cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exercise Science Principles and the Vocal Warm-up: Implications for Singing Voice Pedagogy

Summary Objectives/Hypotheses Principles from exercise science literature were applied to singing warm-up pedagogy as a method for examining parallels between athletic and voice training. Analysis of the use of exercise principles in vocal warm-up should illuminate aspects of voice training that may be further developed in the future. Methods/Design A selected canon of standard voice pedagogy texts and well-regarded warm-up methods were evaluated for use of exercise science principles for skill acquisition and fatigue resistance. Exercises were then categorized according to whether they were used for the purpose of skill acquisition (specificity), training up to tasks (overload), or detraining (reversibility). Results A preliminary review of well-established voice pedagogy programs reveals a strong bias toward the skill acquisition aspects of vocal warm-up, with little commentary on the fatigue management aspects. Further, the small number of vocalises examined that are not skill-acquisition oriented fall into a third “habilitative” category that likewise does not relate to overload but may play a role in offsetting reversibility. Conclusions Although a systematic pedagogy for skill acquisition has emerged in the literature and practice of voice pedagogy, a parallel pedagogy for fatigue management has yet to be established. Identification of a systematic pedagogy for training up to specific singing genres and development of a singing maintenance program to avoid detraining may help the singer avoid injury.
Complete resolution of severe ulcerative colitis after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation followed by post-transplant high-dose cyclophosphamide.

Complete resolution of severe ulcerative colitis after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation followed by post-transplant high-dose cyclophosphamide
An Evaluation of the Dot Visual Acuity Test

One hundred patients between the ages of 2 and 6 years (24–71 months) were tested with the Dot Visual Acuity Test (Dot Test) as well as the most difficult of several other vision tests that the chi...
What Hunters Prefer and Value about Mule Deer Hunting in Montana

During Montana’s biennial process for establishing hunting seasons, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) listens to issues, advocacies, opinions and values brought forward by diverse mule deer hunters. In recent years, vocal constituency groups have advocated for season structures that provide more opportunity to harvest mature mule deer bucks, reflective of the recent direction of mule deer management in much of the west. In an effort to better quantify the views and preferences of the Montana hunting public in general, FWP conducted surveys of both resident and nonresident mule deer hunters. Results from the survey confirm that mule deer hunting is very important to Montana's hunters, consistent with the fact that deer hunting is by far the most popular hunting activity in Montana. Approximately two-thirds of the survey respondents prefer less restrictive mule deer hunting regulations compared to more restrictive regulations that increase the probability of harvesting mature bucks by limiting opportunity. Surprisingly, trophy hunting was the least important reason expressed by survey respondents for hunting mule deer in Montana. Many respondents did express concerns about a variety of access related issues. Despite these concerns, respondents reported being generally satisfied with overall mule deer hunting opportunities in Montana, and nearly half of the respondents rated opportunities to hunt large mule deer bucks in the state as being better than average. FWP intends to use results from this survey in the consideration of future management of this important game species that is so highly prized by Montana hunters.
Impact of Race on Immunization Status in Long-Term Care Facilities

This study examined the relationship between resident race and immunization status in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Race was captured at the resident and the facility racial composition level. Thirty-six long-term care facilities varying in racial composition and size were selected for site visits. LTCFs were urban and rural, CMS certified, and non-hospital administered. Chart abstraction was used to determine race, immunization, and refusal status for the 2010–2011 flu season (influenza 1), the 2011–2012 flu season (influenza 2), and the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine for all residents over 65 years old. Thirty-five LTCFs submitted sufficient data for inclusion, and 2570 resident records were reviewed. Overall immunization rates were 70.5% for influenza 1, 74.1% for influenza 2, and 65.6% for pneumococcal pneumonia. Random effects logistic regression indicated that as the percent of Black residents increased, the immunization rate significantly decreased (immunization 1, p < 0.018, immunization 2, p < 0.002, pneumococcal pneumonia, p = 0.0059), independent of the effect of resident race which had less of an impact on rates. This study found considerable LTCF variation and racial disparities in immunization rates. Compared to Blacks, Whites were vaccinated at higher rates regardless of the LTCF racial composition. Facilities with a greater proportion of Black residents had lower immunization rates than those with primarily White residents. Facility racial mix is a stronger predictor of influenza immunization than resident race. Black residents had significantly higher vaccination refusal rates than White residents for immunization 2. Further studies examining LTCF-level factors that affect racial disparities in immunizations in LTCFs are needed.
Prodrug and analog approaches to improving the intestinal absorption of a cyclic peptide, GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to test whether structural modifications improve the intestinal absorption of DMP 728 (cyclo(D-Abu-NMeArg-Gly-Asp-Amb)), a GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist.
Pharmacokinetics of doxorubicin loaded and glutaraldehyde treated erythrocytes in healthy and lymphoma bearing dogs.

