cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance of the Accelerate Diagnostics PhenoTM system with resin-containing BacT/ALERT® Plus blood culture bottles

Abstract Bacteremia and septicemia require rapid identification (ID) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) to start targeted, appropriate therapy. To answer this need, Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc., developed the Accelerate Pheno™ system (AXDX), a fast ID and phenotypic AST platform. Performance of a pre-FDA clearance version of AXDX was evaluated using 261 positive BacT/ALERT® Plus bottles and compared with standard of care (SOC). Average time to ID was reduced by 24.9±6.9 h and AST by 36.7±18.9 h compared with SOC. AXDX reports ID and AST of blood pathogens in 1.9 and 7.1 h. Positive percent agreement and negative percent agreement of AXDX ID were 94.5% and 98.9%, respectively. AXDX AST had an essential agreement of 96.5% and categorical agreement of 94.6% with 4 major errors and 7 very major errors. AXDX performance was acceptable for all 3 bottle types. Rapid ID and AST with AXDX could impact patient care and antimicrobial stewardship.
Voltage controlled magnetism in Cr2O3 based all-thin-film systems

Abstract Voltage-control of exchange biases through active selection of distinct domain states of the magnetoelectric and antiferromagnetic pinning layer is demonstrated for Cr2O3/CoPd heterostructures. Progress and obstacles towards an isothermal switching of exchange bias are discussed. An alternative approach avoiding exchange bias for voltage-controlled memory exploits boundary magnetization at the surface of Cr2O3 as voltage-controlled state variable. We demonstrate readout and switching of boundary magnetization in ultra-thin Cr2O3/Pt Hall bar devices where reversal of boundary magnetization is achieved via magnetoelectric annealing with simultaneously applied ±0.5 V and 400 mT electric and magnetic fields.
Robust Time─Frequency Analysis of Multiple FM Signals With Burst Missing Samples

In this letter, we consider the sparsity-based time-frequency representation (TFR) of frequency-modulated (FM) signals in the presence of burst missing samples. In the proposed method, three key procedures are used to mitigate the effect of missing samples. First, each slice in the instantaneous autocorrelation function (IAF) corresponding to the time or lag domain is converted to a Hankel matrix, and whose missing entries are recovered via the atomic norm-based approach. Second, a signal-adaptive time-frequency kernel is used to mitigate the undesired cross terms and the residual artifacts due to missing samples. Third, we apply a rank deduction technique on the obtained IAF to provide reliable TFR reconstruction results.
P110 Adoption of an Electronic Textbook with Inclusive Access and Adaptive Learning Reduces DFWI Rate in an Online Introductory Nutrition Course

Objective To determine the impact of switching from a hard copy to an electronic textbook with inclusive access and adaptive learning experiences on the drop, fail, withdraw, incomplete (DFWI) rate in an online undergraduate introductory nutrition course. Use of Theory or Research Earning a D, F, W, or I in a course has a negative effect on a student's progression towards completion of a degree. While enrollment in online courses continues to increase, student retention rates continue to decrease. One strategy suggested to increase retention, and by extension decrease DFWI rates, is using an electronic textbook with computer-based learning resources and activities that promote active learning. Target Audience Undergraduate students enrolled in an online introductory nutrition course at a Midwestern urban university from August 2012-December 2018. Program Description From Fall 2012-Spring 2017, students used a hard copy textbook (HCT). Beginning Fall 2017, students used an interactive electronic textbook (ET) with inclusive (anytime/anywhere) access that included integrated videos, online ability to highlight/take notes, and online adaptive learning-by-doing activities (study guides, diet analysis, meal planning, etc). All semesters used publisher PowerPoint presentations and test bank. Evaluation Methods The data set, with prior approval from the university Institutional Research, Assessment and Testing team, was generated using university DFWI reports. Grade and academic level data from 1034 undergraduate introductory nutrition course students (n = 810; HCT, n = 224; ET) were examined. Results Students in the ET course had statistically significant lower DFWI rates (9.4 ± 2.0%; range 6.1-11.3%) than HCT students (19.8 ± 8.2%; range 9.9-35.1%), P Conclusions Electronic textbooks with inclusive (anytime/anywhere) access on multiple digital platforms facilitate incorporating adaptive learning experiences into courses. Nutrition educators should consider this strategy to foster active student engagement in mastering basic food and nutrition knowledge with the added benefit of decreasing DFWI rates. Funding None.
Hard Lessons: The Impact of Secondary Education on COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in the U.S (preprint)

