cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The release of unsuitable units through misinterpretation of laboratory results transmitted by facsimile

BACKGROUND: Preventable errors in transfusion medicine that have a significant risk of adverse outcome include the erroneous administration of blood of the wrong type or blood with unsuitable laboratory test results. Mandatory reports of errors by facilities providing blood services in New York State offer the opportunity for review and analysis of common factors. The state also collects statistics on the collection, laboratory testing, distribution, and disposition of blood in these facilities. CASE REPORTS: Three serious errors in transfusion medicine occurred within 3 months as a result of the misinterpretation of laboratory test results transmitted by facsimile. Two unsuitable units of blood were erroneously released, and a unit mislabeled as to the ABO group was incorporated into the hospital inventory. One of the unsuitable units was repeatedly reactive for HIV (although negative on confirmatory testing), and the other was confirmed positive for HCV. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of blood collected in New York State is tested by reference laboratories. Results are often transmitted by facsimile. Facsimile results may be misinterpreted because of distortion during transmission, misreading, or failure to note a separate report of pending results. Such misinterpretation results in an increased risk of adverse outcome for transfusion recipients. Laboratory results to be transmitted by facsimile could readily—and should—be clarified.
Quantitative and functional studies on the hands of the anthropoidea. I. The Hominoidea

The hands of the Hominoidea evidence four adaptive modes which distinguish the lesse apes (Hylobatidae), the orangutan (Pongo), the African apes (Pan), and man (Homo) from one another. The hands of the apes consist of compromises between manipulatory and locomotor functions because selection has operated for precision of grip as well as for special locomotor mechanisms. The human hand is almost totally devoted to manipulation. The hands of gibbons, orangutans and the African apes differ in many features that may be correlated with locomotion. The gibbons and siamang are specially adapted for ricochetal arm-swinging. The great apes possess morphological adaptations for arboreal foraging and climbing distinct from those of the hylobatids. In addition, the African apes have become secondarily adapted for terrestrial quadrupedal locomotion. Many features that distinguish the hands of chimpanzees and gorillas may be associated with the development of efficient knuckele-walking propulsive and support mechanisms.
Mexico′s Political Economy: Challenges at Home and Abroad

This volume presents a study of Mexico's internal economic and political affairs, and its international relations. The reasons for Mexico's political stability are examined in a key essay, as are its agricultural trade, the international implications of its labour relations, the effect of petroleum on its politics, and the international reverberations of Mexico's political economy. '...This welcome book, which helps to clarify that emerging fact, is edited by the president of the Latin American Studies Association who is also a professor at Harvard...Each essay has useful bibliographic information to guide further reading. The background material included here will be valuable for understanding the context of the essays and should make this a lasting contribution.' -- Choice, October 1982 'The book is required reading for those interested in the inter-American System.' -- American Political Science Review, Vol 77 No 2, June 1983
Pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase assay by automated high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A new assay for pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase is reported. This method utilizes an isocratic reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic system for separation of nucleosides and bases. Product detection is accomplished by ultraviolet monitoring and radioactive flow detection. Use of an automated sample injector allows for the analysis of a series of samples, with data recorded onto a microprocessor-based cassette recorder. Data can then be downloaded into computer memory. The velocity of uridine phosphorylase (E.C. 2.4.2.3) was a linear function of enzyme concentration. The Michaelis constant for uridine at pH 8.0 was found to be in close agreement with the value obtained by a thin-layer chromatographic assay method.
Cereal stocks, food aid and food security for the poor

Abstract This paper reviews recent events in world cereals markets, and argues that a significant proportion of the 1972–74 price increases resulted essentially from panic buying by a number of governments which controlled their countries' grain trade. Under these circumstances, a price stabilizing buffer stock would be beneficial, especially for poor countries in conjunction with food aid and emergency relief provisions. However, major producer countries might well lose from price stabilization, and may stand in the way of international agreement on buffer stocks.
Erythropoietin withdrawal alters interactions between young red blood cells, splenic endothelial cells, and macrophages: an in vitro model of neocytolysis

BACKGROUND: We have described the rapid destruction of young red blood cells (neocytolysis) in astronauts adapting to microgravity, in polycythemic high altitude dwellers who descend to sea level, and in patients with kidney disorders. This destruction results from a decrease in erythropoietin (EPO) production. We hypothesized that such EPO withdrawal could trigger physiological changes in cells other than red cell precursors and possibly lead to the uptake and destruction of young red cells by altering endothelial cell-macrophage interactions, most likely occurring in the spleen. METHODS: We identified EPO receptors on human splenic endothelial cells (HSEC) and investigated the responses of these cells to EPO withdrawal. RESULTS: A monolayer of HSEC, unlike human endothelial cells from aorta, glomerulus, or umbilical vein, demonstrated an increase in permeability upon EPO withdrawal that was accompanied by unique morphological changes. When HSEC were cultured with monocyte-derived macrophages (but not when either cell type was cultured alone), EPO withdrawal induced an increased ingestion of young red cells by macrophages when compared with the constant presence or absence of EPO. CONCLUSIONS: HSEC may represent a unique cell type that is able to respond to EPO withdrawal by increasing permeability and interacting with phagocytic macrophages, which leads to neocytolysis.
On the Initial Subalgebra of a Graded Lie Algebra