Doxorubicin, an anthracycline aminoglycoside, is a potent antineoplastic agent with a wide spectrum of activity against human malignancies such as breast and bladder carcinomas, sarcomas, and lymphomas.1,2 Its therapeutic potential is limited by hematopoietic and gastrointestinal toxicity and by the development of delayed dose-related congestive heart failure. In man, the incidence of cardiotoxicity is greatly enhanced beyond a cumulative dose of 550 mg/m2, that is generally regarded as the maximum safe level.3 However, drug scheduling seems to be a critical determinant of cardiotoxicity. Thus, repeated small doses or prolonged infusions of doxorubicin are associated with a much lower risk of cardiac damage, without impairment of the antitumor activity.4,5
Using person‐specific neural networks to characterize heterogeneity in eating disorders: Illustrative links between emotional eating and ovarian hormones

OBJECTIVE Emotional eating has been linked to ovarian hormone functioning, but no studies to-date have considered the role of brain function. This knowledge gap may stem from methodological challenges: Data are heterogeneous, violating assumptions of homogeneity made by between-subjects analyses. The primary aim of this paper is to describe an innovative within-subjects analysis that models heterogeneity and has potential for filling knowledge gaps in eating disorder research. We illustrate its utility in an application to pilot neuroimaging, hormone, and emotional eating data across the menstrual cycle. METHOD Group iterative multiple model estimation (GIMME) is a person-specific network approach for estimating sample-, subgroup-, and individual-level connections between brain regions. To illustrate its potential for eating disorder research, we apply it to pilot data from 10 female twins (N = 5 pairs) discordant for emotional eating and/or anxiety, who provided two resting state fMRI scans and hormone assays. We then demonstrate how the multimodal data can be linked in multilevel models. RESULTS GIMME generated person-specific neural networks that contained connections common across the sample, shared between co-twins, and unique to individuals. Illustrative analyses revealed positive relations between hormones and default mode connectivity strength for control twins, but no relations for their co-twins who engage in emotional eating or who had anxiety. DISCUSSION This paper showcases the value of person-specific neuroimaging network analysis and its multimodal associations in the study of heterogeneous biopsychosocial phenomena, such as eating behavior.
Effect of trivalent arsenicals on cell proliferation in mouse and human microvascular endothelial cells

Chronic exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic (iAs) has been associated with cancerous and non-cancerous health effects, including cardiovascular effects. However, the mechanism for a presumed toxic effect of arsenic on vascular tissue is not clear. Our working hypothesis is that inorganic trivalent arsenic and its methylated metabolites react with cysteine-containing cellular proteins and alter their function leading to adverse events such as cytotoxicity or proliferation. In this study, human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC1) and mouse microvascular endothelial cells (MFP-MVEC) were exposed to arsenite (iAsIII), monomethylarsonous acid (MMAIII), or dimethylarsinous acid (DMAIII) for 72 h to evaluate cytotoxicity, and for 24, 48 or 72 h to evaluate cell proliferation. Both cell lines showed similar LC50 values, from 0.1 to 2.4 μM, for all three trivalent arsenicals. The endothelial cells treated with1 nM to 1 μM concentrations of the three trivalent arsenicals did not show increased cell proliferation at 24, 48 or 72 h or increased rate of proliferation at 72 h of exposure. Overall, cytotoxicity of trivalent arsenicals to microvascular endothelial cells is similar to their cytotoxicity to epithelial cells, and that these compounds are not mitogenic.
Extended ZVS Modulation for a Dual Cell Link in the Demand of Faster Balancing

The novel balancing circuit integrating auxiliary power modules for xEV applications is enhanced, in terms of light load performance, balancing speed, and current ripple of the inductive component. The improvements are realized by varying the operating frequency of the power switches within a reasonable range. The soft-switching range as a function of frequency, phase shift and the initial leakage inductance current is derived in detail. Faster balancing speed is achieved with little introduced losses. The power regulation strategy is also given to ensure delivering desired power designed for nominal frequency. All the concepts are verified in the high-fidelity converter model and approved to improve the balancing speed by 10 % at 110 % nominal frequency. 50 % power range increased can be achieved at 120 % nominal frequency. Higher frequencies will ensure more features, such as decreased current ripple.
Automotive Mechanisms for Improving Fuel Economy

This paper presents two mechanism innovations in the area of advanced propulsion systems. The first is a mechanism arrangement that couples the two cranks of an opposed piston variable compression ratio engine. This arrangement can vary the relative phasing between the two cranks to achieve compression ratio change. This strategy has been shown to improve fuel economy by approximately 5%, in certain engine applications. Secondly, the paper describes a high-speed flywheel system coupled to an automotive transmission. Its use as an alternative energy storage system for capturing vehicle kinetic energy has the potential to improve fuel economy by 15–20% when coupled to the driveline via a three-speed clutched transmission system.
New Polar Oxides : Synthesis, Characterization, Calculations, and Structure-Property Relationships in RbSe2V3O12 and TlSe2V3O12

