cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of validated methods for identifying Kawasaki disease using administrative or claims data

Abstract Purpose To identify and assess algorithms used to identify Kawasaki syndrome/Kawasaki disease in administrative and claims databases. Methods We searched the MEDLINE database from 1991 to September 2012 using controlled vocabulary and key terms related to Kawasaki disease. We also searched the reference lists of included studies. Two investigators independently assessed the full text of studies against pre-determined inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently extracted data regarding participant and algorithm characteristics. Results Our searches identified 177 citations of which 22 met our inclusion criteria. All studies used algorithms including International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code 446.1 either alone, or with evidence of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration, or with ICD-10 code M30.3. Six studies confirmed diagnoses by medical chart review. Three of these six studies reported validation statistics, with positive predictive values of 74%, 84%, and 86%, respectively. Conclusions All studies that reported algorithms used either the ICD-9 code 446.1 either alone, with evidence of IVIG administration or with ICD-10 code M30.3. The ICD-9 code 446.1 alone produced positive predictive values of 74%, 84%, and 86% in separate studies in Georgia and California. The sensitivity of these codes to detect Kawasaki disease is unknown, as no sampling of medical records for missed true cases of Kawasaki disease was done. Further research would be helpful to determine whether the relatively high positive predictive values found in southern California are seen elsewhere and also to evaluate the performance of other codes to identify cases of Kawasaki disease and the sensitivity of the narrow algorithms that have been used to date.
Age changes in the weight of the ovary of the dog.

Abstract A study was made on the ovarian weight changes with age in the dog. Data were taken from 87 dogs of which the breed, diet and body weight were known ranging in age from 1 day to 13 years and representing 12 breeds. There were significant linear relationships of the body weight and absolute ovarian weight with age from 1 day to 11 months and from 1 year to 13 years. There was a significant curvilinear relationship of the relative ovarian weight with age up to one year, but not over one year of age. The regression of the absolute ovarian weight on body weight independent of age demonstrated a high correlation between these 2 variables. The quantitative data were compared with some histological observations.
New apparent beam width artifact and measurement methodology for CD-SEM resolution monitoring

The Apparent Beam Width (ABW) total system resolution metric is part of the International SEMATECH CDSEM specification and bench marking activities. It is also used in our own CDSEM specification, evaluations, and tool maintenance activities. Our first set of ABW artifacts, constructed a few years ago, need retirement for several reasons, including: (1) their materials and dimensions no longer represent current manufacturing line samples and (2) their line edge variation is too large for current and future ABW applications. The construction and testing of a new ABW artifact will be discussed in this paper. The use of ABW as a monitor for total system resolution requires a unique set of sample characteristics, which include near vertical sidewalls, minimal top corner rounding, minimal line edge roughness (LER), and good line edge uniformity across the artifact set. Several process iterations were performed using the latest photolithographic processes whilst including numerous measurement evaluations in order to achieve these characteristics. A sampling methodology has been formulated to take advantage of the good within-field, field-to-field, and wafer-to-wafer uniformities of the artifacts. In addition to driving resolution improvements ABW also serves as a metric for tool-to-tool matching in a manufacturing environment.
The suitability of montane ecotones as indicators of global climatic change

Because of the difficulties involved with separating natural fluctuations in climatic variables from possible directional changes related to human activities (e.g., heightened atmospheric CO2 concentrations related to fossil fuel consumption), some researchers have focused on developing alternative indicators to detect hypothesized climate changes. It has, for example, been suggested that the locations of ecotones, transitions between adjacent ecosystems or biomes, should be monitored. It is assumed that changes in climate, especially increases in atmospheric temperature, will result in shifts in the location (altitude or latitude) of ecotones as plants respond to the newly imposed climatic conditions. In this article, we address the use of two montane ecotones, the alpine tree-line ecotone and the deciduous/Boreal forest ecotone, in monitoring global climatic change. In so doing, we 1) outline the factors that create and maintain each ecotone's position at a given location; 2) assess the projected respon...
Resistance of Human Cytomegalovirus to Ganciclovir/Valganciclovir: A Comprehensive Review of Putative Resistance Pathways