We show that each irreducible, transitive finite-dimensional graded Lie algebra over a field of prime characteristic p contains an initial subalgebra in which the pth power of the adjoint transformation associated with any element in the lowest gradation space is zero.
Venlafaxine and its interaction with WAY 100635: effects on serotonergic unit activity and behavior in cats.

The therapeutic efficacy of antidepressant drugs that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) may be enhanced by blocking their indirect activation of 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors, which mediate feedback inhibition of serotonergic neuronal activity. In this study, we examined the effects of venlafaxine, a dual 5-HT/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, alone and in combination with the selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide (WAY 100635), on the single-unit activity of serotonergic dorsal raphe neurons and concurrent behavior in freely moving cats. Systemic administration of venlafaxine (0.05-1.0 mg/kg, i.v.) produced a dose-dependent decrease in firing rate (ED(50)=0.19 mg/kg), with virtually complete inhibition of neuronal discharge at the highest dose tested. The subsequent administration of WAY 100635 (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) rapidly reversed the neuronal suppression produced by venlafaxine and significantly elevated the firing rate above baseline levels. The overshoot in neuronal activity was associated with the onset of an adverse behavioral reaction resembling the 5-HT syndrome resulting from excessive levels of brain 5-HT. The intensity of this reaction paralleled the degree of neuronal restoration induced by WAY 100635, suggesting a causal relationship. Such behavioral responses were either not observed previously, or of a low intensity, when WAY 100635 was combined with selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors. Overall, these results suggest that the risk of inducing adverse effects, such as the 5-HT syndrome, may be higher with dual 5-HT/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors than with selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors, when these agents are combined with a potent 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor antagonist. Possible mechanisms that might account for these differences in drug interaction are discussed.
Anti-Employer Blogging: An Overview of Legal and Ethical Issues

Anti-employer blogs, those which criticize companies or their employees, are posing significant legal and ethical challenges for corporations. The important legal issue is the conflict between the employee's legal duty of loyalty to the employer and the employee's right to free speech. Although U.S. and state law describes what an employee may or may not say in a blog, corporations should encourage employees to contribute to the process of creating clear, reasonable policies that will help prevent expensive court cases. The important ethical issue concerning anti-employer blogs is whether an employee incurs an ethical duty of loyalty. In this article, I conclude that there is no such ethical duty. The legal duty of loyalty, explained in a company-written policy statement that employees must endorse as a condition of employment, offers the best means of protecting the legal and ethical rights of both employers and employees.
Allee effects and species co-existence in an environment where resource abundance varies

Explaining patterns of diversity has long been a central focus in ecology. One of the most challenging problems has been to understand how species occupying similar ecological niches can co-exist because, with limited resources, demographic stochasticity is expected to lead to the eventual extinction of all but one of them. The Allee effect has been widely studied for its impact on the extinction risk of rare species. Its potential role in promoting co-existence has received less attention. Here, we present a model in which two species compete for a single resource across a continuous landscape. We show that Allee effects can promote their co-existence when a simple condition is met: resources are distributed unevenly across space. Furthermore, the Allee effect can stabilize co-existence despite the reduction in population density and consequent increase in demographic stochasticity that it causes. The Allee effect might, therefore, be an important force maintaining diverse communities.
Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy: Capital investment decision

Abstract This report identifies the various factors that affect a hospital's or consortium's decision to purchase and implement extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL).
On data secure computer networks

Recent research activities concerned with computer network security have produced a number of proposals for secure network designs. If one considers only the data security problem, and a network's contribution to it, then the recent progress suggests that reasonable solutions will soon be available. These solutions will be economical and merge reasonably well with existing network practices.
On estimation with balanced loss functions

Abstract Zellner ((1994) in: Gupta, S.S., Berger, J.O. (Eds.), Statistical Decision Theory and Related Topics. Springer, New York, pp. 371–390), introduced the notion of a balanced loss function in the context of a general linear model to reflect both goodness of fit and precision of estimation. We study this notion from the perspective of unifying a variety of results both frequentist and Bayesian. We show in broad generality that frequentist and Bayesian results for balanced loss follow from and also imply related results for quadratic loss functions reflecting only precision of estimation. Several examples are given for normal error structures and more generally for spherically symmetric error distribution.
Long-range 31P1H spin—spin coupling in carbamylphosphonates

