cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Man With Alcoholism and HIV Infection

Dr Delbanco: The patient is a 39-year-old single man who is unemployed, in large part because of chronic problems arising from alcoholism. He came to the primary care practice at Beth Israel Hospital in 1991 seeking care for newly diagnosed neurosyphilis and has been cared for by Dr U since then. He has recently acquired stable health insurance by applying for and receiving Supplemental Security Income. His doctors supported his application, feeling he was disabled by his use of alcohol. The patient grew up in Boston, Mass, in a family with a strong history of alcoholism and emotional abuse. His father left home when the patient was 2 years old. His mother drank heavily, and two of his brothers have problems with alcohol. In his early teens, the patient experimented with multiple drugs, including cocaine, speed, LSD, and "uppers and downers" of various sorts. He took heroin intravenously on rare
A survey of anesthetic health hazards among dentists

All male members of the American Society of Oral Surgeons and a sample of the American Dental Association membership were surveyed for exposure to anesthetic gases and the incidences of certain health problems. Concentrations of waste inhalation anesthetic gases in the dental surgery are several times those found in hospital operating rooms. This study establishes a relationship between exposure to waste gases and the incidence of health problems including spontaneous abortion in spouses, congenital abnormalities in offspring, and cancer and liver disease. Measurable concentrations of waste anesthetic gases have been found in hospital dental operating rooms. A mail survey of 4,797 general dental practitioners and 2,642 oral surgeons indicated that 20.2% of the general practitioners and 74.8% of the oral surgeons had anesthetic exposures exceeding three hours per week. In the comparison of the health of individuals exposed or unexposed to inhalation anesthetics, there was a significant increase (78%) of spontaneous abortion in the spouses of exposed dentists and a significant increase (156%) in liver disease for exposed dentists. The implication of these findings and possible solutions are discussed.
Design and development of a neutron/X-ray combined computed tomography system at Missouri S&T

A new method for non-destructive analysis has been developed using a combined neutron/X-ray imaging system at the Missouri Science & Technology Reactor (MSTR). The interactions of neutrons and X-ray photons with matter produce differing characteristic information, resulting in distinctly different visual images. In order to obtain a more comprehensive picture of the structural and compositional data for a desired object, a prototype imaging system has been designed which utilizes neutron and X-ray imaging simultaneously without obstructing the beam geometry for each imaging mechanism. The current system is optimized for the imaging of small to medium sized objects of 0.5–50 mm. This new imaging capability in place at the MSTR promises great advances in the field of non-destructive testing, especially for nuclear engineering, nuclear medical science, and material science research. In an imaging object, a range of atomic number values and thermal cross-sections may be present. Where multiple materials having similar atomic number and differing thermal cross-section or vice versa may be present, exclusive neutron or X-ray analysis may exhibit shortcomings in distinguishing interfaces. However, fusing the neutron image and X-ray image into a combined image offers the strengths of both and may provide a superior method of analysis. In this paper, a novel combined X-ray and neutron imaging system will be introduced for superior analysis of certain imaging objects. Design details of experimental set-up and examples of preliminary imaging tests from individual modality will be detailed.
Vpu Downmodulates Two Distinct Targets, Tetherin and Gibbon Ape Leukemia Virus Envelope, through Shared Features in the Vpu Cytoplasmic Tail

During human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) assembly, the host proteins CD4 (the HIV-1 receptor) and tetherin (an interferon stimulated anti-viral protein) both reduce viral fitness. The HIV-1 accessory gene Vpu counteracts both of these proteins, but it is thought to do so through two distinct mechanisms. Modulation of CD4 likely occurs through proteasomal degradation from the endoplasmic reticulum. The exact mechanism of tetherin modulation is less clear, with possible roles for degradation and alteration of protein transport to the plasma membrane. Most investigations of Vpu function have used different assays for CD4 and tetherin. In addition, many of these investigations used exogenously expressed Vpu, which could result in variable expression levels. Thus, few studies have investigated these two Vpu functions in parallel assays, making direct comparisons difficult. Here, we present results from a rapid assay used to simultaneously investigate Vpu-targeting of both tetherin and a viral glycoprotein, gibbon ape leukemia virus envelope (GaLV Env). We previously reported that Vpu modulates GaLV Env and prevents its incorporation into HIV-1 particles through a recognition motif similar to that found in CD4. Using this assay, we performed a comprehensive mutagenic scan of Vpu in its native proviral context to identify features required for both types of activity. We observed considerable overlap in the Vpu sequences required to modulate tetherin and GaLV Env. We found that features in the cytoplasmic tail of Vpu, specifically within the cytoplasmic tail hinge region, were required for modulation of both tetherin and GaLV Env. Interestingly, these same regions features have been determined to be critical for CD4 downmodulation. We also observed a role for the transmembrane domain in the restriction of tetherin, as previously reported, but not of GaLV Env. We propose that Vpu may target both proteins in a mechanistically similar manner, albeit in different cellular locations.
Product Quality in Electronic Commerce: An Old Problem Recast