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a pathogen that can be life-threatening in immunocompromised individuals. Valganciclovir and its parent drug ganciclovir are currently the principle drugs used for the treatment or prevention of HCMV disease. The development of HCMV resistance to ganciclovir/valganciclovir has been documented in treated patients and is associated with the emergence of amino acid substitutions in the viral proteins pUL97, pUL54 or both. Generally, single amino acid substitutions associated with clinical resistance that alone do not confer decreased ganciclovir susceptibility in cell culture have been disregarded as causative or clinically significant. This review focuses on the analysis and mechanisms of antiviral drug resistance to HCMV. We also conducted a review of publicly available clinical and nonclinical data to construct a comprehensive list of pUL97 and pUL54 amino acid substitutions that are associated with a poor clinical response to the first line therapies ganciclovir and valganciclovir, or associated with reduced HCMV ganciclovir susceptibility in cell culture. Over 40 putative ganciclovir/valganciclovir resistance-associated substitutions were identified in this analysis. These include the commonly reported substitutions M460I/V and C592G in pUL97. There were additional substitutions that are not widely considered as ganciclovir/valganciclovir resistance-associated substitutions, including V466M in pUL97 and E315D in pUL54. Some of these ganciclovir/valganciclovir resistance-associated substitutions may confer cross-resistance to other HCMV therapies, such as cidofovir and foscarnet. Based on this review, we propose that there are more potential HCMV ganciclovir/valganciclovir resistance pathways than generally appreciated. The resulting comprehensive list of putative ganciclovir/valganciclovir resistance-associated substitutions provides a foundation for future investigations to characterize the role of specific substitutions or combinations of substitutions, which will enhance our understanding of HCMV mechanisms of ganciclovir/valganciclovir resistance and also provide insight regarding the potential for cross-resistance to other HCMV therapies.
What is the complexity of elliptic systems

Abstract This paper deals with the optimal solution of the Petrovsky-elliptic system lu = ƒ , where l is of homogeneous order t and ƒ ϵ H r (Ω) . Of particular interest is the strength of finite element information (FEI) of degree k , as well as the quality of the finite element method (FEM) using this information. We show that the FEM is quasi-optimal iff k ⩾ r + t − 1. Suppose this inequality is violated; is the lack of optimality in the FEM due to the information that it uses, or is it because the FEM makes inefficient use of its information? We show that the latter is the case. The FEI is always quasi-optimal information. That is, the spline algorithm using FEI is always a quasi-optimal algorithm. In addition, we show that the asymptotic penalty for using the FEM when k is too small (rather than the spline algorithm which uses the same finite element information as the FEI is unbounded.
On the Application of Straight-Line Linkages to Vehicle Suspension

Utilisation d'un mecanisme articule generant un mouvement rectiligne pour la suspension d'un vehicule
Learning, Evaluation, and Systems Models in Engineering, Science, and Technology Curricula

Current research and problems in math, science and engineering education are reviewed and concepts of thinking and learning are discussed in terms of psychometrics. Systems models for learning, the teaching environment, and learner-teacher interaction are presented and discussed. An approach to assessment, enabling the teacher to use personally preferred measurement criteria, is offered as is strong argument in favor of using simulation in engineering and science education. Assessment methodology is discussed.
"Walking on eggshells": How expressing relationship insecurities perpetuates them.

The authors present a model positing that when people are insecure about a relationship partner's acceptance, they often express emotional vulnerabilities to the partner, which causes them to believe the partner views them as highly vulnerable and insecure. In turn, this belief causes them to doubt the authenticity of the partner's expressions of positive regard, which may perpetuate the experience and expression of insecurity that initiated the process. Prototypes of interactions with interpersonally vulnerable individuals included partners' inauthentic expressions of regard (Study 1). Suggesting that these prototypes are applied to personal relationships when vulnerabilities are expressed, those who claimed to have expressed vulnerabilities doubted the partner's authenticity because they believed that they were viewed as vulnerable (Studies 2A, 2B, and 4). Authenticity doubts in turn predicted perceptions of rejection (Studies 3 and 4), which in turn predicted partner derogation and subsequent expressions of vulnerability (Study 4). An experimental manipulation of reflected appraisals of vulnerability increased doubts about the authenticity of a new acquaintance's expressions of emotion (Study 5). Relational insecurity may be perpetuated via the intrapersonal cognitive consequences of expressing it.
Mantle below North American plate newly modeled

Dynamics of the Earth's mantle play an important role in processes that occur farther up toward the surface. For instance, although the eastern coast of the United States is considered a passive margin, convection in the upper mantle can result in activity in the crust. To get a better look at the mantle underneath the North American plate, Schmandt and Lin analyzed data collected by the EarthScope project, which installed a vast network of seismometers across the United States.
Optimal NPID Stabilization of Linear Systems

We consider the problem of finding the optimal, robust stabilization of linear systems within a family of nonlinear feedback laws. Investigation of the efficiency of full-state based and partial-state based so-called NPID feedback schemes proposed for the stabilization of systems in robotic applications has provided the motivation for our work. We prove that, for a given quadratic Lyapunov function and a given family of nonlinear feedback laws, there exist optimal piecewise linear feedbacks that make the generalized Lyapunov derivative of the closed-loop system minimal. The result provides improved stabilization over the nonlinear stabilizing feedback law proposed in Ref. 1 as demonstrated in simulations of the Sarcos Dextrous Manipulator.
gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase in isolated brain endothelial cells: induction by glial cells in vitro

The endothelia of microvessels isolated from mouse brain by mechanical means are rich in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase; however, the enzyme often disappears when the cells migrate or proliferate from the microvessel isolates. In an endothelial cell line derived from similar isolates and negative for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, the enzyme could be induced in the endothelial cells when they were cocultured with glial cells. Thus there may be a requirement for continuous induction of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in brain microvessels by adjacent glial cells.
Caliceal injury during laparoscopic cyst decortication in adult polycystic kidney disease.