Two new polar noncentrosymmetric oxides, RbSe2V3O12 and TlSe2V3O12, have been synthesized and characterized. The oxides are isostructural, as Tl+ exhibits an inert rather than a stereoactive lone pair. The reported materials were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The materials exhibit a two-dimensional hexagonal tungsten oxide (HTO) type topology with layers of corner-shared VO6 octahedra. The layers are capped, above and below, by SeO3 polyhedra. The Rb+ and Tl+ cations are found between the layers. The V5+ and Se4+ cations are in asymmetric coordination environments attributable to second-order Jahn−Teller (SOJT) effects. In addition to structural characterization, second-harmonic generation (SHG), piezoelectric, and polarization measurements were performed. SHG measurements using 1064 nm radiation revealed doubling efficiencies ranging from ∼40−50 × α-SiO2. Piezoelectric experiments revealed d33 values of ∼6−12 pm V−1. Polarization measurements indicate the materials are n...
A Distributed Observer for a Continuous-Time Linear System

A simply structured distributed observer is described for estimating the state of a continuous-time, jointly observable, input-free linear system. The observer's correctness is established in a straightforward manner by exploiting several well-known properties of invariant subspaces.
Distributed and Localized Model Predictive Control via System Level Synthesis.

We present the Distributed and Localized Model Predictive Control (DLMPC) algorithm for large-scale structured linear systems, wherein only local state and model information needs to be exchanged between subsystems for the computation and implementation of control actions. We use the System Level Synthesis (SLS) framework to reformulate the MPC problem as an optimization problem over closed loop system responses, and show that this allows us to naturally impose localized communication constraints between sub-controllers, such that only local state and system model information needs to be exchanged for both computation and implementation of closed loop MPC control policies. In particular, we show that the structure of the resulting optimization problem can be exploited to develop an Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) based algorithm that allows for distributed and localized computation of control decisions. Moreover, our approach can accommodate constraints and objective functions that couple the behavior of different subsystems, so long as the coupled systems are able to communicate directly with each other, allowing for a broader class of MPC problems to be solved via distributed optimization. We conclude with numerical simulations to demonstrate the usefulness of our method, and in particular, we demonstrate that the computational complexity of the subproblems solved by each subsystem in DLMPC is independent of the size of the global system.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Triage Scores Among Pediatric Emergency Department Fever Patients.

Objectives Emergency department (ED) triage scores are assigned to patients in a short period based on assessment of need for lifesaving measures, risk and pain levels, resource needs, and vital signs. Racial/ethnic disparities have been found across a number of outcomes but are not consistent across all studies. This study examines pediatric ED cases reporting fever, a commonly reported triage symptom, to explore racial/ethnic and age disparities in triage score assignment. Methods This study uses the 2009-2015 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, an annual national sample of ED visits in the United States. Pediatric cases where fever is the sole reported reason for visit are analyzed for racial/ethnic disparities, controlling for sex, age, insurance status, body temperature, region, and hospital type. Results Among all pediatric fever cases, temperature is the sole significant predictor of triage scores. However, non-Hispanic (NH) black pediatric patients older than 1 year have approximately 22% greater risk of being given a less urgent triage score relative to NH white patients. Conclusions Findings suggest racial disparities in the triage of NH black pediatric patients older than 1 year for fever. Although fever is a single and often non-life-threatening condition, especially after infancy, findings of racial disparities in triage scores suggests a need for further evaluation of the assignment of patient urgency in emergency medicine.
Teacher Leadership Roles and Teacher Collaboration: Evidence From Green Hills Public Schools Pay-for-Performance System

Despite the growing appeal of teacher leadership and teacher collaboration, we know little about the relationship between teacher leadership roles and collaboration. In this study, we use surveys (...
Oh, the places you’ll go: A schema theory perspective on cross-cultural experience and entrepreneurship

Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that there is a meaningful link between overseas experience and entrepreneurial activity. However, we find very limited inquiry at the individual-level into why cross-cultural exposure seems to enhance proclivities to engage in entrepreneurship. Drawing from Schema Theory, we argue that breadth of cross-cultural experience cultivates entrepreneurial intentions through the role of alertness—a set of schematic aptitudes for spotting commercial potential. Using a sample of lay individuals from the U.S. (N ​= ​581) with diverse entrepreneurial and overseas experience, we find support for our model. Our findings help explain why cross-cultural experiences can be so impactful for nascent venturing. The greater the diversity of foreign cultural exposure one attains, the greater it expands scanning and search, association and connection, and evaluation and judgment schemata salient to the pursuit of new venture opportunities.
Optimizing whole-genomic prediction for autotetraploid blueberry breeding

