 1965 and 1988, 22 patients underwent 24 operations for cardiac myxomas. Two patients had the complex myxoma syndrome. Mitral valve replacement was required at initial operation in 2 patients. One patient died perioperatively, and 5 others died subsequently. The 16 surviving patients recently underwent evaluation at a mean duration of 9 years after operation. Ten are asymptomatic and 6 have New York Heart Association class II symptoms. Nine patients continue to be employed. Eleven are in sinus rhythm, 3 have permanent pacemakers, and 2 have chronic atrial arrhythmias. Echocardiography showed atrioventricular valve insufficiency in 3 patients and reduced contractility in 4, but no new tumor recurrences. The long-term prognosis of this relatively large group of patients with cardiac myxomas has been good. Patients without the complex myxoma syndrome had no recurrence, whereas 2 patients did require reoperation for mitral valve replacement. Long-term disability and chronic arrhythmias have been infrequent, and functional status and employability of these patients have been very good.
A Field-Deployable Dual-Wavelength Fiber-Optic pH Sensor Instrument Based on Solid-State Optical and Electrical Components

The construction, operation, and performance characteristics of a compact, dual-wavelength, solid-state photometer and fiber-optic probe for use with absorbance-based thin-film chemical sensors are described. The instrument has been specifically designed for field deployment and uses low-cost components while maintaining a precision and accuracy comparable to fluorescence-based laboratory sensors. The computer-controlled photometer employs red and green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as fixed-wavelength light sources and silicon photodiodes as detectors, and has no moving parts. Graded refractive index lenses control light propagation through a beamsplitter in the photometer and through the fiber-optic probe. The beamsplitter directs light simultaneously onto a sample and a reference detector in a double-beam in-space mode which compensates for fluctuations in the outputs of the LEDs. A chemically modified polymeric film is mounted on the fiber probe, and serves as an optical pH sensor. The previously described sensing film is constructed by the immobilization of the diprotic acid-base indicator Congo Red at a base-hydrolyzed cellulose acetate film and responds to changes in pH between 0 and 4.2. An absorbance-based internal calibration scheme, which takes advantage of the optical properties of each of the reactive forms of the immobilized indicator, is presented. The potential capability of this instrumentation, based on its small size and minimal need for calibration, to function as a durable low-maintenance pH sensor for onsite deployment in environmental monitoring applications, is discussed.
Nil clean rings

Abstract Many variations of the notions of clean and strongly clean have been studied by a variety of authors. We develop a general theory, based on idempotents and direct sum decompositions, that unifies several of these existing concepts. As a specific case, we also investigate a new class of clean rings.
Hemangio-endothelioblastoma of the heart.

Abstract A case of hemangio-endothelioblastoma of the heart is presented. The clinicopathologic features of cardiac tumors are discussed.
PIEZOTHERMOELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF A LAMINATED PLATE

The response of a thin composite plate constructed of piezothermoelastic layers and subject to stationary thermal and electric fields is examined. Solutions based on classical lamination theory, extended here to include piezoelectric effects, are obtained for a “free” plate of arbitrary contour and for a simply supported, rectangular plate. Numerical results illustrate that thermally induced deformation of a structural laminate can be reduced significantly through the addition of a layer of piezoelectric material under an applied electric potential.
X-ray Analysis and Molecular Modeling of Poly(vinyl alcohol)s with Different Stereoregularities