Background: The association between education and health has been observed globally for a multitude of health measures. Variation in county-level COVID-19 burden in the United States (U.S.) provides an opportunity to identify community pandemic risk factors. We describe the influence of secondary education on county-level COVID-19 cases and deaths in the U.S. Methods: County-level environmental, social, behavioral, economic, political, regulatory, and health characteristics were obtained. Covariates used for modeling were selected from a candidate list through negative binomial stepwise forward selection with backwards elimination, as well as clinical judgement for prediction of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Counterfactual and bootstrap analyses estimated the impact of secondary education on COVID-19 mortality. Findings: High school dropout rate is one of the strongest predictors of COVID-19 cases (IRR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07; 1.18) and deaths (IRR 1.17, 95% CI 1.10; 1.26). Counterfactual analysis reducing the county-level high school dropout rate to the lowest in the nation resulted in a predicted 14.9% decrease in median county COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 (95% CI 6.98%; 22.82%). This hypothetical improvement in secondary education translated to approximately 57,680 preventable deaths throughout 2020 (95% CI: 30,654; 84,705). Interpretation: Adjusting for covariates, secondary education is among the strongest predictors of early county vulnerability to COVID-19 in the U.S. A reduction in high school dropout rate predicted a near 15% decrease in county COVID-19 mortality. Improving secondary education could strengthen the effectiveness of a community’s response to emerging threats such as a pandemic. Funding: None
Study on the left ventricular flow in patients with bileaflet prosthesis mitral valve by vector flow mapping using Doppler echocardiography

Objective To compare the formation and evolution of left ventricular flow between the patients with the bileaflet artificial mechanical mitral valve and normal adult using vector flow mapping (VFM). Methods Thirty healthy controls and 30 severe mitral stenosis patients with bileaflet prosthesis mitral valve were involved. The left ventricular flow and the vortex description parameters were comparatively studied between two groups. Results Two small symmetric rotating vortexes and a big counter-clockwise rotating vortex appeared alternately in the left ventricular through cardiac cycle with control group. In case group,only large vortex could be seen in the mid-late diastolic and maximum vector velocity was faster than that in control group in statistics( P <0. 05). Especially the postoperative direction of blood flow was clockwise shif ting from the interventricular septum to the posterior and lateral left ventricular wall inversely to control group. Conclusions VFM can show the complex vortex flow patterns in left ventricular in the patients with bileaflet prosthesis mitral valve preliminarily and may be useful to assess and improve the function of prosthesis valve in future. Key words: Echocardiography; Heart valve, prosthesis; Ventricular function, left; Vector flow mapping
A Strategy to Prepare Primary Care Clinicians for Discussing Stopping Cancer Screening With Adults Older Than 75 Years.

Background and Objectives Adults older than 75 years are overscreened for cancer, especially those with less than 10-year life expectancy. This study aimed to learn the effects of providing primary care providers (PCPs) with scripts for discussing stopping mammography and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and with information on patient's 10-year life expectancy on their patients' intentions to be screened for these cancers. Research Design and Methods Patient participants, identified via PCP appointment logs, completed a questionnaire pre- and postvisit. Primary care providers were given scripts for discussing stopping screening and information on patient's 10-year life expectancy before these visits. Primary care providers completed a questionnaire at the end of the study. Patients and PCPs were asked about discussing stopping cancer screening and patient life expectancy. Patient screening intentions (1-15 Likert scale; lower scores suggest lower intentions) were compared pre- and postvisit using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Ninety patients older than 75 years (47% of eligible patients reached by phone) from 45 PCPs participated. Patient mean age was 80.0 years (SD = 2.9), 43 (48%) were female, and mean life expectancy was 9.7 years (SD = 2.4). Thirty-seven PCPs (12 community-based) completed a questionnaire. Primary care providers found the scripts helpful (32 [89%]) and thought they would use them frequently (29 [81%]). Primary care providers also found patient life expectancy information helpful (35 [97%]). However, only 8 PCPs (22%) reported feeling comfortable discussing patient life expectancy. Patients' intentions to undergo CRC screening (9.0 [SD = 5.3] to 6.5 [SD = 6.0], p < .0001) and mammography screening (12.9 [SD = 3.0] to 11.7 [SD = 4.9], p = .08) decreased from pre- to postvisit (significantly for CRC). Sixty-three percent of patients (54/86) were interested in discussing life expectancy with their PCP previsit and 56% (47/84) postvisit. Discussion and Implications PCPs found scripts for discussing stopping cancer screening and information on patient life expectancy helpful. Possibly, as a result, their patients older than 75 years had lower intentions of being screened for CRC. Clinical Trials Registration Number NCT03480282.
Effect of partial vs complete circumferential epitendinous suture placement on the biomechanical properties and gap formation of canine cadaveric tendons.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of partial vs complete circumferential epitendinous suture (ES) placement in addition to a core suture on the biomechanical strength and gapping characteristics of repaired canine tendinous constructs. STUDY DESIGN Ex vivo, biomechanical study. SAMPLE POPULATION Thirty-six canine superficial digital flexor tendons. METHODS Superficial digital flexor tendons were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 12), sharply transected and repaired with a core locking-loop suture with Group 1 a partial circumferential ES, 180° on the palmar side; Group 2 a complete circumferential ES, 360° and double knotting technique; or Group 3 a complete circumferential ES, 360° and single knotting technique. After preloading, constructs were distracted to monotonic failure. Failure mode, gap formation, yield, peak, and failure forces were analyzed. RESULTS Mean yield (group 1 = 68.6 N, group 2 = 106.5 N, group 3 = 114 N, P < .013), peak (group 1 = 92.8 N, group 2 = 134.6 N, group 3 = 147.3 N; P < .001), and failure (group 1 = 88.7 N, group 2 = 133.0 N, group 3 = 145.5 N, P < .001) loads differed between groups. No difference in yield (P = .874), peak (P = .434), or failure load (P = .434) was detected between complete circumferential ES groups. Force to create 1-mm (P < .001) and 3-mm (P < .038) gap formation was greater in specimens with complete vs partial circumferential ES placement. Complete circumferential ES repairs failed primarily by suture pull-through compared with suture breakage in most partial circumferential ES constructs. CONCLUSION Addition of a complete circumferential ES with a single or double knotting technique increased the biomechanical strength of normal tendon repairs while reducing gap formation compared with partial ES placement alone. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Complete circumferential ES is recommended over partial ES placement.
Teams That Innovate: The Language of Difference-Driven Inquiry at the Workplace:

Leveraging a team’s diverse perspectives can be a powerful way to foster team innovation. A common approach to leverage team differences involves tool-based approaches, including brainstorming, min...
Exotic waves in multimode hollow-core fibres

Unexpected multimode solitary waves can be formed spontaneously in hollow-core fibres, hinting at a vast world of exciting nonlinear optics, with applications for generating few-cycle, ultra-intense pulses.
Witnessing racial discrimination shapes collective action for racial justice: Enhancing awareness of privilege among advantaged groups

Three studies tested whether witnessing incidents of racial discrimination targeting Black people may motivate White people to engage in collective action for racial justice. In studies of White Americans (Study 1) and self-identified White activist “allies” (Study 2), witnessing incidents of racial discrimination predicted greater willingness to participate in collective action for racial justice, through the pathway of enhanced awareness of racial privilege. Studies 1 and 2 showed that awareness of racial privilege uniquely predicted the link between witnessing incidents of racial discrimination and willingness to participate in collective action for racial justice; these effects were consistent both with and without controlling for Whites’ sense of identification with their own racial group. Study 3 tested experimentally how witnessing incidents of racial discrimination may compel White people to become more motivated to engage in collective action for racial justice. Compared to those in a control condition, White participants who were randomly assigned to watch a brief video depicting recent discriminatory incidents targeting Black people (e.g., Starbucks incident in Philadelphia, housing incident at Yale University) tended to show greater motivation to engage in collective action for racial justice, an effect accounted for largely by enhanced awareness of racial privilege. How witnessing incidents of racial discrimination can transform views of privilege and willingness to stand up for racial justice among members of advantaged racial groups is discussed.
Becoming a Library Leader: Seven Stages of Leadership Development for Academic Librarians: Shin Freedman and James M. Freedman, Chicago, IL, Association of College and Research Libraries, 2020, 248 pp., $68.00 (paperback), ISBN: 978-0-8389-4767-8, $48.00 (PDF ebook)

As libraries continue to evolve, they need leaders who understand organizational culture, are able to envision and strategize for the future, and can effectively communicate and lead others through...
Adaptive optics enables aberration-free remote focusing for two-photon fluorescence microscopy

Two-photon fluorescence microscopy has been widely applied to three-dimensional imaging of complex samples. Remote focusing by controlling the divergence of excitation light is a common approach to scanning the focus axially. However, microscope objectives induce distortion to the wavefront of non-collimated excitation beams, leading to degraded imaging quality away from the natural focal plane. We characterized the aberrations introduced by remote focusing and used adaptive optics to correct the remote-focusing-induced aberrations. Diffraction-limited focal quality over up to 800-µm axial range can be maintained. We further demonstrated aberration-free remote focusing for in vivo imaging of neurites and synapses in mouse brain.
Synergistic effect of nanoionic destabilization and partial dehydrogenation for enhanced ionic conductivity in MBH 4 -C 60 (M = Li + , Na + ) nanocomposites

In this work, we evaluate the electrochemical properties of MBH4-C60 (M = Li+, Na+) nanocomposites for potential use as a solid-state electrolyte in alkali-ion batteries. The enhancement of ionic conductivity for MBH4 was achieved through the addition of C60 and partial dehydrogenation, resulting in an electrolyte with significantly higher ionic conductivity when compared to the pure MBH4. This improvement is attributed to the nanoionic destabilization of the MBH4 salt due to the affinity of the BH4− anion for C60 and partial dehydrogenation of the MBH4 through heating. The LiBH4-C60 nanocomposite was successfully paired with two anodes (graphite and lithium titanate) and two cathodes (LiFePO4 and TiS2) and galvanostatically cycled. The NaBH4-C60 nanocomposite showed nearly a 4-order-of-magnitude increase in ionic conductivity versus pure NaBH4 and demonstrated reversible sodium stripping and plating in a symmetric cell.
Model of Computation