Laparoscopic cyst marsupialization has been proposed recently as a minimally invasive treatment option for decorticating renal cysts in the setting of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.'-3 We report a case of urinary leak due to peripheral caliceal injury during laparoscopic cyst decortication for polycystic kidney disease to emphasize that such an injury can occur even when marsupializing nonhilar cysts. CASE REPORT
PREPARATION OF RHENIUM TARGETS USING THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY ISOTOPE SEPARATOR.

Abstract 185 Re and 187 Re targets were prepared on carbon backings using a flow of O 2 over rhenium filaments. Resolutions observed in(d,p) reactions indicate the quality of the targets is excellent.
Measurement of bioluminescence and thermal fields from humans: comparison of three techniques for imaging biofields

All biological objects emit radiation over a large wavelength range as part of metabolic processes. We hypothesize that biofields surrounding living biological objects can be observed by imaging the photonic and thermal radiation emitted. In this paper we compare three different methods of visualizing biofields we have developed over the last 3-1/2 years: imaging of self-bioluminescence with a highly-sensitive silicon CCD array, dynamic interferometry for measurement of subtle thermal microbursts from biological objects correlated with pulse and respiration, and infrared imaging in the 3-5μm region. Although the selfbioluminescence signal is weak from humans, it can be imaged using 10min exposures with a highly sensitive camera. These speeds do not enable tracking of dynamic changes, but they do enable looking at subtle processes that have not been previously imaged. Dynamic interferometry provides a means of measuring subtle variations in refractive index of air currents by freezing them in time. These air currents are related to bursts of thermal energy emitted by the human body. Although the body is not directly measured, it is possible to track cycles in the range of tenths of seconds to many seconds. Infrared imaging has the advantage of both being fast and not requiring a darkened enclosure. Subtle changes in temperature can be tracked, but ambient environmental conditions need to be controlled to get absolute numbers. Tracking relative changes works the best with this technique. Each of these techniques has advantages and disadvantages that are outlined in this paper. The technique of choice depends upon the particular application. The rate at which the technology is developing and improving indicates that soon it will be much easier to apply any of these techniques to a wider variety of applications.
Dissipation and noise immunity in computation, measurement, and communication

We have known for almost three decades that the steps in a computer that require a minimal energy expenditure, that cannot be avoided by any means, are those that discard information. For more than half that period we have known that such steps are not essential; computation can be carried out through a sequence of logical 1:1 mappings. Computation, therefore, can be carried out with arbitrarily little dissipation per step, if done sufficiently slowly. Much more recently it has been emphasized that measurement and communication are similar to computation; it is only the information-discarding steps that have a lower bound on the dissipation. Such steps are not required in communication. In measurement, as shown by Bennett, they only become essential when we reset the meter for its next (or first) use. This paper is not a detailed exposition of all this, but only an annotated guide to the existing literature.
Living With The Facts, Negotiating The Terms: Unrealistic Beliefs, Denial, and Adjustment In The First Year Of Acquired Physical Disability

Abstract This study examined the correlates of unrealistic beliefs about spinal cord injury [SCI), denial tendencies, and defensiveness over the first year following injury onset (JV = 40). Individuals were interviewed at three different times after their return to the community. Specific overly optimistic beliefs about SCI were not associated with any index of adjustment at the first two assessments; however, these beliefs were associated with greater distress and perceived handicap 1 year following return to the community. Greater denial and defensiveness were consistently associated with less distress, hostility, and perceived handicap at each assessment. No self-report variables were associated with the occurrence of preventable secondary complications diagnosed 1 year following discharge from the rehabilitation unit. Results are discussed as they pertain to models of reality negotiation and adjustment to the onset of severe physical disability.
Simultaneous visualization of two cellular mRNA species in individual neurons by use of a new double in Situ hybridization method

We present a new method for the simultaneous detection of two mRNA species within individual neurons. The technique involves the use of radio-labeled and digoxigenin-labeled cRNA probes, the application of which confers a high specificity and sensitivity to the in situ hybridization analysis. We demonstrate the use of this method by illustrating the coexpression of preprogonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) mRNA and preprogalanin mRNA in neurons in the rat forebrain and report a distinct sexual dimorphism in galanin gene expression by GnRH neurons. Coupling this technology with semi-quantitative analysis of the mRNA species hybridized with the isotopically labeled mRNA would permit studies of gene regulation in individual cells among the heterogeneous populations of the brain.
Cervical carcinoma: MR imaging with an endorectal surface coil.

