cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
National Domesticity: “The Fairy Way of Writing”

Michael McKeon’s The Secret History of Domesticity is a powerful account of early modern culture partly because of its abandonment of the traditional (Marxist) association of domesticity with the bourgeoisie. However, the book’s scrupulous avoidance of anachronistic ideological terms of analysis also seems to entail a relative lack of interest in nationalism, which is arguably emerging in the period. This paper argues for the relevance of the emergence of a national literary imaginary as a version of early modern domesticity.
Phase I Trial of Fenretinide Lym-X-Sorb Oral Powder in Adults with Solid Tumors and Lymphomas

Background: The synthetic retinoid fenretinide (N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide, 4-HPR) has shown promising anticancer activity in preclinical studies, but its limited oral bioavailability has hindered clinical assessment. A novel lipid matrix, Lym-X-Sorb (LXS), was evaluated to improve fenretinide bioavailability and attain higher plasma concentrations. Patients and Methods: Adults with refractory malignancies were administered fenretinide/LXS oral powder in 2 divided doses over 24 h for 7 consecutive days every 21 days in a standard phase I dose-escalation study with pharmacokinetic analysis. Results: The principal toxicities observed were diarrhea, reversible night blindness, and allergic reaction. The maximum tolerated dose regimens were 1,000 mg/m2/day divided into 2 daily doses for 7 days, every 21 days, and 800 mg/m2/day divided into 3 daily doses for 7 consecutive days, every 21 days. Conclusion: Better fenretinide formulations are needed to improve adult patient acceptability and compliance and to achieve the consistent systemic exposures associated with activity in preclinical models.
A Prospective Study of Alcohol Intake and Change in Body Weight among US Adults

Little is known about the role of alcohol in determining change in body weight. In this paper, the authors examine the relation between alcohol intake and body weight in 7,230 US adults aged 25-74 years who participated in the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1971-1975) and who were reweighed 10 years later (1982-1984). Both cross-sectional and prospective analyses were adjusted for age, race, height, education, health status, smoking status, diet status, physical activity, and total nonalcoholic caloric intake. At baseline, women who reported at least one drink per day weighed 2.3 kg less than nondrinkers (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.4 to -4.2). Little relation was observed between body weight and alcohol intake cross-sectionally among men. Prospectively, both men and women drinkers tended to gain less weight than did nondrinkers (p = 0.006 for trend in women, p = 0.11 for trend in men). Drinkers also had more stable weight over the 10-year follow-up period. Drinkers were less likely to have major weight gain or loss (gaining or losing > or = 10 kg) than were nondrinkers. Compared with nondrinkers, for those who consumed 1-6.9 drinks per week, women had an odds ratio (OR) = 0.7 (95% CI 0.5 to 0.9) for major weight gain and an OR = 0.7 (95% CI 0.5 to 1.1) for major weight loss, while men had an OR = 1.0 (95% CI 0.6 to 1.6) for major weight gain and an OR = 0.7 (95% CI 0.5 to 1.2) for major weight loss. For those who consumed > or = 2 drinks per day, women had an OR = 0.5 (95% CI 0.3 to 1.0) for major weight gain and an OR = 0.8 (95% CI 0.4 to 1.6) for major weight loss, while men had an OR = 0.9 (95% CI 0.5 to 1.6) for major weight gain and an OR = 1.0 (95% CI 0.6 to 1.7) for major weight loss. These data suggest that alcohol intake does not increase the risk of obesity.
Medical countermeasures for platelet regeneration after radiation exposure. Report of a workshop and guided discussion sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, March 22–23, 2010.

Abstract The events of September 11, 2001 and their aftermath increased awareness of the need to develop medical countermeasures (MCMs) to treat potential health consequences of a radiation accident or deliberate attack. The medical effects of lethal exposures to ionizing radiation have been well described and affect multiple organ systems. To date, much of the research to develop treatments for mitigation of radiation-induced hematopoietic damage has focused on amelioration of radiation-induced neutropenia, which has long been considered to be the primary factor in determining survival after an unintentional radiation exposure. Consistent with historical data, recent studies have highlighted the role that radiation-induced thrombocytopenia plays in radiation mortality, yet development of MCMs to mitigate radiation damage to the megakaryocyte lineage has lagged behind anti-neutropenia approaches. To address this gap and to foster research in the area of platelet regeneration after radiation exposure, the ...
Skin Cancer Epidemiology, Detection, and Management

Although the signs and symptoms of the 3 most common skin malignancies are well known to physicians, any new or changing lesions should be monitored and worked up to rule out varying forms of cutaneous malignancy. Classic presenting features of each condition exist, but patients may present with overlapping or atypical features, and a biopsy is almost always required to definitively determine the true nature of each disorder. Given the intense psychosocial ramifications of skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, early detection remains the hallmark in producing favorable outcomes.
Dynamic functions of GABA signaling during granule cell maturation.

