cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Person-centered accessible technologies and computing solutions through interdisciplinary and integrated perspectives from disability research

Human-centered computing and human-centered multimedia computing (HCMC) have emerged as important subfields of computational science which leverage the social and behavioral sciences toward improving the usability of technologies and multimedia systems. While technological solutions have made significant strides for the broader population, individuals with disabilities have been largely ignored, often having to force-fit or adapt themselves to available solutions. The authors first introduced a methodology to enrich HCMC by considering perspectives from individuals with disabilities. They subsequently introduced a person-centered approach to HCMC known as person-centered multimedia computing (PCMC). In the proposed work, they seek to further enrich the PCMC methodology by incorporating interdisciplinary inspirations that take into account the diverse challenges associated with assistive technology design and deployment. Several applications are presented, highlighting how considerations of technology, adaptation and policy from a disability perspective can enrich the design of person-centered accessible technologies. This approach has been implemented through ongoing work on a NSF IGERT project, "Alliance for Person-centered Accessible Technologies," details of which are also provided in this paper.
The levoatriocardinal vein.

A 2-year-old boy withthe diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta underwent balloon angioplasty. At 3-month follow-up, clinical examination revealed persistent hypertension. A 16-row multislice computerized tomography (CT) scan (Toshiba Aquilion Multi 16, Toshiba Medical System, Tokyo) was performed to evaluate the presence of residual coarctation. Our acquisition protocol was as follows: slice thickness, 1 mm; 0.5 sec/rot; helical pitch, 23; 120 Kv; 15 mAs. Contrast enhancement was achieved with 50 ml of iopromide at an infusion rate of 2 ml/sec. Total scan time was 5 seconds. The CT exam showed re-coarctation of the aorta. Additionally, the presence of a 3.5-mm vessel connecting the left atrium to the innominate vein was noted (Fig. 1). This was recognized as a levoatriocardinal vein (LACV). The intraoperative inspection (Fig. 2) showed that the blood flow direction in the vein was from the left atrium to the innominate vein, thus confirming the diagnosis. The patient underwent Fig. 1. (A) Volume rendered CT image, right posterolateral view. The levoatriocardinal vein (arrows) coming out of the upper part of the left atrium is partially covered by the left pulmonary artery and descending aorta. (B) Volume rendered CT image, left posterolateral view. The aortic arch, descending aorta, and left pulmonary artery were sculpted away to show the levoatriocardinal vein course from the left atrium to the innominate vein.
Monitoring total suspended solids by using nephelometry

Correlation curves were developed relating nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) with total suspended solids (TSS) for diked upland dredged material placement site effluents of three US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) maintenance dredging projects in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. The procedure was developed in an effort to ensure compliance with Maryland's 400 milligrams per liter (mg/l) TSS standard for COE dredging projects. Samples of the sediments to be dredged were collected and analyzed, correlating turbidity readings with TSS determined by standard gravimetric techniques. The correlation curves were provided to the COE inspectors to measure the effluent with a turbidity meter and to extract a TSS concentration from the correlation curve. Samples collected and analyzed after initiation of the dredging indicated that the correlation curves were an overestimate of the actual TSS concentrations of the effluent discharges. The procedure, endorsed by the State of Maryland, provided immediate on-site TSS analysis eliminating the previously encountered delays in obtaining gravimetric analysis of effluent discharges and potential contract management problems.
Separability of capital and labor in US manufacturing

Abstract This paper investigates the separability of capital and six labor skill groups in U.S. manufacturing. It is found that no pair of inputs is even weakly separable. This result suggests that ‘blackboard’ production functions with two inputs should be used primarily for exposition.
58.4: DSHARP — A Wide Screen Multi-Projector Display

This paper describes a projection system using DLP projectors and parabolic mirrors to provide a 90 degree curved screen with a 4 to 1 aspect ratio. This display is intended to provide an “immersive” experience for the user and facilitate a very large canvas on which to utilize multiple applications or single ones requiring a large screen. The resulting display has a 3072 × 768 pixel display area. Furthermore, this display and replicas are being used to better understand how users interact with large, immersive displays. Currently, there are four units in use at Microsoft for various business and scientific purposes.
Effects of influent substrate concentration on the kinetics of natural microbial populations in continuous culture

Abstract In order to determine whether the influent substrate concentration exerts an effect upon the kinetics of soluble substrate removal by natural microbial populations growing in continuous culture experiments were run using a multicomponent substrate. A two-level factorial experimental design was employed with reactor dilution rate and influent substrate concentration as the independent variables. Analysis of the results indicated that both variables exerted a significant effect (1% level) upon the effluent soluble COD. It was possible to model the system using the linear approximation of the Monod equation resulting in an equation of the general form: S = K′S0D + K″S0 The findings of the study indicate that engineers responsible for the design and operation of wastewater treatment facilities should consider the influent substrate concentration when choosing a mean cell residence time for the system.
Transformation of videocapsule images to detect small bowel mucosal differences in celiac versus control patients