Wide-angle X-ray methods have been used to compare the structures of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with syndiotactic diad (S-diad) contents in the range 51−63%. The fiber diagram of a PVA with 51.2% S-diad content (essentially atactic) is indexed by a monoclinic unit cell with dimensions a = 7.82 ± 0.03 A, b = 2.53 ± 0.01 A (chain axis), c = 5.52 ± 0.01 A, and β = 91.5 ± 0.2°. These dimensions are very similar to those proposed by Bunn (Nature 1948, 161, 929) and Sakurada (Bull. Inst. Chem. Res., Kyoto Univ. 1950, 23, 78). As the S-diad content is increased, the crystallites become larger and less distorted and there is lateral contraction of the crystal structure, suggesting that the chains can pack more efficiently. For a syndiotacticity-rich PVA with a S-diad content of 63.1%, the unit cell dimensions are as follows: a = 7.63 ± 0.02 A, b = 2.54 ± 0.01 A, c = 5.41 ± 0.01 A, and β = 91.2 ± 0.1°. The latter structure has a theoretical density of 1.40 g/mL, which is ∼5% higher than the value of 1.34 g/mL pred...
Human keratinocytes contain carbohydrates that are recognized by keratan sulfate-specific monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies that recognize carbohydrate epitopes found in keratan sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains identified both intracytoplasmic and cell-surface carbohydrates of human keratinocytes. These carbohydrates were detected, using indirect immunoperoxidase methods, both in sections of paraffin-embedded tissues and in intact cultured keratinocytes. of the seven anti-keratan sulfate monoclonal antibodies used in this study, five detected significant amounts of epitopes associated with keratinocytes. This indicates that only certain, specific types of keratan sulfate – like carbohydrates were expressed by these cells. The extent and localization of keratan sulfate – like carbohydrates appeared to be closely related to the differentiation status of cultured keratinocytes. These epitopes were very weakly expressed on surfaces of all monolayer keratinocytes, but flattened, suprabasal cells in high Ca++ cultures strongly expressed keratan sulfate – like carbohydrates on their surfaces. A much larger population of cultured keratinocytes expressed intracellular keraran sulfate – like carbohydrates identified by the same five antibodies that detected surface epitopes. In monolayer cells, keratan sulfate-like carbohydrates were predominantly found in a broad perinuclear zone. In addition, three of the five immunoreactive antibodies detected epitopes that appeared at cell boundaries, specifically at sites of close cell- to-cell contact. Thus, molecules bearing carbohydrates recognized by anti-keratan sulfate antibodies appear at developmentally important stages of keratinocyte differentiation, indicating that these carbohydrates may serve as markers for molecules important in the differentiation of human keratinocytes.
CLABSI rates in immunocompromised patients: A valuable patient centered outcome?

The accepted approach to surveillance for hospital-acquired bloodstream infection (HABSI) due to central venous catheters requires use of the National Health and Safety Network (NHSN) definition for catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). In this commentary, we discuss our experience with the application of current NHSN surveillance definitions for CLABSI and the impact that public reporting of CLABSI rates in settings with a high prevalence of special populations has on infection prevention (IP) programs. For IP programs to serve the continuous improvement needs of their organizations, surveillance methodologies need to accurately capture the burden of preventable HABSI among immunocompromised individuals with inherent risk for infection. Current NHSN CLABSI definitions lack specificity for complex and heterogeneous patient populations and require modification. Beyond definitions, IP programs must critically assess the value of their current approach to surveillance to assure that patient-centered outcomes are the focus of prevention efforts.
Modal Properties of Hybrid Plasmonic Waveguides for Nanolaser Applications

We investigate the modal properties of nanowire-metal hybrid plasmonic waveguides by use of the coupled-mode theory and finite-element method. We show that the coupling between the nanowire fundamental HE11 mode and surface plasmon mode results in three different supermodes. We numerically calculate the dispersion relations, normalized mode areas, and confinement factors of these different modes for plasmonic nanolaser applications and show that the lowest threshold mode is determined by the waveguide geometry.
Nursing Management of the Child in Status Epilepticus

Seizures are, common neurological disorders that occur in children of all ages, and approximately 5 to 10 percent of epileptic children will have at least one episode of status epilepticus. Status epilepticus is a life-threatening situation. Treatment is directed at life support, stopping the seizure, and discovering the cause of the status epilepticus. A practical approach to the nursing management of the child in status epilepticus is discussed.
What Is the Role of PFTs in Monitoring Adverse Effects of Surgery, Drug Treatments, Radiation Therapy, and During Hospitalization?

Measurement of various aspects of pulmonary function is a relatively easy, noninvasive, and inexpensive way to gauge the status of the respiratory system. Interest in using these tests to determine risk from medical and surgical interventions stems from their presumed ability to be more sensitive than history or physical examination in detecting underlying lung disease. When coupled with the assumption that early detection of pulmonary abnormalities will lead to alterations in patient management, the ultimate goal of improved patient outcomes becomes very attractive. However, despite advances in technology, achievement of this goal has proved to be more challenging than expected in many areas. This paper attempts to review the literature addressing several of the more difficult of these areas. It is clear that more research, involving more rigorously designed studies, will be necessary, before definitive answers are available.
Post-repolarization refractoriness increases vulnerability to block and initiation of reentrant impulses in heterogeneous infarcted myocardium