The dentate gyrus is one of the few areas of the brain where new neurons are generated throughout life. Neural activity influences multiple stages of neurogenesis, thereby allowing experience to regulate the production of new neurons. It is now well established that GABAA receptor-mediated signaling plays a pivotal role in mediating activity-dependent regulation of adult neurogenesis. GABA first acts as a trophic signal that depolarizes progenitors and early post mitotic granule cells, enabling network activity to control molecular cascades essential for proliferation, survival and growth. Following the development of glutamatergic synaptic inputs, GABA signaling switches from excitatory to inhibitory. Thereafter robust synaptic inhibition enforces low spiking probability of granule cells in response to cortical excitatory inputs and maintains the sparse activity patterns characteristic of this brain region. Here we review these dynamic functions of GABA across granule cell maturation, focusing on the potential role of specific interneuron circuits at progressive developmental stages. We further highlight questions that remain unanswered about GABA signaling in granule cell development and excitability.
Examining Social Connections as a Link Between Religious Participation and Well-being Among Older Adults

Social connections provided through religious participation are associated with subjective well-being in older populations. This study investigated how much of this association can be explained by other social connections, and whether these associations vary by age. A cross-sectional random-sample telephone survey was completed by 1,025 individuals over 55 years of age. The contribution of religious participation was examined using hierarchical multiple regression and ANCOVA analyses for the entire sample and for four age-specific groups: (1) 55–64, (2) 65–74, (3) 75–84, and (4) 85+. Religious participation was found to be a significant predictor of subjective well-being for the oldest and youngest groups.
The stress of a family move as a precipitating factor in children's burn accidents

Abstract The present study focuses on the stress of a family move as a precipitating factor in children's burn accidents in a group of 330 burned children. Data on the type of burn injury (flame versus scald) and the age and sex of the child were related to the amount and type of family stress which the child and his/her family had experienced. Children in the study sample were found to have moved at approximately three times the rate of children in the general population. It was found that children under five, who were scalded, were more likely to have moved than older children who had sustained a flame burn. A critical period at 2–5 months after the move was identified where the child seemed to be especially vulnerable to burn accidents. Possible explanations for this critical period are suggested.
Endoscopic Combined Optical Coherence Tomography and Laser Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Tissues

Endoscopes were developed for simultaneous OCT and LIF spectroscopy. Issues regarding differing optical requirements of the modalities were overcome with careful design and materials selection. Mouse colon, ovary and artificial blood vessel images are presented.
Interval estimation for drop-the-losers designs

SUMMARY In the first stage of a two-stage, drop-the-losers design, a candidate for the best treatment is selected. At the second stage, additional observations are collected to decide whether the candidate is actually better than the control. The design also allows the investigator to stop the trial for ethical reasons at the end of the first stage if there is already strong evidence of futility or superiority. Two types of tests have recently been developed, one based on the combined means and the other based on the combined p-values, but corresponding interval estimators are unavailable except in special cases. The problem is that, in most cases, the interval estimators depend on the mean configuration of all treatments in the first stage, which is unknown. In this paper, we prove a basic stochastic ordering lemma that enables us to bridge the gap between hypothesis testing and interval estimation. The proposed confidence intervals achieve the nominal confidence level in certain special cases. Simulations show that decisions based on our intervals are usually more powerful than those based on existing methods.
Multistep Process of Squamous Differentiation of Tracheobronchial Epithelial Cells: Role of Retinoids

The objective of our research is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that regulate the proliferation and differentiation of tracheobronchial epithelial cells. A clear insight into the basic mechanisms of these processes is required in order to understand the mechanisms involved in tumor development and other pathological conditions. To study the regulation of differentiation of the tracheobronchial epithelium, an in vitro cell culture model was developed using rabbit tracheal epithelial cells. Our studies were directed towards answering the following questions: (1) What is the differentiation capacity of these cells? (2) Does differentiation occur as a multistep process? (3) What factors control differentiation and by what mechanism? (4) What are the biochemical markers for the various differentiated phenotypes and at what level are they controlled? (5) Is there a link between control of cell growth and control of cell differentiation?
ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF BULL AND BEAR REGIMES IN UK STOCK AND BOND RETURNS

portfolio allocation. We find that the perceived state probability has a large effect on the optimal asset allocation, particularly at short investment horizons. If ignored, the presence of such regimes gives rise to substantial welfare costs. Parameter estimation uncertainty, while clearly important, does not overturn the conclusion that predictability in the return distribution linked to the presence of bull and bear states has a significant effect on investors' strategic
Psychological Distress, Acculturation, and Mental Health-Seeking Attitudes among People of African Descent in the United States: A Preliminary Investigation.

