cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimally disruptive medicine (MDM) in clinical practice: a qualitative case study of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinic care model.

Recent evidence suggests the need to reframe healthcare delivery for patients with chronic conditions, with emphasis on minimizing healthcare footprint/workload on patients, caregivers, clinicians and health systems through the proposed Minimally Disruptive Medicine (MDM) care model named. HIV care models have evolved to further focus on understanding barriers and facilitators to care delivery while improving patient-centered outcomes (e.g., disease progression, adherence, access, quality of life). It is hypothesized that these models may provide an example of MDM care model in clinic practice. Therefore, this study aimed to observe and ascertain MDM-concordant and discordant elements that may exist within a tertiary-setting HIV clinic care model for patients living with HIV or AIDS (PLWHA). We also aimed to identify lessons learned from this setting to inform improving the feasibility and usefulness of MDM care model. This qualitative case study occurred in multidisciplinary HIV comprehensive-care clinic within an urban tertiary-medical center. Participants included Adult PLWHA and informal caregivers (e.g. family/friends) attending the clinic for regular appointments were recruited. All clinic staff were eligible for recruitment. Measurements included; semi-guided interviews with patients, caregivers, or both; semi-guided interviews with varied clinicians (individually); and direct observations of clinical encounters (patient-clinicians), as well as staff daily operations in 2015–2017. The qualitative-data synthesis used iterative, mainly inductive thematic coding. Researcher interviews and observations data included 28 patients, 5 caregivers, and 14 care-team members. With few exceptions, the clinic care model elements aligned closely to the MDM model of care through supporting patient capacity/abilities (with some patients receiving minimal social support and limited assistance with reframing their biography) and minimizing workload/demands (with some patients challenged by the clinic hours of operation). The studied HIV clinic incorporated many of the MDM tenants, contributing to its validation, and informing gaps in knowledge. While these findings may support the design and implementation of care that is both minimally disruptive and maximally supportive, the impact of MDM on patient-important outcomes and different care settings require further studying.
The Independent Risk of Obesity and Diabetes and Their Interaction in COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether diabetes mellitus (DM) or obesity is an independent risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes and to explore whether the risk conferred by one condition is modified by the other. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study of inpatient adults with COVID-19 used multivariable Cox regression to determine the independent effects of DM and obesity on the composite outcome of intubation, intensive care unit admission, or in-hospital mortality. Effect modification between DM and obesity was assessed with a statistical interaction term and an exploration of stratum-specific effects. RESULTS: Out of 3,533 patients, a total of 1,134 (32%) had DM, 1,256 (36%) had obesity, and 430 (12%) had both. DM and obesity were independently associated with the composite outcome (hazard ratio [HR] 1.14 [95% CI: 1.01-1.30] and HR 1.22 [95% CI: 1.05-1.43], respectively). A statistical trend for potential interaction between DM and obesity was observed (P = 0.20). Stratified analyses showed potential increased risk with obesity compared with normal weight among patients with DM (HR 1.34 [95% CI: 1.04-1.74]) and patients without DM (HR 1.18 [95% CI: 0.96-1.43]). CONCLUSIONS: DM and obesity are independent risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity. Stratified analyses suggest that obesity may confer greater risk to patients with DM compared with patients without DM, and this relationship requires further exploration.
The effects of water temperature, acoustic tag type, size at tagging, and surgeon experience on juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) tag retention and growth

Acoustic telemetry is a widely used tool to study the movement and survival of juvenile fish and often requires a surgical procedure to implant the transmitter, which may impact overall fitness and survival following release. This is an important consideration when implementing large-scale acoustic telemetry projects aimed at estimating outmigration survival. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of water temperature, tag type, size at tagging, and surgeon experience on tag retention and growth rate of juvenile Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). We tagged 128 spring-run Chinook salmon (81–97 mm fork length, 5.2–10.0 g, tag burden 2.4–6.0%) with one of two types of acoustic transmitters; a shorter, heavier model (‘standard’) and a longer, lighter model (‘injectable’). Fish were tagged by either a novice or experienced surgeon. An additional 64 untagged fish served as a control group and were split between temperature treatments. Fish were reared in either cool (mean 13.4 °C) or warm (mean 17.8 °C) water for 60 days, prior to being euthanized, weighed and measured. Tag retention was similar for both transmitter types, but varied with water temperature, with significantly higher tag loss in the warm treatment (21.9%, 14 tags expelled), compared to the cold treatment (7.8%, 5 tags expelled). In the warm treatment, fish growth in the injectable tag group was significantly lower compared to the control group, and lower than the standard tag group, but not significantly lower. There was no significant difference between the control and standard tag groups for the warm treatment. In the cool temperature treatment, fish growth was not significantly different among any of the factors tested. Surgery time differed between surgeons; however, surgeon experience did not significantly affect tag shedding or growth. Total tag loss was 14.8% over the 60-day trial, with higher and earlier loss in the warmer treatment. Tag length may be a more important factor than tag weight in smaller size fish. This suggests that tag shedding is a significant factor to consider when estimating survival, as the actual survival rate may be higher than estimates based solely on receiver detections.
Seeking the treated: The impact of mobile extension on farmer information exchange in India

