cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An averaging theorem for time-periodic degree zero homogeneous differential equations

Abstract This paper considers the stability of the differential equation dot x = eX(t, x, e), x ϵ R n , where X ( t , x , e ) is a time-periodic, degree zero homogeneous vector field and e > 0 is a parameter. It is shown that asymptotic stability of the time-averaged equation implies asymptotic stability of the original system for e sufficiently small.
Revitalising indigenous languages: how to recreate a lost generation

Revitalising indigenous languages: How to recreate a lost generation is a remarkable and inspirational book that chronicles the language revitalization efforts, triumphs, and tribulations of the Co...
Survey Research on gain scheduling

Current research on gain scheduling is clarifying customary practices as well as devising new approaches and methods for the design of nonlinear control systems.
Inverse bond length/bond angle relationships Part 5. An ab initio study of molecules with multiple bonds

Abstract A theoretical study at the Hartree—Fock 6-31G * level has been made of geometrical relaxation as a response to forced bond angle changes in CH 3 CH 3 , CH 2 CH 2 , CHCH, CO 2 , SO 2 , and cis - and trans -FNNF. In each case, bond angles were fixed at different values and the remaining geometry was optimized to show structural trends. Over wide angle ranges, changes in the central bond lengths are nearly linear with changes in the adjacent angles, the “inverse bond length/bond angle” relationship. At more extreme angular ranges and for the heteroatom compounds, more complicated behavior was found.
Ectodomain Cleavage of ErbB-4: CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CLEAVAGE SITE AND m80 FRAGMENT *

Ectodomain cleavage of the ErbB-4 receptor tyrosine kinase generates a membrane-associated fragment of 80 kDa (m80) that has been subjected to N-terminal sequencing. The sequence obtained shows that the N terminus of this fragment begins with Ser-652 of ErbB-4. When a 12-residue peptide corresponding to ErbB-4 residues 646-657 was incubated with recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha-converting enzyme, fragments representing residues 646-651 and 652-657 were obtained. These data indicate that ectodomain cleavage of ErbB-4 occurs between His-651 and Ser-652, placing the cleavage site within the ectodomain stalk region approximately 8 residues prior to the transmembrane domain. Several experiments have characterized other aspects of the m80 ErbB-4 fragment. Inhibition of ErbB-4 tyrosine kinase activity with pan-ErbB tyrosine kinase inhibitors indicates that kinase activity is stringently required for heregulin-dependent, but not 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced, ErbB-4 ectodomain cleavage and formation of the m80 fragment. When the m80 ErbB-4 fragment is generated by cell treatment with heregulin or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, the fragment associates with intact ErbB-2. However, this fragment does not associate with the intact ErbB-4 molecule.
Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and metabolism of nitrofurantoin in the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Abstract The pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and metabolism of the drug nitrofurantoin were examined in the channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) after intravascular or oral dosing. Mean plasma concentrations of nitrofurantoin after intravascular administration at 1 and 10 mg kg −1 of body weight were best fit to two- and three-compartment pharmacokinetic models, respectively. Nitrofurantoin was rapidly eliminated from the plasma after intravascular dosing; at 1 and 10 mg kg −1 , the terminal half-lives were 23 and 46 min, respectively. After oral dosing at 1 mg kg −1 , peak plasma concentrations (0.06 μg ml −1 ) occurred at 2 h; the bioavailability was 17%. Residues of nitrofurantoin and its metabolites in the tissues were initially eliminated rapidly but persisted at the later sampling times. Residue concentrations were highest in the plasma and excretory tissues. Approximately 21% and 4% of the oral dose were eliminated in the urine and bile, respectively. Parent nitrofurantoin was the major radiolabelled compound found in the urine; however, the percentage of total residues composed of metabolites increased with time. Biliary residues consisted mostly of nitrofurantoin metabolites. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed the presence of at least five metabolites in the urine and bile.
Mean apparent propagator (MAP) MRI: a novel diffusion imaging method for mapping tissue microstructure