This article investigates the relationship between psychological distress, acculturation, and help-seeking attitudes among people of African descent (N 130). Psychological distress was measured using the Global Severity Index from the Brief Symptom Inventory (L. R. Derogatis & N. Melisaratos, 1983), acculturation was measured using the Measurement of Acculturation Strategies for People of African Descent (E. M. Obasi, 2005), and help-seeking attitudes were measured using the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help scale (E. H. Fischer & J. I. Turner, 1970). Overall, as psychological distress increased, attitudes toward seeking professional psychological services became more negative. The negative relationship between psychological distress and confidence in therapist was significantly stronger for participants who expressed a cultural maintenance of traditional beliefs. Future directions for this body of research are discussed.
Differential expression of c-Jun proteins during müllerian duct growth and apoptosis: caspase-related tissue death blocked by diethylstilbestrol.

To elucidate whether the differentiation of the Mullerian duct (MD) is mediated by c-Jun proteins, Western immunoblot with c-Jun/sc-45 antibody was used to investigate these proteins in female chick left and right MDs (LMD and RMD, respectively). The content of these proteins (e.g., the 66-kDa, 45-kDa, and 39-kDa forms) in the LMD or RMD of various stages of embryos was detected by measuring their density in autoradiograms by a Spot-denso-program with Alpha Ease software. In the LMD, the growing embryonic sex tract, the content of the 66-kDa and 39-kDa proteins increased to their highest level in 9th to 12th day embryos and then declined thereafter. In the RMD, the apoptotic embryonic sex tract, the content of these proteins also showed a linear increase from the 9th to 10th day and then declined at the 13th day. When the RMD entered the apoptosis stages (14th to 18th day of incubation), these proteins were persistently overexpressed. Another protein (45 kDa) was detected in both ducts only at the 9th to 13th days, and its content was higher in RMD than in the LMD. In parallel to this finding, high caspase-3 activity (determined by the measurement of the fragmented 85-kDa poly ADP-ribose polymerase) was found in the RMD during apoptosis. The apoptotic death of RMD was prevented by in vivo diethylstilbestrol treatment, which inhibited the overexpression of the 66-kDa and 45-kDa proteins, the fragmentation of DNA, and the activity of caspase-3. No inhibitory effect was found for the 39-kDa protein.
Linking form and function of the fibrous joints in the skull: a new quantification scheme for cranial sutures using the extant fish Polypterus endlicherii.

The aim of this study is to connect specific sutural morphologies with the specific types of deformation they experience. To meet this goal, we quantified the morphologies of the interfrontal (IF), interparietal (IP), and frontoparietal (FP) sutures in the extant fish Polypterus endlicherii, and used our published measurements of in vivo deformation of these sutures during feeding to infer how suture morphology and function are connected. Specifically, we found that three relatively simple measures of cross-sectional suture complexity (i.e., the ratio of total sutural length to its shortest end-to-end length; amount of sutural overlap; and size of the largest interdigitation) can be used to distinguish between the IF, FP, and IP sutures, which exhibit very different cross-sectional shapes and responses to loading. Interestingly, these differences in cross-sectional morphology are not reflected by the linear traces of these sutures on the surface of the skull, implying that cross-sectional shape of a suture must be known to infer the loading conditions it experiences. Plotting the three cross-sectional metrics against one another to yield a sutural morphospace shows that the IF, IP, and FP sutures define regions that are largely distinct from one another. Our previous measurements of strain across these sutures suggested that the FP region would lie between the IF and IP regions; instead, the FP region is largely set apart from the other two fields. Based on this discovery, and on the locations of cranial muscles, we propose a new model of deformation in the skull of P. endlicherii during feeding, in which rotation parallel to the skull roof is combined with bending, subjecting the FP suture to complex shearing. Finally, although the sutures of P. endlicherii appear to be significantly less complex than those of mammals, these fish sutures show a similar range of morphologies and perform similar functions as do mammalian sutures. J. Morphol., 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The importance of patient and healthcare provider perceptions in the evaluation of imiquimod and other prior treatments for anogenital warts.

The experience and satisfaction of healthcare providers and patients were assessed for various treatment options for anogenital warts. Patients were asked about their immediate experience with imiquimod cream 5% and — for patients with recurrent warts — their recall of prior experiences with other treatment options. Surveys were completed pre-study by 744 patients and post-study by 399 patients and 69 healthcare providers; obstetricians/gynaecologists were the predominant (25 of 69; 36%) specialty. Approximately two-thirds (475 of 744; 64%) of patients in the pre-study survey had previously been treated for anogenital warts. Patients with recurrent warts were generally dissatisfied with prior therapies. In post-study surveys, imiquimod received favourable ratings from patients with recurrent warts and from patients treated for the first time. Healthcare providers rated imiquimod favourably for overall acceptance, convenience, and compliance. Perceptions of various treatments for anogenital warts by patien...
Numerical Simulation of a Compartment Fire in a Nuclear Power Plant Containment Building

