cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Precursor and Cross-linking Parameters on the Properties of Dextran-Allyl Isocyanate-Ethylamine/Poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate) Biodegradable Hydrogels and Their Release of Ovalbumin

In this paper, we studied the effects of molecular weight of poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate) (PEGDA) precursor, the degree of substitution (DS) of both allyl isocyanate (AI) and amine groups in dextran-based precursor (Dex-AE), and photoinitiator concentration on Dex-AE/PEGDA hydrogel formation and its ovalbumin (OVA) release. FT-IR spectra showed chemical bond interaction between amine and urethane groups of the hydrogel carriers with OVA. The increase in PEGDA molecular weight led to a faster OVA release because of a more open gel network structure. The study on the DS of AI in Dex-AE precursor showed that an increase in AI did not result in a prominent gel network structure difference. However, the urethane groups in Dex-AE precursor showed some interactions with OVA and, thus, resulted in a slower release rate. The incorporation of amine group into Dex-AE precursor did not affect the gel network structure, but reduced the OVA release rate, and the level of reduction increased with an increasing amine group substitution into the Dex-AE precursor. This reduction could be attributed to the interaction between the amine groups in the gel carrier and OVA. An increase in the photoinitiator concentration showed no effect on the gel network structure or OVA release.
Functionalism and Grammar

This book is Prof. Givon's long-awaited critical examination of the fundamental theoretical and methodological underpinnings of the functionalist approach to grammar. It challenges functionalists to take their own medicine and establish non-circular empirical definitions of both 'function' and 'structure'. Ideological hand-waving, however fervent and right-thinking, is seldom an adequate substitute for analytic rigor and empirical responsibility. If the reductionist extremism of the various structuralist schools is to be challenged on solid intellectual grounds, the challenge cannot itself be equally extreme in its reductionism. The book is divided into nine chapters: 1. Prospectus, somewhat jaundiced (overview) 2. Markedness as meta-iconicity: Distributional and cognitive correlates of syntactic structure 3. The functional basis of grammatical typology 4. Modal prototypes of truth and action 5. Taking structure seriously: Constituency and the VP node 6. Taking structure seriously II: Grammatical relations and clause union 7. The distribution of grammar in text: On interpreting conditional associations 8. Coming to terms with cognition: Coherence in text vs. coherence in mind 9. On the co-evolution of language, mind and brain.
Remote sensing observations of ocean physical and biological properties in the region of the Southern Ocean Iron Experiment (SOFeX)

Satellite remote sensing estimates of surface chlorophyll, temperature, wind speed, and sea ice cover are examined in the region of the Southern Ocean Iron Experiment (SOFeX). Our objectives are to place SOFeX into a regional context and highlight regional mesoscale spatial and monthly temporal variability. SOFeX fertilized two patches with iron, one south of the Antarctic Polar Front (PF) and one north of the PF but south of the Subantarctic Front (SAF). Satellite-observable phytoplankton blooms developed in both patches. The spring sea ice retreat near the south patch site was delayed in the 2001–2002 season, in turn delaying the naturally occurring, modest spring bloom in this region. Ambient surface chlorophyll concentrations for the area surrounding the southern patch during January 2002 are low (mean 0.26 mg/m3) compared with climatological January values (0.42 mg/m3). Regions east and west at similar latitudes exhibited higher mean chlorophyll concentrations (0.79 and 0.74 mg/m3, respectively). These modest phytoplankton blooms were likely stimulated by melting sea ice via changes in the light-mixing regime and release of iron and were smaller in magnitude than the iron-induced bloom within the SOFeX southern patch (>3 mg/m3). Iron inputs from melting ice may drive much of the natural spatial and temporal variability within the seasonal ice zone. Mean chlorophyll concentrations surrounding the SOFeX northern patch site were similar to climatological values during the SOFeX season. The northern patch was stretched into a long, thin filament along the southern boundary of the SAF, likely increasing the mixing/dilution rate with surrounding waters.
Sound speed in liquid lead at high temperatures

A dynamic technique, the isobaric expansion experiment (IEX), is used to reach high-temperature and pressure states in liquid lead. A unique technique is described for making sound-speed measurements once a final equilibrium end state is obtained. Data over an extended density range are presented. The sound speed in liquid lead over this range appears to vary linearly with density and has no dependence on temperature within our experimental precision (±7 %).
Changes in international radiation protection standards.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP, is the only organization that has ever effectively set standards at the international level for protection from exposure to ionizing radiation. Thus, this paper deals primarily with the ICRP, its shortcomings, and changes that should be made in ICRP and its operation. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A new method of measuring optical phonons in amorphous solids: Analysis of the mean square relative displacement of EXAFS