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) signals reflect information about underlying tissue microstructure and cytoarchitecture. We propose a quantitative, efficient, and robust mathematical and physical framework for representing diffusion-weighted MR imaging (MRI) data obtained in “q-space,” and the corresponding “mean apparent propagator (MAP)” describing molecular displacements in “r-space.” We also define and map novel quantitative descriptors of diffusion that can be computed robustly using this MAP-MRI framework. We describe efficient analytical representation of the three-dimensional q-space MR signal in a series expansion of basis functions that accurately describes diffusion in many complex geometries. The lowest order term in this expansion contains a diffusion tensor that characterizes the Gaussian displacement distribution, equivalent to diffusion tensor MRI (DTI). Inclusion of higher order terms enables the reconstruction of the true average propagator whose projection onto the unit “displacement” sphere provides an orientational distribution function (ODF) that contains only the orientational dependence of the diffusion process. The representation characterizes novel features of diffusion anisotropy and the non-Gaussian character of the three-dimensional diffusion process. Other important measures this representation provides include the return-to-the-origin probability (RTOP), and its variants for diffusion in one- and two-dimensions—the return-to-the-plane probability (RTPP), and the return-to-the-axis probability (RTAP), respectively. These zero net displacement probabilities measure the mean compartment (pore) volume and cross-sectional area in distributions of isolated pores irrespective of the pore shape. MAP-MRI represents a new comprehensive framework to model the three-dimensional q-space signal and transform it into diffusion propagators. Experiments on an excised marmoset brain specimen demonstrate that MAP-MRI provides several novel, quantifiable parameters that capture previously obscured intrinsic features of nervous tissue microstructure. This should prove helpful for investigating the functional organization of normal and pathologic nervous tissue.
Multidisciplinary Design and Optimization Methodologies in Electronics Packaging: State-of-the-Art Review

Electronics packaging design is a process that requires optimized solutions based on multidisciplinary design trade-offs, which usually have complex relationships among multiple design variables. Required numerical analyses combining electrical, thermal, and thermomechanical, among others, have made the multidisciplinary design and optimization process more challenging because of their time-intensive modeling and computation. In this paper, a state-of-the-art review of recent multidisciplinary design and optimization methodologies in electronics packaging is presented. The reported methodologies are divided into three groups: (1) integrated multidisciplinary computer aided design (CAD) environment, (2) semi-automated design optimization techniques, and (3) automated component placement techniques. In the first group, multidisciplinary design and optimization are carried out using interactive CAD environment software. The electronics packaging designer inputs data and makes decisions, while the CAD software provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary modeling and simulation environment. In the second group, using semi-automated design optimization methodologies, various objectives are optimized simultaneously mainly based on package configurations (dimensions), material properties, and operating conditions. In the third group, optimal placement of heat generating components is performed automatically based on multiple requirements. In recent years, methodologies using (1) detailed numerical analysis models directly connected to optimization algorithms, (2) design of experiments (DoE), and (3) artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been proposed as new trends in this field. These methodologies have led to significant improvement in design optimization capabilities, while they require intensive computational effort. Advantages as well as disadvantages of these methods are discussed.
Severe Metabolic Alkalosis due to Pyloric Obstruction: Case Presentation, Evaluation, and Management

A 46-year-old man presented to the emergency room with severe metabolic alkalosis, hypokalemia, and respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. The cause of his acid-base disorder was initially unclear. Although alkalosis is common in the intensive care unit, metabolic alkalosis of this severity is unusual, carries a very high mortality rate, and requires careful attention to the pathophysiology and differential diagnosis to effectively evaluate and treat the patient. A central concept in the diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis is distinguishing chloride responsive and chloride nonresponsive states. Further studies are then guided by the history and physical examination in most cases. By using a systematic approach to the differential diagnosis, we were able to determine that a high-grade gastric outlet obstruction was the cause of the patients' alkalosis and to offer effective therapy for his condition. A literature review and algorithm for the diagnosis and management of metabolic alkalosis are also presented.
Counseling middle-aged women about physical activity using the stages of change.

Purpose To discuss application of the Stages of Change theoretical framework and provide clinical tips on exercise adherence among midlife women. Included is a checklist to assist the nurse practitioner (NP) in effectively delivering the message. Data Sources Review of the current scientific literature on exercise adherence and the Stages of change model. Conclusions Middle-aged women comprise a unique population. Determining the woman's readiness for change using the Stages of Change model, NPs can routinely include appropriate exercise recommendations in their practices. Implications for Practice Nurse practitioners are in a unique position to promote healthy behaviors by counseling women in midlife about adopting an active lifestyle. Exercise counseling is an essential component of healthcare, especially among middle-aged women who are experiencing physical, emotional, and social changes.
Parental antecedents of sex-role orientation in college men and women

Parental modeling and reinforcement antecedents of masculine, feminine, androgynous, and undifferentiated sex-role orientation were tested for 228 college men and women using self and parent versions of the Bem Sex Role Inventory and the Parent Behavior Form. Parent scale differences indicated that psychological androgyny is associated with high levels of masculinity and femininity in both parents, with high levels of warmth and involvement, particularly with the same-sex parent, and, in females, with maternal cognitive/achievement encouragement. Sex typing occurred where both parents modeled traditional sex-role attributes and, for females, with extreme closeness with father in the absence of maternal cognitive/intellectual encouragement. An undifferentiated sex-role orientation was associated with low emotional and cognitive involvement with father in males and with an undifferentiated but emotionally involved mother in females. Finally, cross-sex typing in both sexes was associated with parental rejection, low feminity in both parents, and an absence of warmth or cognitive encouragement from either parent. These findings confirm and expand those of an earlier study for androgynous subjects, but differ markedly for cross-sex-typed subjects.
Evidence for hypoxia‐induced, programmed cell death of cultured neurons