In order to ensure the continuing expansion and success of electronic commerce, the issue of how to assess product quality of items sold over the Internet must be addressed. The formal literature of microeconomics presents a conceptual framework for this assessment that is applied in the case study presented in this paper. The type of transaction studied is online auction transactions conducted through the popular web site, eBay. Quality issues, as well as other sources of buyer dissatisfaction with electronic purchases, are addressed on eBay through a bulletin board style feedback system by which members of the eBay community may report on various aspects of their eBay transactions. eBay publishes the feedback ratings of each seller as a part of its listing of any item for sale and also disciplines sellers that accumulate too much negative feedback. This would seem to provide buyers with some degree of protection from sellers who are unscrupulous in their claims regarding product quality. The empirical work presented here examines the effectiveness of this system using logistic and ordinary least squares regression, and concludes that at least key aspects of the system offer adequate incentives to sellers to provide accurate representations to buyers regarding the quality of their merchandise.
Rapid Transfusion Devices for Hemorrhagic Cardiothoracic Trauma

Cardiothoracic trauma patients are frequently hypovolemic and hypothermic and may require massive transfusion, which can itself causesuch complications as acidosis, electrolyte imbalance (hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia), hypothermia, di lutional coagulopathy, and adultrespiratory distress syn drome. At the present time, there are a number of rapid infu sion devices such as Level I® (capable of delivering 37°C at a flow rate of up to 600 ml/min), Fluid Management System® (FMS®) (which can deliver 37.5°C of fluid at a flow rate of up to 500 ml/min), Rapid Infusion System® (RIS®) (which can pro vide up to 1,500 ml of 37°C fluid in one and one half minutes), and Rapid Solution Administration Set® (RSASO) (which can not only deliver a maximum of 2,200 m/min, but can warm the fluid to normothermia at a flow rate of 500 ml/min). However, pressurized devices such as Level IO can cause air embolism, interstitial infiltration and the compartment syndrome, and the flow rate is not operator-controlled. Devices such as...
Artificial neural system development for airborne acoustic signature classification

Classification of acoustic signatures of airborne targets using a Hybrid Artificial Neural System (ANS) is described in this paper. The acoustic data used is field data taken from various helicopters. Data used in this study was composed of multiple classes of helicopter signatures, each having several time-series segments. Test results indicate greater than 96 percent correct classification on multiple helicopter classes. The results also show that the ANS can generalize, when trained using reduced time-series segments sampled from original signatures of a target.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Parent-Adolescent Ethnic Identity Discrepancies and Adolescent Psychosocial Maladjustment: A Study of Gender Differences

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of parent–adolescent ethnic identity disparities on the psychosocial adjustment of an ethnically diverse sample (n = 174, female = 96) of adolescents (M = 16.05, SD = 1.30). Findings from this investigation suggest gender differences in links between parent and adolescent acculturation disparities and psychosocial maladjustment. Whereas parent–child conflict regarding affiliating with the dominant group was associated with higher levels of depression and social stress for females, this was not the case for males. Implications for social workers providing services to youth and families struggling to acculturate are discussed.
C-FOREST: Parallel Shortest Path Planning With Superlinear Speedup

C-FOREST is a parallelization framework for single-query sampling-based shortest path-planning algorithms. Multiple search trees are grown in parallel (e.g., 1 per CPU). Each time a better path is found, it is exchanged between trees so that all trees can benefit from its data. Specifically, the path's nodes increase the other trees' configuration space visibility, while the length of the path is used to prune irrelevant nodes and to avoid sampling from irrelevant portions of the configuration space. Experiments with a robotic team, a manipulator arm, and the alpha benchmark demonstrate that C-FOREST achieves significant superlinear speedup in practice for shortest path-planning problems (team and arm), but not for feasible path panning (alpha).
Between shame and sanctification: patriarchy and its transformation in Sicilian Pentecostalism

This article examines the ways in which Sicilian Pentecostals enact a gender system in response to a perceived crisis in the prevailing gender order, an order I interpret, following Kenelm Burridge, as a system of “redemption,” conferring a culturally specific form of “integrity.” Pentecostalism, then, is a gender-system-in-the-making, a new calculus of human worth, that combines new structures with aspects of the failing hegemonic system. The result is a more complex, ambiguous patriarchy, one that may be less viable than the hegemonic system, enabling believing women to transcend some of the gender constraints of the prevailing system.
Evolution of the satellite solar power station /SSPS/ concept

Orbital solar power plants are considered from the viewpoint of technology and costs in terms of photovoltaic conversion, baseline configuration, microwave reception and power generation, transportation, assembly, and maintenance. The economics and development program for the OSPP are briefly discussed. (WDM)
Acetylcholinesterase in singly and multiply innervated muscles of normal and dystrophic chickens.