Abstract The advantages of using EXAFS as a vibrational probe to measure optical phonons are demonstrated for the cases of c- and a-As, c- and g-As 2 S 3 , c-As 2 Se 3 , c-AS 4 S 4 , c-AsI 3 and c-AsBr 3 .
Contamination concerns in the modular containerless processing facility

This paper describes the problems of the control and management of contamination in the Modular Containerless Processing Facility (MCPF), that is being currently developed at the JPL for the Space Station, and in the MCPF's precursor version, called the Drop Physics Module (DPM), which will be carried aboard one or more Space Shuttle missions. Attention is given to the identification of contamination sources, their mode of transport to the sample positioned within the chamber, and the protection of the sample, as well as to the mathematical simulatiom of the contaminant transport. It is emphasized that, in order to choose and implement the most appropriate contamination control strategy for each investigator, a number of simplified mathematical simulations will have to be developed, and ground-based contamination experiments will have to be carried out with identical materials.
KOI-3278: A Self-Lensing Binary Star System

Over 40% of Sun-like stars are bound in binary or multistar systems. Stellar remnants in edge-on binary systems can gravitationally magnify their companions, as predicted 40 years ago. By using data from the Kepler spacecraft, we report the detection of such a "self-lensing" system, in which a 5-hour pulse of 0.1% amplitude occurs every orbital period. The white dwarf stellar remnant and its Sun-like companion orbit one another every 88.18 days, a long period for a white dwarf-eclipsing binary. By modeling the pulse as gravitational magnification (microlensing) along with Kepler's laws and stellar models, we constrain the mass of the white dwarf to be ~63% of the mass of our Sun. Further study of this system, and any others discovered like it, will help to constrain the physics of white dwarfs and binary star evolution.
Characterization of the role of melanoma growth stimulatory activity (MGSA) in the growth of normal melanocytes, nevocytes, and malignant melanocytes

Melanoma growth stimulatory activity (MGSA) was originally described as an endogenous growth factor for human melanoma cells. To test the hypothesis that an MGSA autocrine loop is responsible for the partial freedom from growth control observed in nevocytes and melanoma cells, MGSA growth response and MGSA mRNA/protein levels were examined in these cells compared with normal melanocytes. As a single agent, or in combination with other factors, MGSA stimulated the growth of normal human epidermal melanocytes as well as other growth promoters for melanocytes. Nevocytes were not as responsive to exogenous MGSA as melanocytes. MGSA mRNA was minimal or not detected in cultured normal melanocytes, although the protein was present when the cells were cultured in the presence of serum/growth factors and absent when serum/growth factors were omitted. In contrast, MGSA mRNA was constitutively expressed in the absence of exogenous growth factors in cultures established from benign intradermal and dysplastic nevi and melanoma lesions in different stages of tumor progression. Nevus cultures contained immunoreactive MGSA protein in the presence of serum but were negative or only faintly positive in the absence of serum. Melanoma cell lines were positive for MGSA protein in both the presence and the absence of serum. Thus, continued expression of both MGSA mRNA and MGSA protein in the absence of exogenous hormones or serum factors may correlate with partial freedom from growth control exhibited by malignant melanocytes.
A Further Look at Flexibilities and Elasticities

Relationships between price elasticities and price flexibilities are examined, with emphasis on comparing sizes of difference between a directly estimated demand matrix and an inverted demand matrix. Results show that by using inverted elasticities to represent flexibilities or vice versa, sizable measurement errors may be committed. In agricultural policy and program analysis, a directly estimated demand matrix should be used.
Analyses of the stability and function of three surface mutants (R82C, K69H, and L32R) of the gene V protein from Ff phage by X-ray crystallography.

The high-resolution crystal structure of the gene V protein (GVP) from the Ff filamentous phages (M13, fl, fd) has been solved recently for the wild-type and two surface mutant (Y41F and Y41H) proteins, leading to a plausible model for the polymeric GVP-ssDNA complex (Guan Y, Zhang H, Wang AHJ, 1995, Protein Sci 4:187-197). The model of the complex shows extensive contacts between neighboring dimer GVPs involving electrostatic interactions between the K69 from one and the D79 and R82 from the next dimer. In addition, hydrophobic interactions between the amino acids L32 and L44 from one and G23 from the next dimer also contribute to the dimer-dimer interactions. Mutations at the L32, K69, and R82 amino acid sites generally destabilize the protein and many of these affect the function of the phage. We have studied the structural effects of three mutant proteins involving those sites, i.e., L32R, K69H, and R82C, by X-ray crystallographic analysis at 2.0 A resolution. In L32R GVP, the structural perturbation is localized, whereas in K69H and R82C GVPs, some long-range effects are also detected in addition to the local perturbation. We have interpreted the protein stability and the functional properties associated with those mutations in terms of the observed structural perturbations.
Inhibiting vasculogenesis after radiation: a new paradigm to improve local control by radiotherapy.

