cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utility of tachycardia cycle length variability in discriminating atrial tachycardia from ventricular tachycardia

Background Inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy of atrial tachycardia (AT) with 1:1 atrioventricular (AV) conduction is common because it is difficult to discriminate from ventricular tachycardia (VT) with 1:1 retrograde conduction. Tachycardia cycle length (CL) variability and the relationship between atrial and ventricular CLs may be useful in discriminating AT from VT with 1:1 retrograde conduction. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the relationship between the atrial and ventricular CLs in differentiating AT with 1:1 conduction from VT with 1:1 retrograde conduction. Methods We studied 71 patients who had a tachycardia with a 1:1 AV relationship and significant CL variability. Thirty-nine patients had AT (21 inducible and 18 simulated), and 32 patients had VT (11 inducible and 21 simulated). The relationship between atrial and ventricular CLs was examined. Results A change in atrial CL predicted the change in subsequent ventricular CL in 37 (95%) of 39 patients with AT and in none of the patients with VT. A change in preceding ventricular CL predicted the change in atrial CL in 31 (97%) of 32 patients with VT and in only one (3%) of 39 patients with AT. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of a change in atrial CL predicting the change in ventricular CL for AT with significant CL variability were 95%, 100%, 100%, and 94%, respectively. The corresponding values for the change in preceding ventricular CL predicting the change in atrial CL for AT with significant CL variability were 97%. Conclusion The relationship between atrial and ventricular CL is useful in differentiating AT from VT with retrograde conduction. A change in atrial CL that predicts the change in subsequent ventricular CL rules in AT and excludes VT.
Out-of-band spectral correction algorithm for the Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer

An out-of-band correction algorithm is evaluated for the Multi-Angle Imaging Spectro-Radiometer (MISR). The objective for MISR is to report scene radiances, ad averaged over the in-band spectral response region.
Recent depressive and anxious symptoms predict cortisol responses to stress in men

Individuals with major depressive disorder show blunted cortisol responses to psychosocial stressors, but the extent to which this pattern of dampened responding characterizes individuals experiencing sub-clinical levels of depressive symptoms is unknown. This study investigated whether self-reports of depressive and anxious symptoms over the previous two weeks were associated with cortisol responses to a laboratory social stress task. In addition, we tested whether these associations were mediated by baseline cortisol, subjective responses to the task, or health behaviors. Healthy adults (N=76) completed the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire prior to engaging in the Trier Social Stress Task. Salivary cortisol was measured at 8 points before and after the task to assess cortisol responding. Linear regressions revealed that men reporting more distress and somatic symptoms had smaller cortisol responses, but anhedonic symptoms were not related to cortisol. Distress was associated with lower baseline cortisol, which in turn statistically mediated the relationship between distress and cortisol response. These results demonstrate that the recent experience of depressive and anxious symptoms is associated with smaller cortisol responses to a psychosocial stressor in a non-clinical population.
Some Harmful Effects of the Electric Shocker on Large Rainbow Trout

Abstract The use of the electric shocker in the salvage of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii) from an irrigation canal is described. An account is given also of physiological effects observed during shocking and the morphological effects determined by dissection. In order to determine the effects of shocking, the trout were transferred to a holding pond at a state fish hatchery and observed for 2 to 5 days before being released. Dissection of some of these specimens disclosed fractured vertebrae, ruptured arteries and veins, hemorrhaging, death of tissues (secondary), curvature of the spine, and extreme dilation of blood vessels in various parts of the body, including the brain. The possibilities of the application of the shocker to other phases of fishery management are discussed.
A note on possible extensions of Negami's conjecture

A graph H is a cover of a graph G, if there exists a mapping φ from V(H) onto V(G) such that for every vertex ν of G, φ maps the neighbors of ν in H bijectively onto the neighbors of φ(ν) in G. Negami conjectured in 1987 that a connected graph has a finite planar cover if and only if it embeds in the projective plane. This conjecture is not completely solved yet, but partial results due to Archdeacon, Fellows, Negami, and the author are known. This article suggests another formulation of this conjecture that has a straightforward generalization to higher nonorientable surfaces, and provides some support for the generalized version. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Graph Theory 32: 234240 1999
Proteus An Experimenter's View

The scientific experiments package to be carried by the Proteus system takes the form of an Instrument Load carried into orbit by a Space Shuttle, and there mated to a Proteus spacecraft with the Shuttle's Remote Manipulator System. The Proteus system extends to ground support equipment, development tools, and communications, as well as the orbiting satellites. It is expected that Proteus will be able to triple the number of Explorer missions while staying within the current budgetary allocation for such missions. The Proteus spacecraft encompasses a system interface assembly plug, a data handling module, remote interface units, and a power distribution module.
Sodium thiocyanate in prophylaxis and treatment of bacillary dysentery with special emphasis upon the Shiga type