AChE isozymes, localization and activities of multiply innervated anterior latissimus dorsi (ALD), singly innervated posterior latissimus dorsi (PLD) and mixed semispinalis capitis muscles from 2, 6 and 12 week normal and dystrophic chicks were studied. AChE forms characteristic of chick embryo muscles were maintained in normal ALD and semispinalis muscles and lost in normal PLD muscles after two weeks of age. Dystrophic ALD and semispinalis muscles were similar in their AChE forms, localization and levels to their normal counterparts. Dystrophic PLD muscles exhibited embryo AChE forms, high AChE activity and AChE outside of the neuromuscular junctions within the sarcoplasm of the muscle fibers. The data suggest that tonic fibers of the chicken lack and that dystrophic fast twitch fibers are defective in a system that suppresses embryo AChE forms after hatching.
Use of a dynamic rangeshifter for modifying the depth-dose distributions of negative pions

In order to use negative pions for the treatment of large deep‐seated tumors in radiotherapy, it is necessary to produce depth‐dose distributions tailored to specific shapes. We present here a method of beam shaping which utilizes a fluid‐filled piston having a programmable, computer‐controlled, time‐dependent thickness. The fluid alters the residual range of the pions such that predetermined depth‐dose distributions can be obtained. Changing from one distribution to another can be accomplished simply and rapidly without access to the treatment room. Depth‐dose distributions which are flat over a range in depth up to 10 cm have been produced. Distributions tailored to produce flat ‘‘effective dose’’ versus depth have also been obtained.
Localization of CT beta and C kappa on mouse chromosome 6.

In the mouse three lymphocyte gene families have been positioned on the proximal region of chromosome 6. Originally the immunoglobulin kappa light chain (Igk) and the thymocyte surface antigens Lyt-2 and Lyt-3 were assigned to chromosome 6, and recently the beta chain of the T-cell receptor for antigen was positioned proximal to Igk. Molecular clones which recognize the constant (C region of the beta chain of the T-cell receptor for antigen (CTβ ) and the constant region of the immunoglobulin kappa (C k ) chain were used to determine recombination frequencies with respect to the morphological marker hypodactyly (Hd). SJL/JLw π mice were mated with C.B6.C3-Hd/+ mice, and the progeny expressing the Hd phenotype were mated with SJL/JLw π mice. Backcross progeny which expressed the Hd phenotype were nephrectomized, and kidney DNA was examined by Southern hybridization for the polymorphic restriction endonuclease fragment (REF) patterns of the parental mice. Of the 88 progeny tested in this three-point cross, 3 CTβ and 4 C K homozygote REF patterns were detected. These homozygotes were mutually exclusive. This implies the following gene order: centromere-C Tβ -Hd-Igk and C Tβ1 would be 7.95±2.88 centimorgans from C K .
The effect of developmental changes in adolescence on drug disposition

Biological and behavioral change occurs throughout the lifespan. The nature and rapidity of change during adolescence is striking. The effects of rapid growth, sexual maturation, and psychological reorganization on pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics must be considered during studies on teenagers. It is important to consider the large amount of variability in the timing of normal developmental events. The concept of developmental rather than chronological age should be considered. Measurement of organismic and behavioral variables includes whole organism measures such as body height, weight, surface area, body mass index, self-concept, sexual identity/role, and many other behavioral measures. Pubertal development may be assessed by sexual maturity ratings. Bone age may be a particularly useful estimate of developmental status. Biochemical measures include gonadotropin, sex steroids, other hormonal or hormone receptor values.
Digital ladder networks

A method of characterization of two-input two-output digital filters, which is particularly suitable for the analysis of cascaded networks of this type, is presented. This analysis approach has led to a new realization method of ladder-type digital filters. An example is used to illustrate the realization procedure.
Positions of single-strand breaks in λ DNA☆

Abstract The positions of single-strand breaks in Escherichia coli phage λ DNA have been determined by electrophoresis and electron microscopy. The breaks appear to be randomly arranged.
Phase interference in the two-photon excitation of phenanthrene

Two-photon polarization measurements are shown to provide an incorrect symmetry assignment for the first excited state of phenanthrene, both in solution and in the vapor phase. Published assignments from one-photon, single-crystal measurements indicate a totally symmetric state, while the assignment from two-photon measurements indicates an antisymmetric state. Possible reasons for the failure of the two-photon symmetry assignment are low-frequency vibronic overlap, and interference among the diagonal tensor elements. Experimental evidence points to interference as the origin of the discrepancy.
Sex, gender, and individual entrepreneurial orientation: evidence from four countries

