cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Burnout, Wellness, and Fulfillment Among Respiratory Therapists During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Burnout among respiratory therapists (RTs) has been reported as high as 72% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited data are available regarding wellness and fulfillment among RTs. The purpose of this study was to conduct interviews to explore burnout, wellness, and fulfillment among RTs working in critical care during the COVID-19 pandemic and to inform future decisions for potential interventions to reduce burnout and increase feelings of fulfillment. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews to learn about RTs experience of burnout, wellness, and job fulfillment during the pandemic. Recruitment occurred from April – May 2021 in a single academic, tertiary care medical center. We recruited staff RTs by including study information in a biweekly email and on flyers posted throughout workspaces. A single research coordinator conducted all interviews via videoconference or telephone. Participants received a $50 gift card in compensation for their time. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis. Two of the authors identified themes using open coding. The study was approved by the University of Pennsylvania IRB. Results: Seven RTs participated in interviews. Median experience in the field was 16 (4.5-27) years. Respondents felt that burnout was driven by lack of staffing, challenges of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the emotional toll of caring for patients who were extremely ill. Factors reported to improve wellness included: working consistently in the same units, participating in committees, and professionalism among colleagues. Respondents felt fulfilled by building relationships with colleagues, having the ability to teach new colleagues and learn new skills, caring for patients and seeing them progress, and being appreciated by MDs, other staff, and patients. Regarding interventions to reduce burnout and improve wellness, respondents reported that they appreciated interactions with colleagues and camaraderie of celebrations, which were limited during the pandemic. However, the most consistent recommended intervention was to reduce staff shortages. Conclusions: RTs experienced high levels of burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coping mechanisms, such as interactions and celebrations with their colleagues, were interrupted due to pandemic policies. Interventions to provide more staffing and increased peer interactions may mitigate the severe burnout experienced by this group.
Assessment of Moral Distress Among Pediatric Respiratory Therapists and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Specialists

Background: The impact of moral distress, burn out, and compassion fatigue has been described in nurses and physicians, but limited data exist regarding respiratory therapists (RTs). We sought to investigate the prevalence of moral distress and burnout in pediatric RTs and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) specialists. Methods: IRB approval was obtained and an anonymous survey was electronically distributed to the Respiratory Care and ECMO departments at Boston Children’s Hospital. The survey was conducted from August 5 - September 20, 2020. Demographic variables were collected and participants were asked about familiarity with compassion fatigue, moral distress, burn out, and self-care. Measurement of Moral Distress for Healthcare Providers (MMD-HP) and a Single Item Assessment for Burnout were collected for each participant. Additional questions included whether or not they felt supported by the department and leadership during traumatic patient care experiences, day to day activities, and if they performed adequate self-care. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies, percents, or proportions and compared using chi-square or Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare MMD-HP between grouping variables. Spearmen correlation was used to assess the relationship between variables. Results: A total of 57 (67%) of the respondents completed all forms and were included for analysis. Staff characteristics are displayed in (Table 1). Median scores for MMD-HP and burnout were 92 IQR (68.5-133.5) and 2 (2-3) respectfully. Moderate inverse correlations were observed between MMD-HP and perceived support from the department (correlation coefficient -.273; P = .04), leadership (correlation coefficient -.279; P = .036), and reported levels of self-care (correlation coefficient -.314; P = .017). Conclusions: Pediatric RTs and ECMO Specialists reported moderate levels of moral distress and burnout. We identified that perceived lack of support from colleagues or department leadership and limited self-care practices may negatively influence moral distress. Further research evaluating the specific drivers of moral distress and the modification thereof are essential for designing interventions to mitigate the impact of moral distress within respiratory care departments.
On the sample complexity of learning smooth cuts on a manifold

Modern data sets, though typically high dimensional, are often generated by processes possessing few essential degrees of freedom, as is the case with human speech. In recent years, such considerations have lead to the notion that high dimensional data may be modeled to lie on a submanifold of low intrinsic dimension. We derive bounds on the number of random samples needed before it is possible to approximately separate data into two classes using smooth decision boundaries with high probability.
Simulation and experimental study of induction motor broken rotor bars fault diagnosis using stator current spectrogram

Recent advances in the field of power electronics and control circuits, have contributed to the increasing use of induction machines in electrical systems. The use of induction machines is mainly due to their robustness, and their low cost of manufacture. Still, various faults may appear in such machines. The Power Spectral Density (PSD) based on the Fourier Transform (FT), is used as a method of analysis for many years for its simplicity and its relatively low computing time. However, it is ineffective in faults detection in the case of a small slip (harmonics too near to the fundamental). In addition, the fact that this method is based on the calculation of the FT, implicitly implies that the spectral properties of the signal are stationary. With the development of variable speed applications, the spectral characteristics of the stator current become non-stationary and the spectra are much richer in harmonics. To resolve these problems, we used in this paper, a time-frequency representation called Short Time Fourier Transform or Spectrogram, giving therefore, additional information on changes of the frequencies with time in the case of a stator current signal. Several simulations and experimental results are obtained in order to illustrate the merits of the Spectrogram and validate our work.
Wound healing considerations in chemotherapy and radiation therapy

