cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How does the molecular velocity distribution affect kinetics measurements by time-resolved mass spectrometry?

The equations governing the time fidelity in molecular-beam mass sampling are derived for supersonic-beam sampling, where the velocity distribution is well-fitted by a displaced Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution. Supersonic sampling is shown to offer much higher fidelity than the corresponding effusive-beam sampling, and rules of thumb are derived for the validity of kinetic measurements for supersonic-beam sampling. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 39: 565–570, 2007
Static and dynamic behavior of concrete and granite in tension with damage

A series of dynamic and static tensile-splitting experiments were performed on concrete and granite specimens to investigate the effect of induced damage on their tensile strength. These experiments were performed as part of a larger effort investigating the penetration process into the two materials. The strain rate each specimen was subjected to remained constant for these experiments, while the level of induced damage was increased. Damage was induced into the specimens through repeated drop-weight impacts and quantified using a statistical technique. The dynamic splitting experiments were performed using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB), while the static splitting experiments were conducted per the ASTM standard procedures D3967 and C496. As part of the investigation, photoelastic dynamic tensile-splitting experiments were also performed to establish the validity of using static relations for the determination of dynamic tensile strength. The experiments showed that the static splitting strength was highly dependent on the orientation of the induced damage with regard to the applied loading; however the dynamic tensile strength decreased with increasing damage with no apparent dependency on the random damage orientation. Photoelastic experiments have shown that the mechanism of failure changes for the dynamically tested damaged specimens, reducing their dependence on damage orientation.
New results on the correlation between low‐energy electrons and auroral hiss

The results of a VLF (0.3-18 kHz) experiment aboard OGO 4 are compared with simultaneous data obtained by the satellite on precipitating electrons at 0.7, 2.3, and 7.3 keV to determine the source of the auroral hiss band in the night side auroral zone. At these energies the correlation with VLF auroral hiss is best at 0.7 keV and worst at 7.3 keV. Auroral electrons in the keV range may enhance the intensity of VLF auroral hiss on the night side, but the predominant source of night side hiss appears to be electrons of energies below 0.7 keV. Auroral hiss tends to occur simultaneously over a broad range of frequencies. A study based on OGO 6 data has revealed a lack of correlation between keV electrons and LF auroral hiss. These observations suggest that hiss of all frequencies is generated by electrons with energies below about 1 keV. The excellent correlation between auroral hiss and 0.7 keV electrons in the day time cleft is apparently maintained when the region of very soft electron precipitation is in motion.
Operating system support for sharing writable control store

The design of a portable, production-quality dynamic microprogramming system is given. The system is an extension to UNIX; it allows multiple users easily to time-share the writable control store on a Perkin-Elmer 3220. Each process may have its own microcode support, known as a microimage; processes may share microimages. Microimages are managed either in an optional software cache in kernel memory or in user memory where they are subject to secondary memory swapping. The physical loading of the WCS is accomplished in on-demand fashion in the sense that only the first attempt to enter control store during a given scheduling quantum can cause a WCS fault. Users are prevented from erroneously entering control store by separate management of the control store entry points. The paper provides sufficient detail to allow other UNIX and similar systems to adopt this approach. Performance effects of WCS contention add from about 0.5 to 1 per cent overhead to the jobs, and the use of vertical migration has improved job run times up to 50 percent. This system has been in use for over a year and provides the main support for ongoing research into vertical migration.
Dysfunctional HDL Takes Its Toll in Chronic Kidney Disease

Why patients with chronic kidney disease have elevated cardiovascular risk remains elusive. In this issue of Immunity, Speer et al. (2013) show that natural modification of high density lipoprotein promotes hypertension through a toll-like receptor-dependent mechanism.
Research Spotlight: Simulating ocean carbon storage during the Last Glacial Maximum