Computer vision transcends a wide range of representations and forms of processing. Despite advances in many sub-areas of computer vision, there is no consensus on a unified approach to vision. However, one can define certain general characteristics of an Integrated Vision System (IVS) from computational perspective. For example, it is known that a “vision system” must be able to perform diverse sets of complex operations on a massive amount of data at high speeds. Motion sequences at moderate resolution (512×512 pixels) and typical frame rate (30 frames/sec) in color (3 bytes) involve more than 20 Mbytes of data per second. The amount of computation required for dynamic scene interpretation including labeling objects, surface reconstruction and motion analysis is difficult to estimate; however, for many applications computational power in the range of 1012–14 instructions per second is required [41]. Not only are the raw processing needs tremendous, but varying the type of processing capabilities (such as number crunching, symbol manipulation, and data processing) are required.
RNA-Seq analysis and whole genome DNA-binding profile of the Vibrio cholerae histone-like nucleoid structuring protein (H-NS).

The data described in this article pertain to the genome-wide transcription profiling of a Vibrio cholerae mutant lacking the histone-like nucleoid structuring protein (H-NS) and the mapping of the H-NS chromosome binding sites (Wang et al., 2015 [1]; Ayala et al., 2015 [2]). H-NS is a nucleoid-associated protein with two interrelated functions: organization of the bacterial nucleoid and transcriptional silencing (Dorman, 2013 [3]). Both functions require DNA binding and protein oligomerization (Spurio et al., 1997[4]; Dame et al., 2001 [5]). H-NS commonly silences the expression of virulence factors acquired by lateral gene transfer (Navarre et al., 2006 [6]). The highly pleiotropic nature of hns mutants in V. cholerae indicates that H-NS impacts a broad range of cellular processes such as virulence, stress response, surface attachment, biofilm development, motility and chemotaxis. We used a V. cholerae strain harboring a deletion of hns and a strain expressing H-NS tagged at the C-terminus with the FLAG epitope to generate datasets representing the hns transcriptome and DNA binding profile under laboratory conditions (LB medium, 37 °C). The datasets are publicly available at the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/) with accession numbers GSE62785 and GSE64249.
Extended Smas Dissection as an Approach to Midface Rejuvenation

The objective in rhytidectomy is to rejuvenate and improve facial appearance. To obtain consistent results, facelifting should be approached not just as a tightening or lifting procedure but also as a reconstructive procedure, reversing the anatomic changes that occur in aging. The ability to bring aesthetic harmony back into the aging face requires the blending of surgical technique, anatomic knowledge, and artistic sensitivity to individualize the surgical approach for a given patient. To obtain surgical rejuvenation while minimizing signs of surgical distortion remains the ultimate goal of our facelifting procedures.
Transmultiplexers — Some new applications

Traditionally, transmultiplexers (TMUX) were deployed in telephone networks (speech transmission) for the TDM ↔ FDM translation, and for on-board processing in satellites. It is known that the theory of multirate filter banks can be applied to TMUX to obtain novel implementations and to gain new insights into their design. Recently, two communications applications, namely, the software radio, and multi-carrier modulation have gained considerable importance. In this paper, we briefly review the multirate DSP framework for TMUX and discuss these two applications using this framework.
The Power of Social Psychological Interventions

Brief social psychological interventions that focus on people's perceptions of themselves and their environment have been shown to increase academic performance.
The Relationship of Chronic Fatigue to Psychiatric Illness in Community, Primary Care and Tertiary Care Samples

This paper reviews the psychiatric disorders associated with the symptom of fatigue in community, primary care and tertiary care samples. In each of these subsamples, studies using structured psychiatric interviews and operational diagnostic criteria are compared and contrasted. In summary, in community, primary care and tertiary care populations, there was a high association between the symptom of fatigue and affective and anxiety disorders. The prevalence rates of affective illness went up linearly in patients with fatigue as one moved from community to primary care and tertiary populations. The fact that fatigue is a common symptom in the community and is associated with significantly higher medical utilization when associated with affective and anxiety disorders may explain the increased association between this symptom and affective illness in primary and tertiary care.
The Effect of Water on Soot Formation Chemistry