Adjunctive radiation and chemotherapy have evolved to increase the survival rates and disease-free intervals that can be accomplished with surgical resection. We have reviewed the salient effects these agents have on wound healing. Further investigations into the specific wound-healing deficits caused by these agents and the development of interventional therapies will enable us to manipulate the wound milieu in order to accomplish the goal of oncologic cytoreductive therapy without detrimental effects on wound healing.
Synergistic potentiation of tumor necrosis factor-induced lung cancer cell death by 17-Allylamino-17-Demethoxygeldanamycin through blocking the nuclear factor-κB pathway

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 1365 Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a potential cancer therapeutic agent because of its ability to induce cancer cell death. However, most lung cancer cells are resistant to TNF-induced death, the mechanism of which has not been well elucidated. Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), a survival signal induced by TNF, has been implicated in resistance to TNF-induced apoptosis in cancer cells. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) regulates the stability and function of receptor-interaction proteins (RIP) and IκB kinase β (IKKβ), the key components of the TNF-induced NF-κB activation pathway. Therefore, suppression of HSP90 function may sensitize cancer cells to TNF-induced death. In this study, we examined the effect of the Hsp90 inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17AAG) on TNF-induced cell death in lung cancer cells. Exposure to 17AAG caused a significant reduction of RIP and IKKβ levels in H460 cells. A synergistic cytotoxicity was detected when TNF treatment followed 17AAG pre-exposure that caused RIP and IKKβ degradation, suggesting that the 17AAG sensitizes cells to TNF-induced cell death by blocking the TNF-induced NF-κΒ pathway. This was supported by further results, including suppressed IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, and decreased NF-κΒ activity detected by Western blot and reporter assay, respectively. The induction of NF-κB targeted anti-apoptosis genes was also suppressed in 17AAG-treated cells. Importantly, the potentiation of cell death by 17AAG was abolished in NF-κB-disabled cells expressing a nondegradable IκBα mutant (IκBαAA). These results suggest that the synergistic cytotoxicity seen with 17AAG and TNF treatment is resulted from blockage of TNF-induced NF-κB activation. The other components of the TNF receptor-I signaling cascade such as TRADD, TRAF2 and FADD were not altered in 17 AAG-treated cells. When treated with 17AAG, the TNF-induced c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) activation was enhanced and sustained. 17AAG and TNF co-treatment-induced cytotoxicity is mainly apoptotic, which was demonstrated both morphologically and biochemically, suggesting that the TNF-induced apoptosis pathway was triggered by 17AAG. A similar synergism for inducing apoptosis was also observed in 17AAG and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) treated lung cancer cells. Our results suggest that NF-κB plays a key role in the resistance of lung cancer cells to TNF and TRAIL, and that disabling this survival signal with 17AAG followed by TNF or TRAIL treatment could be an effective new therapeutic strategy for this deadly malignancy.
Termination of Epileptic Afterdischarge in the Hippocampus

The mechanism of afterdischarge termination in the various hippocampal regions was examined in the rat. Stimulation of the perforant path or the commissural system was used to elicit afterdischarges. Combination of multiple site recordings with silicon probes, current source density analysis, and unit recordings in the awake animal allowed for a high spatial resolution of the field events. Interpretation of the field observations was aided by intracellular recordings from anesthetized rats. Irrespective of the evoking conditions, afterdischarges always terminated first in the CA1 region. Termination of the afterdischarge was heralded by a large DC shift initiated in dendritic layers associated with a low amplitude "afterdischarge termination oscillation" (ATO) at 40 to 80 Hz in the cell body layer. ATOs were also observed in the CA3 region and the dentate gyrus. The DC shift spread at the same velocity (0. 1-0.2 mm/sec) in all directions and could cross the hippocampal fissure. All but 1 of the 25 putative interneurons in the CA1 and dentate regions ceased to fire before the onset of ATO. Intracellularly, ATO and the emerging DC potential were associated with fast depolarizing potentials and firing of pyramidal cells and depolarization block of spike initiation, respectively. Both field ATO and the intracellular depolarization shift were replicated by focal microinjection of potassium. We hypothesize that [K+]o lost by the intensely discharging neurons during the afterdischarge triggers propagating waves of depolarization in the astrocytic network. In turn, astrocytes release potassium, which induces a depolarization block of spike generation in neurons, resulting in "postictal depression" of the EEG.
Gas Contamination Effects on Pulse Tube Performance