[1] During the cold period of the Last Glacial Maximum, about 21,000 years ago, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2)concentration was about 190 parts per million, compared to 280 parts per million in the preindustrial era and about 385 parts per million today. While less carbon was stored in the atmosphere during the Last Glacial Maximum, the oceans probably held more carbon. Atmospheric carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) were similar to today's values, but the oceans had a steeper surface-to-deep gradient in δ13C. Previous simulations had trouble simulating simultaneously atmospheric CO2 levels and oceanic δ13C. To reconcile both data, Bouttes et al. ran simulations including a new combination of three mechanisms: brine-induced ocean stratification, stratification-dependent diffusion, and iron fertilization. Including these effects made it possible to account for the recorded glacial carbon cycle changes, reconciling the Last Glacial Maximum δ13C values and atmospheric CO2 levels. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2010GL044499, 2011)
CORTICOSTEROID TREATMENT AFFECTS LH BIOACTIVITY IN PUBERTAL RENAL TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

Delayed onset of pubertal development is common in chronic renal failure (CRF). We investigated nocturnal pulsatile immunoreactive (iLH) and bioactive (bLH) LH secretion between 8 pm and 7 am in 19 pts who had received a renal transplant. Age ranged from 11.7 to 23 yrs; all stages of puberty were represented. Immunosuppression was maintained by corticosteroids and cyclosporin A and/or azathioprin. The methyl-prednisolone equivalent dosage ranged between 1.2 and 14.7 mg/m2*day. iLH and bLH were determined by RIA and the mouse Leydig cell assay respectively. Data were analysed by PULSAR and Cluster analysis programmes. LH peak frequency increased with puberty stages to a maximum at PH4. Peak areas were correlated exponentially with age and TW2 bone age (p=0.02). Peak amplitudes did not change significantly. The mean bLH/iLH ratio was 1.5 ± 0.4. It did not change with age, stage of puberty or serum creatinine. However, we found a strong inverse relationship with prednisone dosage (r= -0.72, p < 0.002). As LH bioactivity is modulated by enzymatic glycosylation and sialisation, we suggest that corticosteroid treatment may interfere with these processes. Supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.
A critique of cognitions as causal entities with particular reference to depression

Concepts of cognition as causal entities, fundamentally antecedent to other psychological processes, are criticized. It is argued that such conceptions involve a loss of a sense of the complex appraisal processes encompassed in cognition, the generation of pseudoissues about the causal priority of cognition, and a tendency to detach persons being studied from their environment in a way that loses them in thought. In light of this analysis, the role of cognition in depression is discussed. An adequate model of depressive cognitions is not possible without an understanding of the depressed person's ecological niche and the informational consequences of depressive behavior. Cognitive theorists need to come to terms with the apparent receptivity of depressed persons to performance-based feedback.
A STUDY OF THE RAINFALL PATTERNS AND SOME RELATED FEATURES IN A DISSIPATING HURRICANE

Abstract A detailed investigation of the hourly rainfall patterns accompanying a dissipating hurricane over the southeastern United States demonstrates the pronounced asymmetry in the decay of release of latent heat, the primary energy source of the storm. This appears to be associated with the incorporation into the storm circulation of dry air in the layer from 800 to 400 millibars. This air is first drawn in from the outer portions of the left-front quadrant, then sweeps rapidly around thestorm into the right-rearand right-front quadrants.
ETS Replies to Golden Rule on “Golden Rule”

In a second response to J. Patrick Rooney, the author counters Mr. Rooney's criticisms and defends the role of Educational Testing Service on the test bias issue.
Convergent Evidence for the Multidimensionality of Self-Construal

Two studies test the multidimensional structure underlying the Self-Construal Scale. Study 1 cross-validated a multidimensional structure in new samples of Latino or Latina (n= 350), African American (n= 110), and European American (n= 350) college students, supporting the generalizability of the multidimensional structure. Study 2 explored the utility of the six dimensions of self-construal in samples of Asian (n= 59), Asian American (n= 89), and European American (n= 192) college students. Specific dimensions of self-construal accounted for more variance in social anxiety than the broader constructs of independence and interdependence did for the Asian Americans and European Americans, supporting the utility of measuring multidimensional self-construal in at least some groups. Implications for the measurement of multidimensional self-construal are discussed.
High Performance Data Transfer in Grid Environment Using GridFTP over InfiniBand

