cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ANF and angiotensin II interact via kinases in the proximal straight tubule.

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) inhibits fluid absorption (Jv) in the proximal straight tubule (PST) only after stimulation with angiotensin II (ANG II). To investigate ANF's dependency on ANG II for transport inhibition, we blocked and mimicked angiotensin's second messenger cascades and then examined ANF's ability to inhibit Jv. ANG II (10(-10) M)-stimulated Jv was 0.47 +/- 0.10 nl.mm-1. min-1. After ANF (10(-10) M) was added to the bath, Jv fell by approximately 40% (P 0.30). PKC inhibition did not prevent the decrease in Jv induced by ANF. We conclude that ANF inhibits ANG II-induced stimulation of transport by a mechanism that requires phosphorylation mediated by cGMP-dependent protein kinase subsequent to a decrease of PKA activity.
Life Cycle Dimensions of Procurement Planning

In the following paper, the authors develop an expanded product life cycle-procurement strategy model that will assist the purchasing executive in understanding his/her intradepartmental, intracompany, and external relations as well as provide an integrated framework for formulating effective procurement strategies.
Assessment of Implementation of a CAMBRA-Based Program in a Dental School Environment

Caries development is determined by a balance of protective and pathological factors, so the clinician should be able to identify and document those factors, understand their relative weight in disease development or reversal, and make recommendations to patients that will lead to risk reduction. The caries management by risk assessment (CAMBRA) protocol frames these factors into an easy-to-follow template that also guides the clinician in making recommendations. The purposes of this study were to examine implementation of the CAMBRA-based risk assessment program in a predoctoral clinic at one dental school, assess the accuracy of caries risk evaluation by the students, and evaluate the utilization of professionally applied fluoride varnish in a moderate- and high-risk patient cohort. After dental clinic patients were screened for previous caries risk status, sixty-eight moderate- or high-risk patients were invited to participate in the study. At the study visit that included four bite-wing radiographs, a new caries risk assessment (CRA) form was completed. Our results showed that students underestimated the risk in 25 percent of the cases; the underestimation occurred especially when visible cavitation or caries into dentin by radiograph was the only risk factor or when caries were not identified at the initial visit when the CRA form was completed for the first time despite the presence of other high-risk factors. Students also underestimated both risk and protective factors at the initial evaluation visit compared with the study visit. The results show that students were not rigorous enough in documenting these factors and determining the patient's risk. In order to increase the sensitivity of risk assessment, training and recalibration for students and faculty members should be an ongoing process.
Further Observations on Hemagglutination by Tumor Extracts.

The agglutinating substance found in tumor extracts1 was not demonstrable in any appreciable amount in various organs of mice and rats, viz., liver, kidney, brain, spleen, heart. A distinctly positive reaction was obtained, especially in cysteine solutions, with muscle of rat, calf, and pig, and with the uteri of mice. Tumor and embryonic tissues were tested after drying. The dried material retains its activity for at least several weeks. The agglutinating substance of the tumor proved to be active after filtration through Berkefeld filters of a neutral, cysteine-containing solution. The active substance is absorbed by rabbit blood.When extracts in 0.9% saline solution were heated at 55° for 20 minutes the activity was lost. This is evidently due to oxidation since in a saline solution containing 1% cysteine the agglutinating property persists and this is also the case when such solutions are brought to a boil or kept in boiling water, e.g., for 15 minutes. The substance was found to be still active when ...
NMR Imaging Studies of Vulcanized Butyl Rubber

Abstract NMR imaging is a useful technique for studying the physical and spatial microstructure of cured elastomers. Different swelling agents can be used as chemical probes to detect varying amounts of microstructural differences. Imaging can be used to detect highly cured regions due to aging, poor mixing, and thermal gradients. NMRI is thus useful to study spatial distribution of crosslinks and is sensitive to changes in this distribution of crosslinks due to thermal gradients and the effects of aging and reversion processes. It can also be used to observed entrapped air in air-aged samples. Spin-lattice T1, relaxation times for solvent in cured elastomers have been shown to be shorter than the bulk solvent T1 values, providing a new method for determining the crosslink density. NMRI results have suggested that cure reversion and postcuring processes produce similar spatial results.
Parametric Geometry Model for Multidisciplinary Design Optimization of Tailless Supersonic Aircraft

This paper presents an extension of the Kulfan Class Shape Transformation (CST) method for the parameterization of aircraft component geometry. The VT-CST code represents a practical implementation of the CST method in an object oriented C++ framework for use within a Multidisciplinary Design Optimization of a tailless supersonic aircraft. Extensions to the method include the generation of a blended wing-fuselage, cowls and inlet ramps for embedded engines, automatic handling of centerline continuity, shape normalization and scaling, fuselage area-ruling capabilities, and control surfaces, among others. Examples demonstrating the utility of the method are given.
Property (G), Regularity, and Semi-Equicontinuity