Highlights? Videocapsule images are quantified to discern celiac disease patients from controls. ? Method is robust to air bubbles, opaque luminal fluids, and other extraneous features. ? Transform coefficients derived by ensemble averaging are used for spectral estimation. ? Image reconstruction with orthogonal basis vectors retains salient information. ? Edges of transformed image features are nonuniform in celiacs and uniform in controls. BackgroundVideocapsule endoscopy can be useful to detect small intestinal pathology in celiac disease patients. However, presence of extraneous features including air bubbles and opaque fluids can complicate the analysis. A technique for quantitative analysis of videocapsule images is presented that is robust to presence of extraneous features. MethodVideocapsule clips were acquired from five small intestinal locations in 12 celiacs with villous atrophy and 11 control patients. Clips were 200 frames in length, their resolution was 576i?576 pixels and 256 grayscale levels, with 2/s frame rate. The dominant period (DP), defined as the tallest peak in the ensemble average power spectrum, was computed over each clip without removal of extraneous features. Ensemble average basis images were constructed, and measurements were made of their frame-to-frame variation in brightness and texture. ResultsFrom pooled basis images, celiac images had greater texture than controls and exhibited more brightness variation (p<0.05 in mean and p<0.01 in standard deviation). In celiacs, correlation existed between greater textural alterations versus longer DP (r2=0.47), and between greater brightness variation and longer DP (r2=0.33). There was no significant correlation between quantitative features and DP in controls (r2<0.25). ConclusionsUsing this new method, celiac videoclips were quantitatively distinguishable from control videoclips without manual or computer-assisted detection, masking, and removal of extraneous image features. Furthermore, in celiac but not control basis images, larger textural and brightness alterations were correlated to longer DP. Greater textural and brightness alterations, and thus longer periodicities, are likely related to presence of villous atrophy.
Pain in depression: STAR*D study findings.

Abstract Background Pain complaints commonly accompany major depressive disorder (MDD). However, whether patients with MDD and pain complaints differ from those without pain complaints is not well studied. Objective The objective of this study was to compare depressed outpatients with and those without current pain complaints in terms of sociodemographic, clinical, and presenting symptom features. Methods The baseline clinical and sociodemographic data of a large representative outpatient sample with nonpsychotic MDD ( n =3745) enrolled in the STAR*D (Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression) study were collected. Baseline information on pain complaints was based on Item No. 25 (somatic pain) of the 30-item Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Clinician Rating (IDS-C 30 ). Results After adjusting for sex, depression severity (IDS-C 30 less Item No. 25), and general medical comorbidities (as measured by the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale total score), we found clinically meaningful differences between patients with and those without pain complaints. Younger, African American, Hispanic, and less educated patients were more likely to report pain complaints. In addition, those with pain complaints were more likely to report anxious features with irritable mood, sympathetic nervous system arousal, and gastrointestinal problems as well as poorer quality of life. Neither a more chronic course of illness nor suicidal ideation was associated with pain. Conclusions Pain complaints are common among outpatients with MDD and are associated with certain symptom features and poorer quality of life. However, the findings of this study suggest that depression accompanied by pain complaints does not increase the clinical psychiatric burden or chronicity of depression.
Stimulated Brillouin scattering continuous wave phase conjugation in step-index fiber optics

Continuous wave (CW) stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) phase conjugation in step-index optical fibers was studied experimentally and modeled as a function of fiber length. A phase conjugate fidelity over 80% was measured from SBS in a 40 m fiber using a pinhole technique. Fidelity decreases with fiber length, and a fiber with a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.06 was found to generate good phase conjugation fidelity over longer lengths than a fiber with 0.13 NA. Modeling and experiment support previous work showing the maximum interaction length which yields a high fidelity phase conjugate beam is inversely proportional to the fiber NA2, but find that fidelity remains high over much longer fiber lengths than previous models calculated. Conditions for SBS beam cleanup in step-index fibers are discussed.
L.E.O.: The Incredible Story of the World's First Business Computer

From the Publisher: This book takes you behind the scenes at the creation of the world's first business computer - the precursor to every computer in every office around the world. It places you in the midst of a dynamic group of creative people - visionaries who were the first to recognize the potential and harness the power of computing for business purposes. Written by the real-life participants in these exciting events, it "depicts the scene frankly, warts and all," as David Caminer, the pioneering team leader, writes in his preface. LEO reveals the strange and remarkable tale of how Lyons - a venerable tea-and-cake company - bred, incubated, and hatched that history-making business computer. In 1951, less than 2 years after the project was initiated, LEO went on-line as the world's first business computer. A forerunner to the IBM mainframes, LEO was the first computer to run a payroll, the first to perform inventories, and the first to track product distribution - as well as the first to calculate the blending of fine, flavorful, and cost-effective cups of tea.
The importance of primary care for theoretical medicine: A commentary