The current trend towards the increased use of risk assessment in the regulation of nuclear power plants will inevitably result in changes in the analysis of fire protection systems and the methods of analysis. Before fire protection can be regulated on a risk basis, a consensus must be reached on a number of issues. One key issue is what types of computational tools will be allowable for analyzing fire events, and what types of scenarios those tools will be approved for use. Reaching this consensus will require an understanding of the types of computational tools available and their inherent advantages and disadvantages. To aid with this understanding, three different methods of fire simulation are applied to an oil pool fire test in the HDR (Heiss Dampf Reaktor) containment test facility [1]. These methods are a hand calculation, the zone model code CFAST (Consolidated Model of Fire Growth and Smoke Transport) [2], and the computational fluid dynamics code FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator) [3]. Each is applied to a steady-state portion of the test using, to the extent possible, the same set of input parameters. The results of the computation are compared to the test data. The comparisons show that each method is potentially suitable for use depending on the information required from the simulation. Each method will potentially have a role to play in risk based regulation depending on the scenario.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Abstract 5140: Rsu1 and the IPP adhesion complex can regulate adhesion and migration in glioma cell lines

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC One hallmark of high grade glioblastoma is invasive growth that is dependent on ability of the tumor cells to migrate from the tumor into surrounding brain tissue thus preventing complete surgical resection. Rsu1, a member of the Integrin Linked Kinase-PINCH1-Parvin (IPP) cell adhesion complex, is encoded by a gene on human chromosome 10p13 in a region frequently deleted in high grade gliomas. Previous studies from our lab demonstrated that ectopic expression of Rsu1 in a human glioma cell line inhibited the tumorigenicity of the cells. The current study addresses the effect of Rsu1 on adhesion and migration in human glioma cell lines. The results with stable Rsu1 transfectants in the U87 glioma cell line indicate that Rsu1 expression results in enlarged cells with increased filapodial extensions and an increase in the number of focal adhesions. This phenotype correlates with increased cell adhesion and 30-50% decreased cell migration in Boyden chamber assays using PDGF, TPA or HGF as inducers of migration. siRNA-mediated depletion of Rsu1 concomitantly reduces the level of other IPP proteins, particularly the Rsu1 binding protein PINCH1. This loss of cell adhesion proteins reduces adhesion and enhances in vitro migration of highly oncogenic tumor cells. Infection of U87 and U251 glioma cell lines or immortalized human astrocytes and their Ras-transformed counterparts with adenovirus encoding Rsu1 decreased or eliminated phosphorylation of Akt on serine 473 compared to control vector. This finding and previous work demonstrating that signaling through the JNK pathway can be influenced by Rsu1 and PINCH11,2,3 suggest that both JNK and PI-3-kinase pathways are regulated by Rsu1 to limit cell migration. These studies identify deletion of Rsu1 as a mechanism that inhibits the IPP complex -induced adhesion as a potential mediator of the migratory behavior of high grade gliomas exhibiting chromosome 10 loss or 10p13 deletion. 1. Masuelli, L and Cutler, ML, 1995. Mol. Cell Biol.16:5466-76. 2. Dougherty et al., 2008. Eur J. Cell Biol.87:721-34. 3. Kadrmas J et al., 2004. J. Cell Biol.167:1019-24. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5140.
The intersection of opposed big cells in real flag varieties

For any reductive algebraic group over C split over R a graph is defined. In type A and D it is shown that the number of connected components of the graph coincides with the number of connected components of the intersection of two opposed big cells in the corresponding real flag variety. This gives a combinatorial description for the number of connected components of such a variety.
Vortex fluctuation effects to μSR linewidth in high-temperature superconductor

Abstract Muon spin rotation experiments have been reported to measure the magnetic penetration depth of superconductors. In many such experiments, an unexpected magnetic-field dependence is observed, which is in contradiction with the London theory for a static flux lattice. An explanation of this field dependence including vortex fluctuation effects is given in this article.
Surface Enthalpies of Nanophase ZnO with Different Morphologies

A direct calorimetric measurement of the dependence of the surface enthalpy of nanophase ZnO on morphology is reported. Nanoparticles, nanoporous composites, nanorods, and nanotetrapods were prepared with various sizes, and their surface enthalpies were derived from their drop solution enthalpies in molten sodium molybdate. Water adsorption calorimetry for nanoparticles and nanorods was carried out to characterize the stabilization effect of surface hydration. The surface enthalpies of hydrated surfaces for nanoparticles, nanoporous composites, nanorods, and nanotetrapods are 1.31 ± 0.07, 1.42 ± 0.21, 5.19 ± 0.56, and 5.77 ± 2.50 J/m2, respectively, whereas those of the anhydrous surfaces are 2.55 ± 0.23, 2.74 ± 0.16, 6.67 ± 0.56, and 7.28 ± 2.50 J/m2, respectively. The surface enthalpies of nanoparticles are the same as those of nanoporous composites and are much lower than those of nanorods and nanotetrapods, which also are close to each other. The dependence of surface enthalpy on morphology is discuss...
N1 centers in additively colored KCl crystals

