cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
11-P: WILL THE TRUE DQ ANTIBODY PLEASE STEP FORWARD?

Aim We have observed an increase in the number recipients for whom DQ only antibodies are detected. In many cases the antibody is broadly reactive with all antigens except their own, even in patients who report no sensitizing events. We were concerned that these were non-specific reactions and sought to eliminate potential interference. We compared 4 methods of IgM reduction: heat inactivation (HI), DTT, hypotonic dialysis (HD), and spin columns (SC). Methods 10 sera treated with DTT, HI, HD, SC and tested using GenProbe LSA class II. Untreated sera tested using the GP Class II phenotype beads and the One Lambda C1q assay. Hypotonic Dialysis by Slide-A-Lyzer G2 Dialysis 10K. Spin columns were PALL Nanosep 300K. Results All of the sera tested reacted with both phenotype and recombinant beads suggesting that the epitope is not denatured antigen. None of the IgM reducing treatments had significant impact on the DQ specificities detected by the GP LSA beads. The HD and SC both yielded an overall decrease in peak and mean raw MFI of 20-40%, but in general specificities were unchanged. In two cases these treatments removed the lowest antigens from the positive list and changed the epitope identified by the analysis software. In 5 cases the sensitizing DQ antigen was known (DSA from transplant or pregnancy) and included in the reactive epitope. 4/10 patients tested had no known sensitizing event to account for the presence of alloantibody. All 4 were also negative by C1q. In one case a multiparous woman demonstrated reactivity against her own DR52 allele under all conditions, except the C1q assay. Conclusions In this series IgM or other large molecule are not interfering factors. Sensitization to HLA-DQ is well documented and is associated with graft loss to AMR. Both the phenotype and single antigen beads can detect antibody that is unlikely HLA specific. In these cases further testing using antigen targeted xming should be used to confirm HLA specificity of the antibody.
Exploring the feasibility and use of accelerometers before, during, and after a camp-based CIMT program for children with cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE The aim of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility and use accelerometers before, during, and after a camp-based constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) program for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. METHODS A pre-test post-test design was used for 12 children with CP (mean = 4.9 yrs) who completed a 30-hour camp-based CIMT program. The accelerometer data were collected using ActiGraph GT9X Link. Children wore accelerometers on both wrists one day before and after the camp and on the affected limb during each camp day. Three developmental assessments were administered pre-post CIMT program. RESULTS Accelerometers were successfully worn before, during, and directly after the CIMT program to collect upper limb data. Affected upper limb accelerometer activity significantly increased during the CIMT camp compared to baseline (p< 0.05). Significant improvements were seen in all twelve children on all assessments of affected upper limb function (p< 0.05) measuring capacity and quality of affected upper limb functioning. CONCLUSION Accelerometers can be worn during high intensity pediatric CIMT programs to collect data about affected upper limb function. Further study is required to determine the relationship between accelerometer data, measure of motor capacity, and real-world performance post-CIMT.
Long-term comparative effectiveness of Endeavor zotarolimus-eluting and everolimus-eluting stents in New York

Abstract Background Endeavor zotarolimus-eluting stents (E-ZES) and everolimus-eluting stents (EES) as second-generation stents were approved for use in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in 2008. We aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of E-ZES vs. EES using New York State (NYS) cardiac registries and to compare long-term effectiveness of E-ZES vs. EES in six "off-label" and two "high-risk" subgroups. Methods We created a longitudinal database by linking the NYS cardiac registries, the statewide hospital discharge data, the National Death Index, and the U.S. Census file (2010) for patients receiving either E-ZES or EES from July 2008 through December 2010. We examined outcome measures of all-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), target lesion PCI (TLPCI), and target vessel coronary artery bypass graft (TVCABG) surgery for 13,663 propensity score matched pairs in the 6-year follow-up period. We applied Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards regression for further adjustment of propensity-matched pairs. Results Compared with patients receiving EES, patients receiving E-ZES had a significantly higher rate of 6-year all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.17, P =0.003), AMI (AHR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02–1.23, P =0.01), TLPCI (AHR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.18–1.39, P P Conclusion At 6years, patients receiving EES generally had better or comparable mortality, AMI, TLPCI, and TVCABG outcomes compared with patients receiving E-ZES.
Be Me or Be Mii?: A Study of Self-Presentation and Interaction in the Miitomo Mobile Application

In this study, we consider what Nintendo's widely downloaded Miitomo mobile application, which simultaneously promotes non-idealized self-fictionalization and authentic self-presentation, can suggest to us about self-presentation and technology design. Ten groups of four friends each (N=40), all novice users, engaged with Miitomo for one week, and completed supplementary pre- and post-use surveys. The data were analyzed to assess the extent to which participants' engagement in Miitomo reflected their "real life" selves and correlated with in-app and "real life" features, respectively. Although most participants believed that their behaviors within the app accurately reflected their "true selves," we found that in-app traits generally correlated more strongly with Miitomo engagement patterns than did users' "real life" traits and qualities. We discuss implications for social network and online community design, and propose future plans to study authenticity and self-distancing in online self-presentation.
A Novel Intelligent Control Approach for Precise Tracking of Autonomous Robots