Abstract 31 P 1 H spin—spin coupling was observed through four bonds and five bonds in the framework . Coupling through three bonds was too small to be observable. Coupling through four bonds in N,N-isopropyl carbamylphosphonates appears to depend upon steric considerations. The results are discussed in terms of the various possible mechanisms of spin—spin coupling.
The effect of background luminance on color recognition

The effect of background raster luminance on the ability to learn and recall color-coded information was studied via a paired-associates paradigm. Twenty variously colored circles, paired with two-digit numbers, were presented on a color-graphics CRT terminal. On test trials each colored circle was presented by itself and observers were required to recall verbally the two-digit number that was previously paired with the target color. Time to recall as well as actual responses were both recorded. Two raster luminance levels were tested: dark or perceptual black and one that appeared to be a shade of middle gray. Ten out of 10 observers reached the learning criterion with the middle-gray background, while only 10 out of 15 were able to reach the criterion with the black background. In addition, those observers who reached the criterion on the black background still made significantly more errors than the observers presented with the middle-gray background. There were no significant differences, however, in time to recall between the two types of backgrounds for observers who reached the learning criterion. These results are discussed in light of the CIELUV color-difference metric AE*uv.
Analysis of Step Tracking in Normal Human Subjects

In this communication, some observations of the step-tracking situation in normal human subjects are presented. The muscle systems around the ankle joint were studied. The experiments indicate that the predominant control law seems to be a unilateral activation of the appropriate muscle with some lead compensation. The antagonist muscle is simply turned off and not used as an active brake on the action, with one exception as noted in the results.
A research tool for software design and documentation

Currently there are no good research tools for studying the effectiveness of software design and documentation techniques. Usually the research tools used are paper-and-pencil measures where the subjects design a program or attempt to comprehend a previously written program using one of two or more design techniques. With paper-and-pencil measurements, the researcher usually counts the number of syntax and logic errors the subject makes. Also, the researcher may give multiple-choice questions which are designed to measure comprehension. Using paper-and-pencil measurement tools, the researcher only obtains information on the finished product; therefore, most of the programmer's behaviors exhibited during the writing of or comprehension of a program are not measured.I have written a ram-resident program (tool) which will record all programmer activity. The program records the programmer's activity while s/he is in an editor writing and correcting the program, and it records the program's behavior while compiling and executing. Thus, the tool records all keystrokes and combinations of keystrokes and the exact moment is time when they occurred. It records all run-time and compile-time errors and the time when they occurred. The execution of this tool, as well as the data files, are transparent to the user. The tool is written for Turbo Pascal. Versions for other compilers and interpreters are now being developed.The ability to “capture” the above data gives software engineering researchers one of the most powerful tools in existence. This tool will allow researchers to monitor programmer's behavior while in a laboratory or in the field. Combined with “paper-and-pencil” measurement tools, just about every meaningful programmer behavior can be measured.Since very little is known about the effectiveness of design and documentation techniques, this tool will make it very easy to compare the effectiveness of Nassi-Shneiderman, Warnier-Orr charts, decision trees, decision tables, finite-state diagrams, HOS charts, action diagrams, flowcharts, pseudocode, structured English, and others.Almost any area in software psychology could benefit from this tool. For example, researchers could measure the effectiveness of:levels of program indentationgraphical vs. non-graphical computer languagesdebugging aidscommentsusing an editor while programmingpretty printmodularityvarious types of error messagesprogram syntaxvarious iconsetc., etc.Since this tool can monitor a student's behavior while s/he is writing programs, the tool can be used to measure the effectiveness of various teaching methods and materials.This tool is licensed for research purposes only. Only a nominal copy and service charge will be required.
Treatment of hypertension in pregnancy with methyldopa: A randomized double blind study

Twenty-five patients whose pregnancies were complicated by chronic hypertension were entered in a double-blind study and randomly allocated to treatment with methyldopa (Aldomet) or placebo. Thirteen patients were in the treatment group and 12 in the placebo group. The two groups showed no significant difference in demographic and pretreatment laboratory profiles. Methyldopa-treated patients registering in the first trimester had a significant reduction in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) during the second and third trimesters (P less than 0.025). No significant differences in birth weight (BW), ponderal index (PI) were found when results were corrected for gestational age (GA), race, and sex. The mean GA was significantly prolonged in the methyldopa-treated group by 10.3 days (P less than 0.05). The frequency of superimposed pre-eclampsia was similar in both groups (33.3% vs. 38.4%). However, 75% of the superimposed pre-eclampsia occurred antepartum in the placebo group, while 80% of the methyldopa-treated group developed superimposed pre-eclampsia intrapartum. The results of this small study suggest that the treatment of hypertension in pregnancy may reduce MAP and possibly delay the occurrence of superimposed pre-eclampsia and thus afford a prolongation of the pregnancy.
Reply to D. K. Woolf