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is an important autopolyploid crop with significant benefits for human health. Apart from its genetic complexity, the feasibility of genomic prediction has been proven for blueberry, enabling a reduction in the breeding cycle time and increasing genetic gain. However, as for other polyploid crops, sequencing costs still hinder the implementation of genome-based breeding methods for blueberry. This motivated us to evaluate the effect of training population sizes and composition, as well as the impact of marker density and sequencing depth on phenotype prediction for the species. For this, data from a large real breeding population of 1804 individuals were used. Genotypic data from 86,930 markers and three traits with different genetic architecture (fruit firmness, fruit weight, and total yield) were evaluated. Herein, we suggested that marker density, sequencing depth, and training population size can be substantially reduced with no significant impact on model accuracy. Our results can help guide decisions toward resource allocation (e.g., genotyping and phenotyping) in order to maximize prediction accuracy. These findings have the potential to allow for a faster and more accurate release of varieties with a substantial reduction of resources for the application of genomic prediction in blueberry. We anticipate that the benefits and pipeline described in our study can be applied to optimize genomic prediction for other diploid and polyploid species.
Ventricular Assist Device Technology and Black-White Disparities on the Heart Transplant Wait List:

Introduction:Heart transplantation is the definitive treatment for end-stage heart failure. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are a continually improving technology that extends life for some...
Inverse Optimal Robust Adaptive Controller for Upper Limb Rehabilitation Exoskeletons With Inertia and Load Uncertainties

We propose a robust adaptive controller for the safe and accurate trajectory tracking control of upper limb rehabilitation exoskeletons. The proposed controller can adapt to the inertia and load uncertainties, and compensate for their effects. The $H_\infty$ robustness of the controller in $l_2$ perturbation/disturbance attenuation is realized by nonlinear robust control theory via inverse optimality. We mathematically prove the asymptotic stability and optimality of the controller by stabilizing a Lyapunov function and minimizing a meaningful cost function, respectively. We then demonstrate the performance of the controller with the simulations of two different exoskeleton control systems. The results show that the controller can identify and compensate for model uncertainties, and realize good tracking performance in the presence of perturbations and disturbances. These qualities are crucial to the reliability and safety of exoskeleton operations. In addition to rehabilitation exoskeletons, the proposed framework can also be applied to the control of other multibody robotic systems.
Analytic Hierarchy Process-based Fuzzy Measurement to Quantify Vulnerabilities of Web Applications

Much research has been conducted to detect vulnerabilities of Web Applications; however, these never proposed a methodology to measure the vulnerabilities either qualitatively or quantitatively. In this paper, a methodology is proposed to investigate the quantification of vulnerabilities in Web Applications. We applied the Goal Question Metrics (GQM) methodology to determine all possible security factors and sub-factors of Web Applications in the Department of Transportation (DOT) as our proof of concept. Then we introduced a Multi-layered Fuzzy Logic (MFL) approach based on the security sub-factors’ prioritization in the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Using AHP, we weighted each security sub-factor before the quantification process in the Fuzzy Logic to handle imprecise crisp number calculation.
Effect of Patient Height and Sex on the Patellar Tendon and Anterior Cruciate Ligament.

Background:Graft-tunnel mismatch is an avoidable complication in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Patient height and sex may be predictors of patellar tendon length (PTL) and intra-...
Stress Induced Hyperglycemia in the Context of Acute Coronary Syndrome: Definitions, Interventions, and Underlying Mechanisms

Elevation of glucose level in response to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been recognized as stress induced hyperglycemia (SIH). Plenty of clinical studies have documented that SIH occurs very common in patients hospitalized with ACS, even in those without previously known diabetes mellitus. The association between elevated blood glucose levels with adverse outcome in the ACS setting is well-established. Yet, the precise definition of SIH in the context of ACS remains controversial, bringing confusions about clinical management strategy. Several randomized trials aimed to evaluate the effect of insulin-based therapy on outcomes of ACS patients failed to demonstrate a consistent benefit of intensive glucose control. Mechanisms underlying detrimental effects of SIH on patients with ACS are undetermined, oxidative stress might play an important role in the upstream pathways leading to subsequent harmful effects on cardiovascular system. This review aims to discuss various definitions of SIH and their values in predicting adverse outcome in the context of ACS, as well as the effect of intensive glucose control on clinical outcome. Finally, a glimpse of the underlying mechanisms is briefly discussed.
Ultrasound imaging simulations using Fullwave

The latest advancements in diagnostic ultrasound imaging simulations based on the first principles of nonlinear attenuating propagation and reflection in the human body are presented.
Tempo de re-colhimento – es-colher as lutas e re-colher a esperança

Este artigo tem como objetivo ressaltar a relevância do pensamento de Freire como teoria educacional e praxis pedagogica que recupera a utopia para um mundo que enfrenta profunda crise socio-geopolitica-economica e incertezas diante de uma pandemia que afeta especialmente pessoas mais vulnerabilizadas de nossa sociedade. Argumenta que o espaco intermediario, zona limitrofe, entre o mundo pre-pandemia e pos-pandemia pode ser espaco criativo para refundar nossas epistemologias, cultivar nossa resiliencia e despertar nossa sensibilidade para tecermos coletivamente uma nova forma de convivencia.
An Optimization Based Robust Identification Algorithm in the Presence of Outliers