Ten consecutive patients with biopsy-proved invasive cervical carcinoma underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with both a standard body coil and with an endorectal surface coil. The endorectal coil provided a markedly improved signal-to-noise ratio, enabling the use of small fields of view; thus, the images had significantly improved in-plane resolution. The images were assigned an MR imaging stage based on the clinical staging system of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Vaginal wall, vaginal fornix, parametrium, and pelvic side-wall invasion by tumor were all well demonstrated. When compared with body coil images, the endorectal coil images provided increased anatomic detail and demonstrated tissue planes between tumor and normal structures that were not seen on the body coil images. This preliminary investigation indicates that use of an endorectal surface coil is a promising technique to obtain high-resolution images of the female genital tract. This technique has the poten...
Efficient estimation of linear functionals of a bivariate distribution with equal, but unknown marginals: the least-squares approach

In this paper, we characterize and construct efficient estimators of linear functionals of a bivariate distribution with equal marginals. An efficient estimator equals the empirical estimator minus a correction term and provides significant improvements over the empirical estimator. We construct an efficient estimator by estimating the correction term. For this we use the least-squares principle and an estimated orthonormal basis for the Hilbert space of square-integrable functions under the unknown equal marginal distribution. Simulations confirm the asymptotic behavior of this estimator in moderate sample sizes and the considerable theoretical gains over the empirical estimator.
Temperature dependence of magnetic properties of SiO2-coated Co nanoparticles

Abstract SiO 2 -coated Co nanoparticles were synthesized; the different temperature-dependent magnetic behaviors between Co nanoparticles with and without inner Co-oxide cores were observed. For Co nanoparticles free of Co-oxide cores, the magnetization obeyed Bloch's T 3/2 law with a Bloch constant close to the bulk value; the coercivity exhibited a weak and linear dependence on temperature. For Co nanoparticles with Co-oxide cores, the Bloch exponents fell from 1.5 to smaller values and decreased with increasing Co-oxide concentration; the coercivity significantly increased with decreasing temperature due to the presence of exchange anisotropy, which arose from the exchange coupling across the Co/CoO interfaces.
Going Public: Archie Green's Lifelong Commitment to Laboring Culture

Known as the “Dean of Laborlore,” Archie Green, who died this past March, spent much of the twentieth century developing innovative public sector projects at the intersection of labor history, occupational folklore, and cultural studies. In 1971, for example, he helped initiate the Working Americans Exhibition on the Washington Mall of the United States Capitol. Using this exhibit as a starting point, this article examines Green's orientation to publicly presenting labor culture and history. I draw from Robert McCarl's reflections on the challenges of the Working Americans Exhibit and suggest that several life experiences uniquely qualified Archie Green to meet these challenges. Excerpting from interviews with Green, I explore how his childhood in East Los Angeles combined with his years as a union shipwright in San Francisco to develop a strong analysis of, and civic commitment to, public workers' folklife. Central to this commitment is a generative, if uneasy, pairing of syndicalist ideals with pragmatic New Deal-inspired politics. I examine how immigrant Scottish shipwrights, educated in the militant syndicalist and Marxist tradition of John Maclean, particularly influenced Green. Raising questions of historiography, I conclude by suggesting we should view Green's integration of scholarly and public sector work as vitally contributing to the emergent cultural sensibility in New Labor History, folklore, American Studies, and public history in the late 1960s and 1970s.
A Multi-Directional Tribo-System: Testing the Wear of UHMWPE Under Sliding, Rolling, and Rotation

A tribological testing system with up to four degrees of motion has been designed and built to simulate the wear of materials used in joint replacements. The machine is versatile enough to test simple pin-on-disk contact in planar sliding as well as ball-on-flat contact with more complex rotation and rolling motions. A wide range of materials, loads, and specimen configurations can be tested with this machine, making it a powerful tool for hypothesis-driven research. This tribosystem is robust, customizable, cost effective, and offers the first opportunity to investigate the fundamental wear mechanisms that arise from the four degrees of motion in total knee replacements. Basic design features, advantages, and preliminary validation will be discussed.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Echinococcus multilocularis identified in Michigan with additional records from Ohio.

Abstract: Echinococcus multilocularis was identified in a coyote in Indiana in January 1990, prompting an investigation of the distribution and prevalence of the parasite in wild canids in Indiana and surrounding states. In 1990–1991, the parasite was found throughout northern and central Indiana, in northwestern Ohio, and in east-central Illinois. In 1993–1994, 162 wild canids (97 red foxes, 54 coyotes, 11 gray foxes) were collected from Michigan, and an additional 75 (55 red foxes, 7 coyotes, 13 gray foxes) from Ohio, and examined for this parasite. Of these, 15 wild canids (6.3%) were found to be infected with E. multilocularis, including 4 of 97 (4.1%) red foxes from Michigan and 9 of 55 (16.4%) red foxes and 2 of 7 (28.6%) coyotes from Ohio. In Michigan, all infected animals were from the central and southwestern parts of the state. No infected animals were found in northern Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula. In Ohio, infected animals were limited to the northwestern and west-central portions o...
CO2 as a Carbon Neutral Fuel Source via Enhanced Biomass Gasification