Abstract Do digital agricultural services ‘disrupt’ in-person peer interactions that generate and spread local knowledge? To investigate, I randomize access to a mobile phone-based agricultural extension service and find that while it reduces reliance on peer agricultural advice, it does not crowd-out peer interactions. Instead, treated farmers are more likely to recommend inputs to their peers, who, in turn, prioritize interacting with them. Consequently, exposure to the treatment, directly or via peers, increases willingness-to-pay for the service. Overall, evidence on complementarities between treated respondents suggest ICT-based services may encourage peer interactions and information exchange at scale.
Web-based Simulator for Studying Shared Control of Autonomous Platoons

Recent interest in semi-autonomous platoons has lead to novel Human-Machine Interface research. Additionally, studies seem to feature autonomous platoon simulations more frequently than traditional field tests. Simulation-based approaches often support rapid prototyping and evaluation of various HMI designs. However, existing simulation platforms can be bulky, expensive or require specialized hardware, which may present barriers. In this work, we present WebPlatoon, a novel web-based simulation platform. WebPlatoon seeks to support the design and evaluation of shared control scenarios featuring semi-autonomous platoons. By leveraging web technologies, our platform aims to present initial steps towards portable, cross-platform, and accessible platforms for semi-autonomous platoon research.
The landscape of accessible chromatin in quiescent cardiac fibroblasts and cardiac fibroblasts activated after myocardial infarction.

After myocardial infarction, the massive death of cardiomyocytes leads to cardiac fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation, which contributes to the extracellular matrix remodeling of the infarcted myocardium. We recently found that myofibroblasts further differentiate into matrifibrocytes, a newly identified cardiac fibroblast differentiation state. Cardiac fibroblasts of different states have distinct gene expression profiles closely related to their functions. However, the mechanism responsible for the gene expression changes during these activation and differentiation events is still not clear. In this study, the gene expression profiling and genome-wide accessible chromatin mapping of mouse cardiac fibroblasts isolated from the uninjured myocardium and the infarct at multiple time points corresponding to different differentiation states were performed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq), respectively. ATAC-seq peaks were highly enriched in the promoter area and the distal area where enhancers are located. A positive correlation was identified between the expression and promoter accessibility for many dynamically expressed genes, even though evidence showed that mechanisms independent of chromatin accessibility may also contribute to the gene expression changes in cardiac fibroblasts after MI. Moreover, motif enrichment analysis and gene regulatory network construction identified transcription factors that possibly contributed to the differential gene expression between cardiac fibroblasts of different states.
Local Scour Around Bridge Piers

Local scour caused by the horseshoe vortex system which forms at the base of the piers is considered. Piers which induce a pressure field strong enough to cause the formulation of the horseshoe vortex system are termed blunt nosed; all others being classed as sharp-nosed piers. The condition of the sediment transported into and out of the scour hole forms the basis for the further classification of the scour process into clear-water scour and scour with continuous sediment motion. The pier Reynolds number is shown to be an important variable describing the strength of the horseshoe vortex system. Further, the equilibrium scour depth depends on the initial sediment transport condition for a steady uniform flow with fully developed bed material transport. Design criteria are proposed for blunt-nosed piers under the conditions of clear-water scour and scour with continuous sediment motion. Several deviations from the above ideal design conditions are discussed; methods for design in these cases are suggested.
Multiplication-free vector quantization using L/sub 1/ distortion measure and its variants