I would like to provide the following reply to Woolf's comments, each paragraph responding to one of the comments. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.1990.t01-2-00009.x
Model for a Clear Atmosphere

A model of a clear atmosphere is presented based upon two assumptions: (1) the point-function equilibrium radiance for a given path of sight does not change with altitude; (2) there is no absorption. As a result of these assumptions, the equation of transfer can be integrated. The path radiance for any slant path becomes a function of the equilibrium radiance and the beam transmittance of that path. In addition, the equilibrium radiance is a function of the scalar irradiance from the sun, sky, and earth and the proportional directional scattering coefficient for ground level. Sky radiances, and path radiances through the atmosphere for both upward and downward paths are determined by four parameters; the proportional directional scattering function for ground level, the total vertical beam transmittance of the atmosphere, the scalar albedo, and the solar zenith angle.There is evidence that the real atmosphere does on some days conform to the above two assumptions to a useful extent for the visible portion of the spectrum.
Velocity dispersion at the metamagnetic transition in UPt3

Abstract The longitudinal ultrasonic attenuation and velocity were measured on a single crystal of UPt 3 in magnetic fields up to 27 T. Earlier measurements had reported metamagnetic behavior in the vicinity of 20 T, where a pronounced velocity dip (softening of the lattice) is seen. Simultaneous measurements at three frequencies during the same run were possible. A small dispersion in the velocity is seen at the metamagnetic transition.
Development of a High-Throughput Screening Assay to Identify Inhibitors of the Lipid Kinase PIP5K1C

Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinases (PIP5Ks) regulate a variety of cellular processes, including signaling through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), endocytosis, exocytosis, and cell migration. These lipid kinases synthesize phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) from phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P]. Because small-molecule inhibitors of these lipid kinases did not exist, molecular and genetic approaches were predominantly used to study PIP5K1 regulation of these cellular processes. Moreover, standard radioisotope-based lipid kinase assays cannot be easily adapted for high-throughput screening. Here, we report a novel, high-throughput, microfluidic mobility shift assay to identify inhibitors of PIP5K1C. This assay uses fluorescently labeled phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate as the substrate and recombinant human PIP5K1C. Our assay exhibited high reproducibility, had a calculated adenosine triphosphate Michaelis constant (Km) of 15 µM, performed with z' values >0.7, and was used to screen a kinase-focused library of ~4700 compounds. From this screen, we identified several potent inhibitors of PIP5K1C, including UNC3230, a compound that we recently found can reduce nociceptive sensitization in animal models of chronic pain. This novel assay will allow continued drug discovery efforts for PIP5K1C and can be adapted easily to screen additional lipid kinases.
AIDING DECISION MAKERS WITH A GENERALIZED DATA BASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: AN APPLICATION TO INVENTORY MANAGEMENT *

This paper examines the attributes of a generalized data base management system with respect to its impact on managerial decision making. The discussion focuses upon two primary considerations: 1) the organization of data within a data base such that all intricate relationships are represented; and 2) the utilization of a facile method for non-programming users to interrogate the data base. Examples drawn from the field of material requirements planning are used to illustrate the concepts and potential of the generalized data base management system.
Group psychotherapy with the aging gay male: Treatment of choice

This article summarizes many issues facing gay men as they age. Aging for gay men is a complex phenomenon involving identity, self-esteem, internalized homophobia, stereotypes about older gay men, and the paucity of positive gay male images or role models to help direct their development. In this article, I will attempt to illuminate some of the complex variables of aging, as well as illustrate through case examples that group psychotherapy is a particularly helpful forum for skills development for middle age and older gay men. The themes covered include: 1) commitment struggles—especially anxiety management and conflict resolution, 2) self-esteem regulation, 3) projections and internalizations, 4) capacity for intimacy, and 5) unresolved grief and loss due to the impact of AIDS: Alone vs. Lonely.
The usability of scribble matching

Scribble matching is a facility developed for pen-computers which aliows users to search electronic ink. Here we report our fwst user evaluation of scribble matching in a scribble phonebook application. 12 users each retrieved 40 phone numbers using combinations of scribble look-up, text look-up and manual browsing. Scribble look-up was prefen-ed to the other two methods despite problems in remembering original handwritten labels in the phonebook.
Transcirculation balloon-assisted stent-supported coil embolization of a basilar tip aneurysm