B ECAUSE of the prevalence of bacillary dysentery of the Shiga and other types and the associated ~nfavorable mortality, for a number of years physicians in the southern section of the United States have been seeking some specific treatment effective both in prophylaxis and therapeusis. In June, 1932, one of us was privileged to observe at first hand the experimental work being done by Prof. A. C. Ivy, of the department of physiology, Northwestern University. I will quote from his article more recently published: "Dur ing the course of a study by Reid, Anderson, Stubblefield, and Ivy 1 on the effect of filtrates of the Shiga bacillus on the motility o.f the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, and during the course of a study by Crandall and Anderson on the use of sodium thiocyanate to determine 'free water' in the body, it was discovered that dogs which had received the thioeyanate four to five weeks previously failed to react in the usual manner after receiving lethal doses of the toxic filtrate. It was decided to investigate this accidental observation." As a result of this observation, Professor Ivy and his coworkers conducted an experiment involving some five hundred dogs and a series of rabbits, w i t h the following conclusions which formed the basis for our experiments on the human: " T h e intravenous (20 nag. per kilogram) or oral (60 rag. per kilogram) administration of sodium thiocyanate from fourteen days to several (four or five) weeks prior to the administration of a Shiga dysentery toxic filtrate affords protection against the lethal action of the toxic filtrate in some but not all dogs, and sodium thiocyanate (rhodanate) in this dosage is not dangerous for either intravenous use or by mouth ." Ivy suggested that from his experiments he believed sodium thiocyanate might not only prove to be effective in preventing Shiga dysentery in the human but would even possess therapeutic value as well if administered early enough after infection. After the o~set of the disease, and part icularly in the stage of collapse or after ex-
Erythropoietic activity in Rana pipiens--the influence of severe hemolytic induced anemia on spleen and peripheral blood activities.

Abstract 1. 1. The effect of the hemolytic agent phenylhydrazine on weight gain, hemoglobin levels, hematocrits and red cell production in Rana pipiens has been investigated. 2. 2. The results indicate that water is retained; hemoglobin and hematocrit are seriously reduced after 10 days. 3. 3. The spleen protein doubles, the amount of 59 Fe taken up by the spleen does not increase significantly but the peripheral blood uptake almost doubles. 4. 4. The increase in spleen size, the shift of maturation to the peripheral blood indicates a significant response to the stimulus and suggests that a humoral control mechanism may be present.
Reinforced geopolymer composites for enhanced material greenness and durability

Abstract The environmental impact of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is significant because its production emits large amounts of CO2. Further, OPC durability is limited largely due to inherent brittleness. This review examines the environmental and economic impacts of OPC. Using supplementary cementitious materials to enhance material greenness or produce alternative binders such as geopolymers is discussed. This is followed by a review of recent efforts to increase durability through fiber reinforcement. Finally, the current state of the art of geopolymer composites (with both high material greenness and high durability) is discussed along with opportunities and challenges for these promising materials.
Fine structure characteristics of semiconductor laser diode coupled to an external cavity

A semiconductor laser diode with a nominal relaxation oscillation frequency of 6 GHz with an anti-reflection coating on one facet is coupled to an external high Q cavity with the fundamental resonance set to 5 GHz. The laser diode is mounted in a custom microstrip fixture and is driven by a HP-8510A network analyzer. The experimental and theoretical results show enhancement greater than 25 dB at the external cavity resonance frequencies. The results also show holes near the resonance frequencies which may affect the useful bandwidth.
DEVIL'S ADVOCACY AND DIALECTICAL INQUIRY EFFECTS ON PREDICTION PERFORMANCE: TASK INVOLVEMENT AS A MEDIATING VARIABLE

Critics of previous laboratory experiments comparing devil's advocacy (DA) to dialectical inquiry (DI) have suggested that these experiments produced misleading results because (1) they used subjects who had low levels of task involvement and (2) the DI treatment used was confusing to subjects and required further explanation to be useful. The present study examines the effects of four inquiry methods—expert (E), DA, DI, and DI with explanatory statement (DI+)—on subjects' performance at a financial prediction task. Results show that DA, DI, and DI + were superior to E when the state of the world differed significantly from assumptions underlying the expert's plan. For subjects with high task involvement, DI and DI + were more effective than E and DA. The results support some of the criticisms of previous laboratory research and suggest that future research on these decision aids should include task involvement as a factor.
Reactive ion etching of InAlAs with Ar/Cl2 mixtures for ridge waveguide lasers

Abstract We have investigated the etching characteristics of InAlAs for reactive ion etching (RIE) with mixtures of argon (Ar) and chlorine (Cl 2 ). Nearly vertical walls and a smooth surface morphology can be achieved for etch rates of up to 200 nm/min. For an application we have produced dry-etched ridge waveguide lasers in the In(Ga)AlAs/InGaAs material system with threshold currents as low as 12 mA.
Knowledge Management, Organizational Memory a Organizational Learning Cluster