The gas evolution, mass decay behavior and energy content of several woods, grasses, and agricultural residues were examined with steam and CO2 gasification using thermogravimetric analysis and gas chromatography. CO2 concentrations were varied between 0 and 100% with steam as a coreactant. Carbon conversion was complete with 25% CO2/75% steam compared to 90% conversion with pure steam in the temperature range of 800−1000 °C. The largest effect was from 0−5% CO2 introduction where CO concentration increased by a factor of 10 and H2 decreased by a factor of 3.3 at 900 °C. Increasing CO2 from 5 to 50% resulted in continued CO increases and H2 decrease by a factor of 3 at 900 °C. This yielded a H2/CO ratio that could be adjusted from 5.5 at a 0% CO2 to 0.25 at a 50% CO2 concentration. Selection of the gasification parameters, such as heating rate, also enabled greater control in the separation of cellulose from lignin via thermal treatment. 100% CO2 concentration enabled near complete separation of cellulose...
Dependence of two-nucleon momentum densities on total pair momentum

Two-nucleon momentum distributions are calculated for the ground states of $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ and $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ as a function of the nucleons' relative and total momenta. We use variational Monte Carlo wave functions derived from a realistic Hamiltonian with two- and three-nucleon potentials. The momentum distribution of $\mathit{pp}$ pairs is found to be much smaller than that of $\mathit{pn}$ pairs for values of the relative momentum in the range 300--500 MeV/$c$ and vanishing total momentum. However, as the total momentum increases to 400 MeV/$c$, the ratio of $\mathit{pp}$ to $\mathit{pn}$ pairs in this relative momentum range grows and approaches the limit 1/2 for $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ and 1/4 for $^{4}\mathrm{He}$, corresponding to the ratio of $\mathit{pp}$ to $\mathit{pn}$ pairs in these nuclei. This behavior should be easily observable in two-nucleon knock-out processes, such as $A(e,{e}^{'}\mathit{pN})$.
Marijuana use and the risk of Major Depressive Episode. Epidemiological evidence from the United States National Comorbidity Survey.

Background This is an epidemiological study of a possible causal role of marijuana use in the development of Major Depressive Episode (MDE). Male-female differences in the suspected causal association have also been studied. Method Data are from 6,792 National Comorbidity Survey participants aged 15–45 years, assessed via the University of Michigan modified version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (UM-CIDI). Survival analysis methods were used to estimate cumulative risk of MDE by levels of marijuana use and to estimate suspected causal associations after adjustment for other influences. Results The risk of first MDE was moderately associated with the number of occasions of marijuana use and with more advanced stages of marijuana use. Relative to never users, non-dependent marijuana users had 1.6 times greater risk of MDE (95 % Confidence Interval: 1.1, 2.2), even with statistical adjustment for sex, birth cohorts, alcohol dependence, and history of daily tobacco smoking. Conclusions There was male-female variation in the degree of association between stage of marijuana involvement and MDE, but the strength of the association is modest at best.
Doppler Radar Study of the Trailing Anvil Region Associated with a Squall Line

Abstract The kinematic structure and reflectivity distribution within a region of widespread precipitation associated with a summertime midlatitude (Illinois) squall line, as revealed by an analysis of Doppler radar data, are presented and discussed. The squall line moved in a southeasterly direction while active convection forming on its leading edge moved in a northeasterly direction. Decaying thunderstorms and their anvils merged to form the extensive region of stratiform precipitation which trailed the squall line. An extension of the VAD (Velocity Azimuth Display) method, or the EVAD (Extended VAD) method, has been developed for the analysis of single-Doppler radar data. In contrast to the VAD method, which requires knowledge of the particle fall velocities (or assumptions regarding it) to calculate the divergence of the horizontal wind, the EVAD method yields the vertical distributions of both the particle fall speed and the divergence. Also presented are results from a multiple-Doppler (MDOP) analy...
Structural and Dielectric Properties of Quartz-Water Interfaces

The structure, orientation, and dielectric of water at the quartz|water interface has been examined under different hydration levels using classical molecular dynamics. The properties of 1H2O/10 A2, 2H2O/10 A2, 4H2O/10 A2, and bulk water on quartz have been benchmarked against experimental data. Structurally, the simulations match existing sum-frequency spectroscopy data, which indicate the existence and orientation of both frozen and loosely bound water on the quartz surface. Good agreement has also been found with existing experimental dielectric data for the 1H2O/10 A2 level of hydration, and a clear difference has been found in the values of es = 48, e∥ = 48, and e⊥ = 40 for the first slice of a bulk-water−solid interface and es= 30, e∥= 30, and e⊥= 10 for that of 1H2O/10 A2 water coverage. Overall there is a fundamental difference in shielding between a single interface and the 1H2O/10 A2 level of hydration.
The urodynamic effect of colposuspension immediately after surgery for genuine stress incontinence.