In this paper, the robust identification problem is formulated in the framework of optimization with few violated constraints and an efficient numerical algorithm is presented with a low complexity. Moreover, it is shown that the proposed method requires minimum a priori information and is convergent in the presence of outliers.
EmCodeSyn: A visual framework for multi-rate data flow specifications and code synthesis for embedded applications

In this paper, a new framework EmCodeSyn is introduced for visual debugging, execution and code synthesis from multi-rate data flow based specifications. EmCodeSyn is an attempt to create a formal semantics based visual framework for specifying safety critical applications such as automotive control, avionics fly-by-wire control, etc. In contrast with SIMULINK/Stateflow, LabVIEW and other visual tools, EmCodeSyn is based on a synchronous programming paradigm akin to the polychronous language SIGNAL. The formalism on which this work is based, is called MRICDF (Multi-rate Instantaneous Channel Connected Data Flow). The specification formalism has relational semantics, which enables static rate-analysis for scheduling the computation in the code generation stage. Hierarchical data flow specification with minimal amount of control specification makes it easier for designers to compose existing MRICDF models to create larger ones. Once the feasibilty of an MRICDF design is verified, Code Synthesis is performed by the tool to generate C code. EmCodeSyn design methodology provides a visual framework for generating verifiable deterministic code from synchronous specification based on MRICDF formalism.
Solar Variability Caused by Structural Changes of the Convection Zone

A varying magnetic field in the solar interior will result in variations of the solar internal structure, and consequently it will affect all the global solar parameters, including the luminosity. Modulation mechanisms of the total iriadiance based on surface phenomena will be in addition to the luminosity changes produced by the structural variations. Here we expand the standard theory of stellar structure and evolution to include the effects of varying magnetic fields to model the structural variations of the Sun over the activity cycle. This new category of solar models, especially after being generalized to two dimensions, has the potential to explain all the observed solar cycle variations, including the luminosity, effective temperature, radius, p-mode oscillation frequencies, sound speed, and their latitudinal variations, in addition to the irradiance. Conversely, these studies should provide a much better understanding of the dynamics (including dynamo) in the convection zone of the Sun.
Small-Denomination Paper Currency as the Focus of Supply-Reduction Drug Policy

Efforts to impede the supply of illegal drugs and the laundering of illegal drug money have been expensive and largely ineffective. The authors propose that supply-reduction drug policy concentrate on impeding the reintroduction into the banking system of the large volumes of small-denomination paper currency (primarily $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills) generated in street-level drug sales. Such highly focused policy might better achieve the supply-reduction goals of the “war on drugs” advocates and the harm-reduction goals of drug legalization advocates.
Analysis of a doubly-excited brushless reluctance machine by finite element method

A magnetic field analysis of an original doubly excited brushless reluctance machine (DEBRM) is presented. The stator of the DEBRM consists of two sets of windings with different pole numbers. The rotor is an axially laminated structure with a pole number different from either of the stator windings. The finite element method is used to solve the magnetic vector potentials under no-load and loaded conditions. The pulsating air gap flux distribution is plotted, and the mutual coupling of the dual stator windings is derived based on the field solutions. The electromagnetic torque capability of the DEBRM is evaluated and compared with that of the equivalent induction machine. >
Pbs2: Pbs2 protein kinase (S. cerevisiae) (Hog4)

An Saccharomyces . cerevisiae(S. cerevisiae) gene, PBS2, is essential for expression of resistance to an antibiotic, polymyxin B. The same gene regulates osmotic sensitivity of yeast cells. Disruption of PBS2 renders cells sensitive to high osmolarity. Pbs2 has been shown to be necessary in vivo for tyrosine phosphorylation of Hog1, a yeast homologue of Erk/MAP kinase. Consistent with the reported homology between Pbs2 and Mek, it suggests that Pbs2 is a yeast equivalent of a Mek/MAP kinase kinase that participates in the osmoregulatory signal transduction pathway. As regards the domain structure, the N-terminal domain exhibits no similarity to any sequence in the GENBANK database, but it contains several conspicuous clusters of Ser/Thr residues flanked by charged amino acids. Pbs2 is very closely related to Wis1 (65% identity within kinase domain) and Byr1 (43%) from Schizosaccharomyce pombe, and Mek (48%) from vertebrates. Within S. cerevisiae it is most closely related to Ste7 (38%).
Clinical Case Formulation

Intervention paradigms differ in the degree to which their strategies are individualized across clients. In some intervention paradigms, the methods of intervention are similar for all clients with the same behavior problem or are similar for all behavior problems. This would be illustrated by a treatment program that involved exposure and desensitization treatment protocols with all children with anxiety disorders (see discussions in March, 1995) or adults with a panic disorder (Craske, Rapee, & Barlow, 1992).
Integrin alpha 6 beta 4 mediates dynamic interactions with laminin