Knowledge Management (KM) addresses the process of acquiring, creating, distributing and using knowledge in organizations. Organizational Memory (OM) can be defined as the way an organization stores organizational knowledge and applies it to present activities. Organizational Learning (OL) is the development of shared meanings and interpretations of those meanings to enhance future activities. The first mini-track on OM initiated by Lorne Oflman and Joline Morrison eleven years ago has now grown to include KM and OL. This year we have evolved to a research cluster with four separate mini-tracks. The research cluster maintains the integrity and continuity in the mini-track community while continuing to grow the number of papers accepted in the research domain. The cluster also preserves the strong community developed over the last eleven years. An additional change this year is the migration from our roots in Digital Documents to the Organizational Systems track. We would like to thank Mike Shepherd for his past help and assistance and Hugh Watson for helping the cluster come to fruition and retain it popularity.
Evaluation of Ixodes scapularis, Amblyomma americanum, and Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae) from Georgia as Vectors of a Florida Strain of the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi

The ability of three common tick species from Georgia to maintain and transmit the causative agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, was compared under laboratory conditions. A B. burgdorferi cotton rat isolate (MI-6) from Florida was selected as a strain from the south, and the SH2-82 isolate from New York was used as a positive control. Amblyomma americanum (L.) and Dermacentor variabilis (Say) did not transmit the MI-6 isolate from inoculated hamsters to naive laboratory mice, and nymphal ticks did not maintain this isolate transstadially. Ixodes scapularis Say transmitted both isolates to laboratory mice. There was a significant difference in the percentage of transmission of the two isolates. I. scapularis also transmitted the MI-6 isolate to two of three cotton rats. This study adds support to the premise that I. scapularis is probably the main tick vector of B. burgdorferi in the southeastern United States.
Specific recognition of sulfate esters by bindin, a sperm adhesion protein from sea urchins.

Abstract Bindin specifically binds to egg surface sulfated fucan polysaccharides and mediates the attachment of sperm to the egg during fertilization. Sulfate esters are critical for this interaction. We have examined the effect of different anionic groups on the relative binding affinities of a series of homologous anionic polymers for bindin to determine the extent to which other charged moieties can substitute for sulfate. We found that bindin displays a remarkable specificity for sulfate- or sulfonic acid-containing polymers. The relative affinities of poly(vinyl sulfate) and poly(styrenesulfonic acid) are four orders of magnitude higher than polymers containing phosphate esters or carboxyl groups. The bindin-mediated aggregation of sea urchin eggs was inhibited by the sulfated polymers but not the other anionic polymers. This high degree of selectivity for sulfated polymers is not observed for the binding of the polyanions to most other proteins and basic polypeptides. These results suggest that the binding is not due to the formation of simple salt bridges, and that all three non-ester oxygen atoms of the sulfate groups are involved in multiple bonding interactions with a complementary ‘docking site’ on the bindin polypeptide. The orientation of the polysaccharide sulfate oxygen atoms relative to the protein binding site may be an important determinant of the specificity of polysaccharide binding.
Mind and method: an examination of cognitive activities in the design process

The creative process is a multifaceted and dynamic path of thinking required to execute a project in design-based disciplines (i.e., interior design, architecture). This research seeks to better understand the creative design process by investigating design student experiences during the course of a two week chair design project assignment. This study used an exploratory design to collect data from student demographic information, journal responses, and creative product results. The project deliverables were reviewed by external evaluators to identify level of creative output. High and low level output groups were identified and compared according to demographic data and journal responses. Grade point averages, transfer credits, and total credit hours were higher for the high creativity group in addition to evidence of higher levels of abstract thought and greater divergent thinking. Students in the high creativity group also demonstrated increased depth in thought and higher motivation throughout their creative process.
Epidemiological assessment of the role of physical activity and fitness in development of cardiovascular disease

98. Aspirin Myocardial infarction Study Research Group: A randomized controlled trial of persons recovered from myocardial infarction. ,JAMA 243:661, 1980. 99. The Persantine-Aspirin Reinfarction Trial Research Group: Persantine and aspirin in coronary heart disease. Circulation 62:449. 1980. 11Kl. The Anturane Reinfarction Trial Research Group: SultinJ)yrazone in the prevention of cardiac death after myocardial infarction. The anturane reinfarction trial. N Engl .I Med 298289, 1978. 101. The Anturane Reinfarction Trial Research Group: Sultinpyrazone in the prevention of sudden death after myocardial infarction. N Engl Med .J 302:X50, 1980. 102. Anturane reinfarction trial policy committee: The anturane reinfarctitrn trial: Re-evaluation of outcome. N Enpl .J Med 306:100.5. 1982. 103. Multicenter International Study: Improvement in prognosis of myocardial infarction by long term beta adrenureceptor blockade using practolol. Br Med .I 3:1'i35, 1975. Ill-t. Wilhemsson C, Wilhelmsen L, Vedin .JA, Tibblin G, Werro I,: Reduction of sudden deaths after myocardial infarction by treatment with alprenolol. Lancet 2:ll.j7, 1974. 105. Hjalmarson A, Herlitz J, Malek I. et al: Effect on mortality of metoprolol in acute myocardial infarction. Lancet 2:8X1. 1981. 106. The Norwegian Multicenter Study Group: .l’irnolol-itlduced reduction in mortality and reinfarction in patients surviving acute myocardial infarction. N Engl ,J Med 304:801, 1981. 107. Beta Blocker Heart Attack Trial Research Group: A randomized trial of propranolol in patients with acute myocardial infarction. .JAMA 247:170’7. 1982. 108. Frishman W, Furberg CD, Friedewald WT: Beta-adrenergic blockade for survivors of acute myocardial infarction. N Engl ,J Med 310:830. 1984.
Mechanistic Studies of the 1‐Alkyl‐2‐pyrrolidones as Skin Permeation Enhancers