Abstract The technique for ionizing F-aggregate centers is used to study two N 1 centers, termed N 1A and N 1B , produced by certain optical and thermal treatments. Absorptions and emissions occurring in the near infrared spectral region are identified as transitions of the ionized forms of these centers.
EFFECTIVENESS OF IODOPHOR IN THE DESTRUCTION OF Vibrio Parahaemolyticus

TWO strains of V parahaemolyticus T-3765-l and SB04-422, were exposed to chlorine and iodophor solutions (laboratory and commercial). The effectiveness of both the chlorine and iodophor treatments was enhanced under acidic conditions. At 20°C and pH 7, the effectiveness of the iodophor was similar to that of chlorine in the destruction of V. parahaemolyticus. The iodophors were superior to chlorine in the destruction of V. parahaemolyticus at 0°C. In general, the prior growth temperature of the organism had little effect on its subsequent survival in either the laboratory iodophor or the chlorine solutions. In a simulated oyster blowing process, the iodophor again proved to be a more effective bactericidal agent than chlorine, and sensory evaluation of oysters exposed to the iodophor solution showed that there was no odor problem associated with such a treatment.
Increased levels of a humoral digitalis-like factor in deoxycorticosterone acetate-induced hypertension in the pig

Plasma levels of an endogenous digitalis-like factor (EDLF) and atrial peptides were followed in pigs confined to metabolic cages during the development of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-induced hypertension. During the first 2 days of DOCA treatment, urinary sodium excretion decreased and the plasma levels of renin and atrial peptide fell significantly. During this period, plasma levels of EDLF increased greater than 30-fold from a baseline of less than 0.25 to 9.72 nmol ouabain equivalents/l. Between days 2 and 5 of DOCA treatment, urinary sodium returned to pre-DOCA levels ('mineralocorticoid escape') and during this period significant increases of atrial peptide and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and a decrease in EDLF were found. Following mineralocorticoid escape there was a secondary rise in levels of EDLF and atrial peptide and both phenomena correlated with MAP (EDLF, r = 0.87, P less than 0.05; atrial peptide, r = 0.9, P less than 0.05) and with each other (r = 0.96, P less than 0.05) over a 20-day period. Acute expansion of extracellular fluid volume before DOCA elicited significant increments in plasma EDLF and atrial peptide. Volume loading during chronic DOCA treatment increased plasma EDLF significantly whereas no response of atrial peptide was detected. These results suggest that DOCA affects the reactivity of mechanisms involved in the perception of and/or response to acute changes in volume status. However, neither EDLF nor atrial peptide appear to be viable candidates as direct mediators of mineralocorticoid escape. Finally, the nature of the changes found in EDLF and atrial peptide levels during DOCA treatment suggest that these factors are involved in the long-term control of blood pressure in this model of low renin hypertension.
rtREV: An Amino Acid Substitution Matrix for Inference of Retrovirus and Reverse Transcriptase Phylogeny

Retroviral and other reverse transcriptase (RT)-containing sequences may be subject to unique evolutionary pressures, and models of molecular sequence evolution developed using other kinds of sequences may not be optimal. Here we develop and present a new substitution matrix for maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analysis which has been optimized on a dataset of 33 amino acid sequences from the retroviral Pol proteins. When compared to other matrices, this model (rtREV) yields higher log-likelihood values on a range of datasets including lentiviruses, spumaviruses, betaretroviruses, gammaretroviruses, and other elements containing reverse transcriptase. We provide evidence that rtREV is a more realistic evolutionary model for analyses of the pol gene, although it is inapplicable to analyses involving the gag gene.
A distributed gate bistable MOS transistor

Abstract A distributed gate multi-electrode MOS transistor with voltage controlled stable negative resistance characteristic is described. The use of standard planar techniques to fabricate this device has overcome essentially all the difficulties encounted in making the junction field effect tetrode proposed by Stone and Warner. In addition, there are several advantages such as the complete pinch-off characteristic or the zero current off state, and the wide range of stable negative resistance which is controllable through the applied voltage to the gates.
Limit Cycles of Planar Quadratic Differential Equations

Abstract : Since Hilbert posed the problem of systematically counting and locating the limite cycles of polynomial systems on the plane in 1900, much effort has been expended in its investigation. A large body of literature--chiefly by Chinese and Soviet authors--has addressed this question in the context of differential equations whose field is specified by quadratic polynomials. This paper considers the class of quadratic differential equations which admit a unique equilibrium state, and establish sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of limit cycles. The work is based upon insights and techniques developed in an earlier analysis of such systems motivated by questions from mathematical control theory.
A centralized, computerized, and relational data base for student clinical placements