We present here a novel form of dynamic adhesion in which both the integrin receptor and the ligand supporting dynamic adhesion have been identified. Laminar flow assays showed that laminin supported attachment of alpha 6 beta 4-positive cells in the presence of fluid shear stress (tau < or = 2 dyn/cm2), indicating that these cells adhered to laminin within a fraction of a second. Further increases in flow rate (3.5 dyn/cm2 < or = tau < or = 100 dyn/cm2) initiated rolling of attached cells in the direction of flow, suggesting that rapidly formed adhesion is reversible and repeatable. Laminin fragment E8, which interacts with alpha 6 integrins, supported dynamic attachment and rolling but extracellular matrix glycoprotein fibronectin did not. In cell lines that express alpha 6 beta 4 but not alpha 6 beta 1 an anti-alpha 6 monoclonal antibody inhibited attachment to laminin in the presence of flow and following 5 minutes of static incubation. Infusion of this antibody onto cells adherent to laminin-coated slides led to rapid detachment of cells from the substratum. An anti-beta 1 monoclonal antibody diminished adhesion strength following static incubation but did not inhibit rapid attachment and flow-initiated rolling. These results indicate that in some alpha 6 beta 4-expressing epithelial and carcinoma cell lines, integrin alpha 6 beta 4 mediates rapidly formed dynamic interactions with laminin.
Heat resistance of Eurotium herbariorum, a xerophilic mold

Eurotium haerbariorum, isolated from a spoilage outbreak involving grape preserves, was a true osmophile in that optimal growth was obtained in media containing 40-60% sucrose. Survival curves showed logarithmic death of heated spores followed by a tailing. In 5 degrees Brix grape juice D-values at 70 degrees C and z-values were 2.5 min and 9.1 degree C compared to 5.2 min and 7.1 degree C in 65 degrees C Brix juice. Low concentrations of sorbic acid and fumaric acid in the heating menstruum had little effect on heat resistance.
A New Highly Sensitive Preconcentrating Sampling Technique for Flameless Atomatic Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract A new technique for sampling metal ions in solution for flameless atomic absorption has been developed. A tungsten alloy wire loop is soaked in the sample solution for a specified period of time. Metal ions are concentrated on the surface of the wire loop apparently by an ion exchange mechanism. The wire loop is then used as an electrically heated atomizer for atomic absorption spectroscopy. Detection limits of 4 × 10−14 grams for cadmium and 2 × 10−11 grams for lead have been achieved.
When Mood Worsens after Gastric Bypass Surgery: Characterization of Bariatric Patients with Increases in Depressive Symptoms Following Surgery

Background Depression levels generally decrease substantially following bariatric surgery; however, little is known about bariatric patients who might experience increases in depression following surgery. We examined the frequency of bariatric patients who experienced discernible increases in depression levels following surgery and explored their correlates.
Production of freely-migrating defects

Abstract The production rate of freely-migrating defects (those which migrate over distances large compared to typical cascade dimensions) decreases much more strongly with increasing primary recoil energy than does that for creating stable defects at liquid-helium temperatures. For fission or fusion neutron irradiations, the fraction of freely-migrating defects becomes only ~1% of the calculated dpa. This large decrease in the fraction of freely-migrating defects can be understood in terms of additional intracascade recombination, although recently it has been suggested that cascade remnants, e.g. vacancy dislocation loops, also contribute by enhancing intercascade defect annihilation. Measurements of low-temperature defect production as a function of primary recoil energy are briefly reviewed. The experimental evidence for the substantially stronger decrease in freely-migrating defect production with increasing recoil energy is summarized, and the role of vacancy loops is discussed. On the basis of the existing experimental information on vacancy-loop production as a function of irradiation temperature, it is argued that intracascade recombination remains the most probable explanation for the strong decrease in freely-migrating defect production with increasing recoil energy.
Ultrasensitive near-IR fluorescence detection in capillary zone electrophoresis

Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) is a powerful new separation technique which possesses the ability to separate small and large molecules. Due to the small volume of material that is typically loaded onto the column, ultrasensitive detection is often required. We have constructed a laser-induced fluorescence detector appropriate for CZE applications using near- IR fluorescence excitation and detection. Separations of native NIR fluorescent dyes in nonaqueous running buffer systems have been performed with detection sensitivities in the low zeptomole range, comparable to state-of-the-art detection limits reported for visible fluorescence detection in CZE. Using our NIR fluorescence detector and NIR labeling dyes synthesized in our laboratory, we present electropherograms of peptides and proteins separated by CZE and detected with NIR fluorescence. We also discuss the basic operating principles of CZE as well as the instrumental components necessary to perform CZE separations.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Patient safety and the reliability of health care systems.