The authors first consider vector quantization that uses the L/sub 1/ distortion measure for its implementation. The L/sub 1/ distortion measure is very attractive from an implementational point of view, since no multiplication is required for computing the distortion measure. Unfortunately, the traditional Linde-Buzo-Gray method (1980) for designing the codebook for the L/sub 1/ distortion measure can become extremely time-consuming, since it involves several computations of medians of very large arrays. The authors propose a gradient-based approach for codebook design that does not require any multiplications or median computations. The codebook design algorithm is then extended to a distortion measure that has piecewise-linear characteristics. By appropriate selection of the parameters of the distortion measure, the encoding as well as the codebook design can be implemented with zero multiplications. The authors apply the proposed techniques in predictive vector quantization of images and demonstrate the viability of multiplication-free predictive vector quantization of image data. >
Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) has been shown to be one of the most powerful experimental methodologies for obtaining vibrational information from both stable and transient molecular species. The general theoretical and experimental principles associated with CARS, together with specific examples of its applications to important biological systems, are presented. A concise theoretical formalism of CARS, and its electronically resonant variant, is presented with an emphasis on points relevant to the interpretation of experimental spectra. Particular attention is given to deriving vibrational signatures from the Raman resonances observed in CARS data. The instrumental components required for obtaining typical CARS data are illustrated in a brief description of an experimental system used to record CARS spectra from biophysical molecules (photoactive protein reactions). Specific examples of CARS data are taken from measurements of stable and transient intermediates comprising the photoreactions of the bacteriorhodopsin (BR) and rhodopsin (Rh) proteins. Finally, an overview of developments to be anticipated in this field is presented. Keywords: coherent Raman; CRS; CARS; picosecond; time-resolved; bacteriorhodopsin; rhodopsin
Rapid assessment of butterfly diversity in a montane landscape

We present the results of a rapid assessment of butterfly diversity in the 754 ha Beaver Meadows study area in Rocky Mountain National Park, Larimer County, Colorado. We measured butterfly species richness and relative abundance as part of a landscape-scale investigation of diversity patterns involving several groups of organisms. A stratified random sampling design was used to include replication in both rare and common vegetation types. We recorded 49 butterfly species from the twenty-four 0.1 ha plots that were sampled four times during June, July, and August 1996. Butterfly species richness, diversity, and uniqueness were highest in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michaux) groves and wet meadows, which occupy only a small proportion of the studied landscape. This result supports the suggestion that aspen areas represent ‘hotspots’ of biological diversity in this montane landscape. Patterns of butterfly species richness were positively correlated with total vascular plant species richness (r = 0.69; P < 0.001), and native plant species richness (r = 0.64; P < 0.001). However, exotic plant species richness (r = 0.70; P < 0.001) and the cover of exotic plant species (r = 0.70; P < 0.001) were the best predictors of butterfly species richness.
Tools to Probe Nanoscale Surface Phenomena in Cellulose Thin Films: Applications in the Area of Adsorption and Friction

Surfaces and interfaces play important roles in defining material interactions. Several developments in science and technology highlight the importance of interfaces in applications involving material functionalization, coatings, colloids stability, etc. (Karim and Kumar 2000). In many cases, the interfacial properties are more relevant than the nature and composition of the bulk phases and ultimately define the molecular behavior of the system. The ‘thickness’ of a boundary between two phases, if possible to define, is expected to be extremely narrow. The interface between (bio)polymers or that for a polymer-coated substrate and the surrounding medium typically entails a ‘soft’ layer with molecular or nanoscale dimensions. The use of adsorbed polymers and surfactants to modify solid surfaces offers unique possibilities to alter or regulate their properties, including surface energy, molecular assembly and composition, among others. In order to effectively or permanently modify the interfacial properties the adsorbing material (or adsorbate) has to bind to some degree or extent to the respective surface. Therefore, adsorption is fundamental in many important applications, particularly in the general fields of adhesion, colloidal stabilization, friction, and heterogeneous reactions.
The Natural History and Developmental Functions of Aggression

Stories of antiquity indicate that aggression and violence have deep historical roots in human nature or at least in the nature of human storytelling. The Odyssey and the Iliad are laced with heavy doses of bloody violence hate jealousy and retribution. But popular fascination with themes of aggression and violence are not vestigial if the subject matter of motion pictures of the 1990s are any indication. And beyond fiction and fantasy virtually all significant military and political leaders in modern history— from George Washington and Franklin D Roosevelt to Napoleon Bonaparte and Adolf Hitler— have achieved greatness (or infamy) partly because of their willingness to direct others into war death and destruction.1 Accordingly there may be an element of doublespeak in viewing aggression and violence as “inhuman.” The historical record indicates that aggression is thoroughly human and often romanticized. It has even been seen as banal (Arendt 1963).
Verilog-AMS: Mixed-Signal Simulation and Cross Domain Connect Modules

Verilog-AMS is one of the major mixed-signal hardware description languages on today's market. In addition to the extended capabilities to model analog and digital behavior, the language supports a novel approach to merge existing digital and analog designs without rewriting the individual designs. At the center of this approach is the connect module and the connection rules. These language features enable the designer to declare modules, which can be automatically or manually inserted at an intersection of net segments with different disciplines. A mapping between different disciplines and therefore between the different domains, enhances the (re) usability of designs and enables a natural approach to mixed-signal design. Circuitry of interest can be modeled with high accuracy in the analog domain whereas less critical portions of the design are modeled in the faster but less accurate digital simulation domain. Since Verilog-AMS actively supports the mixed-signal approach, the interchange of digital and analog portions is straightforward and strongly encouraged. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the semantics of Verilog-AMS connect modules in greater detail and illustrate the impacts and tradeoffs on the simulation performance. Closely related principles of driver-receiver segregation, discipline resolution and cross-domain communication are discussed and evaluated to provide a thorough description of the extended Verilog-AMS mixed-signal simulation capabilities.
Transparent dispensible high‐refractive index ZrO2/epoxy nanocomposites for LED encapsulation