Apoptosis, a form of cell death ("programmed" cell death) in which the nucleus and cytoplasm shrink and often fragment, serves to eliminate excessive or unwanted cells during remodeling of embryonic tissues, during organ involution, and in tumor regression. In acute pathological states, such as ischemia, the cells tend to swell and lyse--a process called necrosis. We hypothesize that the delayed neural death clinically associated with hypoxia may, in part, represent apoptosis. A tissue culture model of 24 hours of hypoxia was employed using sympathetic neurons. Pretreatment with an endonuclease inhibitor (aurintricarboxylic acid) decreased cell death by 53%, depolarizing conditions (55 mM potassium chloride) decreased cell death by 33%, and an RNA synthesis inhibitor (actinomycin D) by 26% (all have been shown to prevent apoptosis). Pretreatment with antisense c-myc had no effect. Fluorescent staining with propidium iodide (a DNA marker) demonstrated chromatin condensation and agarose gel electrophoresis demonstrated a DNA "ladder." These data suggest that apoptosis may play a role in hypoxic cell death and that in this paradigm, expression of c-myc is unnecessary. This would suggest a new approach to our understanding of hypoxia and open new strategies to lessen neuronal damage secondary to this process.
Motor Networks: Shifting Coalitions

Are central motor networks composed of task-specific dedicated neurons or are the neurons multifunctional, entering shifting coalitions for particular tasks to form different functional networks? Recent experiments elegantly indicate the latter.
Functional testing of a tissue-engineered vocal fold cover replacement

OBJECTIVES: Tissue engineering may provide a treatment for severe vocal fold scars. This study quantifies mechanical properties and demonstrates vibration of a tissue-engineered vocal fold cover replacement. METHODS: Tissue-engineered constructs were produced from fibrin and adipose-derived stem cells. Optimized bilayered constructs contained epithelial and mesenchymal cell phenotypes in a stratified geometry. For comparison, homogeneous constructs did not have epithelial differentiation. Elastic modulus was determined using indentation. Immunohistochemical labeling for type I collagen was performed. A bilayered construct was also tested in phonation in an excised larynx model. RESULTS: Bilayered vocal fold cover replacements had indentation moduli similar to human vocal fold covers (mean construct modulus 6.8 kPa). Collagen deposition occurred in the middle of the construct. Homogeneous constructs had a mean modulus of 8.3 kPa, and collagen was concentrated at the surface. An excised larynx with unilateral vocal fold cover replacement phonated and exhibited mucosal waves at physiologic airflow. CONCLUSION: Bilayered tissue-engineered constructs were produced that exhibited indentation modulus, microstructure, and vibration similar to that exhibited by human vocal fold covers.
Equilibration mechanisms in an adjoint ocean general circulation model

We examine the equilibrated and time-evolving adjoint solutions of an ocean general circulation model. Adjoint models calculate the sensitivity of a diagnostic, (here, the strength of the meridional overturning) to all forcing fields in a single integration. The time evolution of the sensitivity patterns demonstrates the validity of the adjoint modeling approach over climatological time scales in coarse-resolution ocean models. Our objective is to identify the principle adjustment mechanisms through which the meridional overturning strength adapts to perturbations in wind and buoyancy forcing. The adjoint approach is shown to be a valuable alternative to traditional perturbation methods in highlighting the processes and time scales important to ocean and climate modeling.
Vibrational spectra and structure of the heptahydrodiborate ion, [B2H7]− in glycol ethers

Abstract The i.r. and Raman spectra of the heptahydroborate ion, [B 2 H 7 ] − , and its deuterated derivative, [B 2 D 7 ] − , have been obtained in solution and assignments have been made of the observed bands. The data are interpreted as indicating a bent C 2 structure in solution. Normal coordinate calculations based on this model are presented.
Biosynthesis of Alkali Insoluble Polysaccharide from UDP-d-Glucose with Particulate Enzyme Preparations from Phaseolus aureus

A particulate enzyme system from Phaseolus aureus seedlings catalyzes the synthesis of alkali insoluble polysaccharide material from UDP-d-glucose. 80 to 90% of the d-glucose units are joined by β-1,4 linkages, the remainder being combined by β-1,3 linkages. It is not known whether the material is a single polysaccharide or a mixture. With a substrate concentration of 4 × 10 −3 m the enzyme system catalyzes the formation of alkali insoluble polysaccharide from UDP-d-glucose at a rate 23 times greater than that from GDP-d-glucose. The modifications introduced also increase the formation of cellulose from GDP-d-glucose to 3 times the rate previously reported. None of the glycosyl nucleotides containing bases other than guanine or uracil (adenine, cytosine, thymine) served as substrate for the production of alkali insoluble polysaccharide with this enzyme system. dUDP-d-glucose could also not serve as substrate.
Distribution of Ground Fault Currents Along Transmission Lines -- An Improved Algorithm

The calculation of fault current distribution between ground wires and ground is important for the operation of modern power systems. A new method is presented based on an approach whereby the current distribution is solved through the computation of driving-point impedances. The method is applied to three phase systems with mutual couplings between conductors (phase and ground, respectively) included. Currents computed by this method and methods published in recent literature are compared and are found in good agreement. Results show that the method is more efficient in terms of CPU time and memory space.
The circle transform, an articulable shape descriptor.