This issue launches a new series called Patient Safety and the Reliability of Health Care Systems. The articles will describe the scientific basis of new and robust ways to transform our culture of...
The AFFORD Clinical Decision Aid to Identify Emergency Department Patients With Atrial Fibrillation at Low Risk for 30-Day Adverse Events

There is wide variation in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in the emergency department (ED). We aimed to derive and internally validate the first prospective, ED-based clinical decision aid to identify patients with AF at low risk for 30-day adverse events. We performed a prospective cohort study at a university-affiliated tertiary-care ED. Patients were enrolled from June 9, 2010, to February 28, 2013, and followed for 30 days. We enrolled a convenience sample of patients in ED presenting with symptomatic AF. Candidate predictors were based on ED data available in the first 2 hours. The decision aid was derived using model approximation (preconditioning) followed by strong bootstrap internal validation. We used an ordinal outcome hierarchy defined as the incidence of the most severe adverse event within 30 days of the ED evaluation. Of 497 patients enrolled, stroke and AF-related death occurred in 13 (3%) and 4 (
A radiometric immunosorbent assay for the detection of anti-hormone-binding protein antibodies.

Abstract A radiometric immunosorbent assay (RISA) for the detection of monoclonal antibodies to hormone-binding proteins has been developed. The assay involves incubating hybridoma supernatants in microtiter wells that have been coated with goat anti-mouse IgG antibodies. Any mouse IgG in the test supernatant is thus specifically retained in the wells. Radioactive ligand-binding protein complexes are then incubated in the wells. The presence of anti-binding protein antibodies in the supernatant is indicated by specific retention of radioactive ligand-binding protein complexes in the wells. Crude antigen preparations, such as tissue homogenates, can be used to detect antibodies. The assay is capable of detecting antibody at concentrations 20 ng/ml (∼100 p m IgG). The RISA has been used successfully to screen for monoclonal antibodies to the intracellular receptor for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and should be useful for the detection of antibodies to ligand-binding proteins in general.
Adaptive Control of a Non-Cylindrical Tank

A conical tank in which the diameter changes with the tank height, allows the use of feedback control used in complex nonlinear systems, such as adaptive control. This project modified an existing system of two interacting tanks by inserting a removable solid cone into one of the tanks. This modification created two new nonlinear configurations, one of which had a discontinuity. Optimal controller settings at different depths of liquid were found by minimizing the integral of the absolute error (IAE). These settings were used by an adaptive PID controller at a different settings, comparing the results to a conventional PID tuned to that setting.
Characteristics of electrocardiographic ischemia in high-risk patients undergoing surgery

Abstract Perioperative cardiac morbidity remains a significant problem in both cardiac and noncardiac surgical patients. The role of perioperative myocardial ischemia appears to be important and is under active investigation. In a series of studies in 200 high-risk patients undergoing noncardiac surgery or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, we measured the pre-, intra-, and post-operative electrocardiographic (ECG) ischemic patterns using either continuous 2-lead ambulatory (Holter) monitoring or continuous 12-lead (modified treadmill) monitoring. Electrocardiographic ischemic episodes were defined as reversible ST-segment changes lasting at least 1 min and involving a shift from baseline (adjusted for positional changes) of ≥0.1 mV of ST depression (with slope ≤0) at J + 60 ms or 0.2 mV of ST elevation at the J-point. During the 2-day period preceding surgery, ECG ischemic changes were common, clinically silent, and usually independent of changes in myocardial oxygen demand. Intraoperatively, using continuous 12-lead ECG, we found a 25% incidence of ischemia, for which modified leads V 5 , V 4 , and II were the most sensitive. Most ECG ischemic episodes were supply-dependent, not demand-dependent. Comparing the pattern of intraoperative ischemia with the chronic ambulatory preoperative pattern, we found that, under conditions of strict hemodynamic control, intraoperative ischemia apparently recapitulated the preoperative pattern, and that the stresses of anesthesia and surgery contributed less than previously thought. The highest incidence of ischemia occurred postoperatively, ranging between 30% and 60%, in both cardiac and noncardiac surgical patients. Additionally, the duration and severity of ischemia appeared to be substantially worse postoperatively than intraoperatively or preoperatively, with postoperative episodes persisting for at least 7 days after surgery. The relationship of postoperative ischemia to adverse outcome remains unknown.
Perspective on Research and Education for Commercial Agriculture

HE STATUS of agricultural research and the ultimate transfer of this technology into useful purposes has come into very sharp focus in recent years. As a farm manager, banker, and armchair economist, I have had to delve deeply into this special universe in an effort not only to understand better its mechanisms and orientation, but hopefully to find an approach which would result in more effective answers. Simply stated, the issue for agricultural research and extension is how to find the means to sustain a high level of awareness and public support for this critically important component behind our food supply system. The problem is that when worldwide food stresses are surfacing in various alarming proportions, we are at the same time experiencing serious declines in scientific investment in food and fiber, both public and private. Further, we have invested substantial public funds in the development of technology which often remains on the shelf and thereby is not transferred into useful application. Let us discuss the research side first. The reasons why we are in difficulty are not hard to assess-the answers to how we uncouple the needed financial resources are far more difficult. Nothing unusual in this comment, but what worries me is the lack of vigor with which we are facing up to the problem. No one seems to challenge seriously the proposition that research and its effective transfer into useful technology through education is the basis of most progress-yet many are standing by like spectators and watching the slow but continuing decline of the greatest agricultural research and extension system ever assembled by one nation. As stated earlier, the reasons are not too difficult to analyze:
Change in Seroma Volume During Whole-Breast Radiation Therapy