Abstract The influences of 1‐ethyl‐, 1‐butyl‐, 1‐hexyl‐, and 1‐octyl‐2‐pyrrolidone in their saline solutions on the transport of β ‐estradiol, corticosterone, and hydrocortisone across hairless mouse skin under in vitro conditions have been investigated by the physical model approach. The experimental data were interpreted with a physical model that treats the stratum coneum as a diffusional barrier with a lipoidal pathway and a pore pathway. Enhancement factors ( E values) for the lipoidal pathway were calculated from the permeability coefficients and solubility data as a function of the 1‐alkyl‐2‐pyrrolione concentration for all three permeants. A pattern of increasing E values with increasing 1‐alkyl‐2‐pyrrolidone chain length was found, and the results were essentially the same for all three steroidal permeants. A nearly semilogarithmic linear relationship was also obtained between the enhancement potency and the carbon number of the alkyl chain; there was about an ∼ 3.5‐fold increase in the enhancement potency per 1‐alkyl‐2‐pyrrolidone methylene group. An important outcome of this research is that the enhancement potencies of the 1‐alkyl‐2‐pyrrolidones were essentially the same as those for the previously studied n ‐alkanols when compared at the same carbon numbers of the alkyl groups. This result is somewhat surprising as it suggests that the enhancer action resides (in its entirely) in the alkyl group, and the nature of the polar head group may not be intrinsically important in transdermal enhancement of the lipoidal pathway within a class of permeation enhancers.
Method for finding transmission-line faults

CALCULATIONS OF FAULT CURRENTS for points along a transmission line are usually prepared for use in fault locating by the current-ratio method or by problems of inductive interference. The ground fault is the type of fault generally required for these purposes.
Methods in bovine nuclear transfer

Abstract Numerous reports have been published which substantiate the feasibility of nuclear transfer in cattle, but procedural details are generally not presented. The objective of this paper and the demonstration which will be presented is to describe the equipment, methods and procedures which can be utilized for bovine nuclear transfer. The major items of equipment needed are micromanipulators, microscopes, plus electrofusion generator and chambers. Methods and procedures described include: preparation of microtools, cleaning of zona pellucidae, bisection of oocytes, transfer of blastomeres, fusion, and embryo culture. Each of these steps in the process is described in detail.
An analytical framework for measuring the effectiveness/impacts of computer-based patient record systems

Integrated information and patient record systems are required to support the information management needs of a reformed health care system. These information systems are social systems that use information technology. The implementation of such systems does more than enhance our ability to deliver health care; it also affects practice patterns and professional relations among individuals and groups within the organization. This paper proposes a framework for diagnosing, measuring and analyzing the effectiveness and impacts of these integrated systems. Case studies are used to illustrate how the framework can be used to pose questions and to select measures, research designs and analytical tools to evaluate the effectiveness and impacts of computer-based patient record systems. >
High-speed binary adder

Based on the bit pair (ai, bi) truth table, the carry propagate pi and carry generate gi have dominated the carry-look-ahead formation process for more than two decades. This paper presents a new scheme in which the new carry propagation is examined by including the neighboring pairs (ai, bi; ai+1, bi+1). This scheme not only reduces the component count in design, but also requires fewer logic levels in adder implementation. In addition, this new algorithm offers an astonishingly uniform loading in fan-in and fan-out nesting.
#Schizophrenia: Use and misuse on Twitter.