Quality clinical experiences are a critical component of advanced practice nursing (APN) curricula. Historically, nursing instructors coordinated both the didactic and clinical components of a course. Increasingly, course coordinators organize the didactic component, and external preceptors working in the clinical setting function as practicuum teachers. Both scenarios involve labor-intensive processes, and neither facilitate the scheduling of clinical experiences that build on progressive learning across the student's curriculum. A centralized, computerized, relational data base for efficient management of APN preceptors and students across the curriculum was designed. One master's-prepared clinical coordinator maintains the data base and performs all related functions. This system offers numerous benefits to students, preceptors, faculty, and nursing school, including balanced and progressively complex clinical learning experiences for students from competent preceptors; consistent interface with students and preceptors; faculty relief from time-consuming tasks; rapid generation of a variety of tables, rosters, and reports; consistent tracking of preceptor evaluations; timely acknowledgment of preceptor assistance; and efficient communication among students, preceptors, faculty, and school administration.
Automatic de-identification of textual documents in the electronic health record: a review of recent research

Background: In the United States, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects the confidentiality of patient data and requires the informed consent of the patient and approval of the Internal Review Board to use data for research purposes, but these requirements can be waived if data is de-identified. For clinical data to be considered de-identified, the HIPAA “Safe Harbor” technique requires 18 data elements (called PHI: Protected Health Information) to be removed. The de-identification of narrative text documents is often realized manually, and requires significant resources. Well aware of these issues, several authors have investigated automated de-identification of narrative text documents from the electronic health record, and a review of recent research in this domain is presented here. Methods: This review focuses on recently published research (after 1995), and includes relevant publications from bibliographic queries in PubMed, conference proceedings, the ACM Digital Library, and interesting publications referenced in already included papers. Results: The literature search returned more than 200 publications. The majority focused only on structured data de-identification instead of narrative text, on image de-identification, or described manual de-identification, and were therefore excluded. Finally, 18 publications describing automated text de-identification were selected for detailed analysis of the architecture and methods used, the types of PHI detected and removed, the external resources used, and the types of clinical documents targeted. All text de-identification systems aimed to identify and remove person names, and many included other types of PHI. Most systems used only one or two specific clinical document types, and were mostly based on two different groups of methodologies: pattern matching and machine learning. Many systems combined both approaches for different types of PHI, but the majority relied only on pattern matching, rules, and dictionaries. Conclusions: In general, methods based on dictionaries performed better with PHI that is rarely mentioned in clinical text, but are more difficult to generalize. Methods based on machine learning tend to perform better, especially with PHI that is not mentioned in the dictionaries used. Finally, the issues of anonymization, sufficient performance, and “over-scrubbing” are discussed in this publication.
Mechanism of dihydroneopterin aldolase: a molecular dynamics study of the apo enzyme and its product complex.

Dihydroneopterin aldolase (DHNA), an enzyme in the pathway that generates folic acid in bacteria, is investigated by a series of molecular dynamics simulations in its free form and complexed with its product, 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin (HP). The active sites in DHNA are formed at the interface between pairs of protomers in this octameric protein. On the basis of root-mean-square deviation and root-mean-square fluctuation analyses of the trajectories, which take advantage of the presence of eight active sites, flexible regions of the apo protein surrounding the active site are identified and, upon binding HP, show that the active site is rigidified. Specific residues, associated with binding and the catalytic mechanism of DHNA, are associated with these flexible regions, and their interactions with HP account for most of the binding energy. A Principal Component Analysis shows rigidification of DHNA upon HP binding and that only a few modes of motion capture most of the atomic fluctuations in both a...
How Does the Choice of Distributed Meteorological Data Affect Hydrologic Model Calibration and Streamflow Simulations

AbstractSpatially distributed historical meteorological forcings (temperature and precipitation) are commonly incorporated into modeling efforts for long-term natural resources planning. For water management decisions, it is critical to understand the uncertainty associated with the different choices made in hydrologic impact assessments (choice of hydrologic model, choice of forcing dataset, calibration strategy, etc.). This paper evaluates differences among four commonly used historical meteorological datasets and their impacts on streamflow simulations produced using the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model. The four meteorological datasets examined here have substantial differences, particularly in minimum and maximum temperatures in high-elevation regions such as the Rocky Mountains. The temperature differences among meteorological forcing datasets are generally larger than the differences between calibration and validation periods. Of the four meteorological forcing datasets considered, there ...
Analysis of digital and analog formant synthesizers

A digital formant is a resonant network based on the dynamics of a second-order linear difference equation. A serial chain of digital formants can approximate the vocal tract during vowel production. In this paper, the digital formant is defined and its properties discussed, using z-transform notation. The results of detailed frequency response computations of both digital and conventional analog formant synthesizers are then presented. These results indicate that the digital system without higher pole correction is a closer approximation than the analog system with higher pole correction. Finally, a set of measurements on the signal and noise properties of the digital system is described. Synthetic vowels generated for different signal-to-noise ratios help specify the required register lengths for the digital realization. A comparison between theory and experiment is presented.
Nuclear magnetic order in solid 3He