This chapter presents an architecture for precise tracking of autonomous robots based on a novel intelligent adaptive control approach. The scheme evolved from a supervisory loop concept([9]-[12],[18]) consisting of two control algorithms that work in an autonomous manner for the precision control of such nonlinear dynamic systems. The first algorithm is a neuro-controller that monitors the system’s closed loop dynamics while functional changes occur, based on supervised motor learning. The second one is an adaptive controller which controls the system dynamics when parametric changes occur based on a Model Reference Adpative Control (MRAC) strategy. First, the chapter discusses theoretical formulation and design considerations. The theoretical formulations are also analyzed for closed loop stability based on a Lyapunov function candidate. Then, results are presented for simulation and real-time implementation of the position tracking conducted on a single link flexible manipulator nonlinear model and a mobile wheeled robot, respectively. Finally, the chapter concludes by illustrating how this concept can be expanded in the presence of multiple-modes and emergent behaviors.
D2 and D-T Liquid-Layer Target Shots at the National Ignition Facility

AbstractExperiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) using targets containing a deuterium-tritium (D-T) fuel layer have, until recently, required that a high-quality layer of solid D-T (herein referred to as an ice layer) be formed in the capsule. The development of a process to line the inner surface of a target capsule with a foam layer of a thickness that is typical of ice layers has resulted in the ability to field targets with liquid layers wetting the foam. Successful fielding of liquid-layer targets on NIF required not only a foam-lined capsule but also changes to the capsule filling process and the manner with which the inventory is maintained in the capsule. Additionally, changes to target heater power and the temperature drops across target components were required in order to achieve the desired range of shot temperatures. These changes and the target’s performance during four target shots on NIF are discussed.
Preliminary Results on the Nature of n in Equation (dx/dt)=(a-x)n as Applied to Three Solid Thermal Decomposition Reactions

The relation $$ \frac{{d\alpha }}{{dt}} = k{(1 - \alpha )^n} $$ (1) a fundamental equation in homogeneous kinetics, has been widely applied to solid-state chemistry. This application has been as widely contested because the physical significance of the equation in solid reactivity has not been elucidated. This is particularly true for values of n other than 0, 1/2, 2/3. and 1 , yet precise experimental results show that n frequently acquires values other than these. Thus, the equation has been used mainly for purposes of analytical convenience.
The Ethics of Chimera Creation in Stem Cell Research

To summarize and clarify the main ethical issues surrounding the generation and use of human-animal chimeras in stem cell research. US federal funding remains restricted for certain forms of human-animal chimera research despite the widespread promulgation and acceptance of national and international stem cell-specific research guidelines. Stem cell-based human-animal chimera research can promote advances in basic human developmental biology, disease modeling, and new drug discoveries. National and international guidelines for this form of stem cell research have been developed over the past several years but ethical concerns persist around human dignity and the possible moral humanization of chimeric animals. These concerns can be defused and ought to be replaced with a more tractable focus on animal welfare.
Organization of Genetic Material in the Macronucleus of Hypotrichous Ciliates

Hypotrichous ciliates (e.g., Euplotes, Oxytricha, Stylonychia), like most other ciliated protozoans, possess two morphologically and functionally distinct nuclei, macronuclei and micronuclei. The macronuclei are large, divide amitotically, and function as somatic nuclei with distinct nucleoli and active ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis. Micronuclei are small, divide by mitosis, and have little or no RNA synthesis. The primary function of a micronucleus is to give rise to a new macronucleus each time the cells undergo conjugation.
Informativeness of Degraded Data in Training a Classification System

Many recent solutions have been proposed to mitigate the vulnerability of machine learning models when they are subject to limited or degraded data. However, the effects of using degraded data for purposes of training or testing a classification system are not fundamentally studied. In this work, we propose a methodology for studying the effects of degradations (due to additive noise, compression artifacts, and blur) that is based on the active learning framework for studying the informativeness of data samples. We provide experimental results using the action recognition video dataset UCF101 to validate its utility. We shed light on the importance of studying the effects of degraded data by showing to which extent degraded samples can be more informative than unedited high quality samples in training a classification system.
A General Expression for the Control of the Rate of Photosynthetic CO2 Fixation by Stomata, the Boundary Layer and Radiation Exchange