A combined, experimental and numerical program is presented. This work summarizes an internal research effort conducted at Southwest Research Institute. Meeting new, stringent emissions regulations for diesel engines requires a way to reduce NO x and soot emissions. Most emissions reduction strategies reduce one pollutant while increasing the other. Water injection is one of the few promising emissions reduction techniques with the potential to simultaneously reduce soot and NO x in diesel engines. While it is widely accepted that water reduces NO x via a thermal effect, the mechanisms behind the reduction of soot are not well understood. The water could reduce the soot via physical, thermal, or chemical effects. To aid in developing water injection strategies, this project's goal was to determine how water enters the soot formation chemistry. Linked burner experiments and modeling of a rich premixed flame were used to determine the magnitude of the thermal and chemical effect of water on soot formation and identify a possible kinetic mechanism to explain it. Following Dec's model for diesel combustion processes (Dec, 1997; Flynn, et al., 1999) [1,19] , soot inception results from rich premixed combustion; thus the rich premixed flame provides an appropriate venue in which to isolate the influence of water on the kinetics. Open flame, burner experiments have been performed to quantify the soot inception point and the relative amounts of soot formation in premixed flames with and without water addition. These results have been used to expand and compliment data available in the published literature. Subsequent modeling has been used to predict trends in soot inception using currently accepted kinetic soot mechanisms. Results from this effort led to a revised kinetic mechanism for the process. Comparison of the experimental and modeling data has been used to assess the accuracy of soot formation mechanisms and ultimately has yielded a new understanding of the soot formation chemistry and the role of added water.
Martian Seeps and Their Relation to Youthful Geothermal Activity

Gullies found on Martian hillsides by Malin and Edgett (2000) appear in many cases to be formed by water seeps produced by underground aquifers. It is proposed that these aquifers result from geologically recent melting of permafrost ice by sporadic, localized geothermal activity. This is consistent with evidence from crater counts and Martian meteorites that much higher-temperature geothermal activity has produced volcanic activity and lava flows within the last 200 Myr, and perhaps within the last 10 Myr. This hypothesis explains an aspect initially described as surprising, namely concentration of the gullies at high latitudes and on shadowed slopes. Similar features are found on Icelandic basaltic hillsides, which may be ideal analogs for further studies that may clarify the Martian phenomena.
Relaxed DM Requirements During Class II Peptide Loading and CD4+ T Cell Maturation in BALB/c Mice

Current ideas about DM actions have been strongly influenced by studies of mutant strains expressing the H-2b haplotype. To evaluate DM contributions to class II activities in BALB/c mice, we generated a novel mutation at the DMa locus via embryonic stem cell technology. Unlike long-lived Ab/class II-associated invariant chain-derived peptide (CLIP) complexes, mature Ad and Ed molecules are loosely occupied by class II-associated invariant chain-derived peptide and are SDS unstable. BALB/c DM mutants weakly express BP107 conformational epitopes and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 superantigen-binding capabilities, consistent with partial occupancy by wild-type ligands. Near normal numbers of mature CD4+ T cells fail to undergo superantigen-mediated negative selection, as judged by TCR Vβ usage. Ag presentation assays reveal consistent differences for Ad- and Ed-restricted T cells. Indeed, the mutation leads to decreased peptide capture by Ad molecules, and in striking contrast causes enhanced peptide loading by Ed molecules. Thus, DM requirements differ for class II structural variants coexpressed under physiological conditions in the intact animal.
A Shortage of Medical Residency Positions: Parallels with Psychology.

Physician shortages in the US are expected to intensify with the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. These shortages may negatively impact access to care, quality of care, and confidence in the system’s ability to adequately provide for health needs in the US. Concerns regarding physician demand underscore how critical Graduate Medical Education funding is to preparing the physician workforce. In 2014 5.6 % of US medical school seniors did not match into residency. Psychology has faced longstanding training imbalance issues with a misalignment between the number of internship positions and the number of applicants. The authors summon attention to the damaging effects a training imbalance poses to a health care profession, its trainees, and ultimately the public it serves.
Predictors of early-onset cognitive impairment.

Dementia is a major global health crisis with an estimated 35 million people diagnosed at present, and that number is projected to triple by 2050. Many more suffer from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is recognized as a precursor for many types of dementia (Petersen et al. , 2014). At the recent G8 Summit in London, health ministers from participating countries discussed dementia and its treatment and prevention (Fox and Petersen, 2013), and issued a communique calling for increased research into the mechanisms of disease, and increased efforts targeted at prevention (G8 Summit, 2013). To that end, the identification of lifestyle factors that may contribute to the development of dementia is crucial. In the current issue of Brain , Nyberg and colleagues present data from a longitudinal study in which they reveal the contribution of two such factors—early cardiovascular fitness and cognitive fitness—to the risk of early-onset dementia and MCI (Nyberg et al. , 2014). Longitudinal studies such as these are much needed. In 2010, an NIH ‘State of the Science’ report concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the use of pharmaceutical agents, dietary supplements or other means for the prevention of cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease (NIH State-of-the-Science, 2010). Having reviewed the literature, attendees at the conference concluded that the appropriate longitudinal studies had not been conducted to validate any interventions. Of note, studies that …
Incorporating anthropometry into design of spoon for children