Over the past 20 years our understanding of cooperative magnetic phenomena in solid 3He has expanded greatly. Starting from the concept of atomic exchange, the author explains how early experiments led to the abandonment of the naive Heisenberg nearest neighbor antiferromagnetic Hamiltonian, in favor of a multiple exchange model. He then describes the detailed experimental picture of the spin-ordered phases which has developed over the past decade, and the successes and failures of the multiple exchange model to explain the experimental results. Today solid 3He is a powerful model magnetic system for extending our general understanding of magnetic order, and should continue to play an important role for many years to come.
Bug localization using latent Dirichlet allocation

Context: Some recent static techniques for automatic bug localization have been built around modern information retrieval (IR) models such as latent semantic indexing (LSI). Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) is a generative statistical model that has significant advantages, in modularity and extensibility, over both LSI and probabilistic LSI (pLSI). Moreover, LDA has been shown effective in topic model based information retrieval. In this paper, we present a static LDA-based technique for automatic bug localization and evaluate its effectiveness. Objective: We evaluate the accuracy and scalability of the LDA-based technique and investigate whether it is suitable for use with open-source software systems of varying size, including those developed using agile methods. Method: We present five case studies designed to determine the accuracy and scalability of the LDA-based technique, as well as its relationships to software system size and to source code stability. The studies examine over 300 bugs across more than 25 iterations of three software systems. Results: The results of the studies show that the LDA-based technique maintains sufficient accuracy across all bugs in a single iteration of a software system and is scalable to a large number of bugs across multiple revisions of two software systems. The results of the studies also indicate that the accuracy of the LDA-based technique is not affected by the size of the subject software system or by the stability of its source code base. Conclusion: We conclude that an effective static technique for automatic bug localization can be built around LDA. We also conclude that there is no significant relationship between the accuracy of the LDA-based technique and the size of the subject software system or the stability of its source code base. Thus, the LDA-based technique is widely applicable.
Dynamic Constitutive and Failure Behavior of a Two-Phase Tungsten Composite

The constitutive response and failure behavior of a W-Ni-Fe alloy over the strain rate range of 10 -4 to 5 X 10 5 s -1 is experimentally investigated. Experiments conducted are pressure-shear plate impact, torsional Kolsky bar, and quasi-static torsion. The material has a microstructure of hard tungsten grains embedded in a soft alloy matrix. Nominal shear stress-strain relations are obtained for deformations throughout the experiments and until after the initiation of localization. Shear bands form when the plastic strain becomes sufficiently large, involving both the grains and the matrix. The critical shear strain for shear band development under the high rate, high pressure conditions of pressure-shear is approximately 1-1.5 or 6-8 times that obtained in torsional Kolsky bar experiments which involve lower strain rates and zero pressure. Shear bands observed in the impact experiments show significantly more intensely localized deformation. Eventual failure through the shear band is a combination of grain-matrix separation, ductile matrix rupture, and grain fracture. In order to understand the effect of the composite microstructure and material inhomogeneity on deformation, two other materials are also used in the study. One is a pure tungsten and the other is an alloy of W, Ni, and Fe with the same composition as that of the matrix phase in the overall composite. The results show that the overall two-phase composite is more susceptible to the formation of shear bands than either of its constituents.
Transportation mode detection using mobile phones and GIS information

The transportation mode such as walking, cycling or on a train denotes an important characteristic of the mobile user's context. In this paper, we propose an approach to inferring a user's mode of transportation based on the GPS sensor on her mobile device and knowledge of the underlying transportation network. The transportation network information considered includes real time bus locations, spatial rail and spatial bus stop information. We identify and derive the relevant features related to transportation network information to improve classification effectiveness. This approach can achieve over 93.5% accuracy for inferring various transportation modes including: car, bus, aboveground train, walking, bike, and stationary. Our approach improves the accuracy of detection by 17% in comparison with the GPS only approach, and 9% in comparison with GPS with GIS models. The proposed approach is the first to distinguish between motorized transportation modes such as bus, car and aboveground train with such high accuracy. Additionally, if a user is travelling by bus, we provide further information about which particular bus the user is riding. Five different inference models including Bayesian Net, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Naive Bayesian and Multilayer Perceptron, are tested in the experiments. The final classification system is deployed and available to the public.
Radar Target Detection and Map-Matching Algorithm Studies

