cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preferred visual images, environmental attitudes, and environmentally responsible behavioural intention among outdoor recreationists

ABSTRACTEven though nature plays a vital role in connecting humans with the natural environment and facilitating leisure lifestyles, little information is known about how to preserve and restore th...
The Self‐Care of Heart Failure Index: A Psychometric Study

Background The Self-Care of Heart Failure Index is an empirically tested instrument to measure self-care of heart failure patients across different populations and cultures. Aims To develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Nepali Self-Care of Heart Failure Index. Design This psychometric study used a cross-sectional, observational, study design to collect data. The study was guided and reported following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guideline. Methods To develop and culturally validate Nepali Self-Care of Heart Failure Index, a combination of the recommended methods for cross-cultural validation studies were applied such as translation, back translation, expert committee review of the translated version and validity/reliability testing. Face and content validity were ensured using expert review. Construct validity was examined using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Composite reliability scores were calculated for each sub-scale of the Nepali Self-Care of Heart Failure Index. Results A total of 221 heart failure patients in Nepal were enrolled in the study. Adequate face and content validity were ensured through expert review. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported the original three-factor model. Although the three factors explained only 41% of the variance, confirmatory factor analysis fit indexes and error measures were found reasonable. The composite reliability coefficients for self-care maintenance, management and confidence scale were 0.6, 0.7 and 0.8, respectively. Conclusions The Nepali Self-Care of Heart Failure Index is a theoretically based, culturally acceptable and appropriate instrument for use among Nepali heart failure patients. However, further studies are needed to refine its psychometric properties. Relevance to clinical practice Access to reliable, valid and culturally appropriate instruments is crucial in describing the state of the problem as well as for developing and evaluating tailored and targeted self-care practice interventions for Nepali patients living with heart failure.
“The Future Is Intersectional”: Using the Arts to Reinsert Black Women Into the Civil Rights Narrative

In this article we outline the importance of reinserting the voices, experiences, and contributions of Black women as critical citizens into the narrative of the modern-day Civil Rights Movement. I...
Prediction of mortality after evacuation of supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage using NSQIP data.

Abstract Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Neurosurgical clot evacuation is controversial but often a life saving maneuver in the setting of severe mass effect and cerebral herniation. Outcomes from large multicenter databases are sparsely reported. Patients who underwent craniotomy for evacuation of a supratentorial sICH between 2006 and 2017 were systematically extracted from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Files. Our primary outcomes of interest were 30-day mortality, non-routine discharge disposition, and extended length of stay ([eLOS], defined as the top quartile for the cohort). Individual binary logistic regression models were constructed to query the associations between pre- and perioperative variables and each outcome. A total of 751 patients met the inclusion criteria. The 30-day mortality rate was 23.3% and increased from 2011 to 2017 (pooled OR 2.060 [95% CI 1.437 – 2.953]). Older age, morbid obesity, preoperative mechanical ventilation, preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or septic shock, and thrombocytopenia were associated with mortality. Older age, race, and preoperative mechanical ventilation were associated with non-routine discharge. Patients who were mechanically ventilated or were insulin-dependent diabetics had greater odds of experiencing eLOS. A formula for estimating 30-day mortality was developed and found to have a strong linear association with actual mortality rates (R2 = 0.777, p = 0.002). Preoperative mechanical ventilation is a consistent predictor of poor outcomes following surgery for supratentorial sICH. Mortality is also influenced by older age, body habitus, SIRS, septic shock, and thrombocytopenia.
RNN-Based online anomaly detection in nuclear reactors for highly imbalanced datasets with uncertainty

Abstract Accurate online condition monitoring and anomaly detection are crucial in nuclear applications to optimize economic performance and minimize safety risks. To achieve this goal, several major challenges exist which must be addressed. First, multi-sensor signals are often collected in the form of complex, multivariate time series. Second, relatively few anomaly records are available to train detection models. Lastly, the recorded data may contain uncertainties resulting from various sources, such as operator-induced variability and measurement error. In this paper, a recurrent neural network-based approach is proposed to tackle these issues by effectively utilizing historical data obtained during both normal and abnormal operations. Several advanced data preprocessing techniques are developed to improve the training process of the proposed neural network. The efficiency and sensitivity of the proposed method are evaluated on the multi-sensor signal measurements and operational reports obtained from a real case study. The results demonstrate much improved detection accuracy and practicality of the proposed method over conventional approaches.
Measurement of nonbillable service value activities by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists in ambulatory specialty care.