The purpose of the present study is to examine the role of biological sex and gender identity in relation to individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO). Data was collected in the United States, Hong Kong, India, and Turkey. Results suggest that IEO is higher among men and that among both males and females both masculinity and femininity are positively related to IEO. Finally, results show that androgynous identity contributes more to IEO than masculine, feminine or undifferentiated gender identities.
A functional serotonin transporter (5-HTT) polymorphism is associated with psychosis in neuroleptic-free schizophrenics

The neurotransmitter serotonin has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychosis. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) plays a critical role in regulation of serotonergic function. A recently identified polymorphism in the promoter region of the 5-HTT gene (5-HTTLPR) produces significant differences in 5-HTT expression and function and was found to be associated with anxiety-related traits in healthy volunteers. We investigated whether 5-HTTLPR is associated with psychosis in neuroleptic-free schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients. Fifty patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder by DSM-III-R criteria were genotyped at 5-HTTLPR and underwent double-blind Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) ratings while neuroleptic-free for approximately 4 weeks. Patients with the 5-HTTLPR II genotype (n = 19) had significantly higher BPRS ratings for psychosis than patients with the Is (n = 25) or ss (n = 6) genotypes. Examination of individual items revealed a specific significant increase in intensity of hallucinations in patients with the 5-HTTLPR II genotpe. These data provide preliminary evidence for a role of serotonin in the pathophysiology of hallucinations and may represent the identification of an allelic variant that modifies the complex clinical presentation of schizophrenia.
Mapping of accumulated nitrogen in the sediment pore water of a eutrophic lake in Iowa, USA

A large pool of nitrogen in the sediment pore fluid of a eutrophic lake in Iowa, USA, was mapped in this study. Previously, the lake had supported fishing and boating, but today it no longer supports its designated uses as a recreational water body. In the top 5 cm of the lake bottom, the pore water nitrogen ranges between 3.1 and 1,250 μg/cm3 of sediments, with an average of 160.3 μg/cm3. Vertically, nitrate concentrations were measured as 153 μg/cm3 at 0–10 cm, 162 μg/cm3 at 10–20 cm, and 32 μg/cm3 at 20–30 cm. Nitrate mass distribution was quantified as 3.67 × 103 kg (65%) in the bottom sediments, 172 kg (3%) in suspended particulates, and 1.83 × 103 kg (32%) in the dissolved phase. Soil runoff nutrients arrive at the lake from the heavily fertilized lands in the watershed. Upon sedimentation, a large mass of nitrogen desorbs from mineral particles to the relatively immobile pore fluid. Under favorable conditions, this nitrogen diffuses back into the water column, thereby dramatically limiting the lake’s capability to process incoming nutrients from farmlands. Consequently, a condition of oxygen deficiency disrupts the post-season biological activities in the lake.
Competition between coriolis-anti-pairing and decoupled band hybridization in nuclei

Abstract The anomalous behavior of the rotational motion in high spin states of deformed nuclei is ascribed to a combination of both Coriolis-anti-pairing (CAP) and hybridization of decoupled band (HDB). Calculations suggest that the CAP effect should be most important for light nuclei, the HDB effect for actinide nuclei while the two effects should compete in the nuclear region 100 ⩽ A ⩽ 190.
Eigenvalue comparisons for a class of boundary value problems of discrete beam equation

Abstract We study the structure of eigenvalues of a class of boundary value problems of fourth order difference equation Δ 4 y i + b i + 2 y i + 2 = λ a i + 2 y i + 2 , - 1 ⩽ i ⩽ n - 2 , Δ y 0 = Δ 3 y - 1 = Δ y n = Δ 3 y n - 1 = 0 . The monotone behavior of the eigenvalues as the sequences { a i } i = 1 n and { b i } i = 1 n change is obtained in this paper.
Joint shipment consolidation and inventory decisions in a two-stage distribution system

This study is motivated by a problem that an industrial distributorship faced while distributing automotive spare parts to service and repair centers. Considering the problem encountered, we present an analytical model for joint inventory and shipment consolidation decisions in a two-stage distribution system with a single distribution center, multiple non-identical retailers, and an outside supplier. The retailers face stochastic end-customer demand and use continuous review to replenish inventories. On the other hand, the distribution center uses a periodic review policy and employs a time-based shipment consolidation policy to dispatch retailers' accumulated orders at the end of each consolidation cycle. We present an exact optimization technique to compute the optimal replenishment quantity at the distribution center, order-up-to level at retailers, and a shipment consolidation cycle length to measure the effects of inventory at retailers on the overall performance. Finally, we perform numerical experiments to measure the impact of various parameters on the overall distribution system.
Therapeutic efficacy of G207 in a novel peripheral nerve sheath tumor model.