Abstract This paper presents a new method of shape description which facilitates the analysis and synthesis of biological objects. In particular, it permits the description and manipulation of local boundary segments in a compressed form that is directly interpretable. Some global descriptive techniques are contrasted with this method.
Nonreciprocal exchanges in the yeast mitochondrial genome

Abstract In genetic crosses in yeats, mitochondrial genomes actively recombine and sort randomly to the diploid progeny. Most alleles are recovered quantitatively, but two mitochondrial genes can engage in gene conversions leading to an allele-specific bias in output. For one of these genes that encodes the large ribosomal RNA, the moleculear mechanism of this conversion shows striking similarities to yeast mating-type interconversion
Measurement of rates of fast E1 transitions in AcRa nuclei

Abstract The half-lives of the 40.0 keV level in 225Ac, 31.6 keV level in 225Ra, and 27.4 keV level in 227Ac have been measured to be 0.72 ± 0.03 ns, 2.1 ± 0.2 ns, and 38.3 ± 0.3 ns, respectively. The three levels decay only by E1 transitions. The lifetimes were measured by delayed coincidence techniques using pure samples. The reduced transition probabilities in 225Ac and 225Ra are about two orders of magnitude larger than the values encountered in the mid-actinide nuclei. On the other hand, the transition rate in 227Ac is similar to the values measured in heavier actinides. Previous studies suggest the presence of octupole deformation in all three nuclei. Our results demonstrate that large enhancements in E1 transition rates can occur for nuclei with octupole deformation. However, the results also indicate that there is no simple relationship between the E1 rate and the octupole deformation. The half-life of the 25.4 keV state in 225Ra, which decays by a pure rotational E2 transition, has been measured to be 0.88 ± 0.04 ns. This lifetime yields a quadrupole moment of 6.47 ± 0.15 b and a β2 deformation of 0.17 + 0.004.
A Crump-Mode-Jagers branching process model of prion loss in yeast

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has emerged as an ideal model system to study the dynamics of prion proteins which are responsible for a number of fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans. Within an infected cell, prion proteins aggregate in complexes which may increase in size or be fragmented and are transmitted upon cell division. Recent work in yeast suggests that only aggregates below a critical size are transmitted efficiently. We formulate a continuous-time branching process model of a yeast colony under conditions of prion curing. We generalize previous approaches by providing an explicit formula approximating prion loss as influenced by both aggregate growth and size-dependent transmission.
Acoustics of a low-speed dump combustor

Abstract The acoustic behavior of a dump combustor operating at very low Mach numbers is explored experimentally and analytically. Two dominant acoustic modes are identified that strongly influence the combustion process in the device: (1) a low-frequency “chugging” mode that is associated with relatively low equivalence ratios (
Periodontal Status of Patients With Reduced Immunocapacity

The periodontal status of patients with reduced immunocapacity was assessed. Gingival inflammation, periodontal destruction, and plaque accumulation were compared in three groups--renal transplant patients, dialysis patients, and normal individuals. The levels of all parameters were similar in the three groups indicating that immunosuppression does not affect the clinical appearance of periodontal disease when measurements are made in a single examination. In the transplant group, however, there is a lack of correlation between P.I. and G.I. and between P.I. and P.D.I., indicating a dissociation between plaque accumulation and the tissue response. Long-term longitudinal studies of periodontal disease in such patients are needed in order to obtain more meaningful information on the role of the immune system in affecting the rate of periodontal destruction. This study suggests that nonimmune mechanisms such as the direct effect of bacterial products on supporting tissues can account for at least some of the clinical manifestations of periodontal disease.
Body Weight Gain, Feed Efficiency, and Fecal Scores of Dairy Calves in Response to Galactosyl-Lactose or Antibiotics in Milk Replacers