Background Revenue-generating health care activities, generally accepted as a measure of productivity, do not account for the full range of health care activities that enhance patient care. Purpose We analyzed the quantity, duration, and type of "service value activities" performed by nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), which are nonbillable service activities that contribute to billable service provision, quality of care, and value of care. Methods Data were obtained from ambulatory specialties at one health care institution over a 13-month period. First, descriptive statistics were calculated by time-based code for each category of provider (medical, surgical, transplant, hematology/oncology, and anesthesia). Then qualitative comments were analyzed for frequency of key words. Results Each provider spent an estimated average of between 3.7 and 36.5 hours per month on service value activities, with the greatest number of these activities related to orders, chart review, and documentation. Implications for practice More thorough exploration of the quantity and type of service value activities performed may lead to a better understanding of the role and contribution of NPs, PAs, CNSs, and other health care professionals to patient care.
The multi-functional eyes absent proteins.

The Eyes Absent (EYA) proteins are the only known instance of a single polypeptide housing the following three separable biochemical activities: tyrosine phosphatase, threonine phosphatase, and tra...
Between Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Celiac Disease

This chapter presents the case of a young female with a history of anxiety, who was evaluated for chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea, associated with wheat intake. The recommendations for evaluating patients with suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is discussed, including celiac disease (CeD) screening, as there is an overlap in symptoms between the two conditions, as well as evidence to suggest a higher prevalence of CeD among patients with IBS. In addition, many patients with CeD go on to develop overlap IBS despite resolution of enteropathy. The chapter concludes with the benefits of low FODMAP diet.
Telemedicine Experience of General Surgery Trainees: Impact on Patient Care and Education

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on patient care, including the increased utilization of contact-free clinic visits using telemedicine. We looked to assess current utiliz...
Genetic and Transcriptional Contributions to Relapse in Normal Karyotype Acute Myeloid Leukemia

To better understand clonal and transcriptional adaptations after relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we collected presentation and relapse samples from six normal karyotype AML cases. We performed enhanced whole-genome sequencing to characterize clonal evolution, and deep-coverage single-cell RNA sequencing on the same samples, which yielded 142,642 high-quality cells for analysis. Identifying expressed mutations in individual cells enabled us to discriminate between normal and AML cells, to identify coordinated changes in the genome and transcriptome, and to identify subclone-specific cell states. We quantified the coevolution of genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity during AML progression, and found that transcriptional changes were significantly correlated with genetic changes. However, transcriptional adaptation sometimes occurred independently, suggesting that clonal evolution does not represent all relevant biological changes. In three cases, we identified cells at diagnosis that likely seeded the relapse. Finally, these data revealed a conserved relapse-enriched leukemic cell state bearing markers of stemness, quiescence, and adhesion. Significance: These data enabled us to identify a relapse-enriched leukemic cell state with distinct transcriptional properties. Detailed case-by-case analyses elucidated the complex ways in which the AML genome, transcriptome, and immune microenvironment interact to evade chemotherapy. These analyses provide a blueprint for evaluating these factors in larger cohorts.
Methoden zur Objektivierung – virtuelle Absicherung von Lenksystemen

Obwohl elektromechanische Lenksysteme (EPS) nunmehr zum Stand der Technik gehoren, ist die Evolution dieses Systembauteils noch in vollem Gange. Entwicklungsherausforderung bleibt die feinfuhlige subjektive Abstimmung des Systems und weiterfuhrend das virtuelle Design des Lenkgefuhls. Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt dafur einen weiteren Baustein zur Verfugung, indem ein Verfahren fur die Simulation des menschlichen Lenkverhaltens beim Ausregeln von Storgrosen und dessen Bewertung vorgestellt wird.
Multiscale MRF optimization for robust registration of 2D biological data

Discrete formulations of image registration offer the promise of dense deformations via optimizations robust to large motions or poor initialization. However, many available efficient algorithms are not well suited to medical or biological data. We propose a novel multiscale Markov Random Field formulation for image registration, which reduces the number of labels needed at each scale while preserving the ability to represent dense, fine-grained feature matches. The multiscale nature of the algorithm also allows arbitrary sub-voxel accuracy, and we further propose a simple extension which grants a measure of rotational invariance to an arbitrary feature matching term.
Primary Motor Cortex

The primary motor cortex represents a principal component of sensory motor integration implemented in the brain. Motor cortex has the fundamental function to control voluntary movements, including integration of motor commands with the ongoing somatic sensory state of the body. To accomplish this function, primary motor cortex receives information from sensory, motor-related, and associative cortical and subcortical brain areas and sends massive output monosynaptically to the spinal cord, especially to alpha-motor neurons that couple to muscles. From classical perspectives, the primary motor cortex functions as the final cortical output for already processed movement commands, relaying signals from premotor cerebral cortical sites to the spinal cord. Recent evidence, however, indicates more complex and crucial roles for primary motor cortex in processing motor-related information. Keywords: brain; cortex; motor cortex; neuroscience
Domain Wall Migration in 3-d in the Presence of Diffusing Impurities