Previous descriptions of the “limitation” to the rate of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation imposed by the stornata and boundary layer have focused on the basic mechanism of CO2 diffusion and have made use of several simplifying assumptions regarding leaf temperature and transpiration rate. These descriptions are consequently useful under controlled conditions but, in the field, it is impossible to consider the role of the stornata and boundary layer in regulating CO2 uptake without considering their roles in controlling water and heat exchange and leaf temperature. In the following, we examine a complex leaf system that includes CO2, water and heat exchange and present expressions quantifying the degree to which each element of the system “limits” the rate of CO2 assimilation.
Successful Combined Heart and Kidney Transplantation in Patient With Fabry's Disease: A Case Report

Fabry's disease is a X-linked hereditary disease that causes the accumulation of glycosphingolipids in tissues and organs, including the kidneys and heart. This can result in both chronic kidney disease and cardiac dysfunction, including arrhythmias and heart failure. We describe a case of a 62-year-old male with Fabry's disease undergoing successful combined heart and kidney transplantation for chronic renal failure and low-output systolic heart failure. The patient has normal cardiac function and normal renal function 7 years after transplantation, while being maintained on enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant human alpha-galactosidase A. Fabry's disease is not a contraindication for organ transplantation, even in patients presenting with both renal failure and heart failure.
Deformation Driven Precipitation in Binary Magnesium Alloys

Unlike Aluminum (Al) alloys, precipitation strengthening of Magnesium (Mg) alloys has proven challenging. Precipitate density is typically too low, and precipitate size is often too large and elongated to enhance the resistance to plastic deformation significantly. Mimicking recent work in Al alloys, we are exploring how low-temperature plastic deformation can enhance the density, size, and morphology of common intermetallic particles and thereby lead to significant hardening in Mg alloys. The low temperatures tend to favor nucleation overgrowth, while the deformation provides vacancies and dislocations that can assist nucleation. Using equal channel angular extrusion, and moderate temperatures, we explore the processing and thermodynamic factors controlling nucleation and growth of precipitates in Mg–Al and Mg–Zn binary alloys.
460 The immuno-metabolic enzyme FASN prevents anti-tumor immune responses in irradiated glioblastoma

Background Immunotherapy (IT) has evolved as an essential pillar against cancer due to unprecedented successes in several malignancies. However, only 10% of glioblastoma (GBM) patients respond to IT, presumably due to the paucity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Radiotherapy (RT) can promote T cells infiltration to generate anti-tumor immune responses, but can also exacerbate potent immune inhibitory mechanism to facilitate immune evasion. Among which, metabolic reprogramming of irradiated GBM represents an emerging mechanism of immune resistance. Notably, increased lipogenesis by the fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a hallmark of GBM that was shown to mediate radioresistance and immunosuppression in other cancer types. Therefore, we hypothesize that de novo lipid biosynthesis mediated by FASN represents an innate immune evasion mechanism in irradiated GBM. Methods We first defined metabolic changes 24hrs after RT (10 gray - Gy) by seahorse assay and metabolomics in the syngeneic murine GBM model, GL261. To confirm alterations in the lipogenesis pathway, we measured the expression FASN by western blot and the cell lipid content by BODIPY staining and flow cytometry. Finally, GL261 cells were engineered to express an inducible shRNA silencing FASN (GL261shFASN) or its non-silencing control (GL261shNS) and orthotopically implanted on day 0. On day 6, knockdown of FASN was induced by feeding the mice with doxycycline. On day 11, mice received 10Gy irradiation selectively to the tumor. Evaluation of the immune contexture was determined by in situ immunofluorescence on day 19 (n=3/group). Remaining mice were followed for survival (n=7/group). Results Mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis were significantly enhanced in RT-GL261 cells in vitro. Metabolomic profiling of RT-GL261 cells showed a strong increase in pathways related to nucleotide, amino acids and lipid metabolism. Consistent with this last observation, we found upregulation of FASN and lipids accumulation in RT-GL261 cells as compared to non-RT GL261 cells. In vivo, GL261shFASN tumors presented increased infiltration of CD11c+ and CD8+ T cells as compared to GL261shNS tumors; an observation that was amplified in RT-GL261shFASN tumors. Consistent with a recruitment of CD11c+ and CD8+ T cells, 43% of mice bearing GL261shFASN tumor survived for at least 60 days without tumor regrowth vs. 35 days in GL261shNS tumor bearing mice. Conclusions Altogether our data suggest that RT is inducing a metabolic reprogramming of GBM by promoting FASN-mediated lipid synthesis to foster immunosuppression. While much work remains to be done, our data propose FASN as a novel therapeutic target to overcome immunosuppression and sensitize irradiated GBM to ITs. Ethics Approval All mice experiments were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, protocol number 2019-0042.
Cancer-Associated Mutations Perturb the Structure and Interactions of the Intrinsically Disordered p53 Transactivation Domain