This note, motivated by [2], [3], and [4], is devoted to an investigation of properties related to equicontinuity in function spaces of topological spaces. In §2, we study the property (G) defined in [3], and the regularity defined in [4]. A sufficient condition for the simultaneous continuity of a function of two variables, which is analogous to a well known result in equicontinuity, is given at the end of the section. In §3, we relate the regularity with the semi-equicontinuity defined in [2], by localizing the semi-equicontinuity in an obvious way which leads us to weaken some of the hypotheses used in [2]. By the way of constructing an example, we also obtained a sufficient condition for a regular semitopological group to be a topological group.
An Innovative Approach to Pharmacy Law Education Utilizing a Mock Board of Pharmacy Meeting

A thorough understanding of pharmacy law by students is important in the molding of future pharmacy practitioners but a standardized template for the best way to educate students in this area has not been created. A mock Board of Pharmacy meeting was designed and incorporated into the Pharmacy Law course to meet the ACPE accreditation standards at the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy. Students acted as Board of Pharmacy members and utilized technology to decide outcomes of cases and requests addressed in a typical 2 day Tennessee Board of Pharmacy meeting. The actual responses to those cases, as well as similar cases and requests addressed over a 5 year period, were revealed to students after they made motions on mock scenarios. Student participation in this interactive learning experience resulted in good understanding of the rules and regulations of pharmacy practice and the consequences associated with violating regulations. Such mock Board of Pharmacy meeting is recommended for future pharmacy law education.
Analysis of drinking water monitoring results Tongshan district of Xuzhou in 2011

Objective:To understand the hygienic quality of drinking water in Tongshan and provide scientific basis for hygienic evaluation of the countryside drinking water safe engineering.Methods: According to the GB/T 5750-2006 and GB 5749-2006 to detect and evaluate the drinking water quality.Results: 396 water samples were examined in 2011 and 306 were qualified,with the qualified rate of 77.3%;8712 items were examined,8537 items were qualified with qualified rate of 98.4%.Conclusion: The drinking water hygienic condition in countryside of Tongshan were continuously improved.
Altered Tyrosine Phosphorylation Via the Very Late Antigen (VLA)/β1 Integrin Stimulation Is Associated With Impaired T-Cell Signaling Through VLA-4 After Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation

Our previous study showed that the cross-linking of very late antigen (VLA)/beta1 with anti-CD29 monoclonal antibody (MoAb), or interactions with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins through VLA/beta1, failed to induce T-cell costimulation via the CD3/T cell receptor (TCR) pathway for over 1 year after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT), although normal CD29 and CD3 expression was observed after 3 months following allo-BMT. Molecular analysis revealed altered tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins by the solid-phase cross-linking of VLA/beta1 molecules in T cells from patients after allo-BMT. In T cells from early allo-BMT patients (<4 months), various sizes of highly tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were observed as high background even without the stimulation through VLA/beta1 integrin. The high tyrosine phosphorylation pattern gradually disappeared and it was finally returned to normal tyrosine phosphorylation patterns by 2 years after BMT. Interestingly, poor expression of focal adhesion kinase (pp125FAK), a VLA/beta1-mediated signaling molecule, was observed within 1 year after BMT. These results suggest that these molecular defects appear to be implicated in the impaired VLA/beta1-mediated signaling in T cells from patients after allo-BMT, and it could explain, in part, the persistent immunoincompetent state after allo-BMT at least 1 year.
A Comparison of Audio Representations of Mathematics Content

The goal of a mathematics read aloud accommodation is to provide better access to test content and achieve a more accurate indicator of students' math knowledge by minimizing the measurement of con...
Transamination and Deamination Reactions

Abstract: Amino acids released from dietary or intracellular proteins are catabolized in similar fashions. Their degradation begins with the removal of the a-amino group, thus leaving an a-keto acid hydrocarbon skeleton. Alpha-amino group removal from amino acids occurs through either transamination or deamination reactions. Transamination reactions are catalyzed by transaminases (also called aminotransferases). There are four coenzymes intimately involved in amino acid catabolism: pyridoxal phosphate (derived from vitamin B6), tetrahydrofolic acid (THFA), biotin (a CO2 shuttler), and vitamin B12 (cobalamin). The oxidative deamination of Glu, catalyzed by mitochondrial GLDH, results in the direct release of ammonium ion (NH4 +), which can then be used for mammalian urea synthesis in the liver. The side chain amide groups of glutamine (Gln) and asparagine (Asn) can be released by hydrolysis, also resulting in NH4 + formation. Glutaminase and asparaginase, respectively, catalyze these reactions. During starvation, Ala is important in transferring amino groups from skeletal muscle to liver, where they can be incorporated into urea or Gln, and the pyruvate hydrocarbons remaining can be incorporated into glucose. Aspartate Aminotransferase is present in both the cytosol and mitochondria of liver cells, and both fractions can be separated electrophoretically. Other transaminases also exist in mammalian organisms (e.g., cysteine transaminase, ornithine transaminase, and tyrosine a-ketoglutarate transaminase). Since there are no reported metabolic defects associated with reactions catalyzed by any of the transaminases, like reactions of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, all are considered essential for life.
Using If, Because, and So to Indicate Causal Relationships