Holstein bull calves (n = 96) were purchased at approximately 7 d of age and were assigned to receive 400, 450, 500, and 550 g/d of milk replacer solids during wk 1 to 4, respectively. Treatments were nonmedicated milk replacer plus dried whey, medicated milk replacer (138 mg/kg of oxytetracycline and 276 mg/kg of neomycin) plus dried whey, or nonmedicated milk replacer plus whey processed with β-galactosidase to contain 15% galactosyl-lactose. Processed whey was added to provide 1% of dry matter as galactosyl-lactose; an equivalent amount of dried whey was added to the other treatments to provide 6.3% of dry matter daily. Intake of milk replacer and fecal scores were measured daily. No calf starter or hay was fed. Body weights were measured weekly from arrival to 26 d. Serum immunoglobulin G, measured 1 d after arrival, averaged 18.3 g/L. Intake of milk replacer plus additive during the 26-d study was 445 g/d and did not vary with treatment. Body weight and body weight gain were increased by 52 and 72 g/d in response to antibiotics and galactosyl-lactose, respectively. Severity of scours and number of days scouring tended to be reduced when calves were fed milk replacer containing galactosyl-lactose or antibiotics.
Delay of Gratification in Two- and Three-Year-Olds: Associations with Attachment, Personality, and Temperament

Delay of gratification in young children has been linked to long-term behavioral and academic outcomes. This study explored temperament, personality, and child–parent attachment as possible associates of delay ability. The sample consisted of 50 2- and 3-year-old children and their primary caregivers. Two laboratory tasks, the Preschool Strange Situation and the newly created Gift Delay Task, were conducted on separate occasions to assess child–parent attachment and delay of gratification, respectively. Parents and preschool teachers completed child temperament (EASI-III) and personality (California Child Q-Set) questionnaires. Based on the award-oriented behavior in the Gift Delay Task, children were classified into three groups: Delay (20 %), Touch and Go (i.e., approached the gift, but demonstrated some delay ability; 46 %), and Non Delay (34 %). Reports on activity, impulsivity, decision time, negative emotionality, over-control, and affect were found to be associated with delay ability. The association between child–parent attachment and delay was not statistically significant, but an interesting trend emerged. A larger percentage of Non Delayers were rated as Insecure-Ambivalent (“C”), and more Delayers were rated as Securely attached (“B”). Implications for behavioral interventions focused on parental support and scaffolding are discussed.
Gait variability while dual-tasking: fall predictor in older inpatients?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Increased gait variability is associated with a high risk of falling in older community-dwellers, but no information exists about the relationship between increased gait variability and falls occurring in older hospitalized patients. We therefore sought to determine, in an acute geriatric setting, whether gait variability in single- (i.e., usual walking) or dual-task conditions can predict inpatient falls. METHODS: Stride time variability was calculated in both single-task (i.e., usual walking) and dual-task conditions with a GAITRite-System in 13 male and 44 female patients (mean age=85.0, SD=6.6 yrs) consecutively admitted to the acute care geriatric department of Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland. All participants were able to walk without assistive devices at day 3 post-admission. Falls during hospital stay were identified through the hospital accident reporting system. RESULTS: Ten fallers and 47 non-fallers were identified. The first fall events were significantly associated with the coefficient of variation of stride time in both walking conditions during hospital stay (OR 13.3, (95% CI 1.6-113.6), p=0.018 for usual walking; OR 8.6, (95% CI 1.9-39.6), p=0.006 for dual- task walking). Furthermore, the time elapsing between the first day of hospitalization and the first fall was significantly shorter when the cut-off value of stride time variability was calculated for dual-tasking compared with usual walking. The Cox regression model revealed that only the coefficient of variation of stride time during dual-task walking was significantly associated with the occurrence of the first fall event (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the degree of stride time variability in dual-task walking conditions distinguished fallers from non-fallers in a group of independently walking, older inpatients.
Nylon-muscle-actuated robotic finger

This paper describes the design and experimental analysis of novel artificial muscles, made of twisted and coiled nylon fibers, for powering a biomimetic robotic hand. The design is based on circulating hot and cold water to actuate the artificial muscles and obtain fast finger movements. The actuation system consists of a spring and a coiled muscle within a compliant silicone tube. The silicone tube provides a watertight, expansible compartment within which the coiled muscle contracts when heated and expands when cooled. The fabrication and characterization of the actuating system are discussed in detail. The performance of the coiled muscle fiber in embedded conditions and the related characteristics of the actuated robotic finger are described.
Variable Population Growth of Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) in Colonies of Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) During a 10-Year Period

Abstract We measured significant variation in the instantaneous growth rates for varroa mites, Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman) from 1993 to 2002 in Baton Rouge, LA. Mite population growth was monitored in colonies of honey bees, Apis mellifera L., with queens from miscellaneous U.S. sources that had not been selectively bred for varroa resistance. Mite populations were measured at the beginning and end of short field tests that started in the late spring of each year. Analyses of multiple regression showed that only the first two of the following regressors were linear predictors of r, the instantaneous growth rate: 1) percentage of reproducing female mites, 2) proportion of total mites in capped brood, 3) mortality of mites in brood cells, 4) growth of the bee population, 5) capped brood area at the end of a test, and 6) duration of the test. Analysis of commonality indicated that the percentage of reproducing female mites explained ≈26% of the total variation in r, and the proportion of total mit...
Calling the doctor: a qualitative study of patient-initiated physician consultation among rural older adults.