In this study, we report a facile ex situ approach to preparing transparent dispensible high-refractive index ZrO2/epoxy nanocomposites for LED encapsulation. Highly crystalline, near monodisperse ZrO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by a nona- queous approach using benzyl alcohol as the coordinating solvent. The synthesized particles were then modified by (3-glycidyloxypro- pyl)trimethoxysilane (GMS) ligand. It was found that, with tiny amount of surface-treating ligand, the modified ZrO2 NPs were able to be easily dispersed in a commercial epoxy matrix because of the epoxy compatible surface chemistry design as well as the small matrix molecular weight favoring mixing. Transparent thick (1 mm) ZrO2/epoxy nanocomposites with a particle core content as high as 50 wt % and an optical transparency of 90% in the visible light range were successfully prepared. The refractive index of the prepared composites increased from 1.51 for neat epoxy to 1.65 for 50 wt % (20 vol %) ZrO2 loading and maintained the same high-Abbe number as the neat epoxy matrix. Compared with the neat epoxy encapsulant, an increase of 13.2% in light output power of red LEDs was achieved with the 50 wt % ZrO2/epoxy nanocomposite as the novel encapsulant material. V C 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 000: 000-000, 2013
The toxicologic and pharmacologic effects of hafnium salts

Abstract The toxicology and pharmacology of hafnium salts have been investigated. Acute intraperitoneal toxicity of hafnyl chloride is of the delayed type with an LD50 per 7 days of 112 (93.3–134.4) mg/kg. Chronic feeding for 90 days at levels of 1.0, 0.1, and 0.01% of the diet produced liver changes at the 1.0% level. No changes were observed in the growth rate or the hemogram. Ocular application produced a transient conjunctivitis. Topical application to intact rabbit skin produced a transient irritation, whereas similar studies on abraded skin resulted in nonhealing ulcers. Intradermal injections also produced localized irritation and scar formation. Hafnyl chloride had a depressant effect upon the isolated rabbit and guinea pig ileum. In the intact cat, the compound produced hypotension and death by cardiovascular collapse and respiratory paralysis. The chemical had no effect on the responses to acetylcholine, epinephrine, or histamine or those elicited by stimulation of the cervical sympathetic or vagus nerves.
Cyclosphosphamide therapy of medulloblastoma: From the laboratory to the clinic and back again (and again and again)

Medulloblastoma, the most common malignancy of childhood, was originally shown to be sensitive to cyclophosphamide in 1981. We have used combined laboratory and clinical investigations to demonstrate the synergy of cyclophosphamide and vincristine in the treatment of this tumor, the therapeutic gain associated with escalation of the dosage of cyclophosphamide, the consequence of and mechanisms underlying resistance of medulloblastoma to cyclophosphamide, the emerging importance of the neuroaxis as a site of relapse of medulloblastoma, and newer approaches, including intrathecal 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide and busulfan, to treat neuraxis disease. These studies serve as a paradigm for laboratory-clinical translational research.
Lunar volcanic glasses and their constraints on mare petrogenesis

The compositional properties of volcanic glasses from the Apollo 11, 14, 15 and 16 landing sites are examined and implications of the results for mare basalt petrogenesis and deep lunar structures are discussed. Major-element and nickel analyses were performed on the glasses using electron probe techniques, and R-mode principal component analysis was performed on the 19 different compositions of glass distinguished. The glasses are found to form two distinct chemical arrays based on the major elements and Ni. The presence of two chemically isolated cumulate systems in the mantle at different depths is thus inferred, and a model is developed for mare petrogenesis in which each system was itself composed of two lithologic components that underwent hybridization, assimilation or mixing to generate the large compositional range of magmas represented by the lunar volcanic glasses. The surface-correlated elements associated with the volcanic glasses are attributed to another reservoir in the deep interior which may be responsible for gas emissions causing lunar transient phenomena. The model developed allows predictions to be made concerning the liquidus phase relations, trace and radiogenic element distributions, nonradiogenic isotope compositions and sample ages.
Modulation of neural network activity by patterning.

