cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A theoretical framework for testing the additive difference model for dissimilarities data: Representing gambles as multidimensional stimuli

Abstract Implicit within the acceptance of most multidimensional scaling models as accurate representations of an individual's cognitive structure for a set of complex stimuli, is the acceptance of the more general Additive Difference Model (ADM). A theoretical framework for testing the ordinal properties of the ADM for dissimilarities data is presented and is illustrated for a set of three-outcome gambles. Paired comparison dissimilarity judgments were obtained for two sets of gambles. Judgments from one set were first analyzed using the ALSCAL individual differences scaling model. Based on four highly interpretable dimensions derived from this analysis, a predicted set of dimensions were obtained for each subject for the second set of gambles. The ordinal properties of the ADM necessary for interdimensional additivity and intradimensional subtractivity were then tested for each subject's second set of data via a new computer-based algorithm, ADDIMOD. The tests indicated that the ADM was rejected. Although violations of the axioms were significantly less than what would be expected by chance, for only one subject was the model clearly supported. It is argued that while multidimensional scaling models may be useful as data reduction techniques, they do not reflect the perceptual processes used by individuals to form judgments of similarity. Implications for further study of multidimensional scaling models are offered and discussed.
High Tc superconductivity in BiCaSrCuO-based materials synthesized via glass ceramic methods

Abstract Superconducting glass ceramics composed of quasi-oriented platelets 100 to 600μ in size have been obtained by controlled heat treatment of glasses with compositions in the Bi2(CaSr)n+1CunOy (n=1,2,3) family. Samples have Tc=85 K, reaching zero resistance around 70 K. This method of preparation allows for the use of glass processing techniques to form superconducting devices.
Industrial engineering in local government: An avenue to greater efficiency remains uncongested

Despite persistent concern about the efficiency of local government operations, very few municipalities or counties have chosen to hire industrial engineers to assist in prescribing and implementing technological or other operational improvements. During the early part of this century the emerging fields of industrial engineering and public administration briefly shared a common path of development, but Progressive Era zeal for systematic analysis of tasks and work environment proved to be more widespread and lasting in industry than in the public sector. Nevertheless, some cities and counties today exhibit a rekindled interest in systematic analysis and a willingness to adapt analytic techniques derived from industrial engineering for helping solve local government operational problems. Those jurisdictions that do employ industrial engineers and apply various analytic techniques associated with that field often have reported impressive results.
The Presidential Address to the Endocrine Society--1968.

IT IS a great disappointment to me to miss this meeting of The Endocrine Society and I deeply regret that I am unable to greet each of you personally tonight. My 42 years with the Society, 25 of them serving as your Secretary-Treasurer, have been rich and rewarding, affording me friendship with some of the truly great pioneers in the field of endocrinology, namely, Roy Hoskins, Frank Pottenger, Edward Kendall, Hans Lisser and many others. May 31, 1889 is sometimes cited as the birthday of Endocrinology. On that date Brown-Sequard, a French physiologist and one-time professor at Harvard, still eager to pursue his researches, but at 72 chafing under his infirmities, proceeded to inject himself with a watery mixture of testis juice and blood from a spermatic vein in an attempt to rejuvenate his waning mental and physical powers. He claimed success for a while, but this was more probably due to the stimulus of having a very attractive blonde assistant than to any somatic effect of the injection. Pathetically,...
Toe-to-Hand Transfers for Congenital Anomalies of the Hand

Reconstruction of congenital differences of the hand presents a surgical challenge. Microsurgical toe-to-hand transfer is becoming an accepted treatment for these difficult problems. These transfers can provide functionally useful and cosmetically acceptable digits in children with congenital absence of the thumb, fingers, or both. Currently, the success rate is routinely greater than 95%.
ILCT: Recovering Photospheric Velocities from Magnetograms by Combining the Induction Equation with Local Correlation Tracking

We present three methods for deriving the velocity field in magnetized regions of the Sun's photosphere. As a preliminary step, we introduce a Fourier-based local correlation tracking (LCT) routine that we term "FLCT." By explicitly employing the observation made by Demoulin & Berger, that results determined by LCT applied to magnetograms involve a combination of all components of the velocity and magnetic fields, we show that a three-component velocity field can be derived, in a method we term algebraic decomposition, or ADC. Finally, we introduce ILCT, a method that enforces consistency between the normal component of the induction equation and results obtained from LCT. When used with photospheric vector magnetograms, ILCT determines a three-component photospheric velocity field suitable for use with time sequences of such magnetograms to drive boundary conditions for MHD simulations of the solar corona. We present results from these methods applied to vector magnetograms of NOAA AR 8210 on 1998 May 1.
951 gaspra: A pre‐Galileo estimate of its surface evolution