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are key components of regulatory networks that control crucial aspects of cell decision making. The intrinsically disordered transactivation domain (TAD) of tumor suppressor p53 mediates its interactions with multiple regulatory pathways to control the p53 homeostasis during the cellular response to genotoxic stress. Many cancer-associated mutations have been discovered in p53-TAD, but their structural and functional consequences are poorly understood. Here, by combining atomistic simulations, NMR spectroscopy, and binding assays, we demonstrate that cancer-associated mutations can significantly perturb the balance of p53 interactions with key activation and degradation regulators. Importantly, mutations do not all directly disrupt the known interaction interfaces. Instead, some mutations likely modulate the disordered state of p53-TAD, which affects the interactions. Our work suggests that the disordered conformational ensemble of p53-TAD can serve as a central conduit in regulating the response to various cellular stimuli at the protein-protein interaction level. Understanding how the disordered state of IDPs may be modulated by regulatory signals and/or disease associated perturbations will be essential in the studies on the role of IDPs in biology and diseases.
Acute Patellofemoral Dislocation: Controversial Decision-Making

The topic of acute patella dislocations is controversial. Discussions revolve around which individuals need early surgery, identification of risk factors, and rehabilitation protocol. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current recommendations for non-operative and/or operative management of first-time dislocators. Recent studies have made it clear that not all patellar dislocations are the same, not all patients do well with conservative treatment, and risk stratification can identify individuals at high risk of recurrence who would benefit from early surgical intervention. Risk factors that have been identified include younger age, skeletally immature, contralateral instability, trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance, and increased patella tilt. The PAPI (Pediatric and Adolescent Patellar Instability) RCT study and JUPITER (Justifying Patellar Instability Treatment by Early Results) prospective cohort study have been carefully developed, are under way, and will provide further guidance. In summary, the management of acute patellar dislocations is evolving. Surgery for patients with osteochondral loose bodies should include fixation as well as soft tissue stabilization. The standard of care for patients with an acute patellar dislocation without osteochondral loose bodies or fracture is non-operative treatment. However, imaging for all first-time dislocators is indicated to stratify risks and determine risk profile. If an individual is at high risk, soft tissue stabilization may be considered. Still, most patients will be treated non-operatively.
Research on On-line Monitoring Technology of Transmission Line Galloping Based on Edge Computing

With the expansion of the construction scale, the transmission capacity of UHVDC is larger and the project distance is much longer than before, which are put forward higher requirements for the operation and maintenance of the transmission line. In order to ensure the safe and stable operation of UHVDC line, it is necessary to carry out a real-time monitoring and analysis method of the galloping state in an intelligent way. So far, the existing monitoring method still have some limitation such as high power consumption, high cost and low accuracy, which are difficult to meet the huge demand of comprehensive perception. Low-cost and low-power design are the key features of the IoT sensors in the transmission line application. In view of this, a low-cost transmission line galloping monitoring scheme based on acceleration sensor is put forward in this paper. We carried out a detailed analysis over Fourier transformation algorithm comparison, precision improvement by coordinate conversion and the device development. Based on the algorithm, the sensor can achieve the high accuracy of the galloping characteristic parameters. Compared with the traditional method, all the calculation was done inside the sensor, which reduced the data scale and power consumption significantly. With the improvement in reliability, intelligence and accuracy of the sensor, this method can strongly support the daily maintenance work of transmission lines.
Risk Factors for Gastrointestinal Leak after Perforated Peptic Ulcer Disease Operative Repair.

BACKGROUND There are limited studies regarding the impact of post-operative leak on perforated peptic ulcer disease (PPUD) and conflicting results regarding routine drain placement in operative repair of PPUD. This study aims to identify risk factors for gastrointestinal leak after operative repair of PPUD to better guide intra-operative decisions about drain placement. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care center from 2008 to 2019, identifying 175 patients who underwent operative repair of PPUD. RESULTS Patients who developed a leak (17%) were compared to patients who did not. Both hypoalbuminemia (albumin < 3.5 g/dL) (P = .03) and duodenal ulcers (P < .01) were identified as significant risk factors for leak. No significant difference was found between leak and no leak groups for AAST disease severity grade, repair technique, or pre-operative use of tobacco, alcohol, or steroids. Post-operative leaks were associated with prolonged hospital stay (29 days compared to 10, P < .01), increased complication rates (77% compared to 48%, P < .01), and increased re-operation rates (73% compared to 26%, <0.01). No difference was identified in patient characteristics or operative leak rates between patients who had drains placed at the index operation and those that did not. DISCUSSION Leak after operative PPUD repair is associated with significant post-operative morbidity. Hypoalbuminemia and duodenal perforations are significant risk factors for post-operative leaks.
Either periplasmic tethering or protease resistance is sufficient to allow a SodC to protect Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium from phagocytic superoxide