Nerve involvement poses a significant obstacle for the management of peripheral nervous system tumors, and nerve injury provides a frequent source of postoperative morbidity. The lack of suitable animal models for peripheral nerve tumors has impeded the development of alternative nerve-sparing therapies. To evaluate the effect of a multimutated replication-competent herpes simplex virus (G207) on the growth of peripheral nerve tumors and on nerve function, we developed a novel peripheral nerve sheath tumor model. Human neuroblastoma-derived cells injected into murine sciatic nerve consistently caused tumor development within the nerve sheath after 2 weeks followed by increasingly severe impairment of nerve function. Tumor treatment by a single intratumoral injection of G207 resulted in significant reduction of functional impairment, inhibition of tumor growth and prolonged survival. Direct injection of G207 viral particles into the healthy nerve sheath caused no obvious neurologic sequelae, whereas injections of wild-type virus resulted in uniform lethality. The results indicate that viral therapy might be considered as a safe alternative to surgical removal of tumors with peripheral nerve involvement.
Ascertaining variation in hospitalization risk among immigrants using small area analysis.

Abstract Introduction . Data on hospitalization of immigrants to the United States are sparse, but small area analysis may improve the utility of existing data. Methods . Applying logistic regression analysis to 2000 census and hospitalization data for New York City, we examined the odds of hospital admission by major diagnostic category and global region of birth after controlling for covariates. We used individual-level covariates to control for age, race, and gender. By matching the patient's zip code of residence to census data, we then added median household income, the proportion of persons born in a particular global region, and the proportion of foreign-born persons living in the same zip code as independent variables. Results . The total proportion of foreign-born persons in a zip code predicts a lower hospitalization rate for most major diagnostic categories and most foreign-born groups. However, Africa-born persons have a higher odds of hospitalization for most major diagnostic categories – up to 1.79 (95% confidence interval 1.73, 1.86) for blood and blood forming disorders – relative to native-born persons. The odds of hospitalization among Africa-born persons for most conditions are over 3 times higher than other foreign-born groups. Hospitalization odds for Latin American-born persons were also higher than native-born persons across major diagnostic categories. Conclusion . Small area analysis generally predicts hospitalization rates that coincide with mortality studies and may serve as a useful tool for hypothesis testing in immigrant health.
The effect of short versus long exposure times of argon laser panretinal photocoagulation on proliferative diabetic retinopathy

We performed a randomized clinical trial comparing short-duration (0.1 s) with long-duration (0.5 s) blue-green argon laser burns to deliver panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in eyes suffering from proliferative diabetic retinopathy with high risk characteristics. We studied 19 eyes in the 0.1-s group and 24 eyes in the 0.5-s group for 6 months. Two or more lines of acuity were lost by 20% of the 0.1-s PRP eyes, but by only 8% of the 0.5-s PRP eyes; New or increased vitreous hemorrhages occurred in 30% of the 0.1-s PRP eyes, but in only 16% of the 0.5-s PRP eyes; New or increased traction retinal detachments did not occur in the 0.1-s PRP eyes, but occurred in 16% of the 0.5-s PRP eyes. There was complete disc neovascular regression in 85% of the 0.1-s PRP eyes and 81% of the 0.5-s PRP eyes. These trends were not statistically significant.
New Directions in Representation Theory

The Iwahori–Hecke algebra H(G, B) of a finite Chevalley group G with respect to a Borel subgroup B is described as a deformation of the group algebra of the Weyl group of G Similarly, the +-part of the quantized enveloping algebra \({{U^+_v (\mathfrak{g})}}\) associated with a semisimple Lie algebra \({{\mathfrak{g}}}\) can be viewed as a deformation of the +-part of the universal enveloping algebra \({{U(\mathfrak{g})}}\) . In both cases it is shown how information concerning the deformed algebras H(G, B) and \({{U^+_v (\mathfrak{g})}}\) can be used to obtain results about the representation theory of the Chevalley group G and the semisimple Lie algebra \({{\mathfrak{g}}}\) .
Special Education in Australia and the United States A Cross-Cultural Analysis

This paper presents a cross-cultural contrast of Australian and American special education practices. Although there is substantial overlap in the issues confronting each country, significant differences exist in the areas of constitutional and legislative foundations as well as in professional roles. As a result, policies have evolved along separate paths within each national context. Several topics, specifically the recent Honig v. Doe (1988) decision, the learning disabilities/learning difficulties dichotomy, and the integration policies of the state of Victoria, are analyzed, as they provide examples of how legal and political considerations have differentially affected the special education policies of the two nations. Implications for U.S. and Australian special education practices are discussed.
Balloon atrial septostomy and pre-operative brain injury in neonates with transposition of the great arteries: a systematic review and a meta-analysis.