An effort is made to quantitatively model the collisional environment and surface evolution of asteroid 951 Gaspra prior to the flyby of the Galileo spacecraft later this year. Gaspra's average intrinsic collisional probability is calculated to be 5.4 x 10 to the -18th/sq km per year with a root mean square impact velocity of 5.0 km/sec. The projectile population and impact strength for Gaspra are highly uncertain and a range of values is considered. Based on these models, Gaspra is unlikely to be a primordial object surviving from the beginning of the solar system. It is most likely a second or multiple generation fragment forming about 100 million yr ago. For a low impact flux, the crater size distribution directly reveals the size distribution of the impacting population. For a nonequilibrium surface, model-dependent isochrons for estimating the age of the surface are given. Lower limits are set by the model for Gaspra's age (about 1 billion yr) and flux for the case of a high impact flux producing an equilibrium surface.
Experimental study of highly periodic plasma filament arrays in 110 GHZ microwave breakdown

Summary form only given. Recent studies of gas discharges at high pressure (~1 atm) initiated by a focused mm-wave beam show the formation of periodic arrays of plasma filaments elongated along the electric field polarization. The highly repeatable pattern, characterized by a triangular lattice arrangement with roughly quarter-wavelength spacing between filaments, progresses antiparallel to the incident microwave beam direction as the filaments appear and extinguish in succession. Further understanding of this phenomenon, which is distinct from the well-known filamentation in laser-induced breakdown, may have application in manipulating mm-wave beams and shielding sensitive electronics from high-power microwave pulses.We present experiments studying breakdown in gases induced by a focused Gaussian beam of pulsed 110 GHz radiation at 100 kW 1.3 MW. Observed aspects of the formation and dynamics of filament arrays are compared with published numerical models2'3. The effect of gas pressure on filament pattern formation, propagation speed, and power threshold for breakdown is studied. Reflection of microwave power by the filament array is observed and quantified. Methods of reducing the breakdown threshold by field enhancement are explored.
Altered Ventricular and Myocyte Response to Angiotensin II in Pacing-Induced Heart Failure

Alterations in the cardiac response to angiotensin II (Ang II) may contribute to the functional impairment in tachycardia-induced heart failure (congestive heart failure [CHF]). Accordingly, we studied the response to Ang II in eight conscious instrumented dogs before and after inducing CHF. Left ventricular (LV) performance was assessed by measuring LV pressure and LV volume. Isolated myocyte function was evaluated using computer-assessed videomicroscopy. In conscious animals before CHF, Ang II produced a load-dependent slowing of the time constant of LV relaxation (tau) and did not depress intact LV contractile function. After CHF, although Ang II produced a similar increase in LV systolic pressure, the increases in LV diastolic pressure and time constant tau were much greater, and contractile performance was depressed. These changes persisted when the elevation of end-systolic pressure was prevented by nitroprusside. Similar changes were also present after autonomic blockade. In isolated myocytes, before CHF, Ang II (10(-6) mol/L) produced a slight positive inotropic effect. In contrast, after CHF, Ang II produced a negative inotropic effect and slowed the rate of relengthening. The effects in the intact LV and myocytes were reversed by an Ang II AT1 receptor blocker (losartan). We conclude that pacing-induced CHF alters the LV and myocyte response to Ang II, so that Ang II produces direct depressions in intact LV contraction, relaxation, and filling and exacerbates myocyte contractile dysfunction. These effects are mediated through the activation of AT1 receptors.
Commentary on Viewpoint: Is left ventricular volume during diastasis the real equilibrium volume, and what is the relationship to diastolic suction?

to the editor: Zhang et al. ([6][1]) elegantly discuss the concept of diastasis (static equilibrium volume) and diastolic suction and address the idea that diastasis provides a measure of ventricular equilibrium. While this definition provides a very useful working model, one must also consider
Economic voting in multi-tiered polities

This paper assesses whether economic voting plays any role in a parliamentary, decentralized polity. Decentralization is argued to blur lines of responsibility and confuse voters about whom to blame for poor economic performance at the national and regional levels. National and Regional Economic Voting (NEV and REV, respectively) are tested in Catalonia (Spain). The initial empirical test suggests that only NEV takes place in this region. Four hypotheses are considered to explain REV’s absence: blame-shifting, blinding nationalism, coalition government, and misinformation regarding Policy Responsibility Distribution across tiers of government. Using reasonable counterfactuals and Bayesian techniques, the first three hypotheses are dismissed, whereas the last is confirmed. The results emphasize the informational requirements behind the economic voting theory.
Dimension and Embedding Theorems for Geometric Lattices

Abstract Let G be an n-dimensional geometric lattice. Suppose that 1 ⩽ e, f ⩽ n − 1, e + f ⩾ n, but e and f are not both n − 1. Then, in general, there are E, F ϵ G with dim E = e, dim F = f, E ∇ F = 1, and dim E ∧ F = e + f − n − 1; any exception can be embedded in an n-dimensional modular geometric lattice M in such a way that joins and dimensions agree in G and M, as do intersections of modular pairs, while each point and line of M is the intersection (in M) of the elements of G containing it.
Differentiating Incretin Therapies Based on Structure Activity, and Metabolism: Focus on Liraglutide