GridFTP, designed using the Globus XIO framework, is one of the most popular methods in use to perform data transfers in the grid environment. But the performance of GridFTP in WAN is limited by the relatively low communication bandwidth offered by the existing network protocols. On the other hand, modern interconnects such as InfiniBand, with many advanced communication features like zero-copy protocol and RDMA operations, can greatly improve communication efficiency. In this paper, we take on the challenge of combining the ease of use of the Globus XIO framework and the high performance achieved through InfiniBand communication, thereby natively sup-porting GridFTP over InfiniBand based networks. The Advanced Data Transfer Service (ADTS), designed in our previous work, provides the low level InfiniBand support to the Globus XIO layer. We introduce the concepts of I/Ostaging in the Globus XIO ADTS driver to achieve efficient disk based data transfers. We evaluate our designs in both LAN and WAN environments using micro benchmarks as well as communication traces from several real world applications. We also provide insights into the communication performance with some in-depth analysis. Our experimental evaluation shows a performance improvement of up to100% for ADTS based data transfers as opposed to TCP or UDP based ones in LAN and high delay WAN scenarios.
Unsupervised Kalman filter approach to signature estimation for remotely sensed imagery

The commonly used linear spectral unmixing is generally performed on a single pixel basis and does not take advantage of inter-pixel spatial correlation. The Kalman filter has been considered to extend the linear unmixing by taking into account both spectral and spatial correlation. In addition to a linear mixture model implemented as a measurement equation, it includes a state equation to keep track of changes in between pixels. However, Kalman filtering requires the complete knowledge of image endmembers present in image data, which is generally not available and very difficult to obtain a priori. In order to relax this dilemma, this paper presents an unsupervised Kalman filtering (UKF) approach to signature estimation for remotely sensed images. It first uses an anomaly detector combined with orthogonal subspace projection (OSP) to extract desired image endmember signatures directly from the image data, then further applies a discrimination measure to classify the extracted signatures into a set of distinct signatures that will be used in the measurement equation. In order for the UKF to effectively capture spatial correlation among sample image pixels, the state equation is also implemented dynamically to adjust the state transition matrix adaptively. Experimental results have shown that the proposed UKF approach provides additional advantages over the commonly used spectral-based linear unmixing methods.
Potato lectin: a modular protein sharing sequence similarities with the extensin family, the hevein lectin family, and snake venom disintegrins (platelet aggregation inhibitors)

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) lectin, is a chimeric chitin-binding protein comprised of a lectin domain fused to a hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein domain. Here peptide sequence information from both domains is presented. A partial sequence of a major tryptic peptide T2: Leu-Pro-Ser-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-(His)-Hyp-Ser-Hyp-Hyp- Hyp-Hyp-Ser-Hyp-Hyp-Ser-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Ser-Hyp-Hyp- was similar to the 'P3' type extensin major repetitive sequence: Ser-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Ser-Hyp-Ser-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp-Hyp- suggesting common evolutionary origins for the extensins and the hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) domain of potato lectin. Furthermore, alignment of three chymotryptic peptides from potato lectin, C1: Cys-Gly-Thr-Thr-Ser-Asp-Tyr, C2: Cys-Ser-Pro-Gly-Tyr, and C8: Thr-Gly-Glu-Cys-Cys-Ser-Ile with similar sequences from the hevein lectin family indicates that they have homologous chitin-binding domains, and hence have common evolutionary origins. Finally, all plant chitin-binding domains examined bore a remarkable sequence similarity, particularly in the spacing of Cys residues, to the disintegrins (platelet aggregation inhibitors) which occur in crotalid and viperid snake venoms. As such, sequence similarities not only identify potato lectin as a member of both the hevein and extensin families of plant proteins, but also suggest that an archetypal polypeptide module gave rise to both the plant chitin-binding domain and the reptile disintegrins.
COOP - A cooperative caching service in MANETs