In the preceding chapters, a distinction was drawn between temporal relationships that were expressed simply by means of the structure of the discourse and those that were expressed through the use of particular lexical terms. Similarly, causal relationships may either be explicitly marked with terms such as because, so, if, and when, or they may be implied by a combination of discourse structure and discourse content. Implied causal relationships may have much the same force as explicitly stated relationships, as shown in the following sentences where both the temporal ordering of the two clauses and knowledge of possible outcomes of falling lead to the first sentence being interpreted as one that expresses a causal relationship.
Are Military Regimes Really Belligerent

Does military rule make a state more belligerent internationally? Several studies have recently established that military autocracies are more likely than civilian autocracies to deploy and use mil...
A research journey through mathematics coaching

Abstract Classroom coaching in mathematics is flexible in its definition, complex in its enactment, variable in its outcomes, and dependent on setting and circumstances. Multiple lines of inquiry are required to navigate this subjective terrain: research on coaching encompasses understanding perceptions of coaching held by coaches, teachers, and administrators, measuring the effectiveness of coaching in terms of teachers’ content knowledge and instructional practices, and exploring the nature of coaching within an educational ecosystem. This paper describes a cumulative sequence of research studies that inform current understanding of classroom coaching in mathematics, highlighting methodological decisions made at various crossroads and elaborating on the populations, methods, and instruments used to investigate coaching. A presentation of findings related to the three domains of perception, effectiveness, and nature is followed by reflections on features of coaching that pose particular challenges, questions that remain to be answered, and promising avenues of future inquiry.
Defining the ecologically relevant mixed-layer depth for Antarctica's coastal seas

Mixed-layer depth (MLD) has been widely linked to phytoplankton dynamics in Antarctica's coastal regions; however, inconsistent definitions have made intercomparisons among region-specific studies difficult. Using a data set with over 20,000 water column profiles corresponding to 32 Slocum glider deployments in three coastal Antarctic regions (Ross Sea, Amundsen Sea, and West Antarctic Peninsula), we evaluated the relationship between MLD and phytoplankton vertical distribution. Comparisons of these MLD estimates to an applied definition of phytoplankton bloom depth, as defined by the deepest inflection point in the chlorophyll profile, show that the maximum of buoyancy frequency is a good proxy for an ecologically relevant MLD. A quality index is used to filter profiles where MLD is not determined. Despite the different regional physical settings, we found that the MLD definition based on the maximum of buoyancy frequency best describes the depth to which phytoplankton can be mixed in Antarctica's coastal seas.
Multi-branch inductance extraction procedure for multi-chip power modules

This paper describes a procedure for estimating the parasitic impedances associated with multi-chip power module (MCPM) interconnections and packaging at finer granularity than has been previously demonstrated. The methodology introduced here makes it possible to determine an estimate for the loop inductance at each individual semiconductor die position within the module geometry based on frequency-domain characterization of a single, specially-configured MCPM test subject. The impedance estimates produced by this procedure are shown to be in good agreement with values obtained through finite element analysis (FEA) using COMSOL.
Is There an Association Between a History of Running and Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis? A Cross-Sectional Study From the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

Objective Regular physical activity, including running, is recommended based on known cardiovascular and mortality benefits. However, controversy exists regarding whether running can be harmful to knees. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship of running with knee pain, radiographic osteoarthritis (OA), and symptomatic OA. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of Osteoarthritis Initiative participants (2004–2014) with knee radiograph readings, symptom assessments, and completed lifetime physical activity surveys. Using logistic regression, we evaluated the association of history of leisure running with the outcomes of frequent knee pain, radiographic OA, and symptomatic OA. Symptomatic OA required at least 1 knee with both radiographic OA and pain. Results Of 2,637 participants, 55.8% were female, the mean ± SD age was 64.3 ± 8.9 years, and the mean ± SD body mass index was 28.5 ± 4.9 kg/m2; 29.5% of these participants ran at some time in their lives. Unadjusted odds ratios of pain, radiographic OA, and symptomatic OA for those prior runners and current runners compared to those who never ran were 0.83 and 0.71 (P for trend = 0.002), 0.83 and 0.78 (P for trend = 0.01), and 0.81 and 0.64 (P for trend = 0.0006), respectively. Adjusted models were similar, except radiographic OA results were attenuated. Conclusion There is no increased risk of symptomatic knee OA among self-selected runners compared with nonrunners in a cohort recruited from the community. In those without OA, running does not appear to be detrimental to the knees.
Building Health Promotion into the Job of Home Care Aides: Transformation of the Workplace Health Environment