Objectives: Guided by Leventhal’s self-regulatory model and Cockerham’s theory of health lifestyles, we explore two questions regarding physician consultation among elderly rural adults: What symptom characteristics prompt patient-initiated physician consultation? Do participants’ accounts of responses to symptoms, including the decision to consult a physician, incorporate descriptions of change over time? Method: We analyze data from semistructured in-depth interviews with 62 older rural adults. Results: Accounts of decisions to initiate contact with physicians support prior research. Some symptoms encouraged immediate consultation; others prompted periods of monitoring and lay management. Physicians were most often contacted if changes were new, unusually severe, persisted or worsened, or failed to respond to lay treatment. Discussion: We characterize participants’ responses to symptoms as bricolages to highlight their construction from available materials. Incorporating the integrating concept of brico...
Malignant mixed Mullerian tumor of the fallopian tube: Report of a case and review of literature

Abstract Twenty-three cases of malignant mixed Mullerian tumor of the fallopian tube have been reported; we report another such case. Type of therapy and outcome of these 24 cases is reviewed and the histogenesis is presented. Thirteen patients were treated with surgery alone, with a mean survival of 14.7 months; the longest survival was 412 years. Nine patients were treated with surgery followed by radiation therapy, five patients died within 15 months, and the longest survivor was 412 years. Three patients survived 12, 24, and 17 months. Our patient responded well to combination chemotherapy after surgery and survived 26 months. The small number of patients precludes conclusions on optimal therapy. Survival does not improve with postoperative radiation therapy. The potential benefit of combination chemotherapy following surgery awaits further evaluation.
ON THE SELECTION OF CRITICAL VALUES IN SEQUENTIAL DECISION PROBLEMS

This paper explores the effect which the choice of critical values in sequential decisions has on the overall distribution of payoffs. It demonstrates in the context of a simple two-stage sequential decision model that the mean and variance of the overall distribution can be highly sensitive to the choice of critical values. Finally, it considers the problem of selecting optimal critical values when a standard meanvariance approach is used.
Performance implications of customer-linking capabilities: Examining the complementary role of customer orientation and CRM technology

Abstract This study examines how technology and complementary resources are bundled to form capabilities that foster durable customer relationships. Drawing from the literature in marketing, strategic management, and information systems, the first outcome is a theoretically grounded conceptualization of CRM technology capability comprised of three complementary resources: technology, business, and human resources. The second key finding is that CRM technology capability and customer orientation have a positive association with the development of durable customer relationships. These resources also have a positive interactive effect on customer-linking capability, highlighting the importance of aligning strategic business and technology resources. Finally, the authors find that customer-linking capability has a positive relationship with customer relationship performance and that the rapidity of changes in the external environment moderates this relationship. This study addresses these research questions in a cross-sectional study of 215 organizations using a partial least squares modeling approach.
Density-dependent induction of discoidin-I synthesis in exponentially growing cells of Dictyostelium discoideum

Abstract The synthesis of the lectin, discoidin I, by vegetative cells of Dictyostelium discoideum (strain NC4) was monitored using immunoblot analysis and indirect immunofluorescence. Suspension cultures were used, so that the D. discoideum cell density and the concentration of bacteria could be controlled. Discoidin-I production was found to be a function of the relative densities of D. discoideum cells and food bacteria. Synthesis was initiated in exponentially growing D. discoideum cells approximately three generations before depletion of the food supply. In the growth medium of cells producing discoidin I, a soluble activity was detected that caused low-density cells to begin discoidin-I synthesis. This activity was not dialyzable and was destroyed by heat. A similar activity was produced by AX3 cells during axenic growth. Density-dependent induction of other “early developmental” proteins was also detected in wild-type cells. These findings suggest that the expression of several “early developmental” genes is regulated by a mechanism that measures cell density relative to food supply, not by starvation per se.
A graphical technique for distinguishing soil and atmospheric deposition in biomonitors from the plant material

Abstract This paper explores the limits to which a new graphical technique based on log-log plots of selected elemental ratios can distinguish the various hierarchical levels of sources of trace elements within biomonitors. When applied to a large suite of samples from Portuguese lichens that had been analyzed by neutron activation and proton-induced X-ray emission, the technique appears to be able to resolve four levels of sources, including plant material, local soils, the three major components of atmospheric deposition (crustal, marine, pollution), and individual types of pollution such as oil and possibly incineration and nonferrous smelters. Careful factor analysis with the new Positive Matrix Factorization produces seven or eight defensible factors, including lichens, marine, oil, industry, coal, and two to three crustal factors (lighter elements, heavier elements, and resistate elements). Proportions of key elements in these factors fell within 30–50% of proportions determined graphically and sometimes were indistinguishable from them. Thus, it now seems possible to determine sources for elements in lichens with considerably more detail, precision, and reliability than were available previously.
Methodology and Application of Clinical Trials in Radiology: Self-Assessment Module