Froom and Froom all attention to referral bias as a frequent cause for misinterpreting the medical literature. This is particularly a source of false certainty, and therefore false science, in U.S. practice, where referral centers are often seen as the only legitimate source of medical knowledge and where primary care is discounted as a source of scientific observations. Appreciation of the primary care setting is therefore a critical element in theoretical understanding of medical epistemology.
METHODOLOGY FOR THE FACILE AND REGIO-CONTROLLED SYNTHESIS OF INDOLES

Abstract A method based on organodimetallic reagents is described for the regiocontrolled synthesis of indoles which proceeds, generally, in one to two operations from commercially or readily available reactants. The method is applied to the synthesis of indole itself, 2-substituted, 3-substituted, 2,3-disubstituted and 6-substituted indoles.
Permanent Rapid Atrial Pacing to Control Supraventricular Tachycardia

A case is reported of a patient who had continuous supraventricular tachycardia with a ventricular rate of about 170. The arrhythmia was refractory to drugs and DC countershock, and did not convert with atrial pacing. Rapid atrial stimulation controlled the ventricular rate by simulating atrial fibrillation (pacing at 300-400/min), or by simulating a faster atrial tachycardia with 2:1 conduction (pacing at 205-210/min), This form of therapy was used on a permanent basis for more than five months. (PACE, Vol. 2, May-June, 1979)
Comparison of inter- and intra-subject variation in oral absorption of theophylline from sustained-release products

A comparative study of inter- and intra-subject variation in the bioavailability of theophylline from two commercial sustained-release dosage forms (a beaded capsule and a tablet formulation) was performed in 12 healthy adult volunteers. The disposition kinetics of theophylline was characterized in each subject following a single 250 mg oral dose of a fully bioavailable liquid formulation. Duplicate single dose studies of each of the two sustained-release products were then performed on 4 separate occasions in a randomized crossover fashion. On the average, the extent of theophylline bioavailability from the two sustained-release dosage forms was equivalent and essentially complete as compared to that from the liquid formulation. Both sustained-release formulations exhibited reasonable consistency in the extent of bioavailability when tested on two different trial days in a given subject (the mean percentage difference in extent of absorption was 11.5 ± 8.3% for the beaded capsule and 11.8 ± 12.3% for the tablet). The rate of theophylline absorption from the beaded capsule formulation was more rapid than from the tablet formulation as indicated by an earlier time to reach peak serum concentration (6.0 ± 1.9 vs 8.9 ± 2.5 h). Individual time course of cumulative absorption from the sustained-release formulations was determined using the Wagner-Nelson procedure. The overall variability in the cumulative absorption profile was greater for the tablet as compared to the capsule formulation. More significant was the fact that within each subject the absorption profiles were less reproducible between trials with the tablet as compared to the capsule. Dose-to-dose variation in the release/absorption kinetics of theophylline from these sustained-release products may lead to unpredictable fluctuations in steady-state serum theophylline concentration-time profiles during chronic drug administration.
Self-assembled bismuth nanocrystallites

Using a high-temperature organic solution reduction method, highly crystalline and single domain bismuth nanoparticles have been synthesized and self-assembled.
Three-dimensional structure of calmodulin

The three-dimensional structure of calmodulin has been determined crystallographically at 3.0 A resolution. The molecule consists of two globular lobes connected by a long exposed alpha-helix. Each lobe binds two calcium ions through helix-loop-helix domains similar to those of other calcium-binding proteins. The long helix between the lobes may be involved in interactions of calmodulin with drugs and various proteins.
A study of the polar current systems using the IMS meridian chains of magnetometers

Magnetic field data from a meridian chain of observatories and the recently developed computer codes constitute a powerful tool in studying substorm current systems in the polar region. In this paper, we summarize some of the results obtained from the IMS Alaska meridian chain of observatories. The basic data are the average daily magnetic field variations for 50 successive days (March 9–April 27, 28) which represent a moderately disturbed period. With the aid of the two computer codes, we obtained the distribution of the following quantities in the polar ionosphere in invariant-MLT coordinates: (1) the total ionospheric current; (2) the Pedersen current; (3) the Hall current; (4) the field-aligned currents; (5) the Pedersen-associated field-aligned currents; (6) the Hall-associated field-aligned currents; (7) the electric potential; (8) the Joule heat production rate; (9) the auroral particle energy injection rate; (10) the total energy dissipation rate. All these quantities are related to each other self-consistently at every point under the initial assumptions used in the computation. By using a model of the magnetosphere, the following quantities in the polar ionosphere are projected onto the equatorial plane and the Y — Z plane at X = -20 R E: (11) the Pedersen current counterpart; (12) the Hall current counterpart; (13) the electric potential; (14) the Pedersen-associated field-aligned currents; (15) the Hall-associated field-aligned currents. These distribution patterns serve as an important basis for studying the generation mechanisms of substorm current systems and the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling process.
Sexual hookups and adverse health outcomes: a longitudinal study of first-year college women.