We present the case of a balloon-assisted, stent-supported coil embolization of a basilar tip aneurysm. Initially, a balloon extending from the basilar artery into the right PCA was placed. However, even with a more proximal purchase, coils were found to impinge on the left PCA. Subsequently, a transcirculation approach was performed, where the left posterior communicating artery was utilized as a conduit for balloon support and the coils were embolized from the ipsilateral vertebral artery. However, after this transcirculation approach was completed, there was a coil tail extruding from the aneurysm. The balloon was then removed over an exchange wire and a horizontal stent advanced, spanning the entire neck of the aneurysm, eliminating the extruded coil. The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/bMbtZoPnYvo .
Business Communication Consulting A Survey of Faculty Practices

This recent survey of ABCA members reveals that consulting in the business communications field is less aggressive and profitable than it might be Faculty members charge their clients fees that are fractions of those charged by full-time consultants. These low fees, the authors believe, are a disservice to the profession.
Irrigation effects on growth and water use of Quercus virginiana (Mill.) on a Texas lignite surface-mined site

Abstract Three different irrigation regimes (100%-high, 67%-medium and 33%-low of estimated well-watered conditions) were applied to Quercus virginiana (live oak) seedlings on reclaimed lignite surface-mined soils in central Texas as a means to study the physiology and growth of seedlings during establishment. The study period was 4 July 1990 through 30 September 1990. Transpiration, stomatal conductance and water potential were significantly higher (α = 0.05) in the high treatment than in the low and medium treatments. Favorable water status contributed to somewhat greater seedling growth in the high treatment than in the low and medium treatments. Greater growth was associated with favorable seedling water potential, high stomatal conductance and rapid transpiration in the high treatment. Physiological responses and growth characteristics indicated that an irrigation rate of 1.2 kg·d−1 per seedling during the dry summer months was sufficient for seedling survival and establishment. An irrigation rate of 3.8 kg·d−1 per seedling promoted rapid seedling growth in addition to ensuring establishment.
Hepatitis B in a Pediatric Hemodialysis Unit.

Serial HB Ag determinations were obtained on 62 children undergoing hemodialysis during a 3 1/2-year period. Thirty six (58%) of the patients had at least one positive HB Ag determination (titer>1:8) either during the period of dialysis or within 2 months after transplantation. Of the children who became HB Ag positive during the period of dialysis, 89% demonstrated hepatitis B antigenemia during the initial 6 months of dialysis. Because of the temporal relationship between the development of HB Ag positivity and the duration of dialysis, contamination of equipment was proposed as a contributing source for transmission of HB Ag. Although 67% of the patients who were HB Ag positive during dialysis developed biochemical evidence of hepatic dysfunction, only two patients had clinical manifestations. The incidence of hepatic involvement appeared to be related to age; only one of nine children less than 12 years of age had evidence of hepatic disease. Intermittent persistence of HB Ag for periods
Reference lines in the optogalvanic spectra of uranium and thorium over the wavelength range 694–755 nm

The optogalvanic spectra of uranium and thorium are convenient sources of lines with which to calibrate wavemeters for high-resolution laser spectroscopy. We used hollow-cathode lamps for both uranium and thorium to observe the spectra, using a single-frequency cw dye laser operating over the wavelength range 694–755 nm. Eight uranium and seven thorium lines were measured with an accuracy of a few parts in 108 with our Fabry–Perot wavemeter. The estimated uncertainty of the measurements is 0.0002 cm-1 for both species. The results were compared with several previous measurements of these lines and were found to be in good agreement with values determined by Fourier-transform spectroscopy.
Bypassing the catalytic activity of SIR2 for SIR protein spreading in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Sir protein spreading along chromosomes and silencing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae requires the NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase activity of Sir2p. We tested whether this requirement could be bypassed at the HM loci and telomeres in cells containing a stably expressed, but catalytically inactive mutant of Sir2p, sir2-345p, plus histone mutants that mimic the hypoacetylated state normally created by Sir2p. Sir protein spreading was rescued in sir2-345 mutants expressing histones in which key lysine residues in their N-termini had been mutated to arginine. Mating in these mutants was also partially restored upon overexpression of Sir3p. Together, these results indicate that histone hypoacetylation is sufficient for Sir protein spreading in the absence of production of 2′-O-acetyl-ADP ribose by sir2p and Sir2p's enzymatic function for silencing can be bypassed in a subset of cells in a given population. These results also provide genetic evidence for the existence of additional critical substrates of Sir2p for silencing in vivo.
Sleep disordered breathing in a cohort of patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis

highlights abstract Objective: The aims of the study were: (1) to evaluate subjective sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in patients affected by sporadic inclusion-body myositis (IBM); (2) to define the sleep and sleep-related respiratory pattern in IBM patients. Methods: Thirteen consecutive adult patients affected by definite IBM were enrolled, six women and seven men, mean age 66.2 ± 11.1 years (range: 50-80). Diagnosis was based on clinical and muscle biopsy studies. All patients underwent subjective sleep evaluation (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, ESS), oro-pharingo-esophageal scintigraphy, pulmonary function tests, psycho- metric measures, anatomic evaluation of upper airways, and laboratory-based polysomnography. Find- ings in IBM patients were compared to those obtained from a control group of 25 healthy subjects (13 men and 12 women, mean age 61.9 ± 8.6 years). Results: Disease duration was >10 years in all. Mean IBM severity score was 28.8 ± 5.4 (range 18-36). Dysphagia was present in 10 patients. Nine patients had PSQI scores P 5; patients had higher mean PSQI score (IBM: 7.2 ± 4.7, Controls: 2.76 ± 1.45, p = 0.005); one patient (and no controls) had EES > 9. Poly- somnography showed that IBM patients, compared to controls, had lower sleep efficiency (IBM: 78.8 ± 12.0%, Controls: 94.0 ± 4.5%, p < 0.001), more awakenings (IBM: 11.9 ± 11.0, Controls: 5.2 ± 7.5, p = 0.009) and increased nocturnal time awake (IBM: 121.2 ± 82.0 min., Controls: 46.12 ± 28.8 min., p = 0.001). Seven Patients (and no controls) had polysomnographic findings consistent with sleep disor- dered breathing (SDB). Conclusion: Data suggest that sleep disruption, and in particular SDB, might be highly prevalent in IBM. Significance: Data indicate that IBM patients have poor sleep and high prevalence of SDB.
Reconfigurable virtual electrowetting channels

Lab-on-a-chip systems rely on several microfluidic paradigms. The first uses a fixed layout of continuous microfluidic channels. Such lab-on-a-chip systems are almost always application specific and far from a true “laboratory.” The second involves electrowetting droplet movement (digital microfluidics), and allows two-dimensional computer control of fluidic transport and mixing. The merging of the two paradigms in the form of programmable electrowetting channels takes advantage of both the “continuous” functionality of rigid channels based on which a large number of applications have been developed to date and the “programmable” functionality of digital microfluidics that permits electrical control of on-chip functions. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time programmable formation of virtual microfluidic channels and their continuous operation with pressure driven flows using an electrowetting platform. Experimental, theoretical, and numerical analyses of virtual channel formation with biologically relevant electrolyte solutions and electrically-programmable reconfiguration are presented. We demonstrate that the “wall-less” virtual channels can be formed reliably and rapidly, with propagation rates of 3.5–3.8 mm s−1. Pressure driven transport in these virtual channels at flow rates up to 100 μL min−1 is achievable without distortion of the channel shape. We further demonstrate that these virtual channels can be switched on-demand between multiple inputs and outputs. Ultimately, we envision a platform that would provide rapid prototyping of microfluidic concepts and would be capable of a vast library of functions and benefitting applications from clinical diagnostics in resource-limited environments to rapid system prototyping to high throughput pharmaceutical applications.
Goodness-of-fit methods for generalized linear mixed models

We develop graphical and numerical methods for checking the adequacy of generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). These methods are based on the cumulative sums of residuals over covariates or predicted values of the response variable. Under the assumed model, the asymptotic distributions of these stochastic processes can be approximated by certain zero-mean Gaussian processes, whose realizations can be generated through Monte Carlo simulation. Each observed process can then be compared, both visually and analytically, to a number of realizations simulated from the null distribution. These comparisons enable one to assess objectively whether the observed residual patterns reflect model misspecification or random variation. The proposed methods are particularly useful for checking the functional form of a covariate or the link function. Extensive simulation studies show that the proposed goodness-of-fit tests have proper sizes and are sensitive to model misspecification. Applications to two medical studies lead to improved models.
Benefits and Costs of the Ruffe Control Program for the Great Lakes Fishery

Abstract Although data on Great Lake fish stocks and values are uncertain estimates, reasonable approximations can be made concerning economic losses for the United States from various types of management practices. Based on biometric changes that are projected to occur, it appears that early control of a non-indigenous fish species, specifically ruffe ( Gymnocephalus cernuus ), can result in significant investment returns. By instituting a ruffe control program, benefits to the public will exceed costs by 44 to 1 over the next five decades. Under a moderate case projection of benefits this will yield an estimated net public savings of $513 million for the United States. Since sportfishing values are much greater than commercial fishing values, anglers will benefit the most from this program.
Robust detection of a known signal in nearly Gaussian noise