Purpose After breast-conserving surgery, a seroma often forms in the surgical cavity. If not drained, it may affect the volume of tumor bed requiring a boost after whole-breast radiation therapy (WBRT). Our objective was to evaluate the change in seroma volume that occurs during WBRT, before boost planning. Methods and materials A retrospective review was performed of women receiving breast-conserving therapy with evidence of seroma at the time of WBRT planning. Computed tomography (CT) simulation was performed before WBRT and before the tumor bed boost. All patients received either a hypofractionated (42.4 Gy/16 fraction + 9.6 Gy/4 fraction boost) or standard fractionated (50.4 Gy/28 fraction + 10 Gy/5 fraction boost) regimen. Seroma volumes were contoured and compared on CT at the time of WBRT simulation and tumor bed boost planning. Results Twenty-four patients with evidence of seroma were identified and all patients received WBRT without drainage of the seroma. Mean seroma volume before WBRT and at boost planning were significantly different at 65.7 cm(3) (SD, 50.5 cm(3)) and 35.6 cm(3) (SD, 24.8 cm(3)), respectively (p Conclusions The volume of seroma changes significantly during WBRT. Consequently, the accuracy of breast boost planning is likely affected, as is the volume of normal breast tissue irradiated. CT-based boost planning before boost irradiation is suggested to ensure appropriate coverage.
Viability and Virulence of Pneumolysin, Pneumococcal Surface Protein A, and Pneumolysin/Pneumococcal Surface Protein A Mutants in the Ear

Importance Understanding how pneumococcal proteins affect the pathology of the middle ear and inner ear is important for the development of new approaches to prevent otitis media and its complications. Objectives To determine the viability and virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae mutants deficient in pneumolysin (Ply − ) and pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA − ) in the chinchilla middle ear. Design Bullae of chinchillas were inoculated bilaterally with wild-type (Wt), Ply − , PspA − , and Ply − /PspA − strains. Bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs) in middle ear effusions were counted at 48 hours. The CFUs of the PspA − group were also counted at 6 to 36 hours after inoculation. Temporal bone histopathological results were compared. Setting and Participants Twenty-seven chinchillas in an academic research laboratory. Exposure Chinchilla middle ears were inoculated with S pneumoniae to produce sufficient volumes of effusions and noticeable histopathological changes in the ears. Main Outcomes and Measures The CFU counts in the middle ear effusions and histopathological changes were compared to determine the effect of pneumococcal protein mutations on chinchilla ears. Results At 48 hours, CFUs in middle ears were increased for the Wt and Ply − /PspA − strains, but Ply − remained near inoculum level. No bacteria were detected in the PspA − group. The CFUs of PspA − decreased over time to a low level at 30 to 36 hours. In vitro, PspA − in Todd-Hewitt broth showed an increase in bacterial growth of 2 logs at 43 hours, indicating PspA − susceptibility to host defenses in vivo. The PspA − and Ply − groups had fewer pathologic findings than the Wt or Ply − /PspA − groups. Histopathological analysis showed significant differences in the number of bacteria in the scala tympani in the Wt group compared with the Ply − , PspA − , and Ply − /PspA − groups. The PspA − strain was the least virulent. Conclusions and Relevance The PspA − mutant was much less viable and less virulent in the ear than the Wt, Ply − , and Ply − /PspA − strains. There was no significant attenuation in the viability and virulence of the Ply − /PspA − mutant compared with the Wt or single mutants. The viability and virulence of pneumococcal mutants seemed to be protein and organ specific.
Assessment of the validity and intrusiveness of online-probe questions for situation awareness in a simulated air-traffic-management task with student air-traffic controllers

Online-probe techniques for measuring situation awareness (SA) represent an alternative to offline-probe methods in which operators are queried about the situation during scenario freezes with displays blanked. Online-probe queries are administered while the task is ongoing and displays active. However, online-probes techniques have not been validated to the same extent as offline probes, and have been criticized because asking questions about the current or future situation while the task is active could change the operator’s subsequent awareness of the situation. The present investigation examined the possibility of the intrusiveness of the online-probe technique to an operator’s SA. Twelve student air-traffic controllers (ATCos) served as participants and managed traffic in six 30-min scenarios in which online probes were administered regularly. Off-nominal flight-plan deviations followed some probe queries. Three pre-event question types were administered prior to scheduled flight-plan deviations. These pre-event questions were either relevant to the deviating event and subsequent conflict, relevant to conflicts but not the deviating event, or unrelated to both conflicts and the deviating event. The type of pre-event question preceding a flight-plan deviation did not change the time to detect the deviating event nor the number of losses of separation (LOS) created by the deviation. Moreover, online probes were related to measures of sector safety.