A new three-dimensional simulation procedure was developed for domain wall (grain boundary, APB, magnetic, etc.) migration in the presence of diffusing impurities. The simulation is based upon a kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm and an extended Ising model, incorporating both conserved and non-conserved dynamics. The simulations show a dependence of the domain wall velocity on driving force which is very similar to that seen in 2-d and in qualitative agreement with experiment. That is, the presence of a low mobility regime at small driving force and an abrupt transition to a high mobility regime at larger forces, under some conditions, and a continuous, non-linear dependence of the velocity on the force in others. The main qualitative difference between the 2-d and 3-d simulation results is in how the domain wall roughness depends on driving force. The velocity-driving force relation is not consistent with classic continuum models, but may be described, in the high velocity regime, by a theory based upon a discrete version of these models.
Multistage thermoelectric micro coolers

Multistage thermoelectric coolers have been used for a long time because they offer a larger temperature difference than single stage thermoelectric coolers. MEMS technology leads to the possibility to fabricate multistage thermoelectric micro coolers in batches without much increase in complexity compared to single stage cooler fabrication. In this paper, we discuss the design of multistage thermoelectric coolers to optimize the maximum temperature difference, which is of particular interest for micro coolers. As an example, a two-stage thermoelectric micro cooler is designed for the thermal management of a 10 mW mid-IR laser. The heat leakage issue, the most important degradation mechanism for the performance of thermoelectric micro coolers, is also discussed and possible solutions are also presented.
The design of antagonists of regulatory peptides, and comments on their specificity.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the alternative approaches in antagonist design, and describes how a new approach has been applied with some success to the design of specific antagonists of the enkephalin delta opiate receptor. These approaches can be best understood, and new approaches considered, by referring to the mathematical model. Agonistreceptor, or more generally ligand-receptor binding is again considered to involve interaction of discrete regions of the ligand molede with complementary receptor subsites. In the simplified case of a divalent ligand interacting with two subsites, binding to the two subsites may involve one ligand molecule (represented by the three states P1, P2, and P3) or two (represented by the state P4). Only those ligands able to form the “active state” P3 serve as agonists; this state may be achieved solely from the conformational changes induced by binding of the ligand at both subsites (allosteric model), or by the combination of these changes and the supply by the ligand of a chemical group normally absent at the receptor, but critical for its function (participation model).
Life Cycle Costs and Reliability Engineering

This chapter presents the life cycle cost (LCC) and relates it to product or system reliability. It discusses LCC through the product life phases beginning with the design phase and ending with warranty and field operation phase. It demonstrates how decisions in every phase directly or indirectly affect the LCC over the product life. Determinations of optimal process parameters or decision that minimize the LCC are demonstrated through examples in different phases of the product life cycle. Keywords: life cycle cost; LCC ; failure rate; redundancy; system configuration; reliability testing; maintenance; warranty cost
Yoga to Reduce Trauma-Related Distress and Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties Among Children Living in Orphanages in Haiti: A Pilot Study

Abstract Objectives: To measure trauma-related distress and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an 8-week yoga intervention (YI) in reducing trauma-related symptoms and emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBD) among children living in orphanages in Haiti. Design: Case comparison with random assignment to YI or aerobic dance control (DC) plus a nonrandomized wait-list control (WLC) group. Setting: Two orphanages for children in Haiti. Participants: 76 children age 7 to 17 years. Intervention: The YI included yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. The DC group learned a series of dance routines. The WLC group received services as usual in the institutional setting. After completion of data collection, the WLC group received both yoga and dance classes for 8 weeks. Outcome measures: The UCLA PTSD Reaction Index and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were used to indicate trauma-related symptoms and EBD, respectively. A within-subject analysis was con...
Use in 1992 of Amphetamines among Miami's Public School Students

This analysis examined self-reported amphetamine use by 473 adolescents in Dade County, Florida public schools in 1992. Significant factors which increase the probability of use include peers' use of amphetamines and the fact that the adolescent is a female.
Development of Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. in WURLD wheat

Abstract WURLD wheat, a parboiled, lye-peeled product, was tested, along with untreated white wheat and pearled white wheat, and a hard red winter wheat bulgur, for susceptibility to the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. The order of suitability of the wheats for multiplication of the weevils was pearled, untreated, bulgur and WURLD.
Locating replicas of a database on a network

We study the problem of locating replicas of a database on a network to minimize the communication cost. We first present extensions of the p-median theorem to prove that under two different measures of communication cost one can always optimally locate the replicas at the vertices (nodes) of the network. We briefly review the fact that the problem is NP-hard for general networks under either measure of communication cost, and we then provide efficient algorithms for solving the problem on tree networks for either of the two measures.
The Effect of Potential and Caustic Concentration on the Stress Corrosion Cracking of NiCrMoV Steel at 100 C