Tumors are supported by blood vessels, and it has long been debated whether their response to irradiation is affected by radiation damage to the vasculature. We have shown in preclinical models that, indeed, radiation is damaging to the tumor vasculature and strongly inhibits tumor angiogenesis. However, the vasculature can recover by colonization from circulating cells, primarily proangiogenenic CD11b+ monocytes or macrophages from the bone marrow. This secondary pathway of blood vessel formation, known as vasculogenesis, thus acts to restore the tumor vasculature and allows the tumor to recur following radiation. The stimulus for the influx of these CD11b+ cells into tumors following irradiation is the increased levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 in the tumor due to induced tumor hypoxia secondary to blood vessel loss. This increases tumor levels of the chemokine stromal cell–derived factor-1, which has chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 on monocytes and endothelial cells thereby capturing these cells in the tumors. The increase in CD11b+ monocytes in tumors following irradiation can be prevented using antibodies or small molecules that inhibit hypoxia-inducible factor-1 or the interaction of stromal cell–derived factor-1 with its receptors. We show that the effect of inhibiting these chemokine-chemokine receptor interactions is a marked increase in the radiation response of transplanted or chemically induced tumors in mice and rats. This strategy of inhibiting vasculogenesis following tumor irradiation is a new paradigm in radiotherapy and suggests that higher levels of local control of tumors in several sites would be achievable with this strategy.
p16, Ki-67, and BD ProEx™C immunostaining: a practical approach for diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Summary p16, Ki-67, and BD ProEx™C (TriPath Imaging, Inc., Burlington, NC) have each been shown to be helpful adjuncts in the diagnosis and grading of human papillomavirus–associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. However, no clear guidelines are available regarding their use in routine practice. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the 3 stains alone and in combinations to determine the most useful strategy in the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and provide guidance in instances with discordant staining patterns. Serial sections of 136 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cervical samples with consensus diagnoses of 39 benign-reactive, 46 low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN I/human papillomavirus), and 51 high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CINII/III) were immunostained using p16, Ki-67, and BD ProEx™C antibodies. Results of high-risk human papillomavirus testing were available in 70 cases. Immunostaining patterns were designated as negative, intermediate, and strongly positive based on the patterns observed most commonly in benign-reactive, low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia lesions, respectively. A concordant staining pattern with all 3 stains correctly identified benign-reactive, low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia cases. p16 was the most sensitive and specific individual stain (sensitivity, 33%; specificity, 93%; positive predictive value [PPV], 81%; negative predictive value [NPV], 58%). Performing all 3 immunostains and using concordant results of any 2 improved diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, 35%; specificity, 98%; PPV, 93%; NPV, 67%). However, a significant proportion of low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia cases showed aberrant staining patterns with 52% staining negative and 9% staining strongly positive. Low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia cases with the negative staining pattern were more likely to be negative for high-risk human papillomavirus, whereas those showing the strongly positive staining pattern were high-risk human papillomavirus positive. Performing p16 and BD ProEx™C initially followed by Ki-67 only when p16 and BD ProEx™C yielded discordant results provided similar diagnostic accuracy at reduced cost because only one third of the cases required the additional stain.
Regulation of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein.

Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) facilitates the transport of dietary and endogenous fat by the intestine and liver by assisting in the assembly and secretion of triglyceride-rich apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins. Higher concentrations of apolipoprotein B lipoproteins predispose individuals to various cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity and the metabolic syndrome. These can potentially be avoided by reducing MTP activity. In this article, we discuss regulation of MTP during development, cellular differentiation and diurnal variation. Furthermore, we focus on the regulation of MTP that occurs at transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational levels. Transcriptional regulation of MTP depends on a few highly conserved cis-elements in the promoter. Several transcription factors that bind to these elements and either increase or decrease MTP expression have been identified. Additionally, MTP is regulated by macronutrients, hormone...
Comparing and coupling a water quality and a fisheries ecosystem model of the Chesapeake Bay for the exploratory assessment of resource management strategies