The incretin effect, mediated by glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), plays an important role in the regulation of insulin secretion in response to oral glucose. The discovery of deficiencies in incretin pathways associated with development of type 2 diabetes mellitus has propelled the growth of incretin-based therapies in patients with this disease. The basic rationale for incretin-based therapies, including both GLP-1-receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors is reviewed, focusing on their roles in glucose regulation and potential therapeutic benefits. Increased awareness of the differences among incretin mimetics, GLP-1 analogs, and DPP-4 inhibitors, including their structures, half-lives, dosages, hemoglobin A(1c)-lowering capacities, effects on weight, and adverse events will help shape the future of these therapeutic agents. Improved understanding of the mechanism of action and clinical effects of incretin-based therapies will help advance their appropriate use within clinical practice.
Modulating activity in the motor cortex affects performance for the two hands differently depending upon which hemisphere is stimulated

We modulated neural excitability in the human motor cortex to investigate behavioral effects for both hands. In a previous study, we showed that decreasing excitability in the dominant motor cortex led to a decline in performance for the contralateral hand and an improvement for the ipsilateral hand; increasing excitability produced the opposite effects. Research suggests that the ipsilateral effects were mediated by interhemispheric inhibition. Physiological evidence points to an asymmetry in interhemispheric inhibition between the primary motor cortices, with stronger inhibitory projections coming from the dominant motor cortex. In the present study, we examined whether there is a hemispheric asymmetry in the effects on performance when modulating excitability in the motor cortex. Anodal and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation were applied to the motor cortex of 17 participants, targeting the non-dominant hemisphere on one day and the dominant hemisphere on another day, along with one sham session. Participants performed a finger-sequence coordination task with each hand before and after stimulation. The dependent variable was calculated as the percentage of change in the number of correct keystrokes. We found that the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation depended upon which hemisphere was stimulated; modulating excitability in the dominant motor cortex significantly affected performance for the contralateral and ipsilateral hands, whereas modulating excitability in the non-dominant motor cortex only had a significant impact for the contralateral hand. These results provide evidence for a hemispheric asymmetry in the ipsilateral effects of modulating excitability in the motor cortex and may be important for clinical research on motor recovery.
It's Time to Eat! Using Mobile Games to Promote Healthy Eating

It's never been more important to teach youth the importance of healthy eating habits. Time to Eat, a mobile-phone-based game, motivates children to practice healthy eating habits by letting them care for a virtual pet. Players send the pet photos of the food they consume throughout the day; the food's healthiness determines the game's outcome. An examination of the game's design provides insight into the potential of deploying health games on mobile phones.
Design and test strategy for differential cascode voltage switch circuits

A test methodology for the differential cascode voltage switch (DCVS) is described. The design methodology of DCVS makes it more testable compared to other technologies. In testing DCVS, a precharge state always precedes a test pattern or a functional pattern. This test methodology permits detection of delay faults and stuck-open faults. The good circuit outputs of a logic tree are orthogonal. A high percentage of defects can be detected through the XOR gate designed for testing nonorthogonal faults. >
Performance and reliability of PV inverter component and systems due to advanced inverter functionality

In order to identify reliability issues associated with advanced inverter operation and array states (e.g. volt-VAR control, high DC/AC ratios), we have collected system and component-level electro-thermal information in a controlled laboratory environment under both nominal and advanced functionality operating conditions. The results of advanced functionality operation indicated increased thermal and electrical stress on components, which will have a negative effect on inverter reliability as these functionalities are exercised more frequently in the future.
Second Law Analysis of the Helium Refrigerators for the Hera Proton Magnet Ring

Each of the three refrigerators for the HERA proton magnet ring must provide 6.775 kW of refrigeration at 4.3 K plus 20.5 g/s of helium at 2.5 bar and 4.5 K for leads cooling and 20 kW of refrigeration at 40–80 K for shield cooling.
The System of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Law