Using neuronal cultures on microelectrode arrays, researchers have shown that recordable electrical activity can be influenced by chemicals in the culture environment, thus demonstrating potential applicability to biosensors or drug screening. Since practical success requires the design of robust networks with repeatable, reliable responses understanding the sources of variation is important. In this report, we used lithographic technologies to confine neurons to highly defined patterns (40 μm wide stripes); in turn these patterns gave us a measure of control over the local density of neurons (100–500 cells/mm2). We found that the apparent electrical activity of the network, as measured by the fraction of electrodes from which signals were recordable, increases 8–10-fold with greater local density. Also, average-firing rates of the active neurons increased 3–5-fold. We conclude that patterned networks offer one means of controlling and enhancing the responsiveness of cultured neural networks.
Institutional Entrepreneurship, Partaking, and Convening

This paper proposes that processes of institutional change vary depending on the form taken by the three factors that define them: agency, resource mobilization, and opportunity. The paper builds on a conceptualization of agency that considers that change may result from diverse forms of agency (i.e. strategic, routine, and sense-making). It develops the concept of resource mobilization, focusing on the process as opposed to the skills required for mobilization. It then suggests that the mobilization of resources, support and acceptance, accompanying the diffusion and legitimation of institutional changes may follow leverage, partaking, or convening processes. Finally, the paper defines institutional opportunity as an objective condition of organizational fields, suggesting that fields may be opportunity opaque, transparent, or hazy. Opportunities, of course, only become real when perceived by actors. Building on current sociological work, the paper suggests that actors’ perception of the opportunity tran...
A controlled crossover study of triiodothyronine in autistic children

A placebo-controlled crossover study of behavioral effects of triiodothyronine (T3) was conducted in 30 young clinically euthyroid autistic children. Multiple independent raters and multiple rating scales were used. Except for a few symptoms that were reduced on T3, the drug did not differ from placebo. Time itself accounted for most of the improvement in the whole sample. As a group, the lower IQ children responded to T3. The individual children who were responders could not be defined by any parameter.
Antibacterial compounds in the interdigital glands of pronghorn, Antilocapra americana.

and 24 August 1997 in Modoc Co.,California.2. Previous workUngulate interdigital glands: bontebok, Damaliscus dorcas dorcas (Burger et al.,1976, 1977); black-tailed deer, Odocoileus hemionus columbianus (Wood et al., 1995a, b);gemsbok, Oryx gazella gazella (Wood, 1997); reindeer, Rangifer tarandus, (Brundinet al., 1978; Andersson et al., 1979); sable antelope, Hippotragus niger (Wood, 1998);white-tail deer, O. virginianus (Gassett et al., 1996; Wood, 1999); wildebeest,Connochaetes taurinus (Wood, 1998).3. Present studyA pronghorn’s interdigital glands were removed from the fore- and hind-feet bydissection and manually palpated to express the unctuous white secretion. The
Linking technology and institutions: the innovation community framework

Abstract The technological innovation and diffusion literatures consistently suggest the importance of the institutional environment, including non-market as well as market organizations and relationships, in the commercialization of innovation. There is, however, no general framework for studying the relevant organizations and relationships as a structured system. This paper draws on organizational ecology to develop such a framework, ‘the innovation community’. The paper then suggests how the new framework could be employed in guiding research and in developing a general institutional theory of technology commercialization.
Mixed-gas permeation of syngas components in poly(dimethylsiloxane) and poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) at elevated temperatures

Abstract The permeability of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP) to a simulated syngas feed containing H 2 , CO, CO 2 , and H 2 S was determined as a function of temperature up to 240°C (464°F). The permeation properties of rarely studied CO and H 2 S were found to be consistent with their molecular properties (i.e. critical temperature) in both rubbery PDMS and high free volume, glassy PTMSP. At room temperature, PDMS and PTMSP are more permeable to the more condensable gases CO 2 and H 2 S than to H 2 . However, both polymers become hydrogen selective at elevated temperatures. Activation energies of permeation are highest for H 2 in both polymers and decrease regularly with increasing gas condensability. PTMSP exhibits evidence of accelerated physical aging at high temperature.
Large enhancement of the resistive anomaly in the pentatelluride materials HfTe 5 and ZrTe 5 with applied magnetic field

The resistivity of single-crystal pentatellurides, ${\mathrm{HfTe}}_{5}$ and ${\mathrm{ZrTe}}_{5},$ has been measured as a function of temperature and applied magnetic field. At zero magnetic field these materials exhibit a peak in their resistivity (at ${T}_{P})$ as a function of temperature that corresponds to an, as yet, undetermined phase transition. The application of a transverse magnetic field (B \ensuremath{\perp} to the current I) has a profound effect on the resistive peak in these materials, shifting the peak to slightly higher temperatures and producing a large enhancement of the resistivity at the peak, up to a factor of 3 in ${\mathrm{ZrTe}}_{5}$ ${(T}_{P}=145\mathrm{K})$ and 10 in ${\mathrm{HfTe}}_{5}$ ${(T}_{P}=80\mathrm{K}).$ Larger magnetoresistance is observed at even lower temperatures, $Tl20\mathrm{K}.$
Stability of quantitative feedback designs and the existence of robust QFT controllers