Abstract The range of potentials over which NiCrMoV steel is susceptible to stress corrosion cracking was studied at several caustic concentrations. Although NiCrMoV steel cracked over a wider range of potential at the higher caustic concentrations, only at the lower concentrations was the free corrosion potential in the cracking range, and only at the lower concentrations did freely corroding steel crack. Adding certain compounds to the caustic solutions enhanced stress corrosion cracking in 40 w/o NaOH, but should not at lower concentration. Susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking varied with caustic concentration in a complex manner.
The role of marital power in depression and marital distress

Abstract Although research has established a clear relationship between depression and marital distress, the causal direction of this relationship cannot be determined from the existing data. Drawing on sex role theory, the learned helplessness model of depression, and a review of empirical research, this article explores inequity in marital power as a potential third variable that explains how depression and the quality of the marriage are related. The aim of the article is to generate more broadminded thinking about how marital power, depression, and marital distress are interrelated.
On the complexity of p-adic basic semi-algebraic sets

We study the complexity of detecting feasibility of p-adic basic semi-algebraic sets. We construct an algorithm using restricted p-adic precision L, which runs in time polynomial in L, the degrees and number of defining polynomials, and the exponents in the defining Macintyre predicates.
Virtual field experiments for a digital economy: a new research methodology for exploring an information economy

Many researchers are concerned about the appropriateness of traditional research approaches and methodologies in the analysis of a digital economy. Using the Experimental Digital Economy (EDE), a new technology infrastructure that we have developed for a digital economy, we propose a new research methodology, a virtual field experiment, which makes it feasible and effective to test research hypotheses with the desired level of experimental controls and to probe successful business strategies in a real business world. Three summaries of research on a digital economy, like the efficiency of a digital market, the effectiveness of digital markets (posted-price markets and auctions), and the impact of quality certifications, address the implications of virtual field experiments.
The catalytic subunits of the (Na+,K+)-ATPase α and α(+) isozymes are the products of different genes

Abstract The sequences of the first 14 amino acids of the (Na + ,K + )-ATPase catalytic subunits from rat kidney (α) and rat brain axolemma (α(+)) have been determined. They are: (α), NH 2 -Gly-Arg-Asp-Lys-Tyr-Glu-Pro-Ala-Ala-Val-Ser-Glu-His-Gly; (α(+)), NH 2 -Gly-Arg-Glu-Tyr-Ser-Pro-Ala-Ala-Glu-Val-Ala-Glu-Val-Gly. Although they are highly homologous, it is clear these sequences are also sufficiently different to conclude they are the products of different genes, or at least different exons of the same, differentially spliced, gene. Among mammals, the amino terminal sequence of the kidney α chain is essentially invariant. Thus this section of the (Na + ,K + )-ATPase molecule is more highly conserved in one tissue between several species than between different tissues in the same species. This may reflect upon the difference in function of the α and α(+) isozymes of (Na + ,K + )-ATPase.
Captive Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Predation on Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Fingerlings and Its Influence on Single-batch Cropping Production

Abstract.— We studied the effects of captive doublecrested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus predation on channel catfish Ictalurus puncratus inventories from research ponds with and without alternative prey during the years 1998–2000. In 1998, predation by two groups of captive cormorants on ponds without alternative prey produced inventory reductions relative to a control pond that were equivalent to 10.2 (516 g) and 10.5 (608 g) catfishhird per d. In 1999 and 2000 individual cormorants foraging on 0.02-ha pond halves for 10 d (500 cormoranta) stocked with both catfish and golden shiners Noremigonus crysoleucas produced inventory reductions at harvest (7.5 mo after predation occurred) averaging approximately 7 and 9 catfishhird per d, respectively. In 1999, two ponds averaged a 30% reduction in fish inventoried and a 23% loss in biomass from ponds stocked at 12,355 fishha using a single batch cropping system. Production losses from predation were not apparent at a third pond where disease reduced the catfish population by more than 50%. In contrast, two ponds with more modest disease problems in 2000 had additive predation losses that exceeded those observed in 1999. Observations of cormorants foraging during 1999 and 2000 suggested that differences in catfish predation between these years may have been related to less shiner utilization by cormorants in 2000. However, based on availability, there was no preference for shiners over catfish (Chesson's alpha c0.41) in either year, although shiners were a more readily manipulated prey. Despite the possible moderating effects of alternative prey utilization, we conclude that cormorants can cause significant economic losses to catfish at harvest.
Family expressiveness and proneness to depression among college women

Abstract The poor social functioning that is frequently associated with depression may partly reflect styles of emotional expressiveness learned in the family of origin. The relationships between proneness to depression and the amount and types of family expressiveness were studied for 57 college women. Although total family expressiveness was not significantly correlated with depression proneness, results suggested that lower levels of positive family expressiveness and higher amounts of negative family expressiveness each were associated with proneness to depression. A group of high depression-prone women reported approximately equal amounts of positive versus negative family expressiveness while a low depression-prone group reported more positive than negative family expressiveness. An emphasis on the positive expression of emotions within the family may be associated with a decreased risk of depression. Women who learn to express and receive positive emotions may have more satisfying relationships and less depression.
Two-Dimensional Compaction by 'Zone Refining'