Salmonella Typhimurium combats phagocytic superoxide by producing the periplasmic superoxide dismutase, SodCI. The homologous protein, SodCII, is also produced during infection, but does not contribute to virulence. The proteins physically differ in that SodCI is dimeric, protease resistant, and non-covalently tethered within the periplasm. Conversely, SodCII is a protease sensitive monomer that is released normally from the periplasm by osmotic shock. To identify which properties correlate with virulence, we constructed over 20 enzymatically functional hybrid SodC proteins and assayed them for protease susceptibility, release by osmotic shock, multimerization, and affinity for metal cofactors. Protease susceptibility maps to the C-terminus of SodCII, while SodCI residues 120–131 are required for tethering. A protease resistant SodCII hybrid was able to substitute for SodCI during infection. Interestingly, a tethered but protease sensitive SodCII hybrid was also able to confer protection. Thus, either tethering or protease resistance is sufficient for a SodC to function during infection. These results support our model that in the macrophage, the outer membrane of Salmonella is partially disrupted by antimicrobial peptides. Periplasmic proteins, including SodCII, are released and/or phagocytic proteases gain access. SodCI is both tethered within the periplasm and protease resistant, thereby surviving to detoxify superoxide.
Tec family kinases: Itk signaling and the development of NKT αβ and γδ T cells

The Tec family tyrosine kinase interleukin-2 inducible T-cell kinase (Itk) is predominantly expressed in T cells and has been shown to be critical for the development, function and differentiation of conventional αβ T cells. However, less is known about its role in nonconventional T cells such as NKT and γδ T cells. In this minireview, we discuss evidence for a role for Itk in the development of invariant NKT αβ cells, as well as a smaller population NKT-like γδ T cells. We discuss how these cells take what could be the same signaling pathway regulated by Itk, and interpret it to give different outcomes with regards to development and function.
Blind music timbre source isolation by multi- resolution comparison of spectrum signatures

Automatic indexing of music instruments for multi-timbre sounds is challenging, especially when partials from different sources are overlapping with each other. Temporal features, which have been successfully applied in monophonic sound timbre identification, failed to isolate music instrument in multi-timbre objects, since the detection of the start and end position of each music segment unit is very difficult. Spectral features of MPEG7 and other popular features provide economic computation but contain limited information about timbre. Being compared to the spectral features, spectrum signature features have less information loss; therefore may identify sound sources in multitimbre music objects with higher accuracy. However, the high dimensionality of spectrum signature feature set requires intensive computing and causes estimation efficiency problem. To overcome these problems, the authors developed a new multi-resolution system with an iterative spectrum band matching device to provide fast and accurate recognition.
Abnormal neurodevelopment, neurosignaling and behaviour in Npas3-deficient mice

Npas3 is a member of the bHLH-PAS superfamily of transcription factors that is expressed broadly in the developing neuroepithelium. To study the function of this gene, mice deficient in Npas3 were generated and characterized. Npas3 - / - mice were growth-retarded and exhibited developmental brain abnormalities that included a reduction in size of the anterior hippocampus, hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and enlargement of the ventricles. A number of behavioural abnormalities were identified in Npas3 - / - mice including locomotor hyperactivity, subtle gait defects, impairment of prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle, deficit in recognition memory and altered anxiety-related responses. Characterization of neurosignaling pathways using several pharmacological agents revealed dysfunctional glutamate, dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitter signaling. Consistent with these findings, we identified a significant alteration in cortical PSD-95 expression, a PDZ-containing protein that has been shown to be involved in postsynaptic signal transduction. Together, our observations indicate an important role for Npas3 in controlling normal brain development and neurosignaling pathways.
Biotin Transport and Accumulation by Cells of Lactobacillus plantarum II. Kinetics of the System

Waller, James R. (University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio), and Herman C. Lichstein. Biotin transport and accumulation by cells of Lactobacillus plantarum. II. Kinetics of the system. J. Bacteriol. 90:853–856. 1965.—Bound biotin-saturated cells of Lactobacillus plantarum accumulated free biotin by a time-dependent process exhibiting substrate saturation phenomena in the presence and absence of glucose. Apparent Km and Vmax values determined in the presence and absence of glucose, respectively, from Lineweaver-Burk plots were found to be 31.5 and 7.72 mμm (Km) and 9.72 and 3.26 μμmoles per mg per min (Vmax). Free biotin transport per se appeared to be an energy-independent, mediated process, whereas the accumulation of large intracellular vitamin concentrations was energy-dependent. Internal free biotin was quantitatively converted to bound biotin. The rate and extent of bound biotin formation was slower than free biotin uptake, and dependent upon intracellular free biotin levels up to a saturating concentration.
Linear dynamically varying versus jump linear systems