Objective To perform a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the effects of balloon atrial septostomy on peri-operative brain injury in neonates with transposition of the great arteries. Data source We conduct a systematic review of the literature to identify all observational studies that included neonates born with transposition of the great arteries who had peri-operative evidence of brain injury. Study selection and data extraction The search strategy produced three prospective and two retrospective cohort studies investigating the association between balloon atrial septostomy and brain injury totalling 10,108 patients. In two studies, the outcome was represented by the presence of a coded diagnosis of a clinically evident stroke at discharge, whereas in three studies the outcome was represented by the finding of pre-operative brain injury identified by magnetic resonance scans. Data synthesis The overall brain injury rate for neonates who underwent balloon atrial septostomy versus control patients was 60 of 2273 (2.6%) versus 45 of 7835 (0.5%; pooled odds ratio, 1.90; 95% confidence intervals, 0.93-3.89; p = 0.08). A subgroup analysis of the three studies that used pre-operative brain injury as the primary outcome found no significant association between balloon atrial septostomy and brain injury (pooled odds ratio, 2.70; 95% confidence intervals, 0.64-11.33; p = 0.17). Balloon atrial septostomy frequency was 22.4% (2273 of 10,108), with reported rates ranging from 20% to 75%. Conclusion Our analysis shows that balloon atrial septostomy is not associated with increased odds for peri-operative brain injury. Balloon atrial septostomy should still be used for those patients with significant hypoxaemia, haemodynamic instability, or both.
caBIG™ VISDA: Modeling, visualization, and discovery for cluster analysis of genomic data

The main limitations of most existing clustering methods used in genomic data analysis include heuristic or random algorithm initialization, the potential of finding poor local optima, the lack of cluster number detection, an inability to incorporate prior/expert knowledge, black-box and non-adaptive designs, in addition to the curse of dimensionality and the discernment of uninformative, uninteresting cluster structure associated with confounding variables. In an effort to partially address these limitations, we develop the VIsual Statistical Data Analyzer (VISDA) for cluster modeling, visualization, and discovery in genomic data. VISDA performs progressive, coarse-to-fine (divisive) hierarchical clustering and visualization, supported by hierarchical mixture modeling, supervised/unsupervised informative gene selection, supervised/unsupervised data visualization, and user/prior knowledge guidance, to discover hidden clusters within complex, high-dimensional genomic data. The hierarchical visualization and clustering scheme of VISDA uses multiple local visualization subspaces (one at each node of the hierarchy) and consequent subspace data modeling to reveal both global and local cluster structures in a "divide and conquer" scenario. Multiple projection methods, each sensitive to a distinct type of clustering tendency, are used for data visualization, which increases the likelihood that cluster structures of interest are revealed. Initialization of the full dimensional model is based on first learning models with user/prior knowledge guidance on data projected into the low-dimensional visualization spaces. Model order selection for the high dimensional data is accomplished by Bayesian theoretic criteria and user justification applied via the hierarchy of low-dimensional visualization subspaces. Based on its complementary building blocks and flexible functionality, VISDA is generally applicable for gene clustering, sample clustering, and phenotype clustering (wherein phenotype labels for samples are known), albeit with minor algorithm modifications customized to each of these tasks. VISDA achieved robust and superior clustering accuracy, compared with several benchmark clustering schemes. The model order selection scheme in VISDA was shown to be effective for high dimensional genomic data clustering. On muscular dystrophy data and muscle regeneration data, VISDA identified biologically relevant co-expressed gene clusters. VISDA also captured the pathological relationships among different phenotypes revealed at the molecular level, through phenotype clustering on muscular dystrophy data and multi-category cancer data.
Adult Endopyelotomy Overcoming the Difficulties

Advances in minimally invasive technology have resulted in the development of endoscopic management modalities for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. In selected cases, endopyelotomy has been shown to have a decreased cost, length of hospitalization, and postoperative pain compared to open and laparoscopic pyeloplasty. However, the procedure is demanding and requires careful patient selection to achieve excellent outcomes. From a technical standpoint, there are several minor variations in surgical technique and postoperative management that will be discussed in this chapter.
Bayes parameter estimation for the bivariate Weibull model of Marshall-Olkin for censored data (reliability theory)

Industrial applications frequently require statistical procedures to analyze life-test data from various sources, particularly in situations where observations are limited. The author develops a Bayes parameter estimation method for bivariate censored data collected from both system and component levels. The bivariate Weibull distribution of Marshall & Olkin (1967) is used to model lifetimes of components in a two-component system. Closed-form Bayes estimators of the model parameters are proposed along with their variances and high-probability density intervals. >
No Enemies Needed: Cotton Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Directly Benefit from Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Tending