Experiments were performed to quantify the effect of contamination in the helium working gas of a typical pulse tube cryocooler operating at 60 K with 1 W of applied heating load. A quadrupole mass spectrometer with a closed ion source was used to measure the gas compositions both before and after pulse tube operation. Five tests were performed with different combinations of water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and argon gas contaminating the helium across a range of 20 to 420 parts per million (ppm). Except for hydrogen, no other contaminants were detected in any experiment either before or after running the pulse tube. A decrease in pulse tube refrigeration performance was observed in all five tests, with asymptotic steady-state temperatures reached on a time scale of 7 to 10 days. Under a 1 W applied load condition with a constant piston stroke, the cold head temperature rise ranged from 0.6 to 2.8 K depending on contamination level. Comparisons between cryopumped and non-cryopumped vacuum chambers appeared to rule out the possibility that the contamination was external to the pulse tube. Water and carbon dioxide were the most important contaminants at the nominal operating temperature of 60 K, although there was evidence for nitrogen condensation under some conditions. Warming up of the pulse tube to room temperature tended to restore the original performance, although this improvement degraded more rapidly the second time around to the asymptotic steady-state temperature.
The role of phonology in reading Chinese single characters and two-character words with high, medium and low phonological regularities by Chinese grade 2 and grade 5 students

Explication du processus de lecture du chinois moderne et notamment la regularite phonologique des caracteres du chinois moderne. L'etude se base sur une etude realisee aupres d'eleves d'une ecole elementaire en Chine, qui ont ete soumis a des tests de lecture afin de designer les procedes utilises par les eleves dans l'identification de la prononciation appropriee des caracteres lus.
Reaction of potato tuber slices to Phytophthora infestans in relation to physiological age

Tuber resistance toPhytophthora infestans was studied in relation to physiological age in tubers of the cultivars Atzimba, Katahdin, Kennebec, and Sebago. Resistance to race1,2,3,4 was evaluated in freshly harvested tubers, and tubers stored at 5 C for up to 215 days. Atzimba tubers were highly resistant when freshly harvested but became increasingly susceptible as they aged physiologically. Tubers of the other three cultivars were susceptible when freshly harvested and also when aged. Further, 57 tuber selections from among 11 crosses initially gave resistant reactions. However, after storage for six months at 5 C, 26.3% of the selections remained resistant, 22.8% were moderately resistant, 31.6% moderately susceptible, and 19.3% fully susceptible.
Patterns of gene expression in the murine brain revealed by in situ hybridization of brain-specific mRNAs

Biochemical differences between neuronal cell populations of the mammalian brain, including selection of neurotransmitters and distinct neural antigens, suggest that the regulation of gene expression plays an important role in defining brain function. Here we describe the use of in situ hybridization to identify cDNA clones of highly regulated mRNA species and to define directly their pattern of gene expression in brain at both gross morphological and cellular levels. One of the selected cDNA clones, pMuBr2, detected a single 3.0 kb mRNA species, which from in situ hybridization appears specific to oligodendroglia cells. Three other cDNA clones, pMuBr3, 8 and 85, identified polyadenylated mRNA transcripts expressed by neuronal cells of the murine brain. Viewed at the gross morphological level, the mRNAs hybridizing to these cDNA sequences exhibit different patterns of abundance distinguishing such brain structures as pons, anterior thalamus, hippocampus, basal ganglia and anterior lobe of the neuroendocrine pituitary gland. At the cellular level, in situ hybridization revealed that these mRNAs are differentially expressed by morphologically and functionally distinct neurons of the cerebellum and hippocampal formation. When examined in the context of known brain function, however, the regulated expression of the neuron-specific mRNAs does not correlate simply with known cellular morphology or previously demonstrated neuronal relationships suggesting novel patterns of gene expression which may contribute to brain function.
An efficient algorithm for choosing scattering directions in Monte Carlo work with arbitrary phase functions

This paper describes an efficient Monte Carlo algorithm for choosing a new direction of a photon after a scattering interaction. The algorithm chooses a scattering angle by linear interpolation in a table of the inverse cumulative scattering probability. A Legendre expansion of the phase function makes it easy to apply Clenshaw's algorithm to build the interpolation table. The points in the table are close enough together that linear interpolation is accurate. With a table of 100,000 entries, we can keep the absolute and relative errors in matching the probability distribution below 10(exp -5).
Isolation of a cDNA clone for β1–4 galactosyltransferase from embryonic chicken brain and comparison to its mammalian homologs