Home care aides (HCAs), predominantly women, constitute one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States. HCAs work in clients’ homes that lack typical workplace resources and benefits. This mixed-methods study examined how HCAs’ work environment was transformed by a pilot workplace health promotion program that targeted clients as well as workers. The intervention started with training HCAs to deliver a gentle physical activity program to their older clients in a Medicaid-funded home care program. Older HCAs aged 50+ reported increased time doing the types of physical activity that they delivered to their clients (stretching or strengthening exercise) (p = 0.027). Almost all (98%) HCAs were satisfied with the program. These quantitative results were corroborated by qualitative data from open-ended survey questions and focus groups. HCAs described how they exercised with clients and how the psychosocial work environment changed with the program. Building physical activity into HCAs’ job is feasible and can effectively promote HCAs’ health, especially among older HCAs.
Animal Models: New Biosensors and Technologies?Including Those for Bone Regrowth and Wound Healing?Advance Animal Health Care While Also Providing a Fertile Testing Ground for Human Health

Dogs have bad breath. But when Montana sheep rancher Katy Harjes noticed her collie, Hoshi, had particularly bad breath and facial swelling, she was concerned that the symptoms might be a sign of something serious. She was right; ten-year-old Hoshi had squamous cell carcinoma, a common type of oral tumor found in dogs. The cancer had not metastasized, but the damage was extensive enough that part of Hoshi's lower jaw needed to be removed. Luckily, Hoshi was a suitable candidate for a stateof-the-art bone regrowth procedure developed by Frank Verstraete, B.V.Sc, Dr.Med.Vet., M.Med.Vet., and Boaz Arzi, D.V.M., oral surgeons at the University of California (UC), Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. Consequently, Katy and Hoshi embarked on a 15-hour road trip to California.
Metabolism of the Black Snake Embryo: II. Respiratory Exchange

Data on exchange of respiratory gases are presented for the entire post-deposition period of development of the black snake. Of special note among the data are (1) an initial relatively high rate of O 2 consumption and CO 2 production, (2) an initially high R.Q., followed by a persistently low R.Q. (0.53).
Fluorescence intensity and anisotropy decays of the intrinsic tryptophan emission of hemoglobin measured with a 10-GHz fluorometer using front-face geometry on a free liquid surface

We measured the intensity and anisotropy decays of the intrinsic tryptophan emission from hemoglobin solutions obtained using a 10-GHz frequency-domain fluorometer and a specially designed cuvette which allows front-face excitation on a free liquid surface. The cuvette eliminates reflections and stray emissions, which become significant for low-intensity fluorescence such as in hemoglobin. Three lifetimes are detectable in the subnanosecond range. The average lifetime of hemoglobin emission is ligand dependent. The measured values of average lifetimes are 91, 174, and 184 ps for deoxy-, oxy-, and carboxyhemoglobin, respectively. Fluorescence anisotropy decays of oxy-, deoxy-, and carbonmonoxyhemoglobin can be fitted with up to three correlation times. When three components are used, the floating initial anisotropyr o is, in each case, higher than the steady-state anisotropy of tryptophan in vitrified solution. For deoxy hemoglobin it is close to 0.4. The data are consistent with an initial loss of anisotropy from 0.4 to about 0.3 occurring in the first 2 ps.
Pursuing Reciprocity in Engaged Scholarship Partnerships Using Community Sustainability Certification Programs

In recent years, there has been a proliferation of sustainability certification programs at the local, state, and national level to highlight the use of policies, programs, and infrastructure to achieve sustainable development outcomes within communities. In this paper, we use examples from Penn State’s Sustainable Communities Collaborative to demonstrate how institutions with community-engaged scholarship programs can use these certification programs to enhance program operation and reciprocity by identifying projects, engaging new disciplines, and improving relevance.
Hunter versus CIE color measurement systems for analysis of milk-based beverages.