Extensive reports on postoperative urodynamic evaluation of female patients with GSI have been published in the current literature. However, urodynamic data from immediate postoperative evaluation has not yet been presented. Urodynamic study was made in 33 out of 41 patients from 9th–12th postoperative day. Our results indicated that preoperative and postoperative FUL in erect and supine position were 2.90±0.71; 3.72±0.98; P<0.005 and 2.13±0.68; 3.55±1.67; P<0.005 respectively. Preoperative PFR was 23.4±11.2 and postoperative PFR was 8.1±5.2; P<0.001. Preoperative RU was 69.9±83.3 and postoperative RU was 194±179; P<0.005. On the basis of the foregoing figures and our previous study, the following conclusions can be drawn; edematous swelling, possible hematoma formation and possible damage of the nerve supplying the bladder during dissection may be causes of postoperative voiding difficulty. The results of FUL obtained immediately following operation may serve as a parameter for predicting the outcome of corrective surgery. This may provide a simple way to judge whether or not the proximal urethra has been successfully restored to the intra-abdominal pressure zone if the medical centers are not equipped with sophisticated instruments for measuring transmission ratios.
EMPIRICAL FREE ENERGY CALCULATION : COMPARISON TO CALORIMETRIC DATA

An effective free energy potential, developed originally for binding free energy calculation, is compared to calorimetric data on protein unfolding, described by a linear combination of changes in polar and nonpolar surface areas. The potential consists of a molecular mechanics energy term calculated for a reference medium (vapor or nonpolar liquid), and empirical terms representing solvation and entropic effects. It is shown that, under suitable conditions, the free energy function agrees well with the calorimetric expression. An additional result of the comparison is an independent estimate of the side-chain entropy loss, which is shown to agree with a structure-based entropy scale. These findings confirm that simple functions can be used to estimate the free energy change in complex systems, and that a binding free energy evaluation model can describe the thermodynamics of protein unfolding correctly. Furthermore, it is shown that folding and binding leave the sum of solute-solute and solute-solvent van der Waals interactions nearly invariant and, due to this invariance, it may be advantageous to use a nonpolar liquid rather than vacuum as the reference medium.
Connections between Mutinies in European Navies

During the revolutionary 1790s, an unprecedented number of mutinies tore through the British, French, and Dutch navies. This simultaneous upsurge of lower-deck militancy in both allied and belligerent fleets was not coincidental, nor was it simply a violent expression of similar pressures making themselves felt on ships under different flags but all engaged in the same conflict. Instead, through manifold personal connections, men who circulated back and forth across the frontline, and through the gradual emergence of a common political ideology, mutinies across navies constituted a single radical movement, a genuine Atlantic revolution in this so-called age of Atlantic revolutions.
The efficacy of performing screening mammograms in the frail elderly population.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. In fact, an estimated 211,240 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur in 2005 alone. The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases with age. Women ages 70 to 79 have the highest incidence rate of 499 cases per 100,000 persons. Age has actually been found to be the single most important risk factor in women for developing breast cancer. At age 70, the probability of developing breast cancer is 4.31%. Breast cancer is also second among cancer deaths in women, with an estimated 40,410 deaths secondary to breast cancer expected to occur in 2005. Over the past 20 years, the greatest increase in the rates of breast cancer incidence has been seen in women age 50 and older. This increase in diagnosis is largely attributed to the increase in rates of screening mammography. The Analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) data indicate that breast cancer cause-specific mortality in older women is associated with both the stage of disease at first diagnosis and the number of comorbid conditions. The American Geriatrics Society’s position statement is that “. . . therefore screening older women for early stage breast cancer can contribute to longer survival and enhanced quality of life . . . treatment of early stage breast cancer is far less burdensome than that required to treat advanced disease.”
Nomenclature of chronic hepatitis: a plea for change.

The present nomenclature for pathologic classification of chronic hepatitis–that is, 'chronic persistent hepatitis' and 'chronic active hepatitis', as proposed by a European group of pathologists and hepatologists 26 years ago (1)–is not descriptive and does not indicate the location of the pathologic changes in the liver lobule. The word 'persistent' just means that the pathologic process is continuous and lasting and fails to indicate that the morphologic changes (inflammatory cell infiltration) in the liver are essentially limited to the portal tracts, well within the boundary of the so-called 'limiting plate'. It also fails to convey the notion that the pathologic process in the liver is more often than not stationary and generally does not evolve and progress to cirrhosis. Chronic active hepatitis (CAH) is, in its own right, even more persistent than chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH)
Radiation Damage Analysis of a commercial optical CMOS Image Sensor