In 2003, for the first time, more wiretap orders were issued in the United States under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) than for all law enforcement actions. This Article provides a thorough analysis of the history and theory of the U.S. system of foreign intelligence surveillance law, and provides proposals for reform. Part I of the Article explains the history of national security surveillance up until passage of FISA in 1978, including discussion of the surveillance abuses revealed by the Church Committee and other Watergate-era revelations. Part II explains the new legal procedures created by the 1978 law. The procedures reflect a constitutional compromise between claims of executive discretion and civil libertarian arguments for prior judicial involvement. Part III discusses the evolution of the law from 1978 until passage of the USA-PATRIOT Act in 2001. Part IV explains the legal changes triggered by the attacks of September 11, 2001. These include: major changes to foreign intelligence surveillance law in the USA-PATRIOT Act; shifts in Attorney General surveillance guidelines; and the first publicly-released decisions by the secret courts created by FISA. Part V discusses the theoretical underpinnings of the current legal regime for foreign intelligence surveillance, including an analysis of the extent to which "everything has changed" since the September 11 attacks. Part VI presents proposals for reform. First, the Article proposes limits on the recently expanded powers to use FISA for records and other tangible objects. In particular, the Article sets forth a new argument for how other legal approaches can replace the "gag rule" that criminalizes disclosure when a FISA order has been served. Second, the Article proposes an alternative approach to the issue of whether there should be a "wall" between law enforcement and foreign intelligence activities. The approach here focuses specifically on the foreign intelligence value of proposed surveillance, rather than inquiring whether an order is sought initially for law enforcement or foreign intelligence purposes. Third, the Article suggests a number of ways to improve the procedures of the foreign intelligence surveillance court system. Fourth, the Article proposes possible new oversight mechanisms that can compensate in part for the necessarily classified nature of these surveillance activities. The law and practice in this area has changed greatly since 2001. Important aspects of the USA-PATRIOT Act are scheduled to sunset at the end of 2005. This Article seeks to create a more informed basis for considering how to achieve national security goals in this area consistent with the rule of law.
Treatment with ETC-1002 alone and in combination with ezetimibe lowers LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients with or without statin intolerance

Background ETC-1002 is an oral, once-daily, first-in-class medication being developed to treat hypercholesterolemia. Objectives To compare 2 doses of ETC-1002, alone or combined with ezetimibe 10 mg (EZE), vs EZE monotherapy for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Methods This phase 2b, multicenter, double-blind trial-evaluated hypercholesterolemic patients (LDL-C, 130 to 220 mg/dL) with (n = 177) or without (n = 171) muscle-related intolerance to ≥2 statins; 1 at lowest approved dose. Subjects were randomized to 12-week treatment with ETC-1002 120 mg or ETC-1002 180 mg alone, EZE alone, ETC-1002 120 mg plus EZE, or ETC-1002 180 mg plus EZE. Results EZE alone lowered LDL-C by 21%, whereas ETC-1002 monotherapy with 120 mg or 180 mg reduced LDL-C by 27% ( P = .0008 vs EZE) and 30% ( P P Conclusions In patients with and without statin intolerance, daily treatment with ETC-1002 120 mg and 180 mg alone or with EZE reduced LDL-C more than EZE alone and had a similar tolerability profile (NCT01941836).
The Frame Problem Today

Abstract The frame problem is that of specifying what doesn't change when an event occurs. It is readily solved in systems that have fixed sets of actions and fixed sets of fluents built into the program. It is most acute when the system must be open-ended, i.e. must be ready to accept descriptions of new kinds of events and new kinds of fluents whose values are in general not affected by events whose descriptions don't mention them. Our formalisms are in languages of mathematical logic, mostly first order. We begin with a 1960s situation calculus description of the effects of moving and painting objects with explicit frame axioms. We go on to discuss frames as objects and introduce a formalism that describes change as making generalized assignment statements using my 1963 axiomatization of assignment. We discuss the length of proof that a fluent hasn't changed its value after a large number of events have occurred and discuss sufficient conditions under which this takes a constant number of proof steps independent of the number of events that are presumed to have occurred. Next we discuss non-monotonic formalizations of the effects of actions and their use in solving the frame and qualification problems. The relation between model-theoretic treatments and second order axiomatizations is discussed. There is some discussion of the relation between the frame problem and the heuristics of planning. This draft of FRAME.abs[w87, jmc] TEXed on 1987 February 2 at 4:39 p.m. Copyright © 1987 by John McCarthy
Powerful Partnerships: The Worth of Embedding Masters Level Library Science Students in Undergraduate Classes.

While experiential learning is recognized as an important pedagogical approach in Library and Information Science education, logistical hurdles can make implementing meaningful experiential projects challenging, especially in online courses. This paper will describe a project in which Library Science instructors were able to overcome common obstacles in experiential projects by partnering with instructors of undergraduate courses and leveraging the university’s online course management system. In the Embedded Librarianship Project, graduate-level, online Library Science students at Appalachian State University functioned as virtual embedded librarians for several undergraduate Composition classes. This article provides an analysis of quantitative and qualitative data that describes the Library Science students’ perception of this project and their learning experience. In the process, the paper will illustrate the pedagogical value of providing Library Science students with intensive and extended experiential learning opportunities such as this one. It will also highlight the benefits received by the undergraduates by virtue of having access to embedded librarians. From this project, Library Science educators might find inspiration to create meaningful collaborative ventures in their own universities and programs.
Safety-Critical Automotive Systems