The educational objectives of this self-assessment module are for the participant to understand the differences between cohort and case-control studies in radiology, to understand the advantages of randomized controlled trials over observational studies, to understand the basic principles underlying the use of imaging examinations for screening asymptomatic populations for particular diseases, and to understand the biases associated with the use of survival statistics in the evaluation of screening.
Do couples make fertility plans one birth at a time

Criteria are specified for distinguishing one-decision from sequential-decision models of fertility. Sequential decisions are not demonstrated by parity-specific differences in fertility determinants. Sequential models must demonstrate the importance of unanticipated intervening events in changing fertility plans or fertility experience. They must demonstrate that the intervening events are not caused by the fertility. Two empirical tests are designed to determine which model best fits the data. One test predicts fertility plans, the other fertility events. Both tests provide some support for sequential models.
Operation of CCD's with stationary and moving electron-beam input

For the detection of either stationary or moving objects in a LLLTV (low light level TV) environment with a charge coupled device (CCD), two techniques have been demonstrated which will result in improved detection. These are 1) use of an EBS (electron bombarded silicon) or EBIC Mode CCD which provides gain by accelerating photogenerated electrons and 2) use of a motion compensation mode where charge packets are shifted in unison with a (constant velocity) target.
Readout of the optical PET, (OPET) detector

The design of an imaging system able to detect both high-energy /spl gamma/-rays and optical wavelength photons is underway at the Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging. This system will be capable of non-invasively and repeatedly imaging small animal models in-vivo for the presence of positron emission tomography (PET) and optical signals. The detector will consist of modules of multichannel photomultiplier tubes (MC-PMT) coupled to arrays of LSO or GSO crystals. The MC-PMT will detect both the photons produced due to bioluminescence and the photons generated in the interaction of /spl gamma/-rays within the crystals. The long wavelength photons produced through bioluminescence in the animal are only slightly attenuated by these crystals and are detected directly at the photocathode of the MC-PMT. The resulting signal will consist of small (5-10 mV) short (15 ns) pulses. In contrast, the annihilation (511 keV) /spl gamma/-rays that interact in the crystal will produce a large burst of photons for which the PMT output can be as large as 0.5-1 V and of >200 ns duration. The processing in a single circuit of pulses with such different characteristics requires significant alteration of the standard pulse processing circuitry used in PET scanners. In this paper we discuss the requirements of such a circuit and show the results of implementation of one design using a single channel PMT. The detector concept and OPET system are described in M7-9.
Maintaining the digital hub: locating the community technology center in a communication infrastructure

Community technology centers (CTCs) are potentially a critical component in the communication environment of urban communities. They have been investigated extensively as instruments of technology-based public policy and social service capacity-building, yet they have not been subject to research that posits these centers as integral components of larger communication systems essential to civic participation and empowerment. This article describes how communication theory, communication infrastructure theory and community technology centers contribute to solving the inequalities addressed in previous studies of the `digital divide'. The article presents the communication infrastructure theory perspective as a way to reconcile alternative prescriptions for the way in which community technology interventions can lead to positive outcomes for local community-building and social mobility enhancement. This project re-situates the CTC as a communication-centric phenomenon, focusing on the linkages between the c...
The low-level circulation of the North American Monsoon as revealed by QuikSCAT

Five years (1999–2003) of near-surface QuikSCAT ocean winds over the Gulf of California and northeast Pacific Ocean are used to characterize the changes in the low-level circulation associated with the North American Monsoon. Our analysis shows that the onset of the summer season is accompanied by a seasonal reversal of the flow along the Gulf of California, with the establishment of a time-mean southerly wind throughout the gulf. This reversal, not evident in the global reanalysis products, occurs in late spring and precedes the onset of the monsoonal rains. In the core of the monsoon, the time-mean flow is found to be modulated by transient events, namely gulf surges, detected in the near-surface wind field as periods of enhanced southerly flow which typically originate at the southern end of the gulf and propagate northward. The histogram of the summertime along-shore winds identifies these surges as a distinct population of events, readily distinguishable from the background flow.
Clinical efficacy and pharmacoeconomics of a continuous-infusion piperacillin-tazobactam program in a large community teaching hospital.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare continuous versus intermittent administration of piperacillin-tazobactam with regard to clinical, microbiologic, and economic outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective, open-label controlled study SETTING: Community teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Ninety-eight hospitalized patients prescribed piperacillin-tazobactam. INTERVENTION: Substitutions were implemented so that 47 patients initially prescribed intermittent infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam were switched to continuous infusion of this drug combination. Dosages varied in accordance with the type of infection and each patient's renal function. Fifty-one other patients with similar demographics and types of infection received intermittent infusion with piperacillin-tazobactam. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Clinical success rates were 94% for the continuous-infusion group and 82% for the intermittent-infusion group (p=0.081). Microbiologic success rates were 89% for the continuous-infusion group and 73% for the intermittent-infusion group (p=0.092). Days to normalization of fever were significantly lower (p=0.012) in the continuous-infusion group (1.2 +/- 0.8 days) than in the intermittent-infusion group (2.4 +/- 1.5 days). Level 1 and level 2 costs/patient were both reduced by continuous infusion, although the difference was statistically significant only for level 2 costs ($399.38 +/- 407.22 for continuous infusion vs $523.49 +/- 526.85 for intermittent infusion, p=0.028). CONCLUSION: Continuous infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam provided clinical and microbiologic outcomes equivalent to those for intermittent infusion. Compared with intermittent infusion, continuous infusion significantly shortened the time to temperature normalization, while also offering a significant reduction in level 2 expenditures.
Towards a Universal Text Classifier: Transfer Learning Using Encyclopedic Knowledge