A new technique for 2-dimensional layout compaction of integrated circuits is presented. After a traditional one-dimensional precompaction step, the size of the layout is further reduced with a technique that bears a strong similarity to the technique of 'zone-refining' used in the purification of crystal ingots. Individual circuit components or small clusters of components are peeled off row by row from the precompacted layout, moved across an open zone, and reassembled at the other end of this zone in a denser configuration. In this process both coordinates of the moved components are altered and jogs are introduced in the connecting wires between them to produce the needed flexibility for placing components into optimal positions. The constraint graphs in both the x- and y-direction are used and updated concurrently.
Obstetric history and birth characteristics and Wilms tumor: a report from the Children’s Oncology Group

Previous epidemiologic studies have suggested that various pregnancy and birth characteristics may be associated with Wilms tumor, a childhood kidney tumor. We evaluated obstetric events and birth characteristics in relation to Wilms tumor using data from a large North American case-control study. Mothers of 521 children with Wilms tumor and 517 controls, frequency matched on child's age and geographic region, provided information about their labor and delivery history and their children's birth characteristics through a detailed computer-assisted telephone interviews. Most obstetric factors were not associated with Wilms tumor, but modest associations were observed for labor induction (OR: 1.4, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.1, 1.8), prenatal vaginal infection (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.8), and upper respiratory infection (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0, 2.4). Low ( 4500 g) birth weight and preterm delivery (<37 weeks completed gestation) were associated with an elevated risk of Wilms tumor, as was neonatal respiratory problems. The association for high birth weight was present only among children with perilobar nephrogenic rests (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2, 3.9), possibly distinguishing a specific association among a biologically distinct subgroup of Wilms tumor cases. The results of this large study did not support many of the earlier findings of smaller studies. However, additional investigations of the effects of certain obstetric and birth characteristics among more refined tumor subgroups may further our understanding of these factors in relation to Wilms tumor.
Evaluation of progressive neuroretinal rim loss as a surrogate end point for development of visual field loss in glaucoma.

Purpose To evaluate the validity of using progressive loss of neuroretinal rim area as a surrogate end point for the development of visual field loss in glaucoma. Design Prospective, observational cohort study. Participants The study group included 492 eyes of 328 patients classified with suspected glaucoma at the baseline visit. These eyes had an average of 7.4±2.8 confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO) images during a mean follow-up time of 6.6±1.6 years. Methods Rim area measurements were acquired with CSLO during follow-up. The visual field end point was considered the development of 3 consecutive abnormal visual fields on standard automated perimetry. Strong predictive ability and large proportion of treatment effect (PTE) explained are requisites for a suitable surrogate end point. A joint longitudinal survival model was used to evaluate the ability of rates of rim area loss in predicting visual field development, adjusting for confounding variables (baseline age, race, and corneal thickness and follow-up measurements of intraocular pressure [IOP] and pattern standard deviation). The PTE was calculated by comparing the effect of IOP on the risk of development of visual field loss when incorporating rim area loss in the same model with the effect of IOP in the model excluding rim area measurements. Main Outcome Measures Predictive strength was measured by survival-adapted R 2 and PTE. Results Sixty-two of 492 eyes (13%) developed visual field loss during follow-up. The mean rate of rim area change in eyes that developed visual field loss was −0.011 mm 2 /year versus −0.003 mm 2 /year in eyes that did not ( P 2 /year faster rate of rim area loss was associated with a 2.94 higher risk of visual field loss (hazard ratio, 2.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.38–6.23; P = 0.005). R 2 values were 62% and 81% for univariable and multivariable models, respectively. The PTE was 65%. Conclusions Progressive rim area loss was highly predictive of the development of visual field loss in glaucoma and explained a significant PTE on the clinically relevant outcome. These findings suggest that rim area measurements may be suitable surrogate end points in glaucoma clinical trials.
Electrodiagnosis of Disorders of Neuromuscular Transmission

This article reviews the use of electrodiagnostic testing in disorders of neuromuscular transmission and discusses the differences between various presynaptic and postsynaptic disorders. Attention is paid to quality control issues that influence the sensitivity of repetitive nerve stimulation and single fiber electromyography. Electrodiagnostic testing, when used as an extension of the clinician's history and physical examination, will provide appropriate direction in establishing the diagnosis.
Results of carotid endarterectomy with prospective neurologist follow-up.