A detector that is not nonparametric, but that nevertheless performs well over a broad class of noise distributions is termed a robust detector. One possible way to obtain a certain degree of robustness or stability is to look for a min-max solution. For the problem of detecting a signal of known form in additive, nearly Gaussian noise, the solution to the min-max problem is obtained when the signal amplitude is known and the nearly Gaussian noise is specified by a mixture model. The solution takes the form of a correlator-limiter detector. For a constant signal, the correlator-limiter detector reduces to a limiter detector, which is shown to be robust in terms of power and false alarm. By adding a symmetry constraint to the nearly normal noise and formulating the problem as one of local detection, the limiter-correlator is obtained as the local min-max solution. The limiter-correlator is shown to be robust in terms of asymptotic relative efficiency (ARE). For a pulse train of unknown phase, a limiter-envelope sum detector is also shown to be robust in terms of ARE.
Descending control of body attitude in the cockroach Blaberus discoidalis and its role in incline climbing

Unlike intact animals, cockroaches with bilateral circumoesophageal connective lesions have difficulty climbing up smooth inclines. Typically, they slipped badly or even fell over backward before traveling more than 1.5 body lengths up the incline. The major problem involves increased slippage of the front and sometimes middle legs. Periods of front leg slipping are correlated with excess body elevation that pushes the height of the head to 11 mm above the substrate. Intact animals control body attitude very well on the incline, only rarely rearing above 11 mm. Cockroaches with bilateral circumoesophageal connective lesions spend considerable time above this critical amplitude and slipping increases with amplitude above that value. We conclude that circumoesophageal lesion compromises the insect's ability to control body attitude on the incline and this deficit contributes to the inability of lesioned cockroaches to climb steep inclines. A separate body attitude deficit was noted on steps. Upon climbing to the top of a barrier, intact animals bend their body between the first and second thoracic segments. This action maintains good leg mechanics throughout the climb. Cockroaches with bilateral circumoesophageal connective lesions fail to perform this downward flexion. A beneficial role for similar body flexion in simple robots is described in the Discussion.
Synthesizing scalable computations from sequential programs

Advocates an approach that supports decomposition and scalable synthesis of a parallel computation. The decomposition is achieved with the aid of annotation languages that enable one top annotate programs written in various programming languages. The authors have implemented annotations for the Equational Programming Language (EPL). The synthesis is achieved with the aid of a simple configuration language that describes the computation in terms of interactions of programs and their fragments created by annotations. The decomposition and synthesis simplify the process of: (1) determining the grain size for efficient parallel processing, (2) data distribution, and (3) run-time optimization. The authors discuss annotations and configurations suitable for parallel programs written in EPL and FORTRAN and their use in scalable synthesis. They first discuss how annotations can define different computational blocks from a single program and how these blocks determine data distributions across processors. They outline a design of the configurator and show how FORTRAN programs can be configured into a hierarchical structure of computational blocks. An example of LU decomposition written in both EPL and FORTRAN illustrates the process of program decomposition and synthesis. The authors discuss code generation for synthesized computations, and some possible extensions. >
Practitioner Review: Computerized assessment of neuropsychological function in children: clinical and research applications of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery (CANTAB)

Background: Computers have been used for a number of years in neuropsychological assessment to facilitate the scoring, interpretation, and administration of a variety of commonly used tests. There has been recent interest in applying computerized technology to pediatric neuropsychological assessment, which poses unique demands based on the need to interpret performance relative to the child's developmental level. Findings: However, pediatric neuropsychologists have tended to implement computers in the scoring, but not administration, of tests. This trend is changing based on the work of experimental neuropsychologists who frequently combine data obtained from test batteries with lesion or neuroimaging data allowing descriptions of brain–behavior relations to be made with increasing confidence. One such battery is the Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery (CANTAB), and current studies in which the CANTAB has been used to measure executive functions in children are reviewed. Conclusions: Computerized batteries of this type can record aspects of performance that are difficult for psychometrists to achieve, and these may reflect activity in developing neural networks with more sensitivity than can be achieved with traditional tests. However, before computerized test administration becomes a routine part of pediatric neuropsychological assessment, several obstacles must be overcome. Despite these limitations, it is concluded that computerized assessment can improve the field by facilitating the collection of normative and clinical data.
Using pooled exposure assessment to improve efficiency in case-control studies.