Data access applications in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) suffer from intermittent network connections and restricted power supplies. While most of the researches focus on media access control (MAC) and routing layer solutions, we explore the possibility of application cooperation. In this paper, we propose COOP, a novel cooperative caching service for data access applications in MANETs. The objective is to improve data availability and access efficiency by collaborating local resources of mobile devices. COOP addresses two basic problems of cooperative caching: cache resolution and cache management, i.e. how to find the requested data efficiently and how to manage local cache to improve the capacity of cooperated caches. The simulation results show that the service significantly reduces response delay and improves data availability for data access applications in MANETs
Teaching career enhancement awards: 2003 update

in 1999, the american physiological society presented the first of its Teaching Career Enhancement Awards. These awards were designed to parallel the Society’s Research Career Enhancement Awards and provide financial support for individuals to obtain special training, develop new skills, or create
Ziprasidone- and Lithium-Induced Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Objective:To report a case of ziprasidone- and lithium-induced neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).Case Summary:A 47-year-old white male with a history of schizoaffective disorder was admitted to the hospital due to an exacerbation of severe mania. He had been taking lithium 450 mg twice daily and divalproex sodium 750 mg/day. On hospital day 2, ziprasidone 80 mg twice daily was added, and as-needed doses of intramuscular ziprasidone 20 mg and lorazepam 2 mg were used for agitation. On day 6, the patient developed hyperthermia (39.4 °C), elevated creatine kinase 26 000 units/L and white blood cell (WBC) count (20.7 × 103/μL), myoglobinuria, hypotension (68/40 mm Hg), altered mental status, and tachypnea (28 breaths/min). This case is notable for the absence of muscle rigidity, which presents in greater than 90% of patients with NMS taking traditional antipsychotics.Discussion:This case of ziprasidone- and lithium-induced NMS is of probable cause, as determined by the Naranjo probability scale. The patien...
Cognitive-behavioural treatment of multiple-problem patients: Application to personality disorders

Conceptual and clinical problems arise in the treatment of patients with personality disorders, including three clinical problems: establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with these patients is often difficult, empirically-validated treatments for personality disorders are generally not available, and personality-disordered patients typically have multiple presenting problems. We describe a case formulation model for conceptualizing and treating multiple-problem patients, and outline how it addresses these difficulties arising in the treatment of patients with personality disorders.
Orbitofrontal Cortex and Anterior Cingulate Cortex Are Modulated by Motivated Social Cognition

Neural research on social cognition has not examined motivations known to influence social cognition. One fundamental motivation in social cognition is positivity motivation, that is, the desire to view close others in an overly positive light. Positivity motivation does not extend to non-close others. The current functional magnetic resonance imaging study is the first to identify neural regions modulated by positivity motivation. Participants compared the personalities of a close other (i.e., romantic partner) and a non-close other (i.e., roommate) with their average peer. Romantic partners were perceived as above average under certain conditions; roommates were perceived as similar to an average peer across conditions. Neural regions previously associated with social cognition did not significantly relate to positivity motivation. Instead, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and, to a lesser extent, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activation increased when social targets were perceived as similar to an average peer. Furthermore, OFC activity negatively correlated with the extent to which a social target was perceived as above average. Intimacy with the social target modulated the extent to which ventral ACC distinguished positive from negative stimuli. The results expand current knowledge about neural regions associated with social cognition and provide initial information needed to create neural models of social cognition.
Evaluation of a parallel actuation approach for MR-compatible haptics

In recent years, the use of haptics within the MRI environment has increased, particularly for fMRI procedures. However, the demanding MRI environment has made the development of high performance devices very difficult, as most common actuation approaches are not well suited to the high-strength magnetic fields present in the MR-bore. An alternative actuation concept has been proposed using the motion of parallel ultrasonic motors. In this paper we investigate the use of this new approach for MR-compatible haptic devices, including the development of a suitable control approach, experimental validation, and an analytical investigation of achievable virtual admittances. A prototype of this device is constructed and evaluated. Results demonstrate the viability of the proposed approach for MR-compatible applications.
Examining the Third-Person Effect of Baseline Omission in Numerical Comparison: The Role of Consumer Persuasion Knowledge

Marketers often use numerical comparisons in promotional claims to signal superior product offerings. A potentially misleading practice involves omitting the reference point deliberately in order to make the focal claim more appealing—a persuasion tactic referred to as “baseline omission” in the present research. In two experiments, this research demonstrates that consumers tend to perceive this tactic as more effective on others than on themselves. The self-others difference is more salient among consumers with more persuasion knowledge. Consumers’ concerns about its effectiveness on themselves, rather than on others, better predict their supportiveness to regulate the use of baseline omission.
Sorting network based architectures for median filters