The Chesapeake Bay (CB) is the North America’s largest estuary and is a highly productive ecosystem. State and Federal agencies have been working for over two decades to implement ecosystem-based management (EBM), which will allow the understanding of the impacts of cumulative stressors and enable decision-making that incorporates trade-offs in ecosystemgoods and services. To effectivelymove towards EBM, models that account for bottom-up (e.g. eutrophication) as well as top-down (e.g. fisheries harvest) drivers are necessary. One step towards the integrated analysis of ecosystem stressors is to integrate the existing models that capture bottom-up and top-down effects. In this paper, the efforts of integrating the CB fisheries ecosystem model and the water quality model are described. Specifically, to achieve the integration of these two models, the methods for (i) model comparisons and (ii) model coupling outlined in a report by the CB Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee are implemented for this paper. Comparative analyses of the two models were performed to assess the model structure uncertainty. Broad indirect coupling of these models allows connections between water quality and commercially and recreationally important species to bemade and used to assess trade-offs betweenwater qualitymanagement goals and fisheries management goals.
On the use of the QOBE algorithm central and noncentral estimators in speech classification

The quasioptimal bounding ellipsoid (QOBE) algorithms have emerged as potential candidates in many digital signal processing applications for their efficiency in estimating the parameter set of an unknown system. In this work we investigate the use of the QOBE noncentral estimator for identifying an unknown vowel sound from a set of known vowels. We select estimates from different quadrants and distances within the QOBE final ellipsoid to find the best estimates. We define the best estimates as those estimates that result in the highest amount of accuracy and precision according to predefined criterion. We conduct simulations to evaluate the performance of the best QOBE estimates in vowel identification. We conclude on the different selections by comparing the accuracy of the speech identification. We also conclude that the use of QOBE noncentral estimates results in accurate vowel identification.
Fault identification for robot manipulators

Several factors must be considered for robotic task execution in the presence of a fault, including: detection, identification, and accommodation for the fault. In this paper, a nonlinear observer is used to identify a class of actuator faults once the fault has been detected by some other method. Advantages of the proposed fault-identification method are that it is based on the nonlinear dynamic model of a robot manipulator (and hence, can be extended to a number of general Euler Lagrange systems), it does not require acceleration measurements, and it is independent from the controller. A Lyapunov-based analysis is provided to prove that the developed fault observer converges to the actual fault. Experimental results are provided to illustrate the performance of the identification method.
Context-response linkage.

Brindley (1969) proposed that we initially generate movements “consciously,” under higher cerebral control. As the movement is practiced, the cerebellum learns to link within itself the context in which the movement is made to the lower level movement generators. Marr, (1969) Albus (1971), and Ito (1972) proposed that the linkage is established by a special input from the inferior olive, which plays upon an input-output element within the cerebellum during the period of the learning. When the linkage is complete, the occurrence of the context (represented by a certain input to the cerebellum) will trigger (through the cerebellum) the appropriate motor response. The “learned” movement is distinguished from the “unlearned” conscious movement by being automatic, rapid, and stereotyped. Another important variable can be added to the idea of the context-response linkage: novel combinations of downstream elements. With regard to the motor system, this could explain how varied combinations of muscles may become active in precise time-amplitude specifications so as to produce coordinated movements appropriate to specific contexts. This chapter further extends this idea to the prernotor parts of the brain and their role in cognition. These areas receive influences from the cerebellum and are active both in planning movements that are to be executed and in thinking about movements that are not to be executed. Evidence shows that the cerebellar output extends even to what has been characterized as the ultimate frontal planning area, the “prefrontal” cortex, area 46. The cerebellum thus may be involved in context-response linkage and in response combination even at these higher levels. The implication would be that, through practice, an experiential context would automatically evoke a certain mental action plan. The plan would be in the realm of thought and could-but need not-lead to execution. The specific cerebellar contribution would be one of the context linkage and the shaping of the response through trial and error learning. The prefrontal and premotor areas could still plan without the help of the cerebellum, but not so automatically, rapidly, stereotypically, so precisely linked to context, or so free of error. Nor would their activities improve optimally with mental practice.
Does Firm Life Cycle Inform the Relation between Book-Tax Differences and Earnings Persistence?

Existing literature consistently documents a relation between book-tax differences and future financial performance. Specifically, Hanlon (2005) finds that large book-tax differences are associated with lower earnings persistence. I contend that one reason the tax information contained in financial statements is informative about future earnings is that the relation between book income and taxable income captures information about a firm’s life cycle stage. Using life cycle measures from the accounting literature, I use fundamental analysis to group firm-year observations into life cycle stages and document a link between book-tax differences and firm life cycle. I find that controlling for firm life cycle stage weakens the association between large book-tax differences and lower earnings persistence. I also find that life cycle explains a portion of investor valuation of earnings persistence for firms with large book-tax differences. My results offer an explanation grounded in economic theory for a portion of the relation between book-tax differences and earnings persistence documented in prior research.
Voxelwise Spectral Diffusional Connectivity and Its Applications to Alzheimer’s Disease and Intelligence Prediction