The purpose of this study was to provide product designer with the anthropometric dimensions of hand for children and compare the dimensions of spoon sizes with anthropometric database and recommend appropriate solutions for design. Two hundred and five subjects who age ranged from 3 to 10 years old were separated into eight stratifications for analysis. Six dimensions of hand were measured by digital caliper. Results of ANOVA showed that all hand dimensions were significant age effect. Further, post test revealed that mean length of hand could be divided into four subsets. Manufacturers should make products available in various sizes to accommodate different users at least four sizes for children and various sizes were based on hand length plus 30 mm.
Historical and physical parameters as predictors of severe hyperkalemia in male cats with urethral obstruction

Objective: To evaluate selected historical and physical parameters as predictors of hyperkalemia in male cats with urethral obstruction. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Veterinary teaching hospital. Animals: Two hundred and twenty-three male cats. Interventions: None. Measurements and main results: The metabolic derangements of 223 male cats that presented with urethral obstruction from 1997 through 1999 were reported in a companion article. Approximately 12% of the cats had multiple, life-threatening metabolic derangements. In the present study, historical and physical parameters were evaluated as predictors of hyperkalemia (K+≥8.0 mmol/L) in cats with urethral obstruction. The 4 historical parameters significantly associated with hyperkalemia were: first time obstruction, outdoor status, anorexia, or vomiting. The 5 physical parameters significantly associated with hyperkalemia were: rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse quality, and the presence of arrhythmia. Of the physical parameters, a rectal temperature below 95–96.6°F (35–35.9°C) or a heart rate below 120 b.p.m. were the most accurate predictors. When used in combination (i.e., evidence of bradycardia and hypothermia), the specificity for hyperkalemia was 98–100%. Conclusions: Rectal temperature and heart rate were the best parameters for predicting hyperkalemia in this population.
Algorithms for selecting informative marker panels for population assignment.

Given a set of potential source populations, genotypes of an individual of unknown origin at a collection of markers can be used to predict the correct source population of the individual. For improved efficiency, informative markers can be chosen from a larger set of markers to maximize the accuracy of this prediction. However, selecting the loci that are individually most informative does not necessarily produce the optimal panel. Here, using genotypes from eight species—carp, cat, chicken, dog, fly, grayling, human, and maize—this univariate accumulation procedure is compared to new multivariate "greedy" and "maximin" algorithms for choosing marker panels. The procedures generally suggest similar panels, although the greedy method often recommends inclusion of loci that are not chosen by the other algorithms. In seven of the eight species, when applied to five or more markers, all methods achieve at least 94% assignment accuracy on simulated individuals, with one species—dog— producing this level of ac...
Geometry optimization of excited states

A combined CNDO/2 and CNDO/S program to optimize the geometry of open shell states (doublets and triplets) is reported. It minimizes the sum of the CNDO/2 ground state and CNDO/S excitation energies, using an analytical expression for the gradient, quadratic acceleration and symmetry coordinates. It has been tested by application to a long series of asymmetric top molecules of the types AH2, AH3, HAB, and their anions and cations, and to formaldehyde and its anion and cation. The results are compared, as far as possible, with experimental values of bond lengths and angles; bond lengths agree with experiment with an average deviation of 0.04 A (for 22 values) with a slight bias toward overestimation, and bond angles with a mean deviation of 4° for the 12 values which are not fixed by symmetry, and a significant bias toward overestimation. Qualitative arguments (based on an overlap criterion) show that all comparisons between related molecules agree with the qualitative predictions.
Classical waves on nonlinear lattices

We discuss the solution to classical vibrations on several nonlinear lattices in one dimension. One lattice has nearest-neighbor potential energy with both quadratic and quartic terms in the relative displacements $q$. Another lattice has the potential energy terms going as $\mathrm{cosh}(q)$. Exact analytical solutions are derived for periodic waves that have a period of two, three, and four lattice constants. Several of these cases employ Jacobian elliptic functions, while one solution uses ordinary cosines. The quadratic term in the potential energy can have either sign, and a double well occurs when it is negative and the quartic is positive. Solutions are also found for this double-well potential.
The Cholinergic System in Schizophrenia Reconsidered:: Anticholinergic Modulation of Sleep and Symptom Profiles

The role of the cholinergic system in schizophrenia remains controversial. A series of investigations are reviewed that describe the effects of pharmacological manipulation of the cholinergic system on schizophrenia symptomatology and whether putative measures of the cholinergic system are altered in schizophrenia. The effects of biperiden (an anticholinergic agent) on positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and on rapid eye movement (REM) latency and other sleep measures were assessed. Biperiden produced a significant increase in positive symptoms and a decrease in negative symptoms. REM latency was significantly shorter in schizophrenic patients and increased in both groups following biperiden. REM density decreased in a dose-dependent manner following biperiden in schizophrenic patients, but not in normal controls. The slope of REM density plotted against biperiden dose was inversely related to plasma homovanillic acid (HVA), an index of dopamine (DA) activity, in schizophrenic patients. These results further implicate the cholinergic system in schizophrenia pathophysiology and suggest a role for DA-acetylcholine (ACh) interactions in the production of sleep abnormalities and expression of positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
Excited triplet state spectroscopy in the infrared