Background: Previous studies have shown that neurologic complications following carotid endarterectomy (CE) are underestimated if patients are not examined by neurologists after surgery. Objective: To review the morbidity and mortality in a cohort of patients examined before and after CE in a neurology and stroke clinic. Methods: This was a prospective case series from an academic medical center; 44 patients were referred for CE during the period June 1995 to April 1999. Mean age was 64.3 years; 70.5% were referred for symptomatic stenosis and 29.5% were asymptomatic. Three neurosurgeons and two vascular surgeons operated on the patients. Results: The 30-day mortality rate was 4.5% and the 30-day stroke or death rate was 11.4%. One patient had a TIA due to thrombus formation at the operative site and a second patient had an asymptomatic intimal flap. Conclusions: With prospective follow-up by neurologists, the CE complication rate in an academic medical center was significantly higher than the rates reported in controlled clinical trials. The generalizability of data from CE clinical trials is limited and local audits are necessary to better establish the risk/benefit ratio for individual hospitals and surgeons.
A taxonomy for algebraic computation

Recently the authors responded to a request from Professor Anthony Ralston of the State University of New York at Buffalo to participate in the review of a proposed Taxonomy of Computer Science and Engineering which is being prepared under the auspices of AFIPS, with funding provided by a number of U.S. government agencies. To quote from Professor Ralston's letter:"The main purpose of this project is to provide a document which will enable those outside of CS&E to see what this discipline - or a part of it - is concerned with. Among the other uses to which such a taxonomy might be put are to influence the categories of Computing Reviews or job classifications in the federal government and elsewhere."
Further investigations of a mesospheric inversion layer observed in the ALOHA-93 Campaign

[1] Temperature and wind data obtained from a Na wind/temperature lidar operated by the University of Illinois group during the Airborne Lidar and Observations of the Hawaiian Airglow (ALOHA-93) Campaign, previously analyzed by Huang et al. [1998] using an isothermal Brunt-Vaisala frequency, have been reexamined to include temperature gradients in the calculation of the Richardson number. In the previous analysis using the isothermal Brunt-Vaisala frequency the existence of convective instability could not be assessed. New analysis shows that the nonisothermal Richardson number preserves some features found previously, with some striking differences noticable at times between 0900 and 1030 UT. The nonisothermal Richardson number becomes negative as early as 0930 UT, indicating conditions conducive to the development of convective instability and turbulence. The possibility that turbulence could exist at times earlier than previously thought explains more satisfactorily the large temperature increase observed before 1000 UT.
Functional antagonism of different G protein-coupled receptor kinases for β-arrestin-mediated angiotensin II receptor signaling

β-arrestins bind to G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)-phosphorylated seven transmembrane receptors, desensitizing their activation of G proteins, while concurrently mediating receptor endocytosis, and some aspects of receptor signaling. We have used RNA interference to assess the roles of the four widely expressed isoforms of GRKs (GRK 2, 3, 5, and 6) in regulating β-arrestin-mediated signaling to the mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 by the angiotensin II type 1A receptor. Angiotensin II-stimulated receptor phosphorylation, β-arrestin recruitment, and receptor endocytosis are all mediated primarily by GRK2/3. In contrast, inhibiting GRK 5 or 6 expression abolishes β-arrestin-mediated ERK activation, whereas lowering GRK 2 or 3 leads to an increase in this signaling. Consistent with these findings, β-arrestin-mediated ERK activation is enhanced by overexpression of GRK 5 and 6, and reciprocally diminished by GRK 2 and 3. These findings indicate distinct functional capabilities of β-arrestins bound to receptors phosphorylated by different classes of GRKs.
An Integrated Computational and Experimental Model of Nitric Oxide–Red Blood Cell Interactions

In blood vessels, nitric oxide homeostasis is maintained by its formation by endothelial nitric oxide synthase and its consumption in smooth muscle cells and in vascular lumen by red blood cell (RBC) encapsulated hemoglobin (Hb). Free hemoglobin has a very high reaction rate (k Hb–NO ~ 107 M−1 s−1) with NO as compared to RBC–Hb. Mechanisms of reduced NO uptake by RBC–Hb has been extensively studied in recent years. A critical factor in the investigation of NO–RBC interactions is delivery of NO. Common NO delivery methods include use of NO donors and bolus saturated NO solutions, which delivers NO homogenously and only in the vicinity of bolus, respectively. In this study, we developed a flow system that uses gaseous delivery of NO through a polymeric semi-permeable membrane to obtain precise and uniform NO concentrations for NO–RBC interactions. We conducted experiments using the flow system to study the effect of NO concentrations, hematocrit and RBC suspension flow rates on NO–RBC interactions. We developed a computational model to simulate NO transport and to estimate the reaction rate constant for NO–RBC interaction in the flow system. Our results showed that NO consumption of RBCs (i) increased linearly with an increase in available NO, and (ii) decreased with increase in RBCs suspension flow rate. We estimated the reaction rate constant for NO–RBC interactions to be 0.2 × 105 M−1 s−1 which is ~1250-fold lower than NO consumption by free hemoglobin and ~2.5–20 fold slower than reported NO–RBC reaction rate.
The Use of a Vertically Pointing Pulsed Doppler Radar in Cloud Physics and Weather Modification Studies