Document classification is a key task for many text mining applications. However, traditional text classification requires labeled data to construct reliable and accurate classifiers. Unfortunately, labeled data are seldom available. In this work, we propose a {\textit {universal text classifier}}, which does not require any labeled document. Our approach simulates the capability of people to classify documents based on background knowledge. As such, we build a classifier that can effectively group documents based on their content, under the guidance of few words describing the classes of interest. Background knowledge is modeled using encyclopedic knowledge, namely Wikipedia. The universal text classifier can also be used to perform document retrieval. In our experiments with real data we test the feasibility of our approach for both the classification and retrieval tasks.
Viewpoint: Reflections on a Well-Traveled Path: Self-Awareness, Mindful Practice, and Relationship-Centered Care as Foundations for Medical Education

Medical students enter medical school hoping to have good relationships with their patients. Along with residents, however, they are exposed to a hidden curriculum that places the acquisition of biomedical knowledge above and at times at odds with development of the awareness and relationship skills important to the patient-physician relationship. Seasoned clinicians often enjoy the capacity for rich, healing relationships that are marked by reciprocal influence between them and their patients. The author argues that it is not necessary to relegate this recapturing of the human side of medicine to a midcareer epiphany, and the author calls for educational measures to encourage development of the communication and relationship-building skills throughout the medical education process. This will require a paradigm shift to a culture where teachers and learners are willing to consciously attend to their relationships and to work on self-awareness and mindfulness while they also master the biomedical knowledge required of the profession. Medical educators can facilitate and support continuous development of these skills throughout medical school and residency. Within the curriculum, there are many opportunities to teach how to reflect and to guide those reflections in ways that enhance our students' and residents' understanding of themselves as individuals and in the relationships they form with their patients. Using examples from narratives gathered in workshops and on work rounds with students and residents at the University of Washington School of Medicine, the author explores the concepts of relationship-centered care, self-awareness, and mindfulness as proposed cornerstones of a new foundation for medical education.
A Comparison of Leak Compensation During Pediatric Noninvasive Ventilation: A Lung Model Study

BACKGROUND: Ventilators used for noninvasive ventilation (NIV) must be able to synchronize in the presence of system leaks. We compared the ability of 7 ICU ventilators and 3 dedicated NIV ventilators to compensate for leaks during pediatric NIV. METHODS: Using a lung simulator, we compared the Maquet Servo-i, Drager V500, Drager Carina, Covidien PB840, Respironics V60, Respironics Vision, GE Healthcare/Engstrom Carestation, CareFusion Avea, Hamilton C3, and Hamilton G5 during increasing (n = 6) and decreasing leaks (n = 6). With a lung simulator we tested 4 leak levels (baseline [BL] 2–3 L/min, L1 5–6 L/min, L2 9–10 L/min, and L3 19–20 L/min); 3 patient weights (10, 20, and 30 kg); and 3 lung mechanics scenarios (normal, obstructive, and restrictive). The ventilator settings were NIV mode, pressure support of 10 cm H2O, and PEEP of 5 cm H2O. The synchronization rate (synchronized cycles/total simulated respirations) was recorded for each ventilator and each leak scenario. Synchronization was defined as triggering without auto-triggering, miss-triggering, delayed cycling, or premature cycling. RESULTS: The mean synchronization rate across all ventilators was 68 ± 27% (range 23–96%) and marked differences existed between the ventilators (P CONCLUSIONS: Leak compensation in NIV for pediatric use can partially compensate for leaks, but varies widely among ventilators, patient weights, and lung mechanics.
A New Small Cam-Driven Absolute Gravimeter

We have developed a small, portable absolute gravimeter that employs a cam-based dropping mechanism. The resulting high data rate (100 drops in 30 s) serves to compensate for the short (3.0 cm) measurement distance. We think of this instrument as being both a “portable FG5” and an “absolute LaCoste & Romberg” (or Scintrex). Its realizable measurement accuracy appears to be 3 µGal. This compact (easily portable) and absolute instrument will be useful as a field gravimeter. It will also be useful in standards and calibration applications since it produces a g determination of high accuracy.