The connection between linear dynamically varying (LDV) systems and jump linear systems is explored. LDV systems have been shown to be useful in controlling systems with "complicated dynamics". Some systems with complicated dynamics, for example Axiom A systems, admit Markov partitions and can be described, up to finite resolution, by a Markov chain. In this case, the control system for these systems can be approximated as Markovian jump linear systems. It is shown that (i) jump linear controllers for arbitrarily fine partitions exist if and only if the LDV controller exists; (ii) jump linear controllers stabilize the dynamical system; (iii) jump linear controllers are approximations of the LDV controller.
Crusades: Medieval Worlds in Conflict – Edited by Thomas F. Madden, James L. Naus, and Vincent Ryan

In recent years, St. Louis University has become the epicenter of the study of the Crusades in the United States, if not the world. The Crusades Studies Forum there routinely hosts prominent schola...
Problems with Reoperation of the Parotid Gland and Facial Nerve

The decision as to how to handle recurrent benign disease in the parotid gland can be a perplexing problem. It may cover the gamut of clinical observation, through conservative surgery to radical ablation. The situation is a balance between the nature of the biological process, the possibility of cure or control, and the status of the facial nerve. These problems can be exceptionally difficult in analysis and philosophical management, and are frequently pinioned between technical craftsmanship, curability, and deformity. An understanding, however, of the variety of possibilities--and particularly their relationship to the facial nerve--will help to position these cases within the realm of surgical reality. A new technique of interfascicular dissection is proposed in certain instances.
THE ALLEGRO GRAVITATIONAL WAVE DETECTOR

The ALLEGRO gravitational wave detector has been in nearly continuous operation for the past four years with a duty cycle of over 90%. The data is continuously filtered for bursts and has a noise level near 12 mK, or 8×10-22 strain/Hz. An initial data exchange under the IGEC has been completed.
Product bundles and market segments based on travel motivations: a canonical correlation approach.

Abstract To market effectively a particular destination, it is necessary to understand both push and pull motivations and the relationship between these two motivations for overseas travel. The relationships between these two motivations for overseas pleasure travel has been studied for an Australian sample of 1030 respondents by utilizing canonical correlation analysis. Canonical analysis generated four meaningful canonical variates. Respondents, then, were assigned to canonical variates in order to form market segments. The paper concludes with appropriate marketing implications as suggested by the study findings.
Oral Terbutaline Augments Cardiac Performance in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

ABSTRACT In previous research, we have demonstrated that parenterally administered terbutaline can augment resting cardiac function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because the oral form of terbutaline is more widely utilized, a double-blind, randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled trial of the cardiopulmonary effects of oral terbutaline was conducted in ten patients with COPD. Right and left ventricular ejection fractions (RVEF and LVEF) were determined by first pass radionuclide angiography. There were no differences in spirometry and hemodynamic measurements between treatment and placebo days. Following 5 mg of oral terbutaline, there was a small but statistically significant increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and in heart rate, but no significant change in forced vital capacity or blood pressure. LVEF improved significantly with terbutaline both at rest (62% ± 6% vs. 67% ± 9%, mean ± SD) and during submaximal steady state exercise (61% ± 5% vs. 67% ± 10%). RVEF improved significantly at rest (64% ± 6% vs. 69% ± 5%), but not during sub-maximal steady state exercise (65% ± 6% vs. 68% ± 7%). Thus, oral terbutaline produces significant improvement in biventricular systolic pump performance at rest, and increases left ventricular ejection fraction during sub-maximal exercise in patients with moderate to severe COPD.
Technology Constraints, Present and Future

The technology session of the Asilomar Workshop was oriented mainly towards the constraints of future technologies rather than towards discussing present generally-accepted processes. Four specific areas were highlighted: testing of micro-processors, the future of silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) approaches, the impact of integrated injection logic (I2L), and the role of less-high-density technologies (TTL, ECL, CMOS) in microprocessor development.
Effects of suspended sediments on coral growth: Evidence from remote sensing and hydrologic modeling

Abstract Remotely sensed images derived from several sources were combined with in situ samples to estimate suspended sediments discharged from three rivers into Mayaguez Bay, Puerto Rico. Multispectral data were acquired using the Calibrated Airborne Multispectral Scanner (CAMS) and the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM). CAMS data were used to produce spatial maps of suspended sediment concentrations in Mayaquez Bay during low to moderate discharge for 1990–1992. Images of land cover/land use during 1975 and 1985 were generated from a supervised density slicing technique applied to a mosaicked image of digitized aerial photos and from an unsupervised classification of the TM image. A geomorphic hydrologic model was used to simulate runoff and sediment yield from the drainage basin of the Guanajibo river; because land cover within the basin did not change significantly during 1975–1985, the hydrologic model provided estimates of sediment discharged by the Guanajibo river into the bay during this time period. Growth rates of the coral Montastrea annularis of Rodriguez reef were obtained from a previous study. Annual growth rates as determined from coral banding decreased significantly ( r = 0.69) with increased sediment loading to the bay (tons/year). Evidence from remote sensing and hydrologic modeling suggests that sediment reaches the reef only during episodic, high-discharge events. During low to moderate discharge, sediments, both suspended within the river plume and resuspended sediments, are restricted to the near-shore regions by the prevailing circulation. Hence, a direct relationship between river runoff and coral growth rates was established in this study.
How to Make Nutrition Education More Meaningful Through Facilitated Group Discussions