Results of a study of adaptive threshold target detection and map-matching algorithms are presented. Log threshold processing is shown to be preferred over linear threshold processing when the clutter data surrounding the target cell is contaminated by other targets, decoy corner reflectors, or bright clutter cells. Whereas previous studies have resorted to extensive Monte-Carlo simulations of log threshold algorithms, the results were obtained using a novel analytical approach based upon Parseval's theorem.
Disk Agar Diffusion Susceptibility Testing of Yeasts

Abstract A disk agar diffusion method was developed for testing the susceptibility of rapidly growing yeasts in vitro. A totally defined, completely synthetic agar culture medium (synthetic amino acid medium, fungal) and clinical isolates of Candida spp. and Torulopsis glabrata were used. Turbidimetric adjustment of cell suspensions resulted in standard, reproducible inocula, which gave sharp, clear zones of inhibition when applied by an agar overlay method. Optimal disk loads were determined for amphotericin B, amphotericin B methyl ester, 5-fluorocytosine, clotrimazole, and miconazole. Disk potencies were stable over a 2-month period when stored in a vacuum desiccator at −30°C. Using an error ratebounded classification, the zones of inhibition were correlated with both broth dilution and agar dilution minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). With amphotericin B and amphotericin B methyl ester, all isolates were susceptible, yielding zone diameters which clustered within 5 mm. Overall correlations between zone diameters and broth dilution MICs with 5-fluorocytosine, miconazole, and clotrimazole were 97, 96, and 82% (excluding T. glabrata), respectively; correlations of zone diameters with agar dilution MICs were 96, 92, and 88%, respectively. Disk diffusion susceptibility testing of yeasts appears to be generally applicable. However, when results are equivocal, quantitative test methods should be used.
Experimental osteoarthritis in dogs: a comparison of the Pond-Nuki and medial arthrotomy methods

Summary Lesions induced by transecting the cranial cruciate ligament in two surgical models of osteoarthritis (OA) in mature, male, cross-bred dogs were compared by using an established grading system and alternatives. Previously, we relied on evaluations of lesions in articular cartilage on femurs alone. No statistically significant differences were found between grades for lesions in cartilage when either treated or control joints were compared by surgical method. Because the Pond-Nuki method yielded statistically significant differences between grades for lesions affecting treated and control femurs or tibias, and for some parameters indicative of synovitis, we preferred this method of surgery. Although by using the medial arthrotomy method of surgery, we were able to destabilize the joint in a more consistent manner, significant differences between treated and control joints were found for lesions on tibias, but not femurs, a frequent site for OA in humans. Suggestions are made for enhancing the surgical models and for a more holistic approach to evaluating joints morphologically.
Alcohol consumption and self-reported sunburn : A cross-sectional, population-based survey

Background Heavy drinking has been associated with several cancers, including melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether excessive drinking is associated with sunburn, a risk factor for skin cancer. Methods As part of the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a population-based telephone survey, 299,658 adults reported their use of alcohol in the preceding month and a history of sunburn in the preceding year. Results Approximately 33.5% of respondents reported a sunburn within the past year. Heavier average alcohol use and binge drinking were both positively associated with prevalence and number of sunburns within the past year. The adjusted odds ratios for prevalence and number of sunburns among binge drinkers were 1.39 (95% confidence interval 1.31-1.48) and 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.38), respectively. Associations tended to be of similar magnitude for average alcohol use and in all subgroups evaluated. Limitations This study was cross-sectional and relied upon participant self-report. Conclusion Excessive drinking is associated with higher rates of sunburn among American adults. The observed relationship typifies the high-risk behavior associated with excessive drinking and suggests one pathway linking alcohol use with skin cancer.
Two new graphical methods for mapping trait evolution on phylogenies

Summary Modern phylogenetic comparative biology uses data from the relationships between species (phylogeny) combined with comparative information for phenotypic traits to draw model-based statistical inferences about the evolutionary past. Recent years have seen phylogeny methods for evolutionary inference become central in the study of organic evolution. Here, I present two different graphical methods for visualizing phenotypic evolution on the tree. Method 1 is a new approach for plotting the posterior density of stochastically mapped character histories for a binary (two-state) phenotypic trait on a phylogeny. Method 2 is a closely related technique that uses ancestral character estimation to visualize historical character states for a continuous trait along the branches of a tree. One shortcoming of Method 2 is that by mapping the point estimates of ancestral states along the branches of the tree, we have effectively ignored the uncertainty associated with ancestral character estimation of continuous traits. To alleviate this issue, I propose a new method for visualizing ancestral state uncertainty using a type of projection of the tree into morphospace called a ‘traitgram.’ All of these approaches should prove useful in summarizing complex comparative inferences about ancestral character reconstruction. They are implemented in the freely available and open-source R phylogenetics package ‘phytools.’
Firm Resources as Moderators of the Relationship Between Market Growth and Strategic Alliances in Semiconductor Start-UPS

This article examines interactions between internal and external drivers of alliance formation. We argue that firms' use of alliances as a mechanism to adapt to market uncertainties is contingent o...