Abstract It is shown that Doppler radar measurements of the changes with height of the average fallspeeds of solid precipitation particles can be used together with radiosonde data to distinguish between growth of ice particles by riming and growth by deposition from the vapor phase. Under some conditions this information can be deduced from real-time observations, but generally spectral broadening by turbulence requires that the velocity measurements be time-averaged. Examples of the use of this technique to deduce information on the modes of growth of ice particles in natural and in artificially seeded clouds are given.
Divergent synthesis of three classes of aryl N-glycosides by solvent control.

Aryl glycosides represent a group of molecules with immense biological applications and implications. While the syntheses of aryl C-glycosides and O-glycosides have been studied extensively, the preparation for aryl N-glycosides is relatively unexplored. By employing 1,4-naphthoquinone and glycosyl azides undergoing a [3 + 2] cycloaddition, we have developed a convenient method for constructing three different classes of aryl N-glycosides that include N-glycosylated 2-aminomethylene-1,3-indanedione, benzazepine-1,5-dione, and 9,10-anthraquinone derivatives via solvent control. It was found that conducting cycloaddition in DMF formed exclusively 9,10-anthraquinone derivatives, while less polar solvent such as toluene offered all three aryl N-glycosides. The synthesis of N-glycosylated 9,10-anthraquinone derivatives is of particular interest since no known example has been documented. The synthesis of these N-glycosylated heterocyclic compounds using traditional glycosylation methods could be challenging. T...
The effect of amphotericin B, aztreonam, imipenem and cephalosporins on the bone marrow progenitor cell activity

The effects of certain antibiotics on the colony forming activity of human bone marrow cells in semisolid methylcellulose medium in vitro and on murine BM cells in spleen colony forming units (cfu-s) in vivo were evaluated. Amikacin, gentamicin, piperacillin, co-trimoxazole and pentamidine had little or no effect on human bone marrow progenitor cell function; amphotericin B, aztreonam, ceftazidime and imipenem caused significant suppression of human colony forming unit-erythroid (cfu-e), burst forming unit-erythroid (bfu-e) and colony forming unit-granulocyte macrophage (cfu-gm) at both peak and trough serum concentrations. At molar equivalent concentrations ceftazidime, cefotaxime and cefoperazone caused significant decreases in human cfu-e, bfu-e and cfu-gm in vitro (P less than 0.01) and murine cfu-s in vivo (P less than 0.05); cefoxitin, cefuroxime, ceftizoxime and ceftriaxone did not suppress human bone marrow progenitor cell activity. Gentamicin, piperacillin and ceftriaxone had no effect on murine cfu-s formation. Further studies to evaluate the effect of these antibiotics on human bone marrow in vivo are suggested.
Tumor necrosis factor microsatellites define a Crohn's disease- associated haplotype on chromosome 6

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: HLA class II associations have been described in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and may be markers for other closely linked genes that are involved in disease pathogenesis. The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) locus, which contains the genes for TNF- alpha and TNF-beta, is located on chromosome 6 within the major histocompatibility complex loci. To investigate potential genetic associations in inflammatory bowel disease at the TNF locus, we studied 75 patients with CD, 73 patients with UC, and 60 ethnically matched controls using microsatellite markers. METHODS: Five TNF microsatellite loci (TNFa, TNFb, TNFc, TNFd, and TNFe) were typed using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: A CD-associated allelic combination, TNFa2b1c2d4e1, was found in 24% of patients with CD, 4.1% of patients with UC (P=0.001; odds ratio, 7.4; CD vs. UC), and 6.7% of control subjects (P=0.01; odds ratio, 4.4 CD vs. controls). This TNF haplotype was associated with the previously described HLA-DR1/DQ5 combination in CD. CONCLUSIONS: The TNFa2b1c2d4e1 allelic combination is the strongest genetic risk factor described in CD and, with HLA class II alleles, defines a group of markers on chromosome 6 that extends from HLA class II to upstream of the TNF-beta gene. (Gastroenterology 1996 Apr;110(4):1053-60)
Analyzing Drivability of Open Ended Piles in Very Dense Sands

AbstractThe successful installation of long piles driven into very dense sands relies on the occurrence of the reduction in local friction with increased pile embedment, a phenomenon known as ‘friction fatigue’. The underlying mechanisms controlling friction fatigue are poorly understood, with some design methods including an adjustment for the influence of pile diameter while others do not. This paper back calculates the installation resistance of 0.356m to 2m (14in to 78in) diameter open ended piles driven into very dense sands using wave equation analyses. Cone penetration test data are used to link soil properties to installation resistance. The study illustrates consistent interpretation of a variety of case histories of open ended piles driven in very dense sands using newly developed analysis techniques and normalized parameters. Results provide information on methods for incorporating friction fatigue into drivability studies as well as a discussion of mechanisms related to pipe pile installation ...
Gastrointestinal manifestations of adverse drug reactions.