Abstract Background The role and prevention of stigma in mental illness is an area of evolving research. Aims The present study is the first to examine the use and misuse of the word ‘schizophrenia’ on Twitter.com in comparison with another illness (diabetes) by analyzing Tweets that use the adjective and noun forms of schizophrenia and diabetes. Method Tweets containing one of four search terms (#schizophrenia, #schizophrenic, #diabetes, #diabetic) were collected over a forty-day time period. After establishing inter-rater reliability, Tweets were rated along three dimensions: medical appropriateness, negativity, and sarcasm. Chi square tests were conducted to examine differences in the distributions of each parameter across illnesses and across each word form (noun versus adjective). Results Significant differences were seen between the two illnesses (i.e., among “schizophrenia”, “schizophrenic”, “diabetes”, and “diabetic”) along each parameter. Tweets about schizophrenia were more likely to be negative, medically inappropriate, sarcastic, and used non-medically. The adjective (“schizophrenic”) was more often negative, medically inappropriate, sarcastic, and used non-medically than the noun “schizophrenia.” Schizophrenia tweets were more likely to be negative and sarcastic when used non-medically and in a medically inappropriate manner. Conclusions Our findings confirm the presence of a great deal of misuse of the term schizophrenia on Twitter, and that this misuse is considerably more pronounced by the adjectival use of the illness. These findings have considerable implications for efforts to combat stigma, particularly for youth anti-stigma efforts.
On decentralized proactive resource allocation in asynchronous real-time distributed systems

We present two classes of distributed algorithms called DRBA and DOBA, for decentralized, proactive resource allocation in asynchronous real-time distributed systems. The objective of the algorithms is to maximize aggregate application benefit and deadline-satisfied ratio for a user-specified future time interval. Since determining the optimal allocation is computationally intractable, the algorithms heuristically compute near-optimal allocations in polynomial-time. While the DRBA algorithms analyze subtask response times to determine allocation decisions which are computationally expensive, the DOBA algorithms analyze processor overloads to compute their decisions in a much faster way. Within each class, we present three algorithms that differ in the way they tolerate end-host failures: no reallocation upon failure, stateless reallocation, and stateful reallocation.
Balance between Dopamine and Serotonin Release Modulates Behavioral Effects of Amphetamine‐Type Drugs

The abuse of illicit stimulants is a worldwide crisis, yet few medicines are available for treating stimulant addiction. We have advocated the idea of "agonist therapy" for cocaine dependence. This strategy involves administration of stimulant-like medications (e.g., monoamine releasers) to alleviate cocaine withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. A chief limitation of this strategy is that many candidate medicines possess high abuse liability due to activation of mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurons in reward pathways. Evidence suggests that serotonin (5-HT) neurons can provide an inhibitory influence over mesolimbic DA neurons. Thus, it might be predicted that the balance between DA and 5-HT transmission is a critical variable when developing medications with reduced stimulant side effects. In this article, we review recent studies from our laboratory that examined neurochemical and behavioral effects of a series of monoamine releasers which displayed different potencies at DA and 5-HT transporters. The data show that increasing 5-HT release can attenuate stimulant effects mediated by DA release, such as motor stimulation and drug self-administration. Our findings support the work of others and indicate that elevated synaptic 5-HT can dampen certain behavioral effects of DA-releasing agents. Moreover, the relationship between DA and 5-HT releasing potency is an important determinant in developing new agonist medications with reduced stimulant properties.
Locked-in or Comatose? Clinical Dilemma in Acute Pontine Infarct

A 50-year-old man presented after acute onset of dysarthria and tetraparesis, rapidly progressing to unresponsiveness. Neurologic examination revealed spontaneous ocular bobbing, pinpoint pupils with normal light response (top), extensor posturing, and bilateral Babinski signs. Loud noises, such as the clapping of hands, elicited a nonreproducible startle response evidenced by spontaneous eye opening. However, there were no eye movements on command. Computed tomography of the brain and magnetic resonance imaging showed evidence of an acute basilar artery thrombosis, also known as a hyperdense basilar artery sign (red arrow) and acute pontine infarction (middle). Electroencephalography showed presence of an α coma (bottom). Electroencephalography was helpful in determining the patient’s level of consciousness. Patients with locked-in syndrome have similar findings on neuroimaging studies, but awareness and eye movements are preserved and become the only means for communication. Electroencephalographic findings of an α coma indicate that the patient had impaired awareness and therefore did not have lockedin syndrome. α Coma after brainstem infarction was first described by Westmoreland et al1 in 1975. Normally, when patients’ eyes are closed, electroencephalography shows α activity in the posterior parts of the brain. In pathologic conditions, α activity emerges over all areas of the brain and remains whether eyes are open or closed. In this patient, coma resulted from a pontine infarction, which destroyed the ascending reticular activating system. Immediate and accurate assessment of consciousness in patients with acute pontine infarct is a very important task for clinicians.
CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF ESTROUS RABBITS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SEASONAL FACTORS1

Most of the investigators who have had occasion to use estrous rabbits have selected animals which have been isolated for 30 days (or more), or which present a large, purple vagina upon examination. It is implied that all such rabbits are actually in estrus. However, no investigator who has used such criteria has ever presented any data to establish their reliability. On the contrary, there is evidence by Hammond and Marshall (1) that estrus does not occur with regularity in isolated animals, and that the vaginal color is no guide as to the presence of heat. Over a period of several years the experience of this laboratory has fully confirmed Hammond and Marshall in every particular, despite the fact that the two colonies of animals are maintained under very different conditions. Nevertheless, there appeared to be little justification for the publication of our data until the use of these unsatisfactory criteria became so general. This report is now presented to emphasize the errors in the current practice...
Modular solvers for image restoration problems using the discrepancy principle