Detectors used with an intense radiation source, such as synchrotron require the need to study the damage which has occurred to the detector. This paper concentrates on understanding the effect of radiation damage on signal quality and examines a method to reduce such a damage.
Comparison of loss functions for linear regression

This paper addresses selection of the loss function for regression problems with finite data. It is well-known (under standard regression formulation) that for a known noise density there exist an optimal loss function under an asymptotic setting (large number of samples), i.e. squared loss is optimal for Gaussian noise density. However, in real-life applications the noise density is unknown and the number of training samples is finite. For such practical situations, we suggest using Vapnik's /spl epsiv/-insensitive loss function. We use practical method for setting the value of /spl epsiv/ as a function of known number of samples and (known or estimated) noise variance (V. Cherkassky and Y. Ma, (2004), (2002)). We consider commonly used noise densities (such as Gaussian, Uniform and Laplacian noise). Empirical comparisons for several representative linear regression problems indicate that Vapnik's /spl epsiv/-insensitive loss yields more robust performance and improved prediction accuracy, in comparison with squared loss and least-modulus loss, especially for noisy high-dimensional data sets.
Examining contemporary careers: A call for interdisciplinary inquiry

This article describes an urgent need for interdisciplinary careers research in the emerging global knowledge economy. It begins by identifying a range of traditions in careers research, including both occupational and organizational research traditions from professional schools of education and management. It proceeds by offering a view on contemporary careers, and examining three directions for contemporary careers research — reflecting what organizational careers scholars see, what other organizational scholars see, and what is suggested by evidence on the knowledge economy — while leaving the door open for others to join the conversation by suggesting further research directions. The article then turns to propose three topics for future interdisciplinary research collaboration: a more accessible definition of career, application of contrasting methodologies and adoption of wider research agendas. The overall message is for careers scholars to become both more collaborative and more `imaginative' in th...
Annual diet of Cedar Waxwings based on U.S. Biological Survey records (1885-1950) compared to diet of American Robins : Contrasts in dietary patterns and natural history

The diet of Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) is described using records of gut contents collected by the U.S. Biological Survey. Cedar Waxwings eat more fruit than most other Temperate Zone birds, including one of the most frugivorous thrushes, the American Robin (Turdus migratorius; 84 vs. 57% fruit in their annual diets, respectively). Cedar Waxwings are almost exclusively frugivorous in the winter and early spring. During the spring period of fruit scarcity, flowers comprise a large portion of the diet of waxwings (44% of May diet). Cedar Waxwings eat aerial and vegetation-borne animal prey, whereas American Robins eat vegetation-borne and terrestrial prey. The fruits eaten by Cedar Waxwings are characterized by high sugar and low lipid content. American Robins, like other North Amer- ican thrushes, eat sugary and lipid-rich fruits, suggesting contrasting digestive strategies in waxwings and thrushes. This perspective is reinforced by the correspondence between these birds' diets, the timing of breeding in relation to availability of preferred foods, and flocking patterns. Received 24 February 1995, accepted 25 August 1995. ECOLOGISTS OFTEN equate caloric content of foods with nutritive value without considering the specific nutrient composition of foods and the digestive characteristics of consumers (e.g. Martin 1985). Such assessments assume that an- imals are similar in the ways that they process and assimilate foods and that digestion of var- ious nutrients does not vary among species. This perspective has probably resulted from the his- torical importance of energy in ecological the- ory (Elton 1927, Lindeman 1942, Schoener 1971, Krebs 1978, McKey 1975). Although knowledge of caloric content of foods can be informative in systems where animals have comparable di- gestive characteristics and foods are chemically similar (Pyke 1980), this approach ignores cru- cial information in comparisons between ani- mals with different digestive systems eating chemically diverse diets. Detailed comparisons of dietary habits can identify specializations to particular foods and corresponding limitations imposed by such adaptations (e.g. Walsberg
Quantified brain asymmetry for age estimation of normal and AD/MCI subjects

We propose a quantified asymmetry based method for age estimation. Our method uses machine learning to discover automatically the most discriminative asymmetry feature set from different brain regions and image scales. Applying this regression model on a Tl MR brain image set of 246 healthy individuals (121 females; 125 males, 66 plusmn 7.5 years old), we achieve a mean absolute error of 5.4 years and a mean signed error of -0.2 years for age estimation on unseen MR images using the stringent leave-15%-out cross validation. Our results show significant changes in asymmetry with aging in the following regions: the posterior horns of the lateral ventricles, the amygdala, the ventral putamen with a nearby region of the anterior inferior caudate nucleus, the basal fore- brain, hyppocampus and parahyppocampal regions. We confirm the validity of the age estimation model using permutation test on 30 replicas of the original dataset with randomly permuted ages (with p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, we apply this model to a separate set of MR images containing normal, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects. Our results reflect the relative severity of brain pathology between the three subject groups: mean signed age estimation error is 0.6 years for normal controls, 2.2 years for MCI patients, and 4.7 years for AD patients.
Dimerization of v-erbA on inverted repeats