Adverse drug reactions affecting the digestive system were studied by epidemiologic methods. A population of 3164 inpatients and 612 outpatients were monitored for drug utilization and adverse drug reactions. Reactions affecting the digestive system were detected in 4.3% of the inpatients. Women experienced digestive reactions at a higher incidence than men (P<.05). Potassium chloride, heparin, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, and aluminum and magnesium hydroxide suspension were the drugs most commonly cited as a cause of gastrointestinal reactions. A significantly greater rate of gastrointestinal reactions to levodopa (P<.01) and guanethidine (P<.05) were observed in women as compared to men. A similar predisposition to gastrointestinal side-effects of drugs was observed in outpatients where women reported a significantly higher incidence (P<.001) of gastrointestinal reactions as compared to men.
Mass and energy transfer to seabirds in the southeastern Bering Sea

It has been hypothesized that differentiation in food web structure occurs across the Bering Sea continental shelf as a result of seasonal differentiation of water masses. We tested this idea using an apex predator, pelagic birds. Seasonal abundance of birds in central Bristol Bay was estimated from counts made while underway between hydrographic stations. Prey and body mass were determined from birds collected at sea. Daily intake was estimated as an allometric function of body mass. Annual occupancy was estimated as the integral of a normal curve fit to seasonal data. Estimated carbon flux to seabirds in the middle domain was 0.12 gC m-2 y-1 in 1980, 0.18 gC m-2 y-1 in 1981. Carbon flux to seabirds in the adjacent waters of the outer shelf domain was 1.8 times higher than in the middle domain in 1980, 1.6 times higher in 1981. Carbon flux to seabirds in the inner domain was 1.2 times higher than in the middle domain in 1980, and 3.3 times higher in 1981. Carbon flux to seabirds in the outer domain was due primarily to non-diving species, principally northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) during the summer and autumn, and Larus gulls in the autumn and winter. Flux to seabirds in the inner domain was due to diving birds, principally murres (Uria sp.) in the spring and shearwaters (Puffinus sp.) during the summer. The euphausiid Thysanoessa raschii was the primary food source of shearwaters in shallow waters of the inner shelf domain. A more diverse set of prey, including squid, jellyfish, hyperiids, and fish, was taken by shearwaters and fulmars in the deeper waters of the outer and middle shelf domains. This result suggests that prey diversity is higher in seasonally stratified waters of outer Bristol Bay than in mixed waters of inner Bristol Bay. Greater energy flux to diving species in shallow water, and greater energy flux to non-divers in deep water may be a function of topographic control of prey patchiness. © 1985.
Infection Dynamics on Growing Networks

We consider the entire spectrum of architectures for large, growing, and complex networks, ranging from being heterogeneous (scale-free) to homogeneous (random or small-world), and investigate the infection dynamics by using a realistic three-state epidemiological model. In this framework, a node can be in one of the three states: susceptible (S), infected (I), or refractory (R), and the populations in the three groups are approximately described by a set of nonlinear differential equations. Our heuristic analysis predicts that, (1) regardless of the network architecture, there exists a substantial fraction of nodes that can never be infected, and (2) heterogeneous networks are relatively more robust against spread of infection as compared with homogeneous networks. These are confirmed numerically. We have also considered the problem of deliberate immunization for preventing wide spread of infection, with the result that targeted immunization can be quite effective for heterogeneous networks. We believe these results are important for a host of problems in many areas of natural science and engineering, and in social sciences as well.
The Retardation and Neutralization of Argon Ions in Helium

An apparatus is described for making direct measurements of the loss of forward velocity of argon ions in single encounters with helium atoms. Results are given in the form of collision cross sections for given percentage retardations, for ions of energies of 1000, 800, 600, 400, and 200 ev. The cross sections are zero for energy losses greater than 33.1 percent and increase both with decreasing percentage loss and decreasing beam speed. A correction to the readings necessary to obtain the results proves to be of unusual interest because the correction is itself the cross section for charge exchange between the argon ions and the helium atoms. Quantitative values of the cross sections for this unusual charge exchange are thus obtained. The values run roughly from 3.5 to 4.5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ per molecule in the energy range studied, compared with 28 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ for ${\mathrm{A}}^{+}$ ions in A and 63 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ for $\mathrm{N}_{2}^{}{}_{}{}^{+}$ ions in ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$. All the results are in sufficiently precise form to invite detailed theoretical analysis.