Myocardial infarction causes remodeling of the tissue structure and the density and kinetics of several ion channels in the cell membrane. Heterogeneities in refractory period (ERP) have been shown to occur in the infarct border zone and have been proposed to lead to initiation of arrhythmias. The purpose of this study is to quantify the window of vulnerability (WV) to block and initiation of reentrant impulses in myocardium with ERP heterogeneities using computer simulations. We found that ERP transitions at the border between normal ventricular cells (NZ) with different ERPs are smooth, whereas ERP transitions between NZ and infarct border zone cells (IZ) are abrupt. The profile of the ERP transitions is a combination of electrotonic interaction between NZ and IZ cells and the characteristic post-repolarization refractoriness (PRR) of IZ cells. ERP heterogeneities between NZ and IZ cells are more vulnerable to block and initiation of reentrant impulses than ERP heterogeneities between NZ cells. The relationship between coupling intervals of premature impulses (V1V2) and coupling intervals between premature and first reentrant impulses (V2T1) at NZ/NZ and NZ/IZ borders is inverse (i.e. the longer the coupling intervals of premature impulses the shorter the coupling interval between the premature and first reentrant impulses); this is in contrast with the reported V1V2/V2T1 relationship measured during initiation of reentrant impulses in canine infarcted hearts which is direct. In conclusion: (1) ERP transitions at the NZ-IZ border are abrupt as a consequence of PRR; (2) PRR increases the vulnerability to block and initiation of reentrant impulses in heterogeneous myocardium; (3) V1V2/V2T1 relationships measured at ERP heterogeneities in the computer model and in experimental canine infarcts are not consistent. Therefore, it is likely that other mechanisms like micro and/or macro structural heterogeneities also contribute to initiation of reentrant impulses in infarcted hearts.
Efficacy of Atomoxetine Versus Placebo in School-Age Girls With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective. The efficacy of atomoxetine was assessed in school-age girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Atomoxetine is a potent inhibitor of the presynaptic norepinephrine transporter with minimal affinity for other noradrenergic receptors or for other neurotransmitter transporters or receptors. Methods. A total of 291 children who were 7 to 13 years of age and met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for ADHD participated in 1 of 2 combined, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multisite, identical clinical trials. This intent-to-treat subset analysis examined the effects of atomoxetine versus placebo in 51 girls who were randomized to atomoxetine ( n = 30) or placebo ( n = 21) for 9 weeks. ADHD symptoms were assessed using parent- and investigator-rated scales. Results. Atomoxetine was superior to placebo on the following measures: the Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV-Parent Version: Investigator Administered and Scored Total Score; the Inattentive and Hyperactive/Impulsive subscales of the Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV-Parent Version: Investigator Administered and Scored Total Score; the ADHD Index subscale of the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form; and the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity of ADHD. Statistically significant efficacy was seen 1 week after randomization and remained so for the duration of the study. One patient from each of the atomoxetine and placebo groups discontinued the study as a result of an adverse event. Conclusion. Atomoxetine was found to be effective and well tolerated for the treatment of ADHD in school-age girls.
Projection pursuit learning networks for regression

Two types of learning networks for nonparametric regression problems are studied and compared: one is the parametric two-layer perceptron type neural network, which is well known in artificial neural network (ANN) literature; the other is the semiparametric projection pursuit network (PPN), which has emerged in recent years in the statistical estimation literature. From an algorithmic viewpoint, both the PPN and the ANN parametrically form projections of the data in directions determined from interconnection weights. However, unlike an ANN which uses a fixed set of nonlinear nodal functions to perform an explicit parametric estimate of a nonparametric model, the PPN nonparametrically estimates the nonlinear functions using a one-dimensional data smoother. From experimental simulations, ANNs and PPNs perform comparably in predicting independent test data but PPN training is much faster than that of an ANN. >
Implementation of power managed hyper transport system for transmission of HD video

Hyper transport is a bidirectional, serial/parallel high bandwidth, low latency, point-to-point interface architecture. In this architecture, data can be sent on both rising and falling edges of the clock making it an interface that can transmit the data faster when compared to the other architectures that are available in the market today. This architecture also is ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) compliant and can provide low power by switching off when there is no activity in the system. This project is aimed to develop a power managed Hyper Transport system prototype for the transmission of High Definition video. Power is managed by switching the system from active state to sleep state when there is no heavy isochronous data flowing and switching it back to the active state before isochronous data arrives, while by-passing the prioritized video data and interrupts. This project is implemented in Verilog and is simulated using ModelSim. From the simulations, it can be observed that at 50%?70% of isochronous data transfer an overall power saving of 20% ? 40% is achieved.
The mobile programming system: STAGE2