Summary. Assays can be so expensive that interesting hypotheses become impractical to study epidemiologically. One need not, however, perform an assay for everyone providing a biological specimen. We propose pooling equal-volume aliquots from randomly grouped sets of cases and randomly grouped sets of controls, and then assaying the smaller number of pooled samples. If an effect modifier is of concern, the pooling can be done within strata defined by that variable. For covariates assessed on individuals (e.g., questionnaire data), set-based counterparts are calculated by adding the values for the individuals in each set. The pooling set then becomes the unit of statistical analysis. We show that, with appropriate specification of a set-based logistic model, standard software yields a valid estimated exposure odds ratio, provided the multiplicative formulation is correct. Pooling minimizes the depletion of irreplaceable biological specimens and can enable additional exposures to be studied economically. Statistical power suffers very little compared with the usual, individual-based analysis. In settings where high assay costs constrain the number of people an investigator can afford to study, specimen pooling can make it possible to study more people and hence improve the study's statistical power with no increase in cost.
Use of antenna receive diversity to mitigate scintillation on Ka band satellite links

According to the MPS simulation of Ka band satellite signals, used in conjunction with a typical cloud-present turbulence profile, there can be a substantial diversity benefit from using multiple antennas for links with elevation angles less than 20 degrees. It should be noted that this analysis method can also be applied to horizontal paths (i.e. terrestrial links), in which case the Cn 2 value remains approximately constant over the entire path. In a broader sense, this paper has shown the utility of using MPS simulations to model the effects of the troposphere on Ka band signals. This is of particular benefit in the strong scattering regime where the mathematics are intractable.
Alternate-day fasting and chronic disease prevention: a review of human and animal trials

Calorie restriction (CR) and alternate-day fasting (ADF) represent 2 different forms of dietary restriction. Although the effects of CR on chronic disease prevention were reviewed previously, the effects of ADF on chronic disease risk have yet to be summarized. Accordingly, we review here animal and human evidence concerning ADF and the risk of certain chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. We also compare the magnitude of risk reduction resulting from ADF with that resulting from CR. In terms of diabetes risk, animal studies of ADF find lower diabetes incidence and lower fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, effects that are comparable to those of CR. Human trials to date have reported greater insulin-mediated glucose uptake but no effect on fasting glucose or insulin concentrations. In terms of cardiovascular disease risk, animal ADF data show lower total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations, a lower heart rate, improved cardiac response to myocardial infarction, and lower blood pressure. The limited human evidence suggests higher HDL-cholesterol concentrations and lower triacylglycerol concentrations but no effect on blood pressure. In terms of cancer risk, there is no human evidence to date, yet animal studies found decreases in lymphoma incidence, longer survival after tumor inoculation, and lower rates of proliferation of several cell types. The findings in animals suggest that ADF may effectively modulate several risk factors, thereby preventing chronic disease, and that ADF may modulate disease risk to an extent similar to that of CR. More research is required to establish definitively the consequences of ADF.
Scintillating strips+WLS fiber EM shower maximum detectors in the CDF Plug Upgrade

Summary form only. A number of different electromagnetic shower maximum detectors have been tested in the CDF Plug Upgrade program. The performances of a design foreseeing long scintillator strips with a wavelength shifter fiber embedded in them and read-out by a multichannel PMT (photomultiplier tube) were investigated. An x-y detector providing two orthogonal views of an EM (electromagnetic) shower from the same piece of scintillator was also studied. Good position resolution and a pi /sup 0// gamma separation in agreement with the simulation was found. The authors examine the different sources of possible cross-talk among the individual channels and obtained a good agreement with the EGS Monte Carlo results for the EM shower shape. >
Evaluation of cold mixes for winter pothole repair.

The performances of 13 proprietary cold-mix patching materials, 4 of which are currently approved under the Virginia Department of Transportation's Special Provision for High Quality Cold Patching Materials, were evaluated. Cold-mix patching materials are regularly submitted to the Materials Division for approval. The purpose of the evaluations was to determine which of the submitted materials were of the same caliber as the approved materials. The addition of materials of equal quality will promote competition in the competitive bid system. Three test sections were placed to evaluate the materials' performance. A standardized evaluation form and performance model were developed to rank the materials. The field performance results were compared with laboratory test results in an effort to develop a laboratory screening test. Design and quality control procedures were identified. These procedures were used to design a material that has performed well.
The Political Economy of Foreign Intervention

The US government relies heavily on military intervention to address a wide range of potential and actual crises abroad. This integrated approach to military intervention often includes rebuilding the economic, legal, social, and political aspects of societies using the tools of defense, diplomacy, and development. Drawing on research in Austrian economics and public choice economics, this chapter explores the limits of military intervention. Given the institutionalized reliance on military as a means to address crises abroad, understanding the limitations of what it can, and cannot accomplish, is of the utmost importance.