“Hookups” are sexual encounters between partners who are not in a romantic relationship and do not expect commitment. We examined the associations between sexual hookup behavior and depression, sexual victimization (SV), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among first-year college women. In this longitudinal study, 483 women completed 13 monthly surveys assessing oral and vaginal sex with hookup and romantic partners, depression, SV, and self-reported STIs. Participants also provided biological specimens that were tested for STIs. During the study, 50% of participants reported hookup sex and 62% reported romantic sex. Covariates included previous levels of the outcome, alcohol use, impulsivity, sensation seeking, and romantic sex. Autoregressive cross-lagged models showed that, controlling for covariates, hookup behavior during college was correlated with depression, Bs = .21, ps < .05, and SV, Bs = .19, ps < .05. In addition, precollege hookup behavior predicted SV early in college, B = .62, p < ....
Attributing Blame: The Public's Response to Hurricane Katrina

When government fails, whom do citizens blame? Do these assessments rely on biased or content-rich information? Despite the vast literatures on retrospective voting in political science and attribution in psychology, there exists little theory and evidence on how citizens apportion blame among public officials in the wake of government failure. We designed a survey experiment in which respondents ranked seven public officials in order of how much they should be blamed for the property damage and loss of life in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. We manipulated the information provided to respondents, with some receiving the officials’ party affiliations, others receiving their job titles, and others receiving both cues. We find that party cues cause individuals to blame officials of the opposite party, but citizens make more principled judgments when provided with information about officials’ responsibilities. These results have implications for our understanding of the impact of heuristics and informat...
Early detection of prostate cancer.

Abstract Prostate cancer is unique among the potentially lethal human malignancies in the wide discrepancy between the high prevalence of histologic changes recognizable as cancer and the much lower prevalence of the clinical disease. Despite the availability of effective tests for early detection and of effective treatment for cancers so detected, the diagnosis usually is not established until the tumor is locally advanced or metastatic. Yet, physicians hesitate to use these tests for fear that many cancers found would be latent, of little threat to the life or health of the host, and treatment could introduce inappropriate morbidity. Latent or "clinically unimportant" cancers can be distinguished from those that are clinically important by the larger volume, higher grade, and greater invasiveness of the latter. The available tests can detect only those cancers large enough to be palpable, visible on ultrasound, or capable of elevating the serum level of prostate-specific antigen. Such cancers are clinically important and should be treated for cure if the life expectancy of the patient is sufficiently long and the morbidity rate of therapy is low. Early detection of prostate cancer using the tests that are available today may widen the window of opportunity so that treatment indeed becomes possible in those for whom it is necessary.
Measurement of crystal symmetry using HARECXS.

Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction (CBED) has long been used to measure the symmetry of crystalline materials because of its sensitivity to changes in structure. By quantitative comparison of calculated CBED patterns with experimental data it is possible to determine crystal symmetry and atomic site occupation. In a similar manner, electron channeling induced x-ray emission can be used to study crystal site occupancy. In this work we have used high angular resolution of electron channeling x-ray spectroscopy (HARECXS) in a zone axis orientation to demonstrate that crystal symmetry can be directly observed as a compliment to the CBED technique.
Neurotrophic factor mRNA expression in dentate gyrus is increased following in vivo stimulation of the angular bundle.

Abstract Nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are two structurally-related neurotrophins synthesized in dentate gyrus granule cells and pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal formation. These neurons receive excitatory glutamatergic afferents from the entorhinal cortex via the angular bundle/perforant path. In the present study, we tested whether electrophysiological stimulation of this glutamatergic pathway modifies NGF or BDNF messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in vivo. Within hours following brief trains of high frequency angular bundle stimulation, the levels of mRNA encoding both neurotrophins were increased exclusively in granule cells of the ipsilateral dentate gyrus. The increase in neurotrophic factor mRNA expression was found to be mediated through the N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor subtype, and occurred in the absence of seizure. These findings provide evidence that neurotrophic factor mRNA levels in the hippocampal formation are increased by direct activation of excitatory afferents originating in the entorhinal cortex. We suggest that the function of some neurotrophin-responsive neuronal populations may depend upon the integrity and activity of neurons in the entorhinal cortex, a population of neurons reported to be compromised in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Euler equation tests of Ricardian equivalence