STAGE2 is the second level of a bootstrap sequence which is easily implemented on any computer. It is a flexible, powerful macro processor designed specifically as a tool for constructing machine-independent software. In this paper the features provided by STAGE2 are summarized, and the implementation techniques which have made it possible to have STAGE2 running on a new machine with less than one man-week of effort are discussed. The approach has been successful on over 15 machines of widely varying characteristics.
Asymptotic behaviour of a scalar in an axisymmetric final period turbulent wake

The behaviour of a conserved scalar field in the final period of an axisymmetric turbulent wake is investigated theoretically. Explicit formulae are derived for the behaviour, during and just prior to the scalar field final period, of quantities such as mean concentration, concentration correlations and velocity–scalar or vorticity–scalar cross-correlations. In particular, if τ is the time measured from a virtual origin it is shown that scalar intensity, which decays as τ−5/2, is more persistent asymptotically than turbulence intensity, which displays a τ−7/2 decay. By deriving the scalar field structure as perturbed by the Reynolds stresses acting on mean scalar gradients in the final period it is shown, e.g., that the mean field perturbation dies out at least as rapidly as τ−4, whereas the mean field itself decays as τ−1. Numerical results are presented to display the spatial structure of typical scalar correlations and velocity–scalar cross-correlations, which are compared where possible with non-asymptotic measurements in the wake of a heated sphere.
Ruminations on Investment Performance Measurement

This is a summary of a keynote address to the European Financial Management Symposium on Asset Management in April 2012. It makes five observations about the state of the art in investment performance measurement. First, the traditional alphas used in performance measurement are not to be trusted as normative indicators for when to buy or sell funds, but Stochastic Discount Factor (SDF) alphas are better. Traditional alphas can be equivalent to the correct SDF alphas, but this requires that an Appropriate Benchmark be used. Third, mean variance efficient portfolios are almost never Appropriate Benchmarks. Fourth, Sharpe ratios can be justified as performance measures, if they are properly used. Finally, current holdings-based approaches to performance measurement are also flawed, but I offer some suggestions for improving them.
Anthropomorphic breast phantoms for assessing ultrasonic imaging system performance and for training ultrasonographers: Part I

Three prototype anthropomorphic breast phantoms are discussed. The phantoms were constructed using ultrasonically tissue-mimicking materials; these materials mimic various tissue parenchymae in terms of attenuation, speed of sound, density, and scatter level. Realistic artifacts related to refraction and reflection at interfaces between different simulated parenchymae are produced. The phantoms represent premenopausal breasts, and they complement one another. Two of them represent the dense breasts of women under 30 years of age, and one represents that of a woman between 35 and 40 years of age. Of the former two, one produces what is apparently above-average refraction effects in the region of the peripheral fat layer; the other produces more typical refraction effects. Simulated tumors, cysts, and calcifications of various sizes are suspended in the glandular regions. Such phantoms are valuable for use in developmental testing of state-of-the-art ultrasound machines, quality assurance testing of clinical machines, and training of sonographers in breast imaging.
Pathologic quiz case: multiple pulmonary nodules in a patient with stage IV, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

40-year-old woman presented with fever, pleuritic chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough. She had a history of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (stage IV) for which she was treated with multiple chemotherapeutic agents and peripheral stem cell transplantation (approximately 7 months before presentation). A chest x-ray examination revealed bilateral, multiple nodular infiltrates. A bronchoscopy that was subsequently performed showed clear airways. The bronchoalveolar lavage specimen obtained was submitted for bacterial, viral, and fungal cultures. Biopsy was not performed at that time because of uncontrolled coughing. All the cultures came back negative. Cytomegalovirus serologic test results (immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G) were also negative.
The Validity of the Implicit Association Test Is a Scientific Certainty