Abstract Facilitated group discussions provide an alternative method to lecture and one-on-one approaches for conducting educational interventions at clinic sites. They are an interactive form of education wherein learners generate the specific topics to be addressed and share their knowledge and experience with other group members through discussion. In brief, the educator becomes a facilitator who, rather than lecturing, encourages clients to discuss freely among themselves their own approach to the nutrition problems posed during the session. As a facilitator, the nutritionist strives to create a comfortable atmosphere for discussion, encourages participation, and interjects only to correct misinformation and manage group dynamics. Facilitated group discussions allow nutrition practitioners to deliver meaningful nutrition education in a manner that helps empower their clients to improve their dietary habits; at the same time such discussions meet the increased public administrative demands for efficiency. Possible benefits to clients include more confidence, better communication skills, improved thinking skills, and increased motivation and commitment to improving nutrition behavior. We recommend that nutrition educators try facilitated group discussions in their clinics. J Am Diet Assoc. 1999;99:72-76 .
TESTING THE LOCAL INDEPENDENCE ASSUMPTION IN ITEM RESPONSE THEORY

Local independence and monotone increasing item characteristic curves imply nonnegative conditional covariances between all monotone increasing functions of a set of item responses given any function of the remaining item responses. This general result provides a basis for testing the local independence assumption without first specifying a parametric form for the item characteristic curve. The proposed tests are simple, have known asymptotic null distributions, and possess certain optimal properties. In an example, the local independence hypothesis is rejected for all possible forms of the monotone item characteristic curves.
“Here you come again”: 1 Country music's performance on the pop singles charts from 1955 to 1996

(1998). “Here you come again”: Country music's performance on the pop singles charts from 1955 to 1996. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 17-39.
Creating Incentives to Move Upstream: Developing a Diversified Portfolio of Population Health Measures Within Payment and Health Care Reform

I examined the feasibility of developing a balanced portfolio of population health measures that would be useful within the current deliberations about health care and payment reform.My commentary acknowledges that an obstacle to the selection of population health metrics is the differing definitions of population health. Rather than choosing between these definitions, I identified five categories of indicators, ranging from traditional clinical care prevention interventions to those that measure investment in community-level nonclinical services, that in various combinations might yield the most promising results.I offer concrete examples of markers in each of the categories and show that there is a growing number of individuals eager to receive concrete recommendations and implement population health pilot programs.
VILLAGE NOTES FROM BENGAL

T HIS paper is the product of a course in Ethnological Field Techniques given in the graduate Department of Anthropology, Columbia University. In 1944-1945 work was carried on with a Bengali Mohammedan, Abdul Rahaman, who comes from a village in the district of Sylhet, northeastern India. He has been several times to the Assam hills which lie north of Sylhet and he has some knowledge of Calcutta from which he left India ten years ago. Beyond this, his life in India was spent within the confines of his local district. Although Mr. Rahaman's English was picked up after he left home, it is adequate for communication. The course was limited to nine students and the data presented here are compiled from notes taken in joint session and in individual work with the informant. The techniques employed in the collection and organization of ethnological materials are emphasized in the course even at the expense of the accumulation of data so that work with the informant is interspersed with lecture and discussion sections. Interviews with the informant, therefore, did not total more than about seventy hours. The course also emphasizes field data as opposed to those areas of inquiry better investigated by other means so that data are presented here with a minimum of reference to written sources. As a matter of fact, sources of information on small Indian communities are practically nonexistent. There are libraries of books which generalize on Islam and shelves of books on the Taj Mahal, but little or nothing on the details of life in a Bengali village. This paper is not a total description of life in any village but it contains information that is not available in other sources. The greatest care has been taken to exclude all data which were felt to be either doubtful or inconclusive. Other data obtained at the same time have been omitted from this paper because of lack of space. When so much can be obtained so quickly and with such little expense it indicates the wealth of anthropological material lying unused at our back doors. Each of the members of the course wrote a rough draft of some portion of the material, but the project has been so consistently a joint enterprise that it is difficult to assign responsibility for any part of the manuscript and equally difficult to claim authorship of the whole. I should like to name as co-workers Martin W. Ackerman, Edgar C. Cardose, Helen Codere, Helen B. Henry, Robert N. Hill, Eleanor B. Leacock, Dorothy Leadbeater, Estelle Sillen and Helen Vryonis. All of us wish to extend our friendly gratitude to Mr. Abdul Rahaman.
Extremes in the resource consumption process: A mathematical model of the irruption of the moose population on Isle Royale. Part 1—Ecological background and model development