Quantitative feedback theory (QFT) has received much criticism for a lack of clearly stated mathematical results to support its claims. Considered in this paper are two important fundamental questions: (i) whether or not a QFT design is robustly stable, and (ii) does a robust stabilizer exist. Both these are precursors for synthesizing controllers for performance robustness. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given to resolve unambiguously the question of robust stability in SISO systems, which in fact confirms that a properly executed QFT design is automatically robustly stable. This Nyquist-type stability result is based on the so-called zero exclusion condition and is applicable to a large class of problems under some simple continuity assumptions. In particular, the class of uncertain plants include those in which there are no right-half plane pole-zero cancellations over all plant uncertainties. A sufficiency condition for a robust stabilizer to exist is derived from the well-known Nevanlinna-Pick theory in classical analysis. Essentially the same condition may be used to answer the question of existence of a QFT controller for the general robust performance problem. These existence results are based on an upper bound on the nominal sensitivity function. Also considered is QFT design for a special class of interval plants in which only the poles and the DC gain are assumed uncertain. The latter problem lends itself to certain explicit computations that considerably simplify the QFT design problem.
Cardiac phosphodiesterase 5 (cGMP-specific) modulates β-adrenergic signaling in vivo and is down-regulated in heart failure

Recent studies implicate increased cGMP synthesis as a postreceptor contributor to reduced cardiac sympathetic responsiveness. Here we provide the first evidence that modulation of this interaction by cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase PDE5A is also diminished in failing hearts, providing a novel mechanism for blunted beta-adrenergic signaling in this disorder. In normal conscious dogs chronically instrumented for left ventricular pressure-dimension analysis, PDE5A inhibition by EMD82639 had modest basal effects but markedly blunted dobutamine-enhanced systolic and diastolic function. In failing hearts (tachypacing model), however, EMD82639 had negligible effects on either basal or dobutamine-stimulated function. Whole myocardium from failing hearts had 50% lower PDE5A protein expression and 30% less total and EMD92639-inhibitable cGMP-PDE activity. Although corresponding myocyte protein and enzyme activity was similar among groups, the proportion of EMD82639-inhibitable activity was significantly lower in failure cells. Immunohistochemistry confirmed PDE5A expression in both the vasculature and myocytes of normal and failing hearts, but there was loss of z-band localization in failing myocytes that suggested altered intracellular localization. Thus, PDE5A regulation of cGMP in the heart can potently modulate beta-adrenergic stimulation, and alterations in enzyme localization and reduced synthesis may blunt this pathway in cardiac failure, contributing to dampening of the beta-adrenergic response.
Seasonal nitrogen availability from current and past applications of manure

Proper management of manure nitrogen (N) requires the ability to match the rate and extent of manure N availability with crop needs. This includes recognizing the potential importance of N contributions from residual manure N that accumulates with repeated applications. Nitrogen availability relative to barley needs was assessed in plots with 13–16 years continuous histories of contrasting manure-based (solid-bedded beef) and fertilizer-based soil treatments in the Maine Potato Ecosystem Project. Soil and barley samples were collected every 7–14 days during 2003–2005, and once in 2006. Barley dry matter and N content were equivalent between the two systems. In the manure-based system, temporal patterns of N availability were more synchronous with early season crop needs than in the fertilizer-based system, but continued mineralization after harvest was also observed. In 2004–2006, samples were collected from subplots where manure/fertilizer was withheld to estimate the proportion of available N originating from current versus previous manure applications. Apparent N recovery of current years’ applications of manure organic N was 8–11% and less than predicted by a standard decay series model for beef manure (25%), highlighting the need to adjust manure N credits for crops with shorter growing seasons and lower N uptake capacities than corn. The relative contribution of residual manure N to total manure N uptake was greater than predicted from the decay series model, providing support for a residual N effect from repeated manure applications that is not accounted for in standard manure recommendations.
Implications of the modifiable areal unit problem for assessing built environment correlates of moderate and vigorous physical activity

Abstract This study assesses the influence of the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP) in analysis of the effect of built environment (BE) exposure on moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during walking periods. Adults ( n = 55) wore a GPS unit and accelerometer for up to 7 days. More nearby green space, residential use, and open space were positively associated with MVPA after controlling for socio-demographics. Scale and zoning effects were observed in models of momentary BE-MVPA relationships using different scales and zone configurations. Compared to larger aggregation zones, proximate measures may be better for assessing green space and land use exposure during walking periods. Results do not support a prescriptive recommendation whether future studies should use a buffer- or grid-based zonal configuration.
Successful treatment using omacetaxine for a patient with CML and BCR-ABL1 35INS

To the editor: An alternatively spliced BCR-ABL mRNA transcript with a 35-bp insertion (35INS) was recently described among patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and has been associated with in vitro resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.[1][1] We now describe a patient with CML and
Cells, molecules and morphogenesis: the making of the vertebrate ear.