Abstract Tests of Ricardian equivalence based on the Euler condition can be written in several mathematically equivalent ways. This paper shows that these alternative solutions may give rise to different empirical results when liquidity constraints are ignored. This may be due to misspecification, since a crucial assumption of the model is violated, or due to the different parameter restrictions imposed by the different solutions. The evidence suggests that misspecification is the most likely explanation. Previous evidence based on restricted specifications should be interpreted with caution.
The Feasibility of a Current-Source Thermoelectric Power Generator and Its Corresponding Structure Design

Traditional thermoelectric power generators consist of thermoelectric elements connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel. Current flowing inside the thermoelectric power generator is conventionally considered to be driven by the Seebeck effect-induced electric field and the output voltage-induced reverse electric field. This paper proposes a more comprehensive model that implies that current is also driven by chemical potential and carrier density variation. Therefore, the thermoelectric power generator can be treated as a current-source power supplier when the current driven by carrier density variation dominates. This paper performs holistic finite element implementation of the new holistic model where a thermoelectric power generator unit behaves like a current-source while the working temperature conditions maintain stability. This result validates that the thermoelectric element shows the behaviors of a current-source power supply under certain conditions. This discovery brings a new perspective on the behaviors of thermoelectric elements, which potentially will lead to the development of novel thermoelectric power generator design.
Evaluation of hydrophobicity in PAH-contaminated soils during phytoremediation.

Abstract The impact of recalcitrant organic compounds on soil hydrophobicity was evaluated in contaminated soil from a manufactured gas plant site following 12 months of phytoremediation. Significant reduction in soil wetting and water retention was observed in contaminated soil compared to an uncontaminated control. Phytoremediation was effective at reducing total PAHs by 69% with corresponding changes in soil classification from extremely hydrophobic (initial sample) to moderately–strongly hydrophobic (planted) and hydrophilic–very hydrophilic (unplanted) after 12 months. The greatest reduction in soil hydrophobicity was observed in the unplanted, unfertilized treatments that had the lowest removal rate of PAHs. The presence of plants may contribute to hydrophobicity in contaminated soil.
All Ectoparasite Survey of Dipodomys ordii (Rodentia: Heteromyidae) from Central Oklahoma

Ectoparasites were taken from 363 kangaroo rats, Dipodomys ordii oklahomac Trowbridge & Whitaker, collected near Norman, Oklahoma, at monthly intervals from 24 July 1970 through 18 June 1971. Haemolaelaps fahrenholzi (Ewing) was the most abundant ectoparasite, followed by Listrophorus spp., Hirstonyssus incomptus (Eads & Hightower), Pyemotes sp., Fahrenholzia pinnata Kellogg & Ferris, Amblyomma sp., Orchopeas leucopus (Baker), and a Mycoptidae. The Pyemotes-Dipodomys relationship is discussed as a new biological association.
Technology Assessment and Selection of Renewable Energy Sources in the Galapagos Islands - Ecuador

This article consists of presentation slides on the following subject. The Galapagos Islands are known throughout the world for their scientific importance, wildlife, beautiful scenery, tourism and fragile environment. Today, the islands depend on diesel to produce electricity. The use of diesel could cause serious problems to the environment, as oil spills had happen in the past. This is a subject that needs to be addressed especially because of the nature of these islands. Furthermore, the current production does not cover the electricity demand of the islands.The objective of this paper is to assess and select an environmentally-friendly renewable energy solution that will replace or at least reduce the load of diesel generators currently used. This paper provides background information and the electrical condition of the main islands as well as the candidate technologies. Furthermore, the renewable energy resources considered are: hydro, geothermal, solar, and wind energy. Finally, the methodology selected for conducting this study is pairwise comparison; and the model is based on concepts well established in the literature as well as expert judgment.
Variation and distribution of periodontists: 1982-1991.

A review of the past three ADA studies on the distribution of dentists provides specific information on the evolving numbers of periodontists at the national, regional, and state levels. Findings include: 1) a gradual increase in the ratio of periodontist-to-population; 2) 30% of periodontists were less than age 40 (more than almost all other specialties); and 3) an increasing percent of senior dental students anticipate applying to periodontal programs. Although government agency and dental profession association projections are available regarding major future decreases in the overall number of dentists, limited information is available for future periodontist manpower determinations. J Periodontol 1993; 64:1079–1084.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy in oropharyngeal carcinoma: effect of tumor volume on clinical outcomes.