Abstract The development of a mathematical model of the moose-browse interaction on Isle Royale, Michigan, from the time of the establishment of the moose population in the early 1900s until the time of the arrival of wolves on the island about the mid-twentieth century is described. A brief history of the observations that were made during that period of the dynamics of the moose population and its resulting impact upon the vegetation is given. The simplifying assumptions that were made, the processes that were judged important enough to be represented in the model, the state variables that were selected and the input variables that were considered are delineated. A rationale is developed for the mathematical form of each of the terms used in the state equations. The literature that was utilized and the methodologies that were employed to obtain estimates of the parameters of the equations and the values of the initial conditions of the state variables are described.
Application of Sigma7500 pattern generator to X Architecture and 45-nm generation mask making

The mask cost is increasing substantially from generation to generation. Hence, reducing the mask cost is one of the most critical needs in developing a new generation of technology. Compared with variable shaped beam (VSB) e-beam tools, laser writers have the advantage of higher throughput and lower cost. Moreover, the writing time is not dependent on feature count but on the area written. Additionally the FEP-171 resist, which is used for the DUV laser writer, is also the resist used for VSB writers. This enables process sharing and reduces the number of processes needed for mask manufacturing. Finally the laser writer is expected to print Manhattan and X-architecture features with no major differences. Whereas, VSB e-beam tools take longer to write, if X features are included with Manhattan-type features. The inclusion of X features also worsens CD uniformity when written with VSB e-beam tools. The Sigma7500 DUV laser writer uses partially coherent imaging of a spatial light modulator (SLM) to maximize resolution, while providing 4-pass and 2-pass printings, corner enhancement, and grid matching. These functions are evaluated and the results are reported in this paper. Evaluation data shows that the global CD uniformity of dense line/space and isolated spaces is around 6 nm (3σ) for features at 0-, 45-, 90-, and 135-degree angles, which are used in the X architecture. The resolution of lines and spaces can both reach 150 nm. Based on our evaluation, the Sigma7500 can meet both critical 65-nm and sub-critical 45-nm generation mask specifications and reduces the writing cost by 40%. The writing time for X architecture patterns can be reduced by at least a factor of two as compared to VSB systems, while the CD performance remains comparable. However, the pattern fidelity is slightly worse and the CD of 45- and 135-degree lines is difficult to adjust independently. In addition, the Sigma7500 comes with a data-sizing function (ProcessEqualizer) to compensate for global CD signatures, but the potential impact of data sizing on OPC accuracy is a concern and it must be evaluated. Evaluation data shows that the Sigma7500 is capable of 45-nm node sub-critical mask production. Its advantages in high productivity and acceptable CD control should provide a solution to reduce the mask cost of advanced nodes.
Hedonic prices and composite commodities

Abstract In this paper we conjecture and, to an extent, prove that recently noted restrictions required for the logical coherence and empirical relevance of hedonic price models make these models no more general than traditional housing services models. In particular, intra-urban variation in hedonic prices may not be substantively related to market equilibration at all, and therefore is not evidence for the existence of housing sub-markets. Moreover, in the case of jointly produced housing characteristics, the hedonic price models are found to be less general than the traditional homogeneous housing services models.
Phanerozoic stromatolites: noncompetitive ecologic restriction by grazing and burrowing animals

The abundance of stromatolites (algal laminated sedimentary structures) in the Precambrian followed by a decline in the Phanerozoic is explained by the evolution and diversification during the Phanerozoic of grazing animals which feed on surface algal mats and of burrowing animals which destroy sedimentary laminations.
Sensible agents: an implemented multi-agent system and testbed

Sensible Agents have been engineered to solve distributed problems in complex, uncertain, and dynamic domains. Each Sensible Agent is composed of four modules: the Action Planner, Perspective Modeler, Conflict Resolution Advisor, and Autonomy Reasoner. These modules give Sensible Agents the abilities to plan, model, resolve individual conflicts, and change agent system organization. Two component suites provide a variety of user- oriented features: the Sensible Agent Run- time Environment (SARTE) and the Sensible Agent Testbed. The SARTE provides facilities for instantiating Sensible Agents, deploying a Sensible Agent system, and monitoring run- time operations. The Sensible Agents Testbed facilitates automated generation of parameter combinations for controlled experiments, deterministic and non-deterministic simulation, and configuration of Sensible Agents and data acquisition. Experimentation is a crucial step in gaining insight into the behavior of agents, as well as evidence toward or against hypotheses. Using a real- world example, this paper explains and demonstrates: (1) the functional capabilities of Sensible Agents, (2) the Sensible Agent Run- Time Environments facilities for monitoring and control of Sensible Agent systems and (3) the experimental set- up, monitoring, and analysis capabilities of the Sensible Agent Testbed.