Abstract Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) and the oncoprotein v-erbA can heterodimerize with retinoid X receptor (RXR) on core motifs arranged as inverted repeats (IR0) which contain the consensus sequence AGGTCA. On this core motif, v-erbA can also form homodimers whereas TRs homodimerize very poorly. Therefore to obtain a better understanding of distinct homodimerization properties of TRα1 as compared to those of v-erbA, we created chimeras between these two receptors and tested their abilities to homodimerize on IR0. We found that the enhanced homodimerization properties of v-erbA compared to those of TRα1 on IR0 map to amino acids 107–156 in v-erbA/121–170 in TRα1 (VT-2 chimera). Furthermore, functional studies on transient transfections showed that v-erbA–RXR heterodimers do not mediate the dominant negative activity of v-erbA on an inverted repeat response element. These data, in conjunction with our previous studies, indicate that v-erbA homodimers mediate the repressor activity of v-erbA on IR0.
Content Analysis: Tat Card 12BG—The Rowboat as a Symbol for Female Body Image and Sexual Activity:

The symbolic meaning of stories told by mental patients in response to Card 12BG is deduced by using the guidelines set down by Phillips and Smith (1953) for content analysis.
Projection-based approaches for model reduction of weakly nonlinear, time-varying systems

The problem of automated macromodel generation is interesting from the viewpoint of system-level design because if small, accurate reduced-order models of system component blocks can be extracted, then much larger portions of a design, or more complicated systems, can be simulated or verified than if the analysis were to have to proceed at a detailed level. The prospect of generating the reduced model from a detailed analysis of component blocks is attractive because then the influence of second-order device effects or parasitic components on the overall system performance can be assessed. In this way overly conservative design specifications can be avoided. This paper reports on experiences with extending model reduction techniques to nonlinear systems of differential-algebraic equations, specifically, systems representative of RF circuit components. The discussion proceeds from linear time-varying, to weakly nonlinear, to nonlinear time-varying analysis, relying generally on perturbational techniques to handle deviations from the linear time-invariant case. The main intent is to explore which perturbational techniques work, which do not, and outline some problems that remain to be solved in developing robust, general nonlinear reduction methods.
Improving student skills in multimedia presentations

A multimedia cart including a laptop computer, LCD projector, and document camera are being utilized to improve student communication skills in engineering technology (ET) courses at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ). This mobile unit conserves funding while providing an instructional technology resource for use in a variety of settings. Providing students experience using computer presentation equipment during their academic studies is intended to improve student preparation for industry. Multiple oral presentation experiences utilizing instructional technology, along with feedback, self-assessment and revision opportunities are intended to improve student presentation skills and confidence.
Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry of disaccharides from glycoproteins

Abstract Partial acid hydrolysis and methanolysis released disaccharides and disaccharide methylglycosides from the glycoproteins, ovomucoid and porcine gastric mucin in amounts of 0.5–7 μg disaccharide per mg of glycoprotein. These disaccharides were fractionated by gas chromatography as the trimethylsilyl (Me 3 Si) derivatives. The composition of recovered disaccharides has been determined by hydrolisis and rechromatography of the Me 3 Si monosaccharides. The intersaccharide linkages of the disaccharides have been determined by electron impact mass spectrometry. This simple and rapid method can give structural information on small glycoprotein samples.
Fifty years of studies of double layer effects in electrode kinetics—a personal view

Developments in the treatment of double layer effects in electrode kinetics are outlined. These include discreteness-of-charge effects in the presence of specific adsorption, solvent effects in electron transfer reactions, and effects related to the distribution of charge in polyatomic reactants. The importance of studies at single crystal electrodes is emphasized, and the development of a single crystal ultramicroelectrode described. Finally, a method of improving the estimate of the diffuse layer potential drop on the basis of Monte Carlo simulations is presented.
Scientific Culture and Public Education.

Current science and science-friendly philosophy jointly yield a picture of the world and ourselves in it that is more substantial, detailed and coherent than any other produced before by natural philosophy. When carefully formulated this picture provides us with: (a) an unprecedentedly reliable representation of vast regions of the natural world; and (b) a non-arbitrary public framework for understanding and furthering important areas of public concern. This paper comments on the cultural and educational significance of this picture. Influential arguments against granting a privileged role to serious science on the basis of differential credibility are examined and found wanting. This result is then folded into an analysis of the significance of scientific thought and practice for a cautious conception of the goals and methods of public education.
An artificial intelligence perspective on autonomic computing policies

We introduce a unified framework that interrelates three different types of policies that will be used in autonomic computing system: action, goal, and utility function policies. Our policy framework is based on concepts from artificial intelligence such at: states, actions, and rational agents. We show how the framework can be used to support the use of all three types of policies within a single autonomic component or system, and use the framework to discuss the relative merits of each type.