Abstract Based on the observed biochemical and immunological similarities between bovine β1–4 galactosyltransferase (GalT) and a developmentally regulated galactosyltransferase (GalT-4; UDP-Gal:Lc3 β1–4 GalT) from embryonic chicken brain, a genetic similarity between the two enzymes has been postulated. To test our hypothesis, we have employed a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based approach and isolated a ∼600 bp cDNA clone from embryonic chicken brain mRNA. Our results indicate that, within the ∼600 bp fragment, the avian cDNA nucleotide sequence is 74% homologous to the human β1–4 galactosyltransferase cDNA. Similarity and identity between the predicted amino acid sequences of the two galactosyltransferases are 75% and 61%, respectively. Similar to its mammalian counterparts, the embryonic chicken brain galactosyltransferase gene appears to encode multiple mRNA transcripts (2.3 and 1.4 kb) and shows multiple bands on a Southern blot (18.6,12.9,10.5 and 3.7 kb) indicating that the avian gene is either polyexonic and/or it belongs to a multiple gene family.
SHYNESS AND LONELINESS AMONG COLLEGE MEN AND WOMEN

This study examined the relationship between shyness and loneliness among 157 male and 155 female college students. A modified version of the Stanford Shyness Survey measured shyness, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale assessed loneliness. Correlations between shyness and loneliness were for males .52 and for females .56. These scales may be beneficial in counseling college students.
Controlled protein dimerization through hybrid coordination motifs.

Protein homodimerization is the simplest form of oligomerization that is frequently utilized for the construction of functional biological assemblies and regulation of cellular pathways. Despite its simplicity, dimerization still poses an enormous challenge for protein engineering and chemical maniupulation, owing to the large molecular surfaces involved in this process. We report here the construction of a hybrid coordination motif – consisting of a natural (His) and a non-natural ligand (quinolate) – on the α-helical surface of cytochrome cb562, which a) simultaneously binds divalent metals with high affinity, b) leads to a metal-induced increase in global protein stability, and importantly, c) enables the formation of a discrete protein dimer, whose shape is dictated by the inner-sphere metal coordination geometry. The crystallographically-determined arrangement of metal cross-linked α-helices closely approximate that of the DNA-binding domains of bZIP family transcription factors.
Anomalous two-photon generation of excitons in CuCl pellets

We report on an anomalous excitation of excitonic matter in pressed CuCl pellets. In these random materials, we find that excitons are initially created for an excitation energy in the range of 1892–2843meV, which is far below the bandgap of this semiconductor. The excitation-power dependence from the population dynamics of excitonic matter strongly indicates an unusual two-photon generation of ground-state excitons. Considering this off-resonance effect, excitons are probably generated from a continuum of impurity-induced levels excited by two-photon pumping.
Haemorrheology of Equine Platelet-Neutrophil Aggregates

The filterability of platelet-neutrophil aggregates through filters containing 5 μm pores was determined to evaluate the potential of plateletneutrophil aggregates to alter blood flow in the microvasculature. Incubation of platelet-neutrophil mixture with platelet-activating factor (PAF) and with 0.5 μM adenosine diphosphate (ADP) resulted in large platelet-neutrophil aggregates which rapidly plugged filter pores. Incubation of platelet-neutrophil mixtures with lower concentrations of ADP resulted in small platelet-neutrophil aggregates that contained only one neutrophil. Filtration of these samples resulted in a 1.3-, 3.2- and 3.7-fold increase in initial filtration pressure at ADP concentrations of 0.05, 0.15 and 0.25 μM, respectively. We conclude that platelet-neutrophil aggregates have reduced deformability and may alter blood flow in the microvasculature.
Symbolic Conflict and the First Amendment: US Supreme Court Adjudication of the Expression of Condensation Symbols

The interpretation of the US Constitution by the Supreme Court of the US has often focused on conflicts arising from intense differences over the meaning attached to symbols including armbands, flags and banners; statues of the Ten Commandments and other religious symbols; depictions involving indecent images; and the conflicting perceptions of, and reactions to, “dirty” words. The symbols involved in these conflicts are essentially condensation symbols, and divisions over these decisions reflect cultural rifts that manifest themselves in the profoundly different ways large groups of US citizens perceive images and words that evoke powerful emotional response. The Court has utilized a variety of doctrinal devices while engaging in the process of constitutional interpretation as it has struggled with these controversies in the context shaped by the broader culture that informs and constrains this process and by the elements within it that constantly struggle for validation. But the efficacy of its efforts remains questionable.
Changing Mental Health Gatekeeping: Effects on Performance Indicators

This study evaluated how a change in gatekeeping model at a health maintenance organization affected performance indicators for specialty outpatient mental health care. Gatekeeping in one division changed from in-person evaluations to a call center with routine authorization for the first eight visits. Using 1996–1999 claims data (including 2 years pre- and 2 years postintervention), the study compared performance indicator results in the affected division and another where the model did not change. Subjects included 122,751 continuously enrolled persons. Dependent variables were mental health emergency room use, treatment initiation, treatment engagement, and family treatment for child patients. After controlling for secular trends at the other division and enrollee characteristics, the division that changed gatekeeping experienced no significant impact on most indicators and an increase in family treatment for children. The move to call-center gatekeeping did not appear to have a negative impact on treatment process as reflected in these indicators.
Effect of Preinduction Specific Growth Rate on Secretion of Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor by Escherichia coli