The development and evolution of mechanosensory cells and the vertebrate ear is reviewed with an emphasis on delineating the cellular, molecular and developmental basis of these changes. Outgroup comparisons suggests that mechanosensory cells are ancient features of multicellular organisms. Molecular evidence suggests that key genes involved in mechanosensory cell function and development are also conserved among metazoans. The divergent morphology of mechanosensory cells across phyla is interpreted here as ‘deep molecular homology’ that was in parallel shaped into different forms in each lineage. The vertebrate mechanosensory hair cell and its associated neuron are interpreted as uniquely derived features of vertebrates. It is proposed that the vertebrate otic placode presents a unique embryonic adaptation in which the diffusely distributed ancestral mechanosensory cells became concentrated to generate a large neurosensory precursor population. Morphogenesis of the inner ear is reviewed and shown to depend on genes expressed in and around the hindbrain that interact with the otic placode to define boundaries and polarities. These patterning genes affect downstream genes needed to maintain proliferation and to execute ear morphogenesis. We propose that fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) are a crucial central node to translate patterning into the complex morphology of the vertebrate ear. Unfortunately, the FGF and FGFR genes have not been fully analyzed in the many mutants with morphogenetic ear defects described thus far. Likewise, little information exists on the ear histogenesis and neurogenesis in many mutants. Nevertheless, a molecular mechanism is now emerging for the formation of the horizontal canal, an evolutionary novelty of the gnathostome ear. The existing general module mediating vertical canal growth and morphogenesis was modified by two sets of new genes: one set responsible for horizontal canal morphogenesis and another set for neurosensory formation of the horizontal crista and associated sensory neurons. The dramatic progress in deciphering the molecular basis of ear morphogenesis offers grounds for optimism for translational research toward intervention in human morphogenetic defects of the ear.
Predicted Outcome Value in Initial Conversations

This study provides an initial test of several predicted outcome value theory (Sunnafrank, 1986) propositions. Findings supported all hypotheses tested, demonstrating that during initial conversations predicted outcome value is strongly and positively related to amount of verbal communication, intimacy of communication content, nonverbal affiliation, liking, and perceived similarity.
Production of silicon carbide whiskers from carbon nanoclusters

Abstract We report on a method to produce SiC whiskers without the presence of metal catalysts by reacting carbon nanoclusters with SiO at 1700°C. The dark carbon nanotubes with hollow cores are converted to solid greenish SiC whiskers. Electron diffraction and EDX confirm that the product is SiC with a single crystalline hexagonal phase. TEM reveals the lattice image of the whisker with numerous defects. The formation of SiC whiskers produced from carbon nanotubes without using metal catalyst strongly suggests that the reactivity and atomic configuration of carbon nanotubes are crucial to the formation of whiskers.
Stereochemical terminology and its discontents.

Scrutiny of the purported misuse of some current stereochemical terms shows that obsolescence and faulty syntax may be less of a problem than previously assumed. Furthermore, changes in stereochemical terminology over time are not always due to obsolescence or to novel developments in chemical technology; for example, technical developments played no role whatsoever in the semantic transmutations over time of the terms "diastereomer" and "pseudoasymmetry." Finally, definitions of many stereochemical terms acquire meaning only within a given context and therefore cannot always be easily formulated. A prime example is the definition of "chirality," the concept at the heart of stereochemistry and, not coincidentally, the name of the journal in which this essay appears in print.
IMPACT OF PARTICIPATION IN THE BUDGETARY PROCESS ON MANAGERIAL ATTITUDES AND PERFORMANCE: UNIVERSALISTIC AND CONTINGENCY PERSPECTIVES*

Data from responsibility-center managers reveal that greater budgetary participation contributes to managerial performance and attitudes in high-environmental-uncertainty situations but hampers performance and attitudes in low-uncertainty situations. Higher budgetary participation reduces managers' propensity to create slack in high- (but not in low-) uncertainty conditions.
Concepts and applications for multispectral/hyperspectral focal plane array (FPA) technology

Multispectral, and ultimately hyperspectral, focal plane arrays (FPAs) represent the logical extension of two-color FPA technology, which has already shown its utility in military applications. Incorporating the spectral discrimination function directly in the FPA would offer the potential for orders-of-magnitude increase in remote sensor system performance. It would allow reduction or even elimination of optical components currently required to provide spectral discrimination in atmospheric remote sensors. The result would be smaller, simpler instruments with higher performance than exist today.
Modeling and control of single and multiple evaporator vapor compression cycles for electronics cooling