Human brain connectivity can be studied using graph theory. Many connectivity studies parcellate the brain into regions and count fibres extracted between them. The resulting network analyses require validation of the tractography, as well as region and parameter selection. Here we investigate whole brain connectivity from a different perspective. We propose a mathematical formulation based on studying the eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix of the diffusion tensor field at the voxel level. This voxelwise matrix has over a million parameters, but we derive the Kirchhoff complexity and eigen-spectrum through elegant mathematical theorems, without heavy computation. We use these novel measures to accurately estimate the voxelwise connectivity in multiple biomedical applications such as Alzheimer’s disease and intelligence prediction.
A virtual reality Operator Interface station with hydraulic hardware-in-the-loop simulation for prototyping excavator control systems

A multimodal operator interface station is developed to display a realistic virtual reality depiction of a compact excavator performing general digging tasks. The interface station includes engine audio feedback and a near life-size operator display attached to a full-size cab. The excavator dynamics are determined by models of the hydraulic system, the linkage system, and the soil digging forces. To maximize the fidelity of the hydraulic model, certain “virtual” components of the model are replaced with real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations of the actual hardware. HIL simulation is done in a geographically isolated facility, with Internet based communication between HIL and the Remote Operator Interface. This is the first reported high-fidelity operator interface to be combined with remote hydraulic HIL simulations.
Measurement Issues of Service Use Among Elders

In spite of the frequency with which researchers study service use, there is no clear consensus about how to best measure service use. This article provides a critical analysis of how service use is defined and measured among elders. Specific questions focused on how services are defined and classified, how service use is operationalized, and how the data on service use are collected. Through a comprehensive search of several databases, 20 studies measuring service use among elders and published from 2001 to 2006 were analyzed. Results revealed that most research focused on the health service use among older adults. Services were distinguished and classified based on type of service provided in a majority of the studies. The majority of the studies quantified service use dichotomously in terms of use and nonuse, whereas more than one-third qualified service use in terms of frequency of some unit. Self-report and provider records are two sources of information about service utilization among elders. The su...
The elusive nature of reasonableness

Twenty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court set the standard for determining what constitutes appropriate police use-of-force behavior in Graham v. Connor (1989). More specifically, the court stated that the use of force by police officers must be judged under an “objectively reasonable” standard and went on to offer direction as to how this should be applied. Among other specifications, the court noted that force should be judged “from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight” and “in light of the facts and circumstances confronting them, without regard to their underlying intent or motivation.”1 Although such a determination may have offered some degree of clarity from a legal viewpoint (see Alpert and Smith, 1994), the issue of what is, and what is not, an objectively reasonable action on the part of a police officer remains a tricky proposition. If we take a step back and consider the issue from a broader perspective, this should not come as a surprise. Determining “reasonableness” in any endeavor is at times simple and yet at other times tremendously difficult. Although the elements or parts can be numerous, one of the main ingredients is sound judgment. At one end of the spectrum, the simplicity of reasonableness is on display throughout our daily experiences. For instance, when the temperature drops below freezing, most people wear some type of outer garment to protect against the cold. Given the physiology of the human body to withstand such conditions without some form of protection, it is certainly
A PHASE 2, DOUBLE-BLIND, RANDOMIZED, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED, MULTICENTER TRIAL OF THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF PLASMID DNA EXPRESSING 2 ISOFORMS OF HEPATOCYTE GROWTH FACTOR IN PATIENTS WITH CRITICAL LIMB ISCHEMIA

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has shown promise in treating patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). We performed this phase II study to assess the safety and efficacy of the intramuscular (IM) injection of VM202, plasmid DNA expressing 2 isoforms of HGF, in CLI patients. We enrolled 52
Analysis of Complaints in a Rural Emergency Medical Service System

IntroductionThe health care industry is increasingly focused on customer service, one aspect of which is dealing with customer complaints. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and nature of complaints against prehospital providers in a rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.MethodsThis retrospective study of logged complaints utilized data from May 28, 1999 through September 26, 2008. All complaints were investigated by a single trained staff member of the regional EMS office. He interviewed witnesses, and reviewed statements and other documentation related to the complaints. Each complaint was classified into one of four categories: (1) operational; (2) clinical; (3) educational; or (4) customer service. In addition, each complaint was examined to determine if the grievance was founded. The study was conducted in a seven-county region of western Pennsylvania with a population of 639,641 and more than 3,000 EMS providers.ResultsThere were 110 complaints over a nine-year period (approximately 12 per year). Forty were considered unfounded complaints (43%) and 49 persons (45%) had made more than a single complaint. No EMS provider had an EMS certification suspended or revoked based on a clinically-related complaint. The data revealed a substantial number of complaints for which insufficient information was available to allow a conclusion based on reasonable certainty or the degree of certainty expected of a reasonable person evaluating the facts.ConclusionOne hundred ten complaints were logged for the study EMS program. No complaints violated treatment protocols. Forty complaints were unfounded. There were 49 “repeat” complaints against providers who had previously had complaints made against them.RisaviBL, BuzzardE, HeileCJ. Analysis of Complaints in a Rural Emergency Medical Service System. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(2):1-3.
Metallizations for surface acoustic wave resonators. Film properties and device characteristics