The effect of preinduction specific growth rate on the rate of synthesis and processing of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) secreted by Escherichia coli was investigated. A chemostat was used to explore preinduction growth rates ranging from 0.038 to 0.2/h. The maximum yields of both total GMCSF and processed GMCSF were found to occur at a preinduction growth rate of 0.13/h. It was also discovered that if the postinduction feed rate is reduced at a preinduction growth rate near 0.13/h, then the same amount of processed GMCSF is formed, but no unprocessed GMCSF is produced. It was hypothesized that the rate of synthesis of total GMCSF increases with an increased preinduction specific growth rate, but translocation across the cytoplasmic membrane and processing is rate-limiting. Increased degradation of GMCSF during induction at higher preinduction specific growth rates decreased the amount of GMCSF produced.
Studies in Geriatric Education: I. Developing Educational Objectives

This study reports on the development of a comprehensive set of objectives for the education of undergraduates, graduates, and fellows in geriatric medicine. The objectives were derived from reviews of available educational materials and programs, and their significance was validated through consensus techniques that included over 100 workers with special expertise in geriatrics and gerontology from the United States. Canada, and the United Kingdom. A related and supplementary investigation, which also used consensus methods, uncovered ten general and disease-specific objectives considered to be essential outcomes of the education of geriatric fellows. Academic departments and specialty and subspecialty organizations should find the total set of objectives useful for planning and evaluating educational programs in geriatrics.
Walking and Running are Associated with Similar Reductions in Cataract Risk

Purpose Habitual running has been associated with reduced risk of cataract development in one prospective study. The purpose of the current analyses is to provide further evidence of this potentially important benefit of vigorous exercise, and to test whether moderate exercise (e.g., walking) provides a significant and equivalent reduction in cataract risk as vigorous exercise (e.g. running).
Application of a NMDA Receptor Conductance in Rat Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons Using the Dynamic Clamp Technique

Neuroscientists study the function of the brain by investigating how neurons in the brain communicate. Many investigators look at changes in the electrical activity of one or more neurons in response to an experimentally-controlled input. The electrical activity of neurons can be recorded in isolated brain slices using patch clamp techniques with glass micropipettes. Traditionally, experimenters can mimic neuronal input by direct injection of current through the pipette, electrical stimulation of the other cells or remaining axonal connections in the slice, or pharmacological manipulation by receptors located on the neuronal membrane of the recorded cell. Direct current injection has the advantages of passing a predetermined current waveform with high temporal precision at the site of the recording (usually the soma). However, it does not change the resistance of the neuronal membrane as no ion channels are physically opened. Current injection usually employs rectangular pulses and thus does not model the kinetics of ion channels. Finally, current injection cannot mimic the chemical changes in the cell that occurs with the opening of ion channels. Receptors can be physically activated by electrical or pharmacological stimulation. The experimenter has good temporal precision of receptor activation with electrical stimulation of the slice. However, there is limited spatial precision of receptor activation and the exact nature of what is activated upon stimulation is unknown. This latter problem can be partially alleviated by specific pharmacological agents. Unfortunately, the time course of activation of pharmacological agents is typically slow and the spatial precision of inputs onto the recorded cell is unknown. The dynamic clamp technique allows an experimenter to change the current passed directly into the cell based on real-time feedback of the membrane potential of the cell (Robinson and Kawai 1993, Sharp et al., 1993a,b; for review, see Prinz et al. 2004). This allows an experimenter to mimic the electrical changes that occur at the site of the recording in response to activation of a receptor. Real-time changes in applied current are determined by a mathematical equation implemented in hardware. We have recently used the dynamic clamp technique to investigate the generation of bursts of action potentials by phasic activation of NMDA receptors in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (Deister et al., 2009; Lobb et al., 2010). In this video, we demonstrate the procedures needed to apply a NMDA receptor conductance into a dopaminergic neuron.
Metabolic responses to fructose-1,6-diphosphate in healthy subjects.

Fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FDP) is an important naturally occurring intracellular metabolite with a direct regulatory role in many metabolic pathways. The most important and widely studied of the FDP effects has been its regulation of glycolysis, particularly the enzyme that synthesizes FDP—phosphofructokinase (PFK). Since it was observed experimentally that FDP does indeed modulate carbohydrate metabolism, we investigated whether FDP would similarly enhance carbohydrate utilization in man. The study used indirect calorimetry and was open to healthy adults (N = 45) of either sex and above legal age. After a steady metabolic state was obtained, 5 g of FDP (10%) was infused into a brachial vein. In 10 subjects, glucose (5 g) or FDP (5 g) was sequentially infused. The rapid intravenous infusion of FDP produced a slight but significant decrease in heart and respiration rates ( P P P P P P P P
Personal visualization system: applications in research and engineering

The authors describe an innovative personal visualization system and its application to several research and engineering problems. The system bridges both hardware and software components to permit a user to graphically describe a visualization problem to the computer; thereby reducing program development time to a few hours. Low-cost visualization is achieved using PC-based software that can either be executed on a PC or drive graphic workstations for high-resolution displays. In either case, supercomputer computation rates are available for the visualization process. On PCs this is done with one or more PiP plug in cards, each of which is capable of 100 million floating point operations per second. On workstations this is done with the QUEN array processor. Applications mentioned include: ocean wave imaging; characterizing superconductors; and solar sail visualization. >
Reinforcement learning: Architectures and algorithms

This article is related to the research effort of constructing an intelligent agent, i.e., a computer system that is able to sense its environment (world), reason utilizing its internal knowledge and execute actions upon the world (act). the specific part of this effor presented in this article is reinforcement learning, i.e., the process of acquiring new knowledge based upon an evaluative feedback, called reinforcement, received by tht agent through interactions with the world. This article has two objectives: (1) to give a compact overview of reinforcement learning, and (2) to show that the evolution of the reinforcement learning paradigm has been driven by the need for more efficient learning through the addition of more structure to the learning agent. Therefore, both main ideas of reinforcement learning are introduced, and structural solutions to reinforcemen learning are reviewed. Several architectural enhancements of the RL paradigm are discussed. These include incorporation of state information in the learning process, architectural solutions to learning with delayed reinforcement, dealing with structurally changing worlds through utilization of multiple models of the world, and focusing attention of the learning agent through active perception. the paper closes with an overview of directions for applications and for future research in this area. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Kynurenine formamidase activity in the American cockroach

Abstract Kynurenine formamidase is widely distributed in the tissues of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, but is highest in activity in the fat body. Enzyme from this tissue is found in the soluble fraction of the cell, has no sharp pH optimum, and exhibits an apparent K m value of 1.43 × 10 −3 M. Sodium bisulphite is a strong inhibitor of the reaction, and has the characteristics of an uncompetitive inhibitor. Formamidase from pearl and lavender eye color mutant stocks has a tissue distribution pattern and activity characteristics essentially identical to those of wild type. Possible biochemical lesions for these mutant stocks are suggested.
Two exons encode the calmodulin-binding domain in the mouse phosphorylase kinase catalytic subunit gene

Abstract The catalytic subunit, γ, of phosphorylase kinase contains two calmodulin-binding sequences that define a domain in γ that is homologous to the troponin-C-binding domain in troponin I. The homology is based on both sequence and functional similarities. To account for this homology, it has been proposed that the calmodulin-binding sequences in γ and the troponin-C-binding domain in troponin I have evolved from a common ancestor. We investigated this possibility by comparing the exon structure of the γ gene with that of the troponin-I gene over their homologous domains. In the quail troponin-I gene, it is known that the entire troponin-C-binding domain is encoded by a single exon. However, two exons are found to encode the calmodulin-binding domain in the γ gene from mouse. This result indicates that convergent evolution may be responsible for the sequence and functional similarities between the homologous domains in troponin I and γ.
Substance Abuse Treatment Preferences in an Employed Population

This study examined preferences for sources of help for a hypothetical alcohol or drug use issue among a sample of privately insured employees without claims or reports of past-year substance use disorder (SUD) treatment (N = 133). Respondents indicated that family and friends were the most strongly preferred source of help. More than one fourth of respondents indicated they would be very likely to seek Employee Assistance Program (EAP) help (26.7%; SE = 7.3%). These findings suggest that employer efforts to ameliorate workers’ underutilization of SUD treatment and EAPs should focus on improving outreach and patient education about treatment options through available EAP and behavioral health benefits.
Predictors of two-year mortality in a prospective "UPBEAT" study of elderly veterans with comorbid medical and psychiatric symptoms.

Medical inpatients of nine VA medical centers (N = 2,657) were screened for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse and followed for 24 months. Survivors were compared with deceased subjects on the severity of symptoms of depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and self-rated health. Mortality was predicted by the length of hospitalization, as well as poor self-rated health at baseline. The severity of depressive symptoms and poor self-rated health measured at the time closest to the time of death also predicted mortality. Lack of improvement in symptoms of depression and anxiety at 6 months was associated with higher rates of mortality.
Analysis of Discrete-Source Damage Progression in a Tensile Stiffened Composite Panel