Architecture exploration could benefit from some early results of a safety analysis process. Typically, classical system safety analysis techniques such as Fault tree analysis (FTA) are performed after the design is completed. We propose an approach for an early safety assessment to improve the design and also shorten the design cycle time. A quick assessment to determine the safety figure of merit of the intended architecture expressed as a parametric expression can be used to determine the overall acceptability of the architecture. The result from a quick assessment of the system safety could be used as a means to explore system trade-offs in reliability and redundancy at the highest design levels.
Extraction and enzymatic characterization foraminiferal DNA

The Foraminifera have remained an enigmatic group for molecular biologists, and the origins of this geologically important group remain unclear. Here we report techniques developed to isolate and purify foraminiferal DNA. We also outline techniques for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, cloning and nucleotide sequencing of prepared foraminiferal DNA. Detailed protocols for all of the major techniques are discussed. Using these techniques we have been able to obtain the complete DNA sequences for the nuclear small-subunit (1 8s) ribosomal RNA coding region for six benthic foraminifera from three suborders. Preliminary phylogenetic tests indicate that the sequences collected are representative of the foraminifera and not their symbionts or food organisms. We believe that the techniques herein form a reliable method for the investigation of foraminiferal DNA sequences. We also discuss the problems which might be caused by foraminiferal endosymbioses and the caveats of using PCR techniques.
Hormone therapy: evolving concepts.

Objective To review the medical literature published in 2002 regarding menopausal hormone therapy and its impact on clinical practice. Methods A literature search was performed using MEDLINE with the keywords of menopause, sex steroids, and hormone replacement therapy. Randomized clinical trials were reviewed. An evidence-based review is presented. Results Menopausal hormone therapy has undergone radical change since the publication of the Women's Health Initiative randomized prospective trial of combined estrogen plus progestin therapy for disease prevention. After a mean of 5.2 years of follow-up, the E + P versus placebo trial of 16,608 women was stopped because the health risks of taking E + P exceeded the benefits. An increase in breast cancer risk, coupled with an adverse trend in overall risk-benefit ratio, reached the preset stopping boundaries. In addition, there was an increased risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. The decreased risks seen for osteoporotic fracture and colorectal cancer were outweighed by the above risks. The FDA has required mandatory label changes for all hormone products based on these findings. The Women's Health Initiative found that treatment with estrogen plus progestin for up to 5 years is not beneficial overall. There is early harm for coronary heart disease, continuing harm for stroke and venous thromboembolism, and increasing harm for breast cancer. This risk-benefit profile is not consistent with a viable intervention for primary prevention of chronic diseases in postmenopausal women. Menopausal hormone therapy should be reserved for women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. Conclusions In the past 20 years, menopause has become a household word, with much better understanding of its consequences. The growing numbers of menopausal women and clinical trials have coincided to draw increasing attention to the perimenopausal and menopausal years. Better studies of older therapies and the expanded number of new choices today, with more in development and evaluation, have complicated provider and patient choices but greatly improved the potential for effective intervention.
Conquerors, brides, and concubines: interfaith relations and social power in medieval Iberia

Simon Barton’s Conquerors, Brides and Concubines: Interfaith Relations and Social Power in Medieval Iberia is a strong contribution to the field of interfaith relations in Medieval Spain. The book ...
Substitutional Doping Widens Silicene Gap

A numerical study of electronic transport properties of doped silicene is presented. By means of ab initio calculations, a self-consistent scattering potential is derived for boron, nitrogen, alumi...
Important application of hepatic transporters on drug transport in liver and gall

Objective To review the application of hepatic transporters on drug transport in liver and gall.Methods Based on the literatures,the important influence of hepatic transporters on drug absorption was discussed from four aspects:adverse drug responses,vectorial transport of drugs,hepatic target of drugs and drug-drug interactions.Results Hepatic transporters could influence drug therapeutic and adverse responses,and provide a good way for hepatic targeting.Conclusions Hepatic transporters have important effects on drug transport in liver and gall,and closely associate with drug distribution in vivo and clinical treatment.
IBD: Measuring what counts|[mdash]|safety of IBD medications in pregnancy

Uncertainty about the risks of medications for IBD during pregnancy is a challenge for clinicians and patients. A recent prospective cohort study suggests that women under medical care for their disease have few adverse events.
Effect of combined treatment of minidose estrogen and gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues for children with idiopathic central precocious puberty