Purpose: To analyze the effect of primary gross tumor volume (pGTV) and nodal gross tumor volume (nGTV) on treatment outcomes in patients treated with definitive intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Methods and Materials: Between September 1998 and April 2009, a total of 442 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx were treated with IMRT with curative intent at our center. Thirty patients treated postoperatively and 2 additional patients who started treatment more than 6 months after diagnosis were excluded. A total of 340 patients with restorable treatment plans were included in this present study. The majority of the patients underwent concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy. The pGTV and nGTV were calculated using the original clinical treatment plans. Cox proportional hazards models and log-rank tests were used to evaluate the correlation between tumor volumes and overall survival (OS), and competing risks analysis tools were used to evaluate the correlation between local failure (LF), regional failure (RF), distant metastatic failure (DMF) vs. tumor volumes with death as a competing risk. Results: Median follow-up among surviving patients was 34 months (range, 5-67). The 2-year cumulative incidence of LF, RF and DF in this cohort of patients was 6.1%, 5.2%, and 12.2%,more » respectively. The 2-year OS rate was 88.6%. Univariate analysis determined pGTV and T-stage correlated with LF (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.004, respectively), whereas nGTV was not associated with RF. On multivariate analysis, pGTV and N-stage were independent risk factors for overall survival (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0073, respectively) and distant control (p = 0.0008 and p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: In this cohort of patients with OPC treated with IMRT, pGTV was found to be associated with overall survival, local failure, and distant metastatic failure.« less
A new series of cholinesterase inhibitors.

In a series of bis onium biphepyl derivatives, alteration of substitutions on the quaternary nitrogen produced a wide variation in toxicity and ability to inhibit cholinesterase, as well as other pharmacological responses. Three members of this series were found to be equal to neostigmine bromide as inhibitors of bovine erythrocyte cholinesterase. Toxicity, in all cases, did not parallel cholinesterase inhibiting potency. Mechanism of action and structure‐activity relationships are discussed.
Systematics, speciation and biogeography of the dwarf chameleons (Brookesia; Reptilia, Squamata, Chamaeleontidae) of northern Madagascar

Brookesia dwarf chameleons, endemic to Madagascar, were surveyed at the following localities in northern Madagascar (north of 16°S): Montagne d'Ambre, Ankarana, Manongarivo, Tsaratanana, Marojejy and Masoala. A total of 15 species occur in this region. Six new species are described and five new synonyms are identified. The genus Brookesia, the most speciose chamaeleontid genus in Madagascar, contains 23 species. Almost all the northern Brookesia species are restricted to rainforest and occupy a relatively narrow elevational range. Although the northern rainforests represent just one-third of the total rainforest and about 5% of the total island area, 65% of the Brookesia species occur in this region, and 52% are endemic to the northern rainforest. Five new biogeographic regions of the northern rainforest are identified based on centres of Brookesia endemicity: Montagne d'Ambre, Northwest, Tsaratanana, Northeast and East. Speciation is thought to have been facilitated in the north through geographic isolation, with the Tsaratanana mountain range and the dry forests south of Montagne d'Ambre forming barriers to dispersal, and the Tsaratanana mountains acting as a centre of isolation. The fragmented distribution of several Brookesia species of low altitude rainforest suggests a period in Madagascar's history when the climate was wetter and low altitude rainforest much more widespread.
Unemployment Assistance in Great Britain.

The British Unemployment Assistance Act of 1934 is unquestionably the most important legislative innovation in the field of public poor relief since the passage of the Elizabethan poor laws.' It represents the final fruition of the movement for the "break-up" of the old poor law system, for by its provision the "break-up" is made virtually complete. In sweeping terms, it adopts the principle of national responsibility for the care of the nation's ablebodied poor, and establishes for the administration of the duties thereby thrust upon the national government a vast new machinery directly operated from Whitehall. Local responsibility for a major portion of a basic governmental function is thus completely wiped out, and the old poor law stands stripped of its essential substance and significance, a mere shell of the former system out of which grew the modern institutions of English local government. For more than three hundred years, the concept of poor relief as a function of local government has been basic to the philosophy of the poor law. The great landmarks of legislation enacted since the days of Elizabeth-the Poor Law Amendment Act in 1834, the Local Government Act in 1929, and the Poor Law Act in 1930made important changes in local relief organization and established new forms of central supervision and financial assistance, yet they did not divest the local governments of control and operation of the provision for assistance.2 This continued to be the very essence of the poor law system. In the light of poor law history, the virtual
Healthy control subjects are poorly defined in case-control studies of irritable bowel syndrome.