Abstract A new method for the investigation of the infrared spectra of metastable excited electronic states is presented. With a Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer as the probe and a CW Xe lamp source as the pump, the infrared spectrum of the lowest triplet state of triphenylene isolated in a N 2 matrix at 15K has been examined. CH out-of-plane wagging modes are prominent and shifted from their ground state frequencies. It is expected that when fully developed this method will provide important information on excited state force constants and potential energy surfaces.
Nonlinear GRAPPA: A kernel approach to parallel MRI reconstruction

GRAPPA linearly combines the undersampled k-space signals to estimate the missing k-space signals where the coefficients are obtained by fitting to some auto-calibration signals (ACS) sampled with Nyquist rate based on the shift-invariant property. At high acceleration factors, GRAPPA reconstruction can suffer from a high level of noise even with a large number of auto-calibration signals. In this work, we propose a nonlinear method to improve GRAPPA. The method is based on the so-called kernel method which is widely used in machine learning. Specifically, the undersampled k-space signals are mapped through a nonlinear transform to a high-dimensional feature space, and then linearly combined to reconstruct the missing k-space data. The linear combination coefficients are also obtained through fitting to the ACS data but in the new feature space. The procedure is equivalent to adding many virtual channels in reconstruction. A polynomial kernel with explicit mapping functions is investigated in this work. Experimental results using phantom and in vivo data demonstrate that the proposed nonlinear GRAPPA method can significantly improve the reconstruction quality over GRAPPA and its state-of-the-art derivatives.
Prediction of Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility in Low-risk Subjects An Epidemiologic Investigation of Caffeine Halothane Contracture Responses

The most commonly used laboratory test for predicting malignant hyperthermia susceptibility is the caffeine halothane contracture test. However, the specificity and sensitivity of proposed North American diagnostic guidelines for this test have never been evaluated in a large, human study population. Therefore, the authors conducted a multiinstitutional, prospective study of skeletal muscle contracture responses in a subject population at low risk for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility to help determine the specificity of the proposed guidelines. Subjects were selected arbitrarily from a population of patients undergoing surgery unrelated to performance of a diagnostic muscle biopsy. Subjects were admitted to this study and were presumed nonsusceptible if there was no evidence of any of the following malignant hyperthermia risk factors: prior abnormal response to triggering anesthetic agents, myopathy, or family history of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility. The authors suggested rejection of the proposed diagnostic guidelines if an 85% specificity estimate among subjects could not be obtained. The authors analyzed the responses of 1,022 muscle fascicles, derived from 176 subjects, to the following: 1) separate administration of 3% halothane or incremental caffeine concentrations, or 2) the joint administration of 1% halothane and incremental caffeine concentrations. The following contracture results were obtained. First, for individual fascicles, 9.2% exceeded a greater than 0.7 g threshold for 3% halothane, 15.2% exceeded a greater than or equal to 0.2 g threshold for 2 mM caffeine, 32.4% exceeded a 1-g increase for less than 4 mM caffeine, 2.6% had a greater than 7% maximal increase in tension at 2 mM caffeine, and 63.5% had a "halothane caffeine-specific concentration" at less than or equal to 1 mM caffeine. Second, the percentages of subjects with 1 or more fascicles exceeding the proposed threshold were as follows: 45.8% for the four-component, 28.8% for the three-component, and 32.7% for the two-component contracture test. Third, the percentages of subjects with 1 or more fascicles exceeding the proposed threshold for both halothane and caffeine were as follows: 9.5% for 3% halothane and 2 mM caffeine, 2.0% for 3% halothane and 7% maximal increase in tension at 2 mM caffeine, and 11.0% for 1% halothane and 2 mM caffeine. Fourth, center-to-center differences were the major source of variation in the rate that subjects exceeded proposed thresholds. These data demonstrate that proposed diagnostic guidelines must be modified to improve specificity estimates before adoption by diagnostic centers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The role of penile stimulation and ejaculatory experience on the development and maintenance of reproductive behavior in the bull (Bos taurus).

To determine the role of afferent input from the penis and copulatory experience on the ontogeny of reproductive behavior, 49 bulls were randomly assigned to the following groups: (1) control; (2) surgical penile deflection (penis deviation), which prevents intromission; (3) penile neurectomy; or (4) penis deviation plus neurectomy. Sexual performance tests were conducted at 3-month intervals from 9 to 24 months of age. Bulls deviated but not neurectomized mounted more frequently than bulls in the other groups. The low mount frequency for control bulls in tests in which copulation occurred was due to the sexually quiescent postejaculatory refractory period. Preventing control bulls from copulating by affixing cloth patches to females' perinea increased mount frequency to the level of deviated bulls. It is concluded that copulatory experince is not essential to the development and maintenance of normal mounting activity. However, sensory stimulation from the penis facilitates the expression of sexual behaviors.
Analysis of the Notched Coating Adhesion Test