Objective To assess the effect of combined treatment of minidose estrogen and gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues(GnRHa) for children with idiopathic central precocious puberty(ICPP).Methods Forty-five female patients with ICPP and growth deceleration were divided into three groups:estrogen plus GnRHa group,recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH) plus GnRHa group and GnRHa group,fifteen patients in each group.The bone age(BA),growth velocity(GV),weight,height(Ht),height for bone age(Htba),predicting adult height(PAH),blood fat,blood glucose,insulin,thyroid function,oestriol(E2),testosterone(T),prolactin(PRL),insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1),breast,ultrasound examination of uterus and ovary were observed before treatment and six months after treatment in the three groups.The levels of luteinizing hormone(LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) were detected with GnRH provocation test.Results There was no significant difference in the level of Ht,Htba,BA/CA,PAH,GV,weight and IGF-1 among three groups before treatment(P0.05).Six months after treatment,GV,Ht and PAH of estrogen plus GnRHa group were significantly higher(P0.05),and GV,Ht,PAH and IGF-1 of rhGH plus GnRHa group were significantly higher(P0.05).Six months after treatment,GV,Ht and PAH of estrogen plus GnRHa group and rhGH plus GnRHa group were significantly higher than those of GnRHa group(P0.05),and IGF-1 of rhGH plus GnRHa group was significantly higher than that of estrogen plus GnRHa group and GnRHa group(P0.05).In the three groups,there were no significant difference in E2,T,PRL,breast,ultrasound examination of uterus and ovary before and after treatment(P0.05).The level of LH,FSH and FSH/LH which responses to GnRH stimulation test were no difference in three groups(P0.05).Conclusion Combined treatment of minidose estrogen and GnRHa can improve the GV without the act of acceleration in BA,and this therapy is cheaper and has good compliance to chilren with ICPP.
The diagnostic value of plasma 1,3-β-D glucan to invasive fungal infection in children

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of plasma 1,3-β-D glucan(BG) assay(G test) to invasive fungal infection(IFI) in children.Methods By retrospectively accessing the clinical data of pediatric inpatients who underwent G test and the patients were recruited from January 2008 to August 2011.According to the diagnosis standard of IFI,children were divided into IFI group and non-IFI group.G test was performed by the GKT-5M Set Kinetic Fungus Detection Kit.It was judged as positive when the plasma BG level ≥10 pg·mL-1.2 by 2 table was used to calculate the G test for the diagnosis of IFI sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive values.Receiver operating curve(ROC) of G test was analyzed,and the area under the curve was calculated.Results A total of 525 inpatients received G test,129 of them with suspected IFI diagnosis were excluded.Forty-three patients were diagnosed as IFI(9 as proven,34 as probable),and 353 without IFI.In IFI group G test was positive in 31/43 cases,the positive rate was 72.1%;negative in 12/43 cases,false negative rate was 27.9%.48/353 cases of non-IFI group were positive,false positive rate was 13.6%.The sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive values were 72.1%,86.4%,39.2% and 96.2% respectively.According to ROC analysis,the AUC was 0.815(95%CI:0.732-0.898).Conclusions G test has good diagnostic value of IFI in children.Appropriately higher cutoffs or continuous monitoring may significantly control false positive rate of the test.
Human pituitary growth hormone. XI. Rate of hydrolysis by trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pepsin; effect of trypsin on the biological activity.

Human pituitary growth hormone (HGH), both native and oxidized, has been subjected to hydrolysis with chymotrypsin, trypsin, and pepsin. With chymotrypsin and trypsin, the course of enzymic digestion was followed in the pH stat by recording the alkali uptake during digestion, and in addition, quantitative information about the dinitrophenylation of the digestion products was obtained. Hydrolysis of HGH with chymotrypsin was completed in 12 hr at 32° and with trypsin in 20 hr at 37°. With pepsin, a different procedure was followed; the rates of peptic digestion for varying lengths of time were studied, and the number of NH 2 -terminal residues released was determined by quantitative dinitrophenylation in the pH-stat. The NH 2 -terminal amino acids released by digestion with the three enzymes were identified by quantitative paper chromatography of hydrolyzates of the dinitrophenylated digestion products. The effect of trypsin on the biological potency of HGH has also been investigated. It was found that partial hydrolysis of the hormone with trypsin does not diminish the growth-promoting and lactogenic activities.
Interdisciplinary Research in a Dense Summer Bridge: The Role of a Writing Intensive Chemistry Seminar

We describe the structure of a writing-intensive, chemistry first year seminar designed to support a three week, research focused summer bridge program. Writing assignments in the seminar helped students understand their research activities, learn to conduct themselves as scientists, and reflect upon their lab work. The writing intensive seminar helped to maintain order and cohesion across multiple research groups. The participants in the program have experienced higher rates of retention and graduation in STEM fields as well as higher rates of participation in high impact practices than their peers.
Physical Activity and Changes in Adiposity in the Transition from Elementary to Middle School

Abstract Objectives: This study examined the longitudinal associations of objectively measured physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet quality with two measures of adiposity and a measure of weight status. Methods: A total of 658 children from 21 elementary schools (45.1% boys; 40% white, 33% black, 9% Hispanic, and 18% other race/ethnicity) were assessed at least twice in fifth, sixth, and/or seventh grade. Fat mass index (FMI), percent body fat (PBF), and BMI were calculated from body weight, standing and seated heights, and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) measured each year. Results: At follow-up, both FMI and PBF decreased among boys and increased among girls, while BMI increased in both boys and girls. After controlling for race/ethnicity, parent education, and maturity offset at baseline, growth curve analyses showed that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was significantly and negatively associated with FMI, PBF, and BMI for both boys and girls. After forming tertiles of fifth grad...
The Effectiveness of Light Therapy for College Student Depression