Background Case-control studies are vital for understanding the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal disease. While the definition of disease is clear, the definition of healthy control is not. This is particularly relevant for functional bowel diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this study, a systematic review formed the basis for a prospective study evaluating the effectiveness of commonly used techniques for defining healthy controls in IBS. Methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify case-control studies involving functional gastrointestinal disorders. “Lack of Rome criteria”, self-description as “healthy” and the bowel disease questionnaire (BDQ) were common methods for identifying healthy controls. These 3 methods were then applied to a cohort of 53 non-patient subjects to determine their validity compared to objective outcome measures (7-day stool diary). Results “Lack of Rome criteria” and “healthy” self-description were the most common methods for identifying healthy control subjects, but many studies failed to describe the methods used. In the prospective study, more subjects were identified as non-healthy using the BDQ than using either lack of Rome criteria (P=0.01) or “healthy” self-description (P=0.026). Furthermore, stool diaries identified several subjects with abnormal stool form and/or frequency which were not identified using lack of Rome criteria or the “healthy” question. Comparisons revealed no agreement (κ) between the different methods for defining healthy controls. Conclusions The definitions of healthy controls in studies of functional bowel diseases such as IBS are inconsistent. Since functional symptoms are common, a strict definition of “normal” is needed in this area of research. Keywords Irritable bowel syndrome, functional GI disorders, healthy control Ann Gastroenterol 2015; 28 (1): 87-93
Validation of an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage grading scale in 1532 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVE: The two most commonly used aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage grading scales are the Hunt and Hess and World Federation of Neurological Societies scales. Neither has achieved universal acceptance, however, owing to concerns regarding either subjectivity or lack of correlation with outcomes, respectively. A grading scale based entirely on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was recently proposed. We have prospectively evaluated the GCS grading system and compared it with the Hunt and Hess and World Federation of Neurological Societies scales for predictive accuracy. METHODS: Data from 1532 consecutive patients with intracranial aneurysms admitted to our institution between January 1991 and June 2005 were analyzed. The Glasgow Outcome Scale was the primary outcome measure. Mortality and length of stay were secondary measures. The scales were evaluated using simple and multivariable logistic and linear regression. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess predictive accuracy for the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Prognostic factors were assessed with ordinal multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The GCS grading system was most strongly associated with all outcome measures and was the strongest predictor of mortality and persistent vegetative state. Age, vasospasm, hydrocephalus, and intracranial hematoma were found to be significant prognostic elements. CONCLUSION: The GCS grading system is more strongly associated with outcomes than either the Hunt and Hess or World Federation of Neurological Societies scales, and it is an equivalent to a slightly better predictor of Glasgow Outcome Scale outcomes. Its simplicity, proven inter-rater reliability, and wide level of familiarity among health care personnel render the GCS grading system a superior grading scale for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage severity, warranting its consideration for universal use.
Anticipated Support, Received Support, and Economic Stress among Older Adults

This study examined the interface between anticipated support, received support, recent economic stressors, and depressive symptoms in later life. A theoretical perspective was developed suggesting that received support exacerbates the effects of financial stress on depressive symptoms. However, this conceptual framework further specified that the noxious effects of economic stress are buffered or offset by anticipated support. Data from a nationwide survey of elderly people provided empirical support for both hypotheses.
Blind decision feedback equalization using the decorrelation criterion

A new blind equalization algorithm is presented which is based on decorrelating the equalizer's output. The algorithm is used with a decision feedback structure. The performance of the new equalizer on nonrecursive channels is illustrated. The resulting equalizer is globally convergent. >
Stability and Stabilizability of Switched Linear Systems: A Short Survey of Recent Results

During the last decade, there has been increasing interest in the stability analysis and switching control design for switched linear systems. This paper aims to briefly survey recent results in this field, focusing on stability analysis and switching stabilization problems. First, the stability analysis problem for switched linear systems is reviewed. We focus on the asymptotic stability analysis for switched linear systems under arbitrary switching, and highlight necessary and sufficient conditions for this problem. Secondly, the switching stabilization problem is studied, and a variety of switching stabilization methods found in the literature are outlined. One of the most elusive problems in the switched systems literature has been the switching stabilizability problem, that is under what condition it is possible to stabilize a switched system by properly designing switching control laws. Necessary and sufficient conditions for asymptotic stabilizability of switched linear systems are described
Exact robustness analysis for highly structured frequency-domain uncertainties

Develops a stability criterion for systems with uncertainties which are manifested in the frequency domain by simply-connected and closed, arbitrary uncertainty regions which satisfy a mild convexity constraint. In particular, well-known stability results for the case of disk-bounded frequency domain uncertainties are recovered as a special case of the proposed approach. The main results hinge on the definition of the critical direction as the direction of the line joining the -1+j0 point to the nominal frequency-response at a particular frequency. It is argued that the relevant subset of the uncertainty lies along this line, and this idea is exploited to yield a general stability criterion. An example arising from system and uncertainty identification is presented to illustrate the ideas developed in the paper. An application of the results of this paper yields exact and explicit formulae for the robust stability of systems with ellipsoidal parametric uncertainties.
Vapor-Phase Ozone Treatment of Wool Garments