Many problems in image restoration can be formulated as either an unconstrained non-linear minimization problem, usually with a Tikhonov-like regularization, where the regularization parameter has to be determined; or as a fully constrained problem, where an estimate of the noise level, either the variance or the signal-to-noise ratio, is available. The formulations are mathematically equivalent. However, in practice, it is much easier to develop algorithms for the unconstrained problem, and not always obvious how to adapt such methods to solve the corresponding constrained problem. In this paper, we present a new method which can make use of any existing convergent method for the unconstrained problem to solve the constrained one. The new method is based on a Newton iteration applied to an extended system of non-linear equations, which couples the constraint and the regularized problem, but it does not require knowledge of the Jacobian of the irregularity functional. The existing solver is only used as a black box solver, which for a fixed regularization parameter returns an improved solution to the unconstrained minimization problem given an initial guess. The new modular solver enables us to easily solve the constrained image restoration problem; the solver automatically identifies the regularization parameter, during the iterative solution process. We present some numerical results. The results indicate that even in the worst case the constrained solver requires only about twice as much work as the unconstrained one, and in some instances the constrained solver can be even faster. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetic theory of a two-dimensional magnetized plasma.

Several features of the equilibrium and nonequilibrium statistical mechanics of a two-dimensional plasma in a uniform dc magnetic field are investigated. The charges are assumed to interact only through electrostatic potentials. The problem is considered both with and without the guiding-center approximation. With the guiding-center approximation, an appropriate Liouville equation and BBGKY hierarchy predict no approach to thermal equilibrium for the spatially uniform case. For the spatially nonuniform situation, a guiding-center Vlasov equation is discussed and solved in special cases. For the nonequilibrium, nonguiding-center case, a Boltzmann equation, and a Fokker-Planck equation are derived in the appropriate limits. The latter is more tractable than the former, and can be shown to obey conservation laws and an H-theorem, but contains a divergent integral which must be cut off on physical grounds. Several unsolved problems are posed.
Low Ankle-Brachial Index Associated With Rise in Creatinine Level Over Time: Results From the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study

Background: A low ankle-brachial index (ABI) predicts risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease events, and stroke. However, it is unknown whether a low ABI also predicts a decline in renal function. Methods:WeexaminedtheassociationbetweenABIand changeinserumcreatininelevelovertimeamong13655 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who underwent serum creatinine and ABI measurement at baseline and also underwent serum creatinine measurement 3 years later at the second study visit. The study outcome was a 50% rise in serum creatinine level from baseline to the second study visit. Results: Overall, 0.48% of participants with an ABI of 1 or higher, 0.9% of participants with an ABI between 0.9and0.99,and2.16%ofparticipantswithanABIlower than 0.9 experienced a 50% or greater increase in serum creatininelevel.Inmultivariateanalysis,participantswith an ABI lower than0.9 were still more thantwice as likely as those in the referent category (ABI 1) to experience anincreaseinserumcreatininelevel(oddsratio2.5;95% confidence interval, 1.1-5.7) (P=.04), and a linear trend in the incidence of worsening renal function was noted across ABI categories (P=.02). Analyses excluding participants with renal insufficiency, diabetes, and hypertension at baseline all produced similar results. Conclusion: In addition to known associations of the ABI with stroke, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease events, and cardiovascular death, a low ABI also predicts an increase in serum creatinine level over time. Arch Intern Med. 2005;165:1481-1485
Validation Measures for Clustering Algorithms Incorporating Biological Information

A cluster analysis is the most commonly performed procedure (often regarded as a first step) on a set of gene expression profiles. A closely related problem is that of selecting a clustering algorithm that is optimal in some way from a rather impressive list of clustering algorithms that currently exist. In this paper, we propose two validation measures each with two parts: one measuring the statistical consistency (stability) of the clusters produced and the other representing their biological functional consistency, so that a good clustering algorithm should have a small value for these measures. We illustrate our methods using two sets of expression profiles obtained from a breast cancer data set. Six well known clustering algorithms UPGMA, K-Means, Diana, Fanny, Model-Based and SOM were evaluated. Whereas the exact ordering depends on the particular data set (expression profiles) used and the validation measure employed, overall UPGMA appears to be the optimal for this cancer data set that we considered. R-codes: R-codes used in this paper are available from the author upon request.
Distinguishing Engineers from Scientists-The Case for an Engineering Knowledge Community

Abstract This article makes the case for an engineering knowledge community. We begin by discussing the differences between science and technology. We next discuss the similarities and differences between engineers and scientists. Next, we analyze previous research into the information use behaviors of engineers. Finally, using the research results from the NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project, we compare and contrast aerospace engineers and scientists as a means of developing similarities and differences between engineers and scientists in terms of their information-seeking behavior. The goal of this article is to demonstrate that engineers are not scientists and that knowledge production and use differ in engineering and science. We believe that the current model used to explain information-seeking behavior assumes no difference between the information-seeking of engineers and scientists. The distinctions between engineering and science, engineers and scientists and the information-se...
Dimensionality reduction for knowledge discovery in medical claims database: Application to antidepressant medication utilization study