ABSTRACTThere is a growing number of students on college campuses with mental health problems and college counseling services are reporting significant increases in student demand for counseling. Depression, a mental illness consisting of profound sadness, fatigue, and irritability, as well as low motivation, poor academic performance, and suicidal behaviors, is one of the top presenting concerns for students who seek help. This study investigates the effectiveness of light therapy in a sample of 79 college students who suffer from depression. This study examines changes in overall depression scores and also assesses changes in sleep, appetite, pain, and concentration levels. Results showed significant improvements in overall depression scores as well as improved sleeping behaviors and decreases in somatic aches and pains, concentration difficulties, and appetite problems. These promising results suggest light therapy may be an effective and inexpensive means for reducing symptoms of young adult depression.
Expectancy-Value Beliefs of Early-Adolescent Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Youth: Predictors of Mathematics Achievement and Enrollment

This study used the Eccles et al. expectancy-value (E-V) theory to test the influence of motivation on mathematics achievement and enrollment using data from a cohort of 926 seventh-grade prealgebr...
Abstract 029: Photoacoustic Imaging - Novel In Vivo Quantification of Placental Hypoxia in a Mouse Model of Hypertensive Pregnancy

Placental hypoxia/ischemia induces abnormal maternal and neonatal outcomes including preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The ability to accurately determine placental oxygenation in a non-invasive way and in real-time is highly important during pregnancy as it may allow for the early diagnosis of IUGR and preeclampsia. Photoacoustic imaging (PA) is a novel preclinical and emerging clinical tool that combines optical contrast of photoacoustic laser technology with high spatial resolution of ultrasound. PA measures tissue oxygen saturation (sO2) that reflects differences in absorption spectra for oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. By using photoacoustic features of VEVO LAZR high resolution ultrasound system (VisualSonics) in a three-dimensional mode we investigated the sensitivity and accuracy of PA for placental oxygenation in C57Bl/6 mice at day 14 of gestation. Furthermore, since nitric oxide deficiency is associated with upregulation of circulatory hypoxia markers, C57Bl/6 mice were chronically treated with the nitric oxide inhibitor, L-NAME via osmotic minipumps (50 mg/kg/day; days 13 to 18 of gestation). The comparisons between scanned vs. not scanned uteroplacental units showed that PA had no effect on fetal (scanned: 0.028±0.001 vs. not scanned: 0.03±0.001 g/maternal body weight; p>0.05) or placental (scanned: 0.002±0.003 vs. not scanned: 0.002±0.002 g/maternal body weight; p>0.05) weights in C57Bl/6 mice. Changing inhaled O2 from 100- to 20% resulted on average in 12.5% reduction in total placental sO2. Systolic blood pressures were higher in L-NAME-treated vs. C57Bl/6 mice (215.8±0.8 vs. sham 99.3±4.4 mmHg; p
Product deletion and the supply chain: A greening perspective

In this paper, green product deletion implications for supply chain management are investigated. A strategic framework is introduced. The strategic and inter-organizational relationships associated with this decision help set the stage for future research on this critical, yet neglected managerial and industrial marketing issue.
Minimizing open-loop piezoactuator nonlinearity artifacts in atomic force microscope measurements

Atomic force microscopes (AFMs) are widely used to study molecular interactions with piconewton force sensitivity. In an AFM, interaction forces are measured by reflecting a laser beam off a cantilever onto a position sensitive detector and monitoring cantilever deflection. Precise measurements of interaction forces rely on accurately determining the optical lever sensitivity, i.e., the relationship between cantilever deflection and changes in detector voltage. The optical lever sensitivity is measured by pressing the cantilever against a hard substrate using a piezoactuator and recording the resulting change in detector voltage. However, nonlinearities in the motion of commonly used open-loop piezo actuators introduce significant errors in measured optical lever sensitivities. Here, the authors systematically characterize the effect of piezo actuator hysteresis and creep on errors in optical lever sensitivity and identify measurement conditions that minimize these errors.
Executive Functions and Response to Intervention: Identification of Students Struggling With Reading Comprehension:

Inadequate responders demonstrate significant risk for learning disabilities. Previous investigations of the cognitive profiles of inadequate and adequate responders have not included measures of e...
Compressed Sensing with Deep Image Prior and Learned Regularization