Optimum treatment parameters for ozone-steam shrink-resisting of wool fabric and garments, hung in a chamber, were determined. Circulation of the vapor around the materials is necessary for rapid reaction. Fabric construction in; fluences the shrinkage control achieved; tight construction apparently limits the rate of diffusion of ozone into the fabric. Ozone consumption is low, (1.2% owf or less). Wool and lambs-wool sweaters were made shrink-resistant in a single-sweater batch treatment chamber. In batch treatments, since a large percentage (75 to 80%) of the injected ozone is exhausted unreacted from the chamber, excessively large and expensive ozone generators are required. Furthermore, these generators consume-excessive electricity (energy), and the excess ozone must be destroyed. Therefore a process was developed to utilize ozone efficiently. In this new process, garments are continuously moved through an open-ended tunnel; the ends are sloped downwards to confine the hot gasses. Ozone is injected a...
Simulation techniques for systems with oversampling A/D converters

A unified strategy for simulating systems with oversampling A/D converters is discussed. Experimental results are presented to verify that high-level modulator models capture the behavior of the analog circuits providing fast and accurate simulations. These results have been incorporated using a variety of simulation tools to aid in the design and verification of complex chip designs. >
Down-Regulation of Tomato β-Galactosidase 4 Results in Decreased Fruit Softening

Transcript abundance of the gene encoding β-galactosidase II, a β-galactosidase/exo-galactanase (EC 3.2.1.23) present during tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit ripening, was suppressed by expression of an antisense tomato β-galactosidase 4 (TBG4) cDNA driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. RNA gel-blot analysis was used to evaluate TBG4 mRNA levels in transgenic fruit. All of the antisense lines had attenuated TBG4 mRNA levels in turning stage fruit; however, TBG4 mRNA suppression was unstable, and mRNA levels varied in red-ripe fruit among the lines. Suppression of TBG4 mRNA levels in antisense fruit was correlated with a reduction in extractable exo-galactanase activity against a lupin galactan. All of the antisense lines had reduced free galactose levels at mature green stage 4, but levels comparable with controls during ripening. Total cell wall galactosyl contents in the antisense fruit were not significantly different from control fruit. Whole-fruit firmness was measured using a texture analyzer and the means of the peak force measurements for four of six antisense lines were significantly higher than control fruit. One antisense line had red-ripe fruit that were 40% firmer than controls. Fruit from this antisense line also had the lowest TBG4 mRNA and exo-galactanase levels and the highest wall galactosyl content during the early stages of ripening, implicating an involvement of this gene product in cell wall modification leading to fruit softening.
genBRDF: discovering new analytic BRDFs with genetic programming

We present a framework for learning new analytic BRDF models through Genetic Programming that we call genBRDF. This approach to reflectance modeling can be seen as an extension of traditional methods that rely either on a phenomenological or empirical process. Our technique augments the human effort involved in deriving mathematical expressions that accurately characterize complex high-dimensional reflectance functions through a large-scale optimization. We present a number of analysis tools and data visualization techniques that are crucial to sifting through the large result sets produced by genBRDF in order to identify fruitful expressions. Additionally, we highlight several new models found by genBRDF that have not previously appeared in the BRDF literature. These new BRDF models are compact and more accurate than current state-of-the-art alternatives.
The Processes of Adopting Multimedia and Interactivity in Three Online Newsrooms

This article examines the material culture of newsroom practices by focusing on the dynamics of the processes through which news workers adopt new technologies. More specifically, it looks at some key factors that shape the adoption of multimedia and interactive technologies in online newspapers. Through ethnographic case studies of innovations in 3 online newsrooms, I show that variations in organizational structures, work practices, and representations of the users are related to different ways in which members of the newsroom appropriate these technologies. I draw from this analysis to reflect on issues related to the technological dimension of editorial work and the dynamics of media convergence.
Advances in microwave digital radiometry

The increasing availability of discrete and integrated high-speed digital logic has enabled the advancement of microwave digital radiometry for Earth science applications. The first digital radiometers were used for autocorrelation spectroscopy with bandwidths of a few megahertz. Current digital radiometers operate with bandwidths of hundreds-of-megahertz. The applications of digital radiometers have been extended to include polarimetry, interferometry, and total power radiometry. Future technology development opportunities include increasing the speed and lowering the power of digital processors, track-and-hold circuits, and analog-to-digital converters.
Tax Bribes in Transition Countries

Tax bribes are a very real part of the tax culture in transition countries. Economic transition, fiscal reforms, and efforts to strengthen tax administration are changing the tax cultures of transition countries, however. This paper examines firm-level survey data on the frequency of firms being required to pay bribes to tax officials in transition countries in both 1999 and 2002. The purpose of this analysis is to identify elements of the tax culture of these countries that affect the likelihood of tax bribery. Empirical models of the likelihood of tax bribes being paid by firms are estimated and reported, with policy implications drawn for improvements in tax culture.