Abstract An analysis of the notched coating adhesion (NCA) test is presented. This simple adhesion test method is appropriate for measuring the interfacial fracture toughness of some classes of coatings and open-faced adhesive bonds. The NCA specimen consists of a single substrate coated with a thin layer of adhesive. The coating is notched to sever the coating and induce sharp interfacial debonds, and the specimen is then loaded in tension. The substrate strain at which coating debonding occurs is recorded and used to determine the critical strain energy release rate. Yielding of the substrate is permitted, and does not significantly affect the calculation of the strain energy release rate. Analytical and finite element analysis are used to quantify the available strain energy release rate for both steady state and laterally-constrained cases. The available strain energy release rate is shown to be quite insensitive to the initial debond length. The specimen geometry results in a mode mix which causes th...
Diversification and Performance: A Reexamination using A New Two-Dimensional Conceptualization of Diversity in Firms

The article discusses a study which examines the linkage between diversity and performance using a two-dimensional conceptualization of diversity in business enterprises. Methods for measuring dive...
Mechanical properties of vapor grown carbon nanofibers

Abstract Individual as-fabricated, high temperature heat-treated and graphitized/surface oxidized vapor grown carbon nanofibers (VGCNFs), with average diameter of 150 nm were tested for their elastic modulus and their tensile strength by a MEMS-based mechanical testing platform. The elastic modulus increased from 180 GPa for as-fabricated, to 245 GPa for high temperature heat-treated nanofibers. The nominal fiber strengths followed Weibull distributions with characteristic strengths between 2.74 and 3.34 GPa, which correlated well with the expected effects of heat treatment and oxidative post-processing. As-fabricated VGCNFs had small Weibull modulus indicating a broad flaw population, which was condensed upon heat treatment. For all VGCNF grades, the nanofiber fracture surface included the stacked truncated cup structure of the oblique graphene layers comprising its backbone and cleavage of the outer turbostratic or thermally graphitized layer.
A Comparison of Factor Structures of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale in a Mentally Ill Forensic Inpatient Sample

The present study examined the factor structure of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, 11th version (BIS-11, Patton, Stanford & Barratt, 1995) in a sample of 327 mentally ill forensic inpatients. Using confirmatory factor analysis, the fit of five a priori factor structures of the BIS-11 were evaluated and compared. Fit indices supported a two-factor structure (Motor and Nonplanning Impulsiveness). Internal consistency of these scales was strong and their association with one another moderate. Significant associations with psychiatric diagnoses and self-reported continuous measures of psychopathology supported the construct validity of the revised BIS factor structure. Implications of these findings and the usefulness of the revised BIS in clinical and research settings are discussed.
Improved Reliability from Statistical Redundancy of Three Phase Operation of High Voltage Circuit Breakers

Experimental and statistical evidence is given which concludes that the great majority of practical circuit breakers derive considerable benefit from redundancy of three pole operation on a three phase system. The value of the standard deviation can be much more important than that of the voltage interrupted by the first phase to clear. For the same probability of failure, the poles in a "good" three phase circuit breaker can function reliably at more than 60% higher voltage than they can when acting alone (see Table XI).
The role of camera and illumination choices in absolute blood velocity measurements

Non-invasive measurements of blood velocity at the capillary level are of great interest in many clinical applications. Recently we presented a new method for the quantitative estimation of blood flow velocity, based on the use of the Radon transform. The technique was based on narrow band illumination at 525 nm and tracking of non-uniform distribution of red blood cells within the vessel, rather than the individual blood cells themselves. Here we present a complete error analysis of this useful technique, highlighting the role of camera and illumination choices. Finally we propose in vivo examples on retinal flow imaging and compare the results obtained with this technique to the one proposed by a commercial system.
Effects of Healing Time and Pulsed-DC Waveform on Injury Detection and Incidence in Electroshocked Juvenile Chinook Salmon

Abstract Electrofishing is widely used to assess juvenile Pacific salmonids in freshwaters, but electroshock-induced injury may result. The small size of juvenile fish makes detection of internal injuries, particularly spinal injuries, more difficult than in adult fish. To test the idea that growth and healing of vertebral injuries over time would render injuries more detectable, we exposed age-1 Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha to conventional 60-Hz pulsed direct current (PDC) and dual-frequency PDC (DFPDC; 568 and 15 Hz) in a tank study. To simulate field conditions, capture-prone behaviors (immobilization and forced swimming) were achieved by applying 60-Hz PDC at a voltage gradient of 1.1 V/cm and DFPDC at 5.0 V/cm. Because electroshock treatments occurred only on day 0, we assumed that all injuries occurred on that day. Evaluation of injuries on days 1, 7, 14, 28, and 56 of a 56-d experiment revealed decreasingly detectable hemorrhages (as a result of healing) but increasingly detectable spina...