This paper demonstrates the progressive failure analysis capability in NASA Langley s COMET-AR finite element analysis code on a large-scale built-up composite structure. A large-scale five stringer composite panel with a 7-in. long discrete source damage was analyzed from initial loading to final failure including the geometric and material nonlinearities. Predictions using different mesh sizes, different saw cut modeling approaches, and different failure criteria were performed and assessed. All failure predictions have a reasonably good correlation with the test result.
Modeling auditor utility functions

Abstract Utility functions for profits and losses are obtained on 14 practicing auditors. Data were elicited through personal interviews with audit partners and seniors. The appropriate utility functions that describe the risk characteristics of the auditors and fit the certainty equivalent responses are found using a general summed exponential function and nonlinear programming to obtain its parameters. The richness of the summed exponential in assuming a variety of utility shapes and its mathematical tractability, for example, in manipulating models makes it attractive for expressing an individual's utility function. Use of the summed exponential mitigates the difficulties in assessing a utility function by simplifying the assessments and circumvents the need for the analyst to decide on the appropriate functional form. The empirical results show, for example, that a firm's seniors are less averse to losses than its partners. With respect to gains, a variety of utility shapes/risk preferences are exhibited with most being risk averse for large sums of money. The implications for an auditing firm are then discussed.
Late Holocene glacier fluctuations in the Wrangell Mountains, Alaska

Four intervals of late Holocene glacier advance are recognized from study of nine valley glaciers in the Wrangell and westernmost St. Elias Mountains of Alaska. The oldest glacial advance is recognized at the Nabesna and Barnard Glaciers where five radiocarbon ages suggest advance as early as 2700 cal. (calibrated) yr B.P. Two additional radiocarbon-dated advances are centered on cal. yr A.D. 300 and the beginning of the Little Ice Age about A.D. 1200. The best-documented Little Ice Age advances occurred during the mid-1600s through the 1800s and are recognized at all nine glaciers. These latter advances are dated by tree rings of trees overrun by glaciers in five glacier valley, by 17 radiocarbon dates, and by tree-ring and lichen ages from 20 moraines that were deposited during the culmination of these advances. The glacial chronology is broadly similar to chronologies from adjoining Alaskan mountain ranges, at both coastal and interior sites for the past 3000 yr. There are, however, differences in timing of advances during the first millennium A.D. The glacial history for the past 2000 yr is also consistent with temperature-sensitive proxy records from interior Alaska and Yukon Territory.
Extended Stability of Intravenous 0.9% Sodium Chloride Solution After Prolonged Heating or Cooling

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the stability and sterility of an intravenous 0.9% sodium chloride solution that had been cooled or heated for an extended period of time. Methods: Fifteen sterile 1 L bags of 0.9% sodium chloride solution were randomly selected for this experiment. Five bags were refrigerated at an average temperature of 5.2°C, 5 bags were heated at an average temperature of 39.2°C, and 5 bags were stored at an average room temperature of 21.8°C to serve as controls. All samples were protected from light and stored for a period of 199 days prior to being assayed and analyzed for microbial and fungal growth. Results: There was no clinically significant difference in the mean sodium values between the refrigerated samples, the heated samples, and the control group. There were no signs of microbial or fungal growth for the duration of the study. Conclusion: A sterile intravenous solution of 0.9% sodium chloride that was heated or cooled remained stable and showed ...
Risk stratification for arrhythmic events in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia: role of programmed ventricular stimulation and the signal-averaged electrocardiogram.

Abstract Objectives . This study investigated prediction of arrhythmic events by the signal-averaged electrocardiogram (ECG) and programmed stimulation in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Background . Risk stratification in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy remains controversial. Methods . Eighty patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and spontaneous nonsustained ventricular tachycardia underwent signal-averaged electrocardiography (both time-domain and spectral turbulence analysis) and programmed stimulation. All patients were followed up for a mean of 22 ± 26 months. Results . Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia was induced in 10 patients (13%), who all received amiodarone. The remaining 70 patients were followed up without antiarrhythmic therapy. Of the 80 patients, 15% had abnormal findings on the time-domain signal-averaged ECG, and 39% had abnormal findings on spectral turbulence analysis. Time-domain signal-averaged electrocardiography had a better predictive accuracy for induced ventricular tachycardia than spectral turbulence analysis (88% vs. 66%, p Conclusions . In patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, 1) there is a strong correlation between abnormal findings on the time-domain signal-averaged ECG and induced ventricular tachycardia, but both findings are uncommon; and 2) normal findings on the signal-averaged ECG, as well as failure to induce ventricular tachycardia, do not imply a benign outcome.
Human Engineering: An Ethical Obligation?