Data mining, through its capacity to discover knowledge embedded in large databases to improve organizational decision-making, has the potential to contribute to efficiencies and cost savings in the increasingly costly healthcare industry. One important aspect of the methods of mining medical databases includes reducing dimensionality through feature selection. Traditionally feature selection is accomplished through stepwise regression, which tends to produce an unnecessarily high number of ''significant'' variables. This paper applies a filter-based feature selection method using inconsistency rate measure and discretization, to a medical claims database to predict the adequacy of duration of antidepressant medication utilization. Compared to traditional stepwise logistic regression, which selected seven variables from a total of nine potential explanatory variables to characterize patients with inadequate antidepressant medication utilization, the filter-based method selected two variables (age and number of claims) to achieve a similar prediction accuracy. This comparison suggests it may be feasible and efficient to apply the filter-based feature selection method to reduce the dimensionality of healthcare databases.
Collaboration through documentation: automated capturing of tangible constructions to support engineering design

In this paper, we present and evaluate the design and learning affordances of Mechanix, an interactive display for children to create, record, view, and test systems of tangible simple machine components. By documenting children's interactions, Mechanix provides opportunities for children to learn from user-generated examples and to reflect on their own designs. Through a series of user studies with children, we examine the system's capabilities for documenting tangible design work, facilitating social learning and collaboration, and providing distinct entry points that appeal to a broad range of learners. Our results illustrate the potential of incorporating automated documentation with tangible toolkits to support learning about physics and engineering systems design.
A CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE ON WHOLE LANGUAGE

Whole Language (WL) is impacting reading education and causing some teachers to significantly change their instructional procedures. While instructional twists and turns contribute vitality to classroom procedures, a philosophical change which could possibly impinge negatively on students’ reading abilities demands scrutiny. Although WL is a popular topic at conferences and in journals, the treatment is usually descriptive rather than evaluative. WL speakers and writers have formed emotional attachments to this philosophy, and they enthusiastically present things to do in classrooms. However, ebullience does not preclude the obligation of academics, curriculum decision makers, and teachers to transcend emotionalism to examine research, particularly experimental evidence, as they form value judgements. The purpose of this article is to raise reading educators’ conscience levels to the necessity of objectively appraising the WL instructional philosophy in relation to what is known about reading methodology....
Financial burden among US households affected by cancer at the end of life

Objective Economic burden on families coping with end-stage cancer remains poorly understood. Advanced malignancy threatens financial stability of families, and interventions are needed to buffer them from impoverishment. This study examined the relationship between subjective and objective assessments of financial burden on families (financial strain and stress, respectively) and identified potentially modifiable factors to inform intervention efforts. Methods Using national survey data, we analyzed responses from households that had recently experienced a cancer death; 176 of households provided information on financial strain, and 158 provided data on financial stress. In addition to self-reported appraisals of financial burden, measures assessed elements of the cancer care experience, treatment, symptom burden, work impact, insurance coverage, and demographics. Results Despite being well insured, approximately a quarter of respondents reported that the cost of care was a major financial burden, and a third used all or most of their savings. Financial strain and stress were moderately positively correlated (r = 0.46, p < 0.01). Higher financial stress scores were negatively correlated with decedent's age at death (r = −0.34, p < 0.01), and minority respondents (‘other’ race) reported much higher financial stress (M = 4.7; SD = 3.2) than White (M = 0.8; SD = 1.4) or Black (M = 1.6; SD = 2.2) respondents (p < 0.001). Financial burden was also associated with no or limited insurance coverage, changes in employment, severe pain and nausea, and provider interactions during the cancer care experience (e.g., whether the MD paid attention to non-medical factors or having unanswered questions about medications) (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions The cancer care experience, symptoms, and work impact were associated with financial burden and have important implications for research and practice. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensory Trial to Assess the Acceptability of Zinc Fortificants Added to Iron‐fortified Wheat Products