All-quartz packaged surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator devices with interdigital transducers fabricated using electron-beam evaporated aluminium or copper-doped aluminium films which incorporate small amounts of either silicon or titanium are evaluated. The electrical characteristics discussed include: sealing-induced frequency shifts and residual flicker noise, as well as random and systematic long-term frequency stabilities. The data obtained thus far indicate that doping the interdigital transducers with a combination of both copper and titanium can result in SAW resonator devices with both excellent residual flicker noise and long-term frequency stabilities, even when the devices operate under conditions resulting in extremely high acoustic stress levels. In contrast, resonator devices fabricated using aluminium films doped with only silicon or titanium display both poor flicker noise and long-term frequency stabilities, even when operated at relatively modest stress levels. >
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Evaluation of Community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the Emergency Department

Abstract Background Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections commonly present as skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs). Treatment often includes incision and drainage with or without adjunctive antibiotics. Emergency department (ED) pharmacists wished to provide specific data to emergency physicians to better inform antibiotic choices for patients with SSTIs. Study Objectives The objectives of this study were to describe local susceptibility trends of CA-MRSA isolates obtained from patients with SSTIs and describe diagnostic and empiric therapeutic management of CA-MRSA SSTIs among ED health care providers at University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics. Methods Susceptibility of all unique CA-MRSA SSTI isolates for 2008 were identified and compiled into an antibiogram. ED providers evaluated their diagnostic and treatment habits using a self-assessment questionnaire, which was verified against charted information documented in the electronic medical records for patients presenting to the ED with a CA-MRSA SSTI. Results The ED antibiogram indicated that 57/58 (98%) CA-MRSA SSTI isolates were susceptible to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMX/TMP); 50/58 (86%) isolates were susceptible to tetracycline, and 47/58 (81%) isolates were susceptible to clindamycin. Incision and drainage were performed in 23/25 (92%) patient cases, which was consistent with providers’ perceived habits (100%). SMX/TMP monotherapy was preferred among 23/35 (66%) providers, however, SMX/TMP combined with cephalexin was the antibiotic regimen prescribed in 9/22 (41%) patient cases. Conclusions Cephalexin was often added to cover for potential cellulitis due to Streptococcus spp., however, the surrounding erythema may simply be an extension of the CA-MRSA infection. Department-specific antibiograms are useful in guiding empiric antibiotic selection and may help providers judiciously prescribe antibiotics only when necessary.
On the eigenfunction expansion of dyadic Green's functions

As a result of an error, the singular behavior of the eigenfunction expansion of the dyadic Green's function is not correctly formulated in my book (C. T. Tai, Dyadic Green's Functions in Electromagnetic Theory, Scranton, Pa.: International Textbook, 1971). The correct expressions are given here and an improved method for deriving the residue series is presented.
Novel codeword selection strategy for MIMO precoding with limited channel state information feedback

A novel strategy codeword selection (called partial channel precoding) for channel state information (CSI) in a limited feedback scenario is proposed. Consider as an example the CSI codebook in the 3GPP LTE system of a 4×4 MIMO structure. Rather than using the traditional method of selecting the nearest codebook to the right singular vectors of the entire channel matrix, a partial match that aims to place the third and fourth signal streams near the null space of the first two receive antennas is presented. Combined with the successive interference cancellation scheme, this novel codeword selection strategy is shown to improve SINR and subsequently the frame error rate performance of a MIMO-OFDM system.
Auditory-Visual and Temporal-Spatial Pattern Matching Performance of Two Types of Learning-Disabled Children