The authors of ‘Human engineering and climate change’ (Liao et al., 2012) say that their goal is to show that ‘human engineering deserves consideration alongside other solutions in the debate about...
Effects of noise on elliptic bursters

Elliptic bursting arises from fast–slow systems and involves recurrent alternation between active phases of large amplitude oscillations and silent phases of small amplitude oscillations. This paper is a geometric analysis of elliptic bursting with and without noise. We first prove the existence of elliptic bursting solutions for a class of fast–slow systems without noise by establishing an invariant region for the return map of the solutions. For noisy elliptic bursters, the bursting patterns depend on random variations associated with delayed bifurcations. We provide an exact formulation of the duration of delay and analyse its distribution. The duration of the delay, and consequently the durations of active and silent phases, is shown to be closely related to the logarithm of the amplitude of the noise. The treatment of noisy delayed bifurcation here is a general theory of delayed bifurcation valid for other systems involving delayed bifurcation as well and is a continuation of the rigorous Shishkova–Neishtadt theory on delayed bifurcation or delay of stability loss.
The Office of Management and Budget: A continuing search for useful information

In the early 1980s, the Office of Management and Budget withdrew its support for program evaluation. Recently, it has articulated a clear understanding of the essential role of evaluation in government but has not advocated budget and staffing allocations to support it within the executive branch.
Noise and chaos in motor behavior models

The modeling of human motor behavior has followed the trend in other scientific disciplines. From purely biomechanical models to symbolic computer programs the recent development has incorporated novel insights from the study of self-organizing, complex dynamical systems. In creating non-linear models of motor behavior it is sometimes overlooked that human behavior is never completely deterministic. This is especially evident in spontaneous movement and decision making for instance in the timing of movement initiation. We present some recent simulations involving stochastic, discrete time, piecewise-linear models with multiple time-scales, describing simple movement tasks. We then give an outlook about the potential role of quantum entanglement in human movement coordination and timing.
Interference Filter Spectrometer for Low-Intensity Extended Sources

Recent availability of inexpensive optical interference filters has made possible spectroscopy of some extended sources too weak for conventional techniques. Because many spectra from solid-state sources are continua where high resolution is not required, and large source areas are available, interference filters and a photomultiplier may be used as a simple, very high aperture spectrometer. Fifty filters have been mounted around the periphery of a rotating disk 1 m in diameter and enclosed in a light-tight housing having ports for source and detector. Because transmission profile depends somewhat on the angle and point of incidence of light on the filter, calibration is carried out by using a translucent diffuser source equal to source size (6 cm in diameter) and at source position, and which is illuminated by light from a monochromator over the range from 2300 to 7500 A. For source-to-multiplier spacings from 36 to 10 cm, most filters have a transmission profile in the shape of an isosceles triangle approximately 30% high. The width at half-height varies from 100 to 150 A, respectively.
Synthesis and reactivity of diethyl phosphonomethyltriflate

Abstract Diethyl phosphonomethyltriflate, prepared from diethyl hydroxymethyl—phosphonate, readily reacts in good to excellent yields with a variety of oxygen and nitrogen nucleophiles.
Conformational free energies of myoglobins of small mammals

Myoglobins from three small placental mammals and one small marsupial were isolated from cardiac or skeletal muscle. The conformational free energies of these four myoglobins were estimated from guanidinium chloride unfolding data at pH 8 and 25 degrees. The myoglobins from rat and rabbit are more stable than that of the most stable myoglobin previously studied, that of the sperm whale. In addition, these two myoglobins unfold with greater cooperativity than previously characterized myoglobins. The data obtained herein demonstrate unequivocally for the first time that the stability of homeotherm myoglobins correlates with neither the size of the organism nor its metabolic rate.
Design Studies For A Spectrally Agile Staring Sensor (SASS) System

A study approach used to define optical tunable filter requirements while operating as an integral part of a satellite-based earth looking IR telescope is presented. The key to the study methodology is a high fidelity, dynamic, end-to-end simulation which generates realistic mission inputs and relates these inputs to system performance as a function of the sensor/filter design parameters. A modular simulation design approach is used which permits the interface of new or existing mission data base inputs. Sensor models relate the mission inputs to the sensor output. Mission models include dynamic targets with their time-correlated spectral radiant intensity and corresponding line-of-sight spectral radiant back-ground. The apparent target spectral radiant intensity contrast and background spectral radiance are computed at the sensor. Sensor models include the optics, optical tunable filter, the staring focal plane array (FPA), point spread function/FPA convolution and detector electronics. Detail design requirements for the filter are selected by exercising the simulation under different mission conditions with different selected optical filter parameters. Analysis of these data provides the inputs for selecting the filter design requirements and an optimum control strategy which can be used for adaptable tunable filter control. Initial results show the importance of spectral agility in an optical filter. It is shown that, in addition to sensor performance dependence on filter design, the spectral band and bandwidths are sensitive not only to the mission/sensor conditions but also to the spectral region selected for the operational system. Examples of data are presented to help demonstrate the analysis procedure and include (1) impact of filter efficiency; (2) system performance vs optical filter parameters; and (3) system performance vs atmospheric conditions.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.