ABSTRACT Honeydew is a carbohydrate-rich solution excreted by phloem-feeding insects such as aphids. Ants often consume this substance and, in return, protect aphids from natural enemies. This indirect benefit of ant-aphid mutualisms to aphids (reduced predation) has been examined extensively. Few studies, however, have quantified the direct benefits that aphids may gain from the mutualism. We conducted greenhouse experiments to estimate the direct benefits that cotton aphids, Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), receive from their mutualistic relationship with red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta (Buren) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). We compared population growth and alate production between ant-tended and untended aphid colonies in the absence of natural enemies. We found strong evidence that cotton aphids receive direct benefits from their relationship with fire ants. After 12 days, aphid colonies with tending ants were 46% larger than their non-tended counterparts. Alate production, howe...
A parallel SRT divider for systolic linear system solvers

The design and simulation results for a CMOS parallel SRT divider which produces a 16-bit quotient from a 16-bit floating-point dividend and a 16-bit floating-point divisor are described. The divider used mixed-radix signed-digit numbers for the quotient before decoding. A behavioral simulator which implements the detailed algorithms, has been written for the divider in C. Simulation results have been compared to computer division for 1000 random test vectors. Timing simulations using the simulator FACTS give worst-case propagation delays of 326.5 ns using 3- mu m CMOS parametric data. >
The Suppression of Immune System Disorders by Passive Attrition

Exposure to infectious diseases has an unexpected benefit of inhibiting autoimmune diseases and allergies. This is one of many fundamental fitness tradeoffs associated with immune system architecture. The immune system attacks pathogens, but also may (inappropriately) attack the host. Exposure to pathogens can suppress the deleterious response, at the price of illness and the decay of immunity to previous diseases. This “hygiene hypothesis” has been associated with several possible underlying biological mechanisms. This study focuses on physiological constraints that lead to competition for survival between immune system cell types. Competition maintains a relatively constant total number of cells within each niche. The constraint implies that adding cells conferring new immunity requires loss (passive attrition) of some cells conferring previous immunities. We consider passive attrition as a mechanism to prevent the initial proliferation of autoreactive cells, thus preventing autoimmune disease. We see that this protection is a general property of homeostatic regulation and we look specifically at both the IL-15 and IL-7 regulated niches to make quantitative predictions using a mathematical model. This mathematical model yields insight into the dynamics of the “Hygiene Hypothesis,” and makes quantitative predictions for experiments testing the ability of passive attrition to suppress immune system disorders. The model also makes a prediction of an anti-correlation between prevalence of immune system disorders and passive attrition rates.
How Telomeres Solve the End-Protection Problem

The ends of eukaryotic chromosomes have the potential to be mistaken for damaged or broken DNA and must therefore be protected from cellular DNA damage response pathways. Otherwise, cells might permanently arrest in the cell cycle, and attempts to "repair" the chromosome ends would have devastating consequences for genome integrity. This end-protection problem is solved by protein-DNA complexes called telomeres. Studies of mammalian cells have recently uncovered the mechanism by which telomeres disguise the chromosome ends. Comparison to unicellular eukaryotes reveals key differences in the DNA damage response systems that inadvertently threaten chromosome ends. Telomeres appear to be tailored to these variations, explaining their variable structure and composition.
An anthropometric device for automatic data selection and data recording

A new concept in anthropometry, that of automatic electronic data selection, is presented and a labor-saving device using this concept is described. It was constructed for applications with dental models and the detailed descriptions of the system algorithms reflect that. It should be emphasized, however, that the concept is much more general than is the device described and given a few hardware modifications, the procedure may be applied to any irregular bounded surface from which measurements at regular intervals are desired.
Employment Stability and the Role of Sectoral Dominance in Rural Economies

Rural development has received renewed attention, particularly in the West, where there are opportunities for enhancing tourism in communities once reliant on extractive resources. The historical focus of rural development has been on economic growth, with little concern about the sustainability or socioeconomic impacts of such growth. This study analyzes and discusses the employment dynamics of rural economies with varying employment bases to illustrate some possible impacts of targeting specific employment sectors as part of a rural economic development strategy. The empirical research focuses on the rural counties of Utah, where the trade and service sectors associated with increased tourism and retirement communities have been rapidly expanding throughout the past two decades.
Further Insight on the Limits of Success of Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes

The successful extraction, purification, and use of insulin in the early 1900s led to greater survival in persons with type 1 diabetes as well as to a better understanding of the impact of diabetes on visual impairment and blindness (1). However, it was not until the completion of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) that we fully understood the impact of the level of glycemia on the development of complications of diabetes, especially retinopathy (2). The DCCT was designed to assess the relationship between glycemic control and the development, progression, or amelioration of early vascular complications, such as retinopathy, in persons with type 1 diabetes. The trial recruited two groups of persons with type 1 diabetes: those with no complications of diabetes (the primary prevention group) and those with generally longer duration of diabetes and who had mild to moderate diabetic retinopathy and limited albumin excretion in the urine. The persons in these groups were randomly assigned to intensive or conventional diabetes therapy. The trial cohort was followed for a mean duration of 6.5 years. Development and progression of the severity of retinopathy were the primary end points. The trial was well designed and the outcome clearly demonstrated the beneficial effect of intensive glycemic control on the progression of diabetic retinopathy (2). This landmark trial informed and subsequently transformed the care of persons with type 1 diabetes. Patients in the general population were urged to self-monitor their levels of glycemia and to adjust their insulin doses accordingly (3,4). The functional impact seems …
Treatment of adult patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia in relapse

Thirty-eight patients with a diagnosis of relapsed acute lymphocytic leukemia were accrued to a treatment program of reinduction therapy by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). A combination of mitoxantrone, etoposide (VP-16), and high-dose cytarabine (ARA-C) were administered over a five day period. Thirty-four patients were eligible for follow-up subsequent to treatment. Twenty-seven patients were in first relapse and seven were in second relapse. Fifteen of the thirty-four patients treated were given two cycles of induction chemotherapy. The complete remission (CR) rate for the entire group treated was 17%. The median duration of the CR was 2.4 months and the estimated median survival for first relapse patients was 4.5 months and 5.0 months for second relapse patient group. There were five deaths attributable to toxicity associated with the chemotherapy. The study emphasizes the difficulty in achieving durable remissions in adult patients with relapsed ALL.
A composite likelihood approach to the analysis of longitudinal clonal data on multitype cellular systems under an age-dependent branching process

A recurrent statistical problem in cell biology is to draw inference about cell kinetics from observations collected at discrete time points. We investigate this problem when multiple cell clones are observed longitudinally over time. The theory of age-dependent branching processes provides an appealing framework for the quantitative analysis of such data. Likelihood inference being difficult in this context, we propose an alternative composite likelihood approach, where the estimation function is defined from the marginal or conditional distributions of the number of cells of each observable cell type. These distributions have generally no closed-form expressions but they can be approximated using simulations. We construct a bias-corrected version of the estimating function, which also offers computational advantages. Two algorithms are discussed to compute parameter estimates. Large sample properties of the estimator are presented. The performance of the proposed method in finite samples is investigated in simulation studies. An application to the analysis of the generation of oligodendrocytes from oligodendrocyte type-2 astrocyte progenitor cells cultured in vitro reveals the effect of neurothrophin-3 on these cells. Our work demonstrates also that the proposed approach outperforms the existing ones.
What agile teams think of agile principles

Even after almost a dozen years, they still deliver solid guidance for software development teams and their projects.
Democratic States: Threatening Others and Themselves

How Democracies Lose Small Wars. By Gil Merom. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003. 310 pp., $65.00 cloth (ISBN: 0-521-80403-5), $23.00 paper (ISBN: 0-521-00877-8). The proposition that the domestic politics of democracies influence the conduct of war is not new. Traditional realists have long warned that democratic input can undermine the pursuit of national interests (see Morgenthau 1958). In How Democracies Lose Small Wars , however, Gil Merom offers a novel argument as to how democratic values and institutions can undercut democracies' attempts to defeat less powerful actors in international conflicts. Specifically, Merom proposes that, since the end of World War II, democracies have been unable to sustain the casualty loss and brutality inherent in counterinsurgency fighting. A minority within society comes to pressure the state with utilitarian criticisms about the cost of mounting casualties and with moral criticisms about the conduct of military forces. A “normative gap” develops between society and the state. The state responds with manipulation, censorship, and deception vis-a-vis societal opponents and thereby expands the gap by creating concerns about threats to democratic rule. The state is unable to keep the focus on the external threat as the society focuses on the threat that state actions pose to internal democratic traditions. The opposition ultimately denies the state the popular support and national consensus it needs to secure its goals, even in conflicts in which it has clear military superiority. Merom's argument begins with an analysis of why insurgents choose guerrilla tactics and why militarily superior oppressors have in the past found it effective and cost efficient to use similar tactics. One of his most original contributions comes in the following section with his historical account of the origin of domestic opposition—pointing to the rise of the middle class and their political relevance, the growth of a free press, the development of a distinctive view of the state, and general …
The mechanism of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) inhibition of tumor growth

13093 Background: Clinical studies show that LMWHs improve survival in cancer patients. There is compelling and mounting evidence that non-anticoagulation factors are at play, and that these may be...