Normal readers, learning-disabled readers with a visual processing dysfunction, and learning-disabled readers with an auditory processing dysfunction in grades two through four were compared on the following six pattern-matching tasks: auditory-temporal to visual-spatial (At-Vs), auditory-temporal to visual-temporal (At-Vt), visual-temporal to visual spatial (Vt-Vs), auditory-temporal to auditory-temporal (At-At), visual-temporal to visual-temporal (Vt-Vt), and visual spatial to visual-spatial (Vs-Vs). The results indicated a significant difference between the normal readers and the learning-disabled readers on the At-Vs and At-Vt tasks but not on the Vt-Vs task, which was interpreted in terms of learning-disabled readers being deficient in auditory-visual integration rather than temporal-spatial integration skills. A significant effect of learning disability type was also identified on the Vt-Vt and Vs-Vs tasks but not on the At-At or Vt-Vs tasks. These results were discussed in terms of differences in m...
Meta‐Analysis of Genome‐Wide Association Studies with Correlated Individuals: Application to the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Investigators often meta-analyze multiple genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to increase the power to detect associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a trait. Meta-analysis is also performed within a single cohort that is stratified by, e.g., sex or ancestry group. Having correlated individuals among the strata may complicate meta-analyses, limit power, and inflate Type 1 error. For example, in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), sources of correlation include genetic relatedness, shared household, and shared community. We propose a novel mixed-effect model for meta-analysis, "MetaCor," which accounts for correlation between stratum-specific effect estimates. Simulations show that MetaCor controls inflation better than alternatives such as ignoring the correlation between the strata or analyzing all strata together in a "pooled" GWAS, especially with different minor allele frequencies (MAFs) between strata. We illustrate the benefits of MetaCor on two GWASs in the HCHS/SOL. Analysis of dental caries (tooth decay) stratified by ancestry group detected a genome-wide significant SNP (rs7791001, P-value = 3.66×10-8, compared to 4.67×10-7 in pooled), with different MAFs between strata. Stratified analysis of body mass index (BMI) by ancestry group and sex reduced overall inflation from λGC=1.050 (pooled) to λGC=1.028 (MetaCor). Furthermore, even after removing close relatives to obtain nearly uncorrelated strata, a naive stratified analysis resulted in λGC=1.058 compared to λGC=1.027 for MetaCor.
The Development of Patient Scheduling Groups for an Effective Appointment System

Patient access to care and long wait times has been identified as major problems in outpatient delivery systems. These aspects impact medical staff productivity, service quality, clinic efficiency, and health-care cost. This study proposed to redesign existing patient types into scheduling groups so that the total cost of clinic flow and scheduling flexibility was minimized. The optimal scheduling group aimed to improve clinic efficiency and accessibility. The proposed approach used the simulation optimization technique and was demonstrated in a Primary Care physician clinic. Patient type included, emergency/urgent care (ER/UC), follow-up (FU), new patient (NP), office visit (OV), physical exam (PE), and well child care (WCC). One scheduling group was designed for this physician. The approach steps were to collect physician treatment time data for each patient type, form the possible scheduling groups, simulate daily clinic flow and patient appointment requests, calculate costs of clinic flow as well as appointment flexibility, and find the scheduling group that minimized the total cost. The cost of clinic flow was minimized at the scheduling group of four, an 8.3% reduction from the group of one. The four groups were: 1. WCC, 2. OV, 3. FU and ER/UC, and 4. PE and NP. The cost of flexibility was always minimized at the group of one. The total cost was minimized at the group of two. WCC was considered separate and the others were grouped together. The total cost reduction was 1.3% from the group of one. This study provided an alternative method of redesigning patient scheduling groups to address the impact on both clinic flow and appointment accessibility. Balance between them ensured the feasibility to the recognized issues of patient service and access to care. The robustness of the proposed method on the changes of clinic conditions was also discussed.
Basics of Optical Spectroscopy

Interaction with light is described by Maxwell’s equations, yielding in a phenomenological theory of reflection, transmission and absorption. Semiconductors with optical absorption are discussed. Optical constants and refraction index for element and II–V compound semiconductor are tabulated. Complex electrical conductivity tensor is given. The dielectric constant tensor and dielectric polarization is tabulated for such compounds. The measurement of optical parameters, such as reflection and transmission in dielectrics, and in semiconductors is described. The Abac chart is introduced. Modulation spectroscopy is described. Absorption constant and reflection table for element and III–V semiconductors are given. Band to band transitions are discussed.
Middle-Aged Offspring’s Support to Aging Parents With Emerging Disability

Purpose of the Study A vast literature has examined family caregivers, but few studies explore transitions from providing ordinary support to parents to situations involving increasing dependency. Using 2 waves of data, we examined how parents' increasing disability in activities of daily living (ADL) is associated with changes in everyday support patterns, relationship quality, and psychological well-being of middle-aged offspring, taking into account other informal and paid help to the parent. Design and Methods Three hundred and eighty middle-aged adults reported on everyday support they provided to each parent (N = 487) and parent's ADL at baseline and 5 years later. Results Increased parents' disability led to increases in offspring's support, in particular tangible support. Support given by offspring was lower when parents received paid help but was not affected by help from other informal members (e.g., family members, friends). Increased disability was associated with decreases in positive relationship quality with parents; as well, offspring who provided actual help with ADL reported increases in negative relationship quality. Implications The effects of increasing parents' disability on relationship quality and involvement of other informal and paid help may have implications for the longer-term impact of care on both offspring and their parents.
Development of Oligonucleotide Microarray for High Throughput DNA Methylation Analysis