LAURIE A. RUDMANRutgers, The State University of New JerseyA virtue of the scientiﬁc enterprise is thatany new method should be the target ofskepticism and debate until its usefulnesshas been established. This has been the tra-jectory of the Implicit Association Test (IAT;Greenwald, McGhee, & Schwartz, 1998),a response latency task that measuresimplicit attitudes, stereotypes, self-esteem,and self-concept (e.g., Greenwald et al.,2002).Todate,thereareover450publishedIATarticles,
Early tumor progression associated with enhanced EGFR signaling with bortezomib, cetuximab, and radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Purpose: A phase I clinical trial and molecular correlative studies were conducted to evaluate preclinical evidence for combinatorial activity of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor cetuximab, and radiation therapy. Experimental Design: Patients with radiotherapy-naive stage IV or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) were studied. Escalating doses of bortezomib (0.7, 1.0, and 1.3 mg/m 2 ) were given intravenously twice weekly on days 1, 4, 8, and 11, every 21 days, with weekly cetuximab beginning 1 week prior and concurrently with intensity-modulated radiotherapy, delivered in 2 Gy fractions to 70 to 74 Gy. Molecular effects were examined in serial serum and SCCHN tumor specimens and the cell line UMSCC-1. Results: Seven patients were accrued before the study was terminated when five of six previously untreated patients with favorable prognosis oropharyngeal SCCHN progressed within 1 year (progression-free survival = 4.8 months; 95% CI, 2.6–6.9). Three patients each received bortezomib 0.7 or 1.0 mg/m 2 , without dose-limiting toxicities; one patient treated at 1.3 mg/m 2 was taken off study due to recurring cetuximab infusion reaction and progressive disease (PD). Expected grade 3 toxicities included radiation mucositis ( n = 4), dermatitis ( n = 4), and rash ( n = 1). SCCHN-related cytokines increased in serial serum specimens of patients developing PD ( P = 0.029). Bortezomib antagonized cetuximab- and radiation-induced cytotoxicity, degradation of EGFR, and enhanced prosurvival signal pathway activation in SCCHN tumor biopsies and UMSCC-1. Conclusions: Combining bortezomib with cetuximab and radiation therapy showed unexpected early progression, evidence for EGFR stabilization, increased prosurvival signaling, and SCCHN cytokine expression, warranting avoidance of this combination. Clin Cancer Res; 17(17); 5755–64. ©2011 AACR .
Differential Stabilities of Phosphorylated Response Regulator Domains Reflect Functional Roles of the Yeast Osmoregulatory SLN1 and SSK1 Proteins

Osmoregulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae involves a multistep phosphorelay system requiring three proteins, SLN1, YPD1, and SSK1, that are related to bacterial two-component signaling proteins, in particular, those involved in regulating sporulation in Bacillus subtilis and anaerobic respiration in Escherichia coli. The SLN1-YPD1-SSK1 phosphorelay regulates a downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade which ultimately controls the concentration of glycerol within the cell under hyperosmotic stress conditions. The C-terminal response regulator domains of SLN1 and SSK1 and full-length YPD1 have been overexpressed and purified from E. coli. A heterologous system consisting of acetyl phosphate, the bacterial chemotaxis response regulator CheY, and YPD1 has been developed as an efficient means of phosphorylating SLN1 and SSK1 in vitro. The homologous regulatory domains of SLN1 and SSK1 exhibit remarkably different phosphorylated half-lives, a finding that provides insight into the distinct roles that these phosphorylation-dependent regulatory domains play in the yeast osmosensory signal transduction pathway.
Use of an Observation Network in the Great Basin to Evaluate Gridded Climate Data

AbstractPredicting sharp hydroclimatic gradients in the complex terrain of the Great Basin can prove to be challenging because of the lack of climate observations that are gradient focused. Furthermore, evaluating gridded data products (GDPs) of climate in such environments for use in local hydroclimatic assessments is also challenging and typically ignored because of the lack of observations. In this study, independent Nevada Climate-Ecohydrological Assessment Network (NevCAN) observations of temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation collected along large altitudinal gradients of the Snake and Sheep mountain ranges from water-year 2012 (October–September) are utilized to evaluate four GDPs of different spatial resolutions: Parameter–Elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) 4 km, PRISM 800 m, Daymet 1 km, and a North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS)–PRISM hybrid 4-km product. Inconsistencies and biases in precipitation measurements due to station siting and gauge typ...
Development and validation of a propensity to trust scale

Though trust researchers recognise the importance of a dispositional component to forming trusting relationships in the workplace, there has been comparatively little research on propensity to trust in the literature. We review the literature, discuss prior measures of propensity to trust, and integrate them to develop a propensity to trust scale. Results of four validation studies suggest that this propensity to trust scale demonstrates strong psychometric properties and is empirically related to other constructs within a theoretically derived nomological network of trust. The consequence is a concise, rigorously developed, and consistently reliable scale of propensity to trust. Scholarly and practical implications are discussed along with several avenues for future research.
Romance and the gentry in late medieval England

Twenty-first-century scholarship on the medieval English romances has largely been occupied with the popular character of these texts. What might be called the “popular turn” in Middle English roma...