We propose a novel method for compressed sensing recovery using untrained deep generative models. Our method is based on the recently proposed Deep Image Prior (DIP), wherein the convolutional weights of the network are optimized to match the observed measurements. We show that this approach can be applied to solve any differentiable linear inverse problem, outperforming previous unlearned methods. Unlike various learned approaches based on generative models, our method does not require pre-training over large datasets. We further introduce a novel learned regularization technique, which incorporates prior information on the network weights. This reduces reconstruction error, especially for noisy measurements. Finally, we prove that, using the DIP optimization approach, moderately overparameterized single-layer networks can perfectly fit any signal despite the non-convex nature of the fitting problem. This theoretical result provides justification for early stopping.
Some Results from Decision Theory: Deficiencies

This chapter contains a very brief summary of some essential results from Wald’s theory of statistical decision functions. This is followed by a basic theorem which allows us to define “deficiencies” of distances between experiments. We also give a representation of Bayesian problems, optimal gains in terms of conical measures.
Stroke incidence, prevalence, and survival: secular trends in Rochester, Minnesota, through 1989.

Background and purpose Trends in stroke incidence and mortality are available from few sites worldwide. The unique nature of the medical care in patients from Rochester, Minn, has allowed the ascertainment of virtually all cases of stroke for community residents for the period dating from 1955. This study updates incidence rates, stroke mortality, radiological imaging availability, and prevalence for stroke and subtypes of stroke though 1989 and evaluates trends since 1955. Methods Medical records of all residents of Rochester with potential diagnosis of stroke during the 5-year period through December 31, 1989 were screened to determine whether the case met the criteria for stroke. The type of stroke was determined with the use of all available data. Average annual age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates for stroke and various types of stroke were calculated for 5-year periods from 1955 to 1989. Prevalence of stroke was also determined. Poisson regression was used to better clarify the dependence of stroke incidence on multiple variables. Cox proportional hazards modeling evaluated trends in short-term and long-term stroke survival. Results We found that 496 incidence cases of stroke occurred among Rochester residents during 1985 to 1989. The annual age- and sex-adjusted stroke incidence rates was 145 per 100 000 population, which was virtually unchanged from 1980 to 1984 and 13% higher than the rate determined in 1975 to 1979. Increasing incidence rates compared with the 1970s were noted in all groups aged older than 54 years and in both sexes. Survival after cerebral infarction was dependent on age and calendar year when trends dating from 1955 were evaluated. The annual incidence rate of intraparenchymal hemorrhage was twice that of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Conclusions Incidence rates for stroke have remained at a high rate than those determined in the 1970s. Although the occurrence of untreated hypertension has been reported to be stable or decreasing, the incidence rate of stroke is higher than those noted during the decline in stroke incidence during the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to the impact of radiological imaging, increased contribution of patients with ischemic heart disease, and the possible detection of milder cases of stroke, other factors, which are undefined, may be contributing to the increased stroke incidence rates detected over the last 10 years.
Inferring new relations between medical entities using literature curated term co-occurrences.

Objectives Identifying new relations between medical entities, such as drugs, diseases, and side effects, is typically a resource-intensive task, involving experimentation and clinical trials. The increased availability of related data and curated knowledge enables a computational approach to this task, notably by training models to predict likely relations. Such models rely on meaningful representations of the medical entities being studied. We propose a generic features vector representation that leverages co-occurrences of medical terms, linked with PubMed citations. Materials and methods We demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed representation by inferring two types of relations: a drug causes a side effect and a drug treats an indication. To predict these relations and assess their effectiveness, we applied 2 modeling approaches: multi-task modeling using neural networks and single-task modeling based on gradient boosting machines and logistic regression. Results These trained models, which predict either side effects or indications, obtained significantly better results than baseline models that use a single direct co-occurrence feature. The results demonstrate the advantage of a comprehensive representation. Discussion Selecting the appropriate representation has an immense impact on the predictive performance of machine learning models. Our proposed representation is powerful, as it spans multiple medical domains and can be used to predict a wide range of relation types. Conclusion The discovery of new relations between various medical entities can be translated into meaningful insights, for example, related to drug development or disease understanding. Our representation of medical entities can be used to train models that predict such relations, thus accelerating healthcare-related discoveries.
Endovascular Vertebral Artery Transposition Using Flow Reversal Technique for Left Subclavian Artery Stump Syndrome.

Abstract Background Cerebellar strokes are a rare complication related to thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). This can manifest in an indolent manner or as a neurological catastrophe. Often it is unclear when a surgical intervention is needed. Patients at risk for this relatively rare complication are not easily identified. Case We describe an endovascular option with flow reversal for left vertebral artery transposition using stent grafts in order to relocate arterial inflow and exclude a floating thrombus at the proximal subclavian artery (SCA) related to a previous TEVAR. Conclusion Ligation of the subclavian artery proximal to the vertebral artery should be considered when performing carotid subclavian bypass for elective TEVAR. This case details a unique, less invasive approach for vertebral artery transposition and thrombus exclusion in a high risk patient with previous neck dissection.