ABSTRACT The objective of our work was to determine the differences in sensitivity of Hunter and International Commission on Illumination (CIE) methods at 2 different viewer angles (2 and 10 degrees) for measurement of whiteness, red/green, and blue/yellow color of milk-based beverages over a range of composition. Sixty combinations of milk-based beverages were formulated (2 replicates) with a range of fat level from 0.2 to 2%, true protein level from 3 to 5%, and casein as a percent of true protein from 5 to 80% to provide a wide range of milk-based beverage color. In addition, commercial skim, 1 and 2% fat high-temperature, short-time pasteurized fluid milks were analyzed. All beverage formulations were HTST pasteurized and cooled to 4°C before analysis. Color measurement viewer angle (2 versus 10 degree) had very little effect on objective color measures of milk-based beverages with a wide range of composition for either the Hunter or CIE color measurement system. Temperature (4, 20, and 50°C) of color measurement had a large effect on the results of color measurement in both the Hunter and CIE measurement systems. The effect of milk beverage temperature on color measurement results was the largest for skim milk and the least for 2% fat milk. This highlights the need for proper control of beverage serving temperature for sensory panel analysis of milk-based beverages with very low fat content and for control of milk temperature when doing objective color analysis for quality control in manufacture of milk-based beverages. The Hunter system of color measurement was more sensitive to differences in whiteness among milk-based beverages than the CIE system, whereas the CIE system was much more sensitive to differences in yellowness among milk-based beverages. There was little difference between the Hunter and CIE system in sensitivity to green/red color of milk-based beverages. In defining milk-based beverage product specifications for objective color measures for dairy product manufacturers, the viewer angle, color measurement system (CIE vs. Hunter), and sample measurement temperature should be specified along with type of illuminant.
An examination of the effects of venture capitalists on the alliance formation activity of entrepreneurial firms

Research Summary: Alliances offer benefits such as access to capital, knowledge, and markets. Yet, due to their lack of legitimacy, entrepreneurial firms find it challenging to engage in alliances. Thus, it is important to examine which factors may drive alliance formation for entrepreneurial firms. We examine whether the presence of venture capitalists (VCs) is such a factor. Whereas current research suffers from endogeneity concerns that make the comparison of VC‐ and non‐VC‐backed firms problematic, our empirical design reduces this problem. Overall, we find that the presence of a VC and a VC's experience with taking firms public are positively associated with entrepreneurial firms’ alliance formation, and that VCs are more active in forming an alliance when the exit outcome is an acquisition, rather than going public. Managerial Summary: Alliances can be of fundamental importance to the growth of entrepreneurial firms. However, because entrepreneurial firms hold limited resources, their access to alliances may be limited. We study whether entrepreneurial firms backed by venture capitalists (VCs) are more likely to enter into alliances than firms without VC backing. A major problem with this sort of analysis is that VCs may cherry pick the best firms, which in turn are more likely to engage in alliances to begin with, irrespective of VCs. Accordingly, we control for the quality of funded firms, and therefore, isolate the VCs’ contribution to alliance formation. In doing so, we find support for the importance of the role VCs play in entrepreneurial firms’ alliance formations.
Energy-Based Nonlinear Control of Underactuated Euler–Lagrange Systems Subject to Impacts

In this note, Lyapunov-based methods are used to design a class of energy-based nonlinear controllers to globally asymptotically stabilize/regulate an underactuated mechanical system subject to an impact collision. The impact model is considered as an elastic contact with finite stiffness. One of the difficulties in controlling impact is that the equations of motion are quite different when the system status changes from a noncontact condition to a contact condition. Another difficulty arises when an impact occurs with an underactuated system because the impact may lead to instabilities or excessive transients. An energy coupling approach is developed in this paper that is motivated by the desire to improve the transient response of the system. A Lyapunov stability analysis and numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the stability and performance of the developed controllers.
Absorption rate Vs. exposure : Which is more useful for bioequivalence testing ?

Purpose. The goals were to evaluate the usefulness of Cmax/AUClqc, ratio of the maximum plasma drug concentration to the area under the plasma concentration-time curve to the time of the last quantifiable concentration, in bioequivalence testing and to explore the use of exposure as a replacement for the concepts of rate and extent of drug absorption.
On the Bimodal Distributions of Horizontal Branches

New synthetic horizontal branch (HB) models are presented for some globular clusters known to have bimodal HB distributions. These models are based on new Yale HB evolutionary tracks for Y=0.25 and the core masses appropriate for the compositions. The distribution of stellar masses along the HB is given by a slightly modified version of Rood’s (1973) function. Figure 1 compares the synthetic and the observed color-magnitude diagrams and the generalized histograms of the distribution of HB stars over (B-V)o (observational data from Alcaino & Liller 1984, Buonanno et al. 1981, Stetson 1981, and Menzies 1974 for clusters M4, M5, N1851, and N6723 respectively). Following Norris (1981), we have used the period-luminosity-color relations to estimate the colors of some RR Lyrae variables. Since none of the parameters in the models has a bimodal distribution, the excellent agreement between the color distributions of the models and the observations suggests that the observed bimodal distributions are a consequence of the evolution from the zero-age HB. Contrary to the suggestion of Norris (1981) and Smith & Norris (1983), there is no need to connect the bimodality of the HB with the observed bimodal CN distributions of the red giants in some of these clusters. The clusters in Figure 1 span a narrow range in metallicity ([Fe/H]= -1.40 to -1.09; Zinn 1985), and we are investigating other, less well observed, clusters in this range (e.g., N2808) to see if their bimodal HB distributions also have simple explanations.
Role of SMEs in Lebanese Economy