This paper presents a dynamic model and feedback control strategies for vapor compression cycles (VCC) in electronics cooling applications. A notable difference between traditional VCC and VCC for electronics cooling is that two-phase flow is required at the evaporator outlet in order to avoid burnout. Therefore, the control objective is to avoid critical heat flux during transient heating conditions. An emphasis is placed on the heated accumulator, which is a necessary component to guarantee superheated flow in the compressor suction-line. Addition of heat in the accumulator provides control actuation that may be used to avoid the critical heat flux via the effect on system pressure. In contrast to previous work, we present more detailed evaporator and accumulator models, implement the heated accumulator as a control actuator, and consider both single and multiple evaporator systems. For single evaporator VCC, we use frequency-domain techniques to design a dual-input, proportional-integral controller using accumulator heat and compressor speed. Both simulation and experiment show this design to be superior to strategies that do not actuate accumulator heat. We then use similar design strategies to develop a controller for the much more challenging two-evaporator VCC.
Phase Transitions and Structures of Novel Pyrenes Potentially Useful in Photovoltaic Applications

A series of conjugated compounds, 6,7,15,16-tetrakis(alkylthio)quinoxalino[2′,3′:9,10]phenanthro[4,5-abc]phenazine (TQPP-[SCn]4) (n = 6, 8, 10, and 12), which display p-channel characteristics was synthesized. These materials show promise for use in liquid crystalline photovoltaic applications. To determine their applicability, the different phase structures and transitions of these compounds were studied with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized light microscopy (PLM), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Using TQPP-[SC12]4 as a model compound, DSC and 1D WAXD results showed that this compound possesses four crystalline, but no liquid crystalline, phases. Based on structural results obtained from 2D WAXD experiments on oriented samples and SAED patterns from single crystals, the unit cell of the lowest temperature TQPP-[SC12]4 crystalline phase (K1) was determined to be monoclinic with dimensions...
The chorionic gonadotropin alpha-subunit gene is on human chromosome 18 in JEG cells

Abstract The gene for the alpha subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has been tentatively assigned to human chromosome 18. This localization was accomplished through the use of Southern blot analysis. A full-length cDNA probe for the hCG alpha subunit and DNA isolated from a series of somatic hybrids between mouse and human cells were utilized to make this assignment. In addition, in situ hybridization with normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes as a source of human chromosomes and with the same cDNA probe confirmed this result. The presence of human chromosome 18 was required for the detection of DNA fragments characteristic of the alpha-hCG gene. These results are consistent with our previous observation that human chromosomes 10 and 18 are required for the production of hCG in cultured cells.
Sensory fibers resistant to the actions of tetrodotoxin mediate nocifensive responses to local administration of endothelin-1 in rats

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) applied to the sciatic nerve or injected into the plantar hindpaw of rats induces pain behavior (ipsilateral hindpaw flinching) and selective excitation of nociceptors by activation of endothelin-A (ET(A)) receptors. To determine the pharmacological profile of the sensory fibers that mediate this pain behavior, we administered lidocaine (LID, a non-selective conduction blocker) or tetrodotoxin (TTX) prior to ET-1. LID (1 or 2%, 0.1 ml) was injected percutaneously into the sciatic notch, or TTX (10 microM, 4 microl) was injected into the sciatic nerve prior to the more distal application of ET-1 (400 microM, 40 microl) onto the sciatic nerve or subcutaneously into the plantar hindpaw (400 microM, 10 microl). LID inhibited ET-1-induced flinching in a dose-dependent manner; the mean total number of flinches was reduced by 39% for 1% LID and by 87% for 2% LID. In contrast, TTX failed to inhibit flinching behavior induced by sciatic nerve application of ET-1 despite a similar magnitude of motor and sensory blockade as that observed with 2% LID. Partial blockade of flinching behavior by intraneural TTX (mean total flinches were reduced by 51%) was observed after subcutaneous injection of ET-1. Unexpectedly, ET-1 prolonged the actions of 1% LID and, even when applied alone, produced clear signs of motor and sensory conduction block. These results are evidence that ET-1-induced pain is transmitted to the central nervous system via sensory fibers using tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels, and that ET-1 has analgesic actions that exist despite the activation of local pain pathways.
Vav3 oncogene activates estrogen receptor and its overexpression may be involved in human breast cancer

Background Our previous study revealed that Vav3 oncogene is overexpressed in human prostate cancer, activates androgen receptor, and stimulates growth in prostate cancer cells. The current study is to determine a potential role of Vav3 oncogene in human breast cancer and impact on estrogen receptor a (ERα)-mediated signaling axis.