We studied the sensory acceptability of products made from iron- and zinc-fortified wheat flour. Subjects tasted bread and noodles fortified with 30 mg of iron as FeSO 4 /kg flour or iron and either 60 or 100 mg of zinc/ kg flour as either ZnSO 4 or ZnO. Subjects rated their degree of liking (DOL) for flavor, texture, and overall acceptability, using a 9-point hedonic scale. All products were generally well liked, although noodles fortified with iron and ZnO had slightly lower DOL scores than noodles fortified with Iron only or iron and ZnSO 4 . We conclude that foods prepared from zinc-fortified wheat flour should be well accepted. Cette etude fait partie d'un programme d'enrichissement des aliments en zinc au Perou. Afin de determiner l'acceptabilite de ce type de produit, une analyse sensorielle est effectuee sur du pain ou des pâtes alimentaires enrichies en fer (30mg de FeSO 4 /kg de farine) et 60 ou 100mg de zinc sous forme ZnSO 4 ou ZnO/kg de farine. Les produits sont bien acceptes, mais les etudes de couts et de biodisponibilite devront etre menees.
Somatostatin inhibits insulin-like growth factor-I receptor expression in the gill of a teleost fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Abstract Rainbow trout gill tissue was used to examine the role of somatostatin (SS) on insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptor expression. In vivo implantation of fish with somatostatin-14 (SS-14) reduced expression of IGF-I receptor mRNAs as well as [125I]-IGF-I binding. In vitro incubation of gill filaments with SS-14 or various SS isoforms, including SS-28 and [Tyr7, Gly10]-SS-14-containing peptides, directly inhibited IGF-I receptor mRNA expression. SS-14 also inhibited [125I]-IGF-I binding in vitro. These data indicate that SSs inhibit the mRNA and functional expression of IGF-I receptors in gill, and suggest that SSs regulate growth in an extrapituitary manner by reducing sensitivity to IGF-I.
Basic FGF regulates the expression of a functional 71 kDa NMDA receptor protein that mediates calcium influx and neurotoxicity in hippocampal neurons

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was recently found to modulate the outgrowth-regulating effects of glutamate, and protected neurons from several brain regions against excitotoxi/ischemic damage. We provide evidence that the excitoprotective mechanism of bFGF involves suppression of the expression of a 71 kDa NMDA receptor protein (NMDARP- 71). NMDARP-71 protein and mRNA levels were reduced in neurons in bFGF- treated hippocampal cell cultures. The levels of the NMDARP-71 were not reduced by NGF or epidermal growth factor, and bFGF did not reduce the level of mRNA for the GluR1 kainate/AMPA receptor, demonstrating the specificity of the effect of bFGF on the NMDARP-71. The reduction in NMDARP-71 expression in bFGF-treated neurons was correlated with reduced vulnerability to NMDA neurotoxicity. A major role for NMDARP-71 in calcium responses to NMDA and excitotoxicity was demonstrated using antisense oligonucleotides directed against NMDARP-71. Northern and Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry showed that NMDARP-71 antisense oligonucleotides caused a selective suppression of NMDARP-71 mRNA and protein levels during 12–44 hr exposure periods. Elevations in intracellular calcium levels normally caused by glutamate and NMDA were attenuated in neurons exposed to NMDARP-71 antisense oligonucleotide; calcium responses to kainate were relatively unaffected. NMDARP-71 antisense oligonucleotides protected the neurons against excitotoxicity. Thus, NMDARP-71 is a necessary component of an NMDA receptor mediating calcium responses and neurotoxicity in hippocampal neurons. Taken together, these data identify a mechanism whereby bFGF can modify neuronal responses to glutamate, and suggest that regulating the expression of excitatory amino acid receptors may provide a means for growth factors to influence the plasticity and degeneration of neural circuits.
An Analysis of the Error Inherent in Estimating Heart Rate From Carcliotachometer Records

This paper discusses the inherent discrepancy between the mean heart rate computed from a series of cardiotachometer data points and the true average heart rate. A mathematical proof that the mean cardiotachometer rate always exceeds the true when individual beats are sampled in the presence of variability is given. Examples which illustrate the magnitude of the discrepancy also are presented.
The Athlete’s Pharmacy

Athletes use a variety of substances for the treatment of pain, injury, common illnesses, or to gain an advantage in competition. A growing concern is that many young athletes may use potentially dangerous, but legal, medications without consulting health professionals. Physicians providing care for athletes should be aware of any medications that an athlete is taking and how these substances may interact with performance, exercise, environment, and other medicines. Moreover, it is vital that physicians are familiar with these medications so that athletes are properly educated on the potential benefits and/or risks, and how each substance may affect the body.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ni3Al-Based Alloys Reinforced with Particulates

Hot-extrusion was used to produce Ni{sub 3}Al-based alloys to which 10 vol % TiN, NbC, HfO{sub 2}, or HfN was added for reinforcement. The TiN, NbC, and HfO{sub 2} particulates produced Ni{sub 3}Al-matrix composites in which no reaction was noted at the particle-matrix interface. However, the addition of HfN resulted in extensive reaction in which the hafnium appeared to diffuse into the matrix. Microstructures of this alloy showed a complex array of phases and voids where the HfN particles are presumed to have been originally. Hot hardness, compression, and compression creep tests were preformed on specimens cut from the extruded bar of each alloy. No significant strengthening was observed for the alloys containing TiN, NbC, or HfO{sub 2}. However the HfN-containing alloy did show significant strengthening in simple compression and compression creep. This presentation will include microstructures and the results of the mechanical properties tests. 26 refs., 5 figs.