In Lebanon, the majority of organizations work as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs play an important role in the monetary improvement of numerous countries. This paper utilizes current viewpoints to analyze the variables influencing venture, efficiency and development of SMEs in Lebanon. It explores main factors affecting investment and productivity as follows: flexibility,customers and employee’s relations, motivation of the owners, education of the labour force, access to infrastructure, access to finance, size of firms and other business climate variables. Other business climate variables are insecurity, bribe or corruption, the amount of time that businesses spend dealing with government regulation, poor power availability, etc. The most concerning issue for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is not the idea or the product provided and neither its customers, but their needs. High costs of operations and office space are basics to the survival of a private venture. Incubators come as a reaction to the necessities of SMEs in key strides of a business, for example, commencement and market entrance. An incubator aims to have a positive effect on the economic health of an area, of a community even on a country.
Passivity-based analysis of sampled and quantized control implementations

Abstract This paper studies the performance of a continuous controller when implemented on digital devices via sampling and quantization, by leveraging passivity analysis. Degradation of passivity indices from a continuous-time control system to its sampled, input and output quantized model is studied using a notion of quasi-passivity. Based on that, the passivity property of a feedback-connected system where the continuous controller is replaced by its sampled and quantized model is studied, and conditions that ensure the state boundedness of the interconnected system are provided. Additionally, the approximate bisimulation-based control implementation where the controller is replaced by its approximate bisimilar symbolic model whose states are also quantized is analyzed. Several examples are provided to illustrate the theoretical results.
Fluorimetric sensing of ATP in water by an imidazolium hydrazone based sensor.

Bisantrene, a simple anthracene derivative carrying two imidazolium hydrazone moieties, has been used as a highly selective sensor of ATP in water. While bisantrene is not fluorescent in water, it displays a bright green fluorescence (OFF–ON signals) in the presence of ATP and to a lesser extent also ADP but not with other anions. Such selective sensors for ATP in water are still rare.
Rates of Performance Validity Test Failure for ADHD Evaluations in a Military Population: An Exploratory Study.

Objective: Investigate rates of Performance Validity Test (PVT) failures in a group of active duty (AD) military participants referred for ADHD evaluations and other characteristics of those referr...
Hedge fund replication using strategy specific factors

Hedge funds have traditionally served wealthy individuals and institutional investors with the promise of delivering protection of capital and uncorrelated positive returns irrespective of market direction, allowing them to better manage portfolio risk. However, the financial crisis of 2008 has heightened investor sensitivity to the high fees, illiquidity, lack of transparency, and lockup periods typically associated with hedge funds. Hedge fund replication products, or clones, seek to answer these challenges by providing daily liquidity, transparency, and immediate exposure to a desired hedge fund strategy. Nonetheless, although lowering cost and adding simplicity by using a common set of factors, traditional replication products might offer lower risk-reward performance compared to hedge funds. This research explores hedge fund replication further by examining the importance of constructing clones with specific factors relevant to each hedge fund strategy, and then compares the strategy specific clone risk and reward performance against both actual hedge fund performance and hedge fund clones constructed using a more general set of common factors. Testing shows that using strategy specific factors to replicate common hedge fund strategies can offer superior risk-reward performance compared to previous general model clones.
New Technologies to Aid in Percutaneous Access

Although advances in percutaneous nephrolithotomy have occurred, the initial renal access remains a challenging and high-risk step. This risk and technical difficulty have resulted in a minority of urologists obtaining their own access. Therefore, continued innovation in access techniques that simplify the procedure, lower risk, and reduce radiation exposure is needed. This article provides a high-level overview of recent advances in percutaneous renal access. The techniques are organized based on approach (antegrade or retrograde) and the imaging modality used, such as fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and other novel techniques (laser, electromagnetic, and robotics).
A passive exoskeleton reduces peak and mean EMG during symmetric and asymmetric lifting.