DNA methylation is a key event regulating gene expression. DNA methylation analysis plays a pivotal role in unlocking association of epigenetic events with cancer. However, simultaneous evaluation of the methylation status of multiple genes is still a technical challenge. Microarray is a promising approach for high-throughput analysis of the methylation status at numerous CpG sites within multiple genes of interest. In this dissertation study, we conducted a systematic study to examine the use of microarray methods for methylation analysis. First, a robust universal microarray was established with more flexible in design and content, and potential cost saving over commercial arrays. In order to produce high quality microarray data, we optimized the attachment chemistry for the modified oligonucleotides, searched for the good combination of fluorescent dyes, and
Beta-hydroxybutyrate Concentrations in Dogs with Acute Pancreatitis and Without Diabetes Mellitus.

Background β-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) concentrations have not been quantified in dogs with acute pancreatitis (AP). Objective The aim of this study was to investigate BOHB concentrations in dogs with AP. Animals A total of 154 client-owned dogs without DM. Methods Prospective clinical study. Dogs were enrolled into 1 of 3 groups: AP, sick without an AP diagnosis, or fasted. Dogs were diagnosed with AP (44) if they had vomiting or anorexia, and either ultrasonographic findings consistent with AP or increased pancreatic lipase. Sick dogs without AP (68) had vomiting or anorexia but a diagnosis of AP was either not suspected or was excluded based on ultrasonographic findings or a normal pancreatic lipase. Dogs without anorexia or vomiting that were fasted for over 10 hours for a procedure were also enrolled (42). BOHB was measured on whole blood with a portable ketone meter. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare BOHB in the 3 groups. Pair-wise comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney test and Bonferroni corrected P-values are reported. Results Median BOHB concentration was significantly higher in dogs with AP (0.3 mmol/L, range 0–2.9 mmol/L) compared to sick dogs without AP (0.20 mmol/L, range 0–0.9 mmol/L, P = .007) and fasted dogs (0.1 mmol/L, range 0–0.4 mmol/L, P = .0001). Median BOHB concentration was significantly higher in sick dogs without AP compared to fasted dogs (P = .0002). Conclusions and clinical importance In dogs without DM, BOHB is significantly higher in dogs with AP compared to other dogs. The diagnostic utility of this finding remains to be investigated.
Long-term cytokine alterations following allogeneic blood transfusion.

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic blood transfusion is associated with an increased risk of infection and higher cancer recurrence rates. Previous research has shown that blood transfusion results in multiple immune effects, including cytokine alterations. The purpose of this study was to measure the long term kinetics of splenocyte cytokine production in transfused mice. METHODS: Balb/c mice received either syngeneic transfusion (Syn-BT) or allogeneic transfusion (Allo-BT) from C3H-HeN mice. Splenocyte production of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-gamma was quantitated by ELISA on post-transfusion days 5, 10, 21, and 30. RESULTS: Both Allo-BT and Syn-BT produced significant alterations in cytokine production, but Allo-BT produced the most dramatic and enduring effects as summarized: IL-2: Production of IL-2 was suppressed at day 5, (p < 0.0001), but then rose, peaking at day 21, 30% greater than control values (p < 0.05). IL-6: Allo-BT mice showed suppression of IL-6 throughout the study period (p < 0.005 vs controls, each time point). IL-10: A 5-fold increase in IL-10 production was seen at day 5 after Allo-BT (p < 0.0001 vs control). Production of IL-10 was suppressed at days 10 and 21 (p < 0.001), but returned to control levels by day 30, gamma-IFN: At day 5 post Allo-BT, gamma-IFN was 4 x greater than controls (p < 0.0001). Gamma-IFN production was suppressed at day 10, but then rose at days 21 and 30 to nearly 3 x control levels (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Allo-BT produced multiple cytokine alterations that were of prolonged duration. These results provide a theoretic explanation for the multiple, long-term immunomodulating effects seen in patients who have received transfusions.
Automated redesign of local playspace properties.

The design of games can be an unfortunately indirect endeavour: the designer’s objective may be to present the player with a particular set of possible experiences, or playspace, but what the designer actually creates (i.e. the game) is instead an artifact intended to produce the desired playspace only upon interaction. In this work we develop both a general framework and specific implementation for providing a designer a way to reason about and edit a game level’s playspace. Our system enables a designer to specify edits to playspace properties using a small set of local playspace edits and constraints. It then automatically (via optimization) produces a new level configuration that reflects the desired playspace changes. We present results from our system demonstrating the usefulness of our approach. This work constitutes an initial step toward a fully-realized playspace level design tool.