Abstract The VT-Lowe’s exoskeleton is a novel passive lift-assistive device designed to offload the back muscles during repetitive lifting. In this study, the effect of the exoskeleton on electromyographic (EMG) signals was investigated in four different lifting types (stoop, squat, freestyle and asymmetric) and two box weights (0% and 20% of body weight). Twelve young healthy adults ages 18–31 years (mean = 22.75, SD = 4.35) were participants. The EMG signals for twelve muscles (iliocostalis erector spinae (IL), longissimus erector spinae (LT), multifidus (MF), bicep femoris (BF), vastus lateralis (VL) and abdominal external oblique (AEO) muscles) were measured. The exoskeleton significantly decreased the peak and mean activity of back muscles (IL and LT) by 31.5% and 29.3%, respectively, for symmetric lifts and by 28.2% and 29.5%, respectively, for asymmetric lifts. The peak and mean EMG of leg muscles were significantly reduced by 19.1% and 14.1% during symmetric lifts, and 17.4% and 14.6% during asymmetric lifts. Although the exoskeleton reduced the activation of back and leg muscles, it slightly increased the activity of external oblique muscles, although this was not statistically significant. In conclusion, the exoskeleton is promising as a lift-assist device for manual material handlers and workers performing repetitive lifting.
A Novel Metal Scheme and Bump Array Design Configuration to Enhance Advanced Si Packages CPI Reliability Performance by Using Finite Element Modeling Technique

Flip chip packages with Cu bump have been introduced in recent years to address the needs of advanced packaging for reducing bump pitch and increasing I/O density, which can also enhance performance and offer a cost effective solution with smaller form factor. Moreover, Cu interconnect with extra low-k (ELK) dielectric material was also applied to reduce power consumption and further enhance device performance, especially for advanced silicon nodes. Due to the nature of ELK dielectric material characteristics, it is more sensitive while a flip chip package using Cu bump with ELK dielectric, and subjected to thermal loading conditions. Thermal stresses are induced in Si/package due to the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch among different packaging materials under thermal loading. ELK dielectric delamination/cracking during chip-package-interaction (CPI) related reliability tests, is a primary concern in the advanced Si packaging development and quick thermal cycling (QTC) test has been widely used to assess the CPI reliability performance for newly developed packages. From the past experience, "white bump" issue, which is related to ELK delamination, is mainly caused by excessive ELK stresses, and appeared within 1~3 bump pitches range from die edge or corner due to CTE mismatch between die (~2.8 ppm/oC) and organic substrate (~17 ppm/oC). The previously proposed solutions include die/substrate co-design, substrate selection, underfill/TIM/adhesive materials selection, and heat spreader design. However, more and more QTC test results indicate that the configuration of top metal layout and bump pattern can also affect the ELK reliability significantly. This work investigated advanced Si package ELK reliability performance from die attach (using conventional reflow process) to subsequent QTC tests. A three-dimensional (3-D) nonlinear finite element method is applied, and a two-level of specified boundary condition (SBC) of global-local technique are adopted to achieve more accurate resolution. Meanwhile, modeling results were calibrated with experimental package warpage measurements. The modeling predictions were also compared with QTC test data and obtained good agreements. Based on collected modeling and test data, it was revealed that higher density and more uniform pattern in both top metal and bump layouts could relieve ELK thermal stresses significantly. The proposed methodology in this paper had been validated and design guideline will be proposed upon the findings of this study, which product / package designers can benefit from the superior device / package performance provided from the integration of Cu interconnect and ELK dielectric, meanwhile, alleviate potential CPI related risks while using advanced Si packaging.
Evaluating the Clinical Efficacy of Increased Granulocyte Colony-Stimulation Factor (GCSF) in Patients Who Fail a Standard Dose Regimen during Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Collection.

Abstract Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (GCSF) at 10 microg/kg (with or without chemotherapy) is the standard dose commonly administered to patients undergoing Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) mobilization and collection. Due to various host and disease factors, 10–20% of our patients failed to mobilize sufficient PBSC at this standard dose. At our institution it is common practice to increase GCSF from 10 microg/kg to 16–20 microg/kg during the initial or second mobilization attempt if the patient is able to tolerate the increased dose. To assess the clinical efficacy of increased GCSF administration among patients who fail to mobilize at the standard dose, we performed a retrospective chart review of 112 patients who underwent stem cell mobilization and collection between 01/31/2000 and 11/6/2003. The median age at the start of collection was 51.2 (range: 1.3–72.2); the case-series was made up of 52 men and 60 women. The majority of the cases were Lymphoma patients (Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma=52; Hodgkins Disease=15) with the remaining patients classified as Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML=12), Multiple Myeloma (MM=13), or ‘Other' (N=20). Initially all 112 patients received 4–10 days of GCSF at 10 microg/kg per day before the first day of PBSC collection. Because these patients failed to collect sufficient daily CD34 cells, the GCSF dose was increased to 16–20 microg/kg. Before increasing the GCSF dose, the median CD34 daily yield was 0.19 (range: 0.03–0.90), and the median peripheral WBC was 27.6 (range: 1.3–61.8). The median number of collection at 10 microg/kg was 4 (range 2–15), and the median number of days from the end of collection at 10 microg/kg to the start of 16–20 microg/kg was 1 (range: 0–53). After increasing the GCSF dose the median peripheral WBC was 37.1 (range: 3.1–70.2), and the median CD34 daily yield was 0.28 (range: 0.03–3.43). The median CD34 total yield was 3.1 (range 0.6–12.3). Ultimately 90 patients (80%) reached a CD34 cell target of 2*10–6/kg (range: 2.0–12.3), and 22 patients (20%) did not reach this target. The overall difference in CD34 counts pre-post increased GCSF administration was statistically significant (Wilcoxon p
The impact of a gerontology nursing course with a service-learning component on student attitudes towards working with older adults: A mixed methods study

A growing older adult population requires educational programs which prepare nursing students to care for and increase their interest in working with this population. Faculty at a large public university developed a course specific to gerontology to address this need, including designing a service-learning intervention entitled Aging is Very Personal. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of this course on student attitudes towards working with older adults. Using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, 79 students completed pre-course and post-course quantitative surveys and open-ended questions using the Senses Framework survey. Quantitative data were analyzed using a paired-sample t-test. Qualitative data were analyzed using Krippendorff's method of qualitative content analysis. Participants showed statistically significant positive changes in attitudes towards working with older adults on 11 of 15 items. Qualitative findings included 5 themes: acknowledgement of preconceptions prior to course; positive shift in perceptions about older adults; growing interest in working with older adults; appreciation of gerontological nursing as a highly skilled profession; and service-learning as a valuable opportunity to form connections with older adults. A designated course in gerontology with a service-learning component can markedly improve student attitudes towards working with older adults.
Wearer-Prosthesis Interaction for Symmetrical Gait: A Study Enabled by Reinforcement Learning Prosthesis Control

With advances in robotic prostheses, rese-archers attempt to improve amputee’s gait performance (e.g., gait symmetry) beyond restoring normative knee kinematics/kinetics. Yet, little is known about how the prosthesis mechanics/control influence wearer-prosthesis’ gait performance, such as gait symmetry, stability, etc. This study aimed to investigate the influence of robotic transfemoral prosthesis mechanics on human wearers’ gait symmetry. The investigation was enabled by our previously designed reinforcement learning (RL) supplementary control, which simultaneously tuned 12 control parameters that determined the prosthesis mechanics throughout a gait cycle. The RL control design facilitated safe explorations of prosthesis mechanics with the human in the loop. Subjects were recruited and walked with a robotic transfemoral prosthesis on a treadmill while the RL controller tuned the control parameters. Stance time symmetry, step length symmetry, and bilateral anteroposterior (AP) impulses were measured. The data analysis showed that changes in robotic knee mechanics led to movement variations in both lower limbs and therefore gait temporal-spatial symmetry measures. Consistent across all the subjects, inter-limb AP impulse measurements explained gait symmetry: the stance time symmetry was significantly correlated with the net inter-limb AP impulse, and the step length symmetry was significantly correlated with braking and propulsive impulse symmetry. The results suggest that it is possible to personalize transfemoral prosthesis control for improved temporal-spatial gait symmetry. However, adjusting prosthesis mechanics alone was insufficient to maximize the gait symmetry. Rather, achieving gait symmetry may require coordination between the wearer’s motor control of the intact limb and adaptive control of the prosthetic joints. The results also indicated that the RL-based prosthesis tuning system was a potential tool for studying wearer-prosthesis interactions.
Whole-Exome Sequencing of Patients with Posterior Segment Uveitis

Abstract Objective To elucidate molecular risk factors for posterior segment uveitis using a functional genomics approach. Design Genetic Association Cohort Study. Methods: Setting Single-center study at an academic referral center. Study Population 164 patients with clinically diagnosed uveitis of the posterior segment. Main Outcome Measures Exome sequencing was used to detect variants identified in 164 patients with posterior segment uveitis. A phenotype-driven analysis, protein structural modeling and in silico calculations were then used to rank and predict the functional consequences of key variants. Results A total of 203 single nucleotide variants, in 23 genes across 164 patients, were included in this study. Both known and novel variants were identified in genes previously implicated in specific types of syndromic uveitis — such as NOD2 (Blau Syndrome) and CAPN5 NIV (Neovascular Inflammatory Vitreoretinopathy) — as well as variants in genes not previously linked to posterior segment uveitis. Based on a ranked list and protein-protein-interaction network, missense variants in NOD-like receptor family genes (NOD2, NLRC4, NLRP3, and NLRP1), CAPN5, and TYK2 were characterized via structural modeling and in silico calculations to predict how specific variants might alter protein structure and function. The majority of analyzed variants were notably different from wild type. Conclusions This study implicates new pathways and immune signaling proteins that may be associated with posterior segment uveitis susceptibility. A larger cohort and functional studies will help validate the pathogenicity of the mutations identified. In specific cases, whole exome sequencing can help diagnose non-syndromic uveitis patients harboring known variants for syndromic inflammatory diseases.