Sorting network based architectures for computing nonrecursive and recursive median filters are presented. The proposed architectures are highly pipelined and consist of fewer compare-swap units than existing architectures. The reduction in the number of compare-swap units is achieved by minimizing computational overlap between successive outputs and also by using Batcher's odd-even merge sort (instead of bubble-sort). The latency of these networks is reduced by building them with sorting units that sort 2 elements (sort-2) as well as 3 elements (sort-3) in 1 time unit. >
Low-dose CT imaging of radio-opaque markers for assessing human rotator cuff repair: Accuracy, repeatability and the effect of arm position

Previous studies have used radiostereometric analysis (RSA) to assess the integrity and mechanical properties of repaired tendons and ligament grafts. A conceptually similar approach is to use CT imaging to measure the 3D position and distance between implanted markers. The purpose of this study was to quantify the accuracy and repeatability of measuring the position and distance between metallic markers placed in the rotator cuff using low-dose CT imaging. We also investigated the effect of repeated or variable positions of the arm on position and distance measures. Six human patients had undergone rotator cuff repair and placement of tantalum beads in the rotator cuff at least one year prior to participating in this study. On a single day each patient underwent nine low-dose CT scans in seven unique arm positions. CT scans were analyzed to assess bias, precision and RMS error of the measurement technique. The effect of repeated or variable positions of the arm on the 3D position of the beads and the distance between these beads and suture anchors in the humeral head were also assessed. Results showed the CT imaging method is accurate and repeatable to within 0.7 mm. Further, measures of bead position and anchor-to-bead distance are influenced by arm position and location of the bead within the rotator cuff. Beads located in the posterior rotator cuff moved medially as much as 20 mm in abduction or external rotation. When clinically relevant CT arm positions such as the hand on umbilicus or at side were repeated, bead position varied less than 4 mm in any anatomic direction and anchor-to-bead distance varied +2.8 to -1.6 mm (RMS 1.3 mm). We conclude that a range of ± 3 mm is a conservative estimate of the uncertainty in anchor-to-bead distance for patients repeatedly scanned in clinically-relevant arm positions.
Evaluating the Restoration Potential of 19 Ohio Reservoirs

ABSTRACT Eighty-four percent of Ohio's lakes and reservoirs are eutrophic. Significant reductions in nutrient loading are usually the object of lake restoration projects. However, variations in attainable nutrient concentrations, based on regional differences in watershed characteristics and land use, often are not considered. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the “ecoregion” concept for estimating which surveyed Ohio reservoirs might have the greatest potential for reduction in phosphorus concentrations. Ecoregional watershed characteristics dictate the practical lower or attainable limits of stream nutrient concentrations that can be reached. Attainable reservoir phosphorus concentrations were estimated from stream phosphorus concentration data that represent the best water quality in each Ohio ecoregion and by the use of a loading model. The reservoirs with actual summer 1989 phosphorus concentrations that exceeded predicted attainable concentrations by the greatest amounts were considered to...
Wideband modeling of RF/Analog circuits via hierarchical multi-point model order reduction

This paper proposes a novel wideband modeling technique for high-performance RF passives and linear(ized) analog circuits. The new method is based on a recently proposed s-domain hierarchical modeling and analysis method (Tan, 2003). Theoretically, we show that the s-domain hierarchical reduction is equivalent to implicit moment matching around s = 0, and that the existing hierarchical reduction method by one-point expansion is numerically stable for general tree-structured circuits. Practically, we propose a hierarchical multi-point reduction scheme for high-fidelity, wideband modeling of general passive or active linear circuits. A novel explicit waveform matching algorithm is proposed for searching the dominant poles and residues from different expansion points based on the unique hierarchical reduction framework. Experimental results with large analog circuits, on-chip spiral inductors are presented to validate the proposed method.
Nurse-assisted suicide: not an answer in end-of-life care.

(2003). Nurse-Assisted Suicide: Not an Answer in End-of-Life Care. Issues in Mental Health Nursing: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 45-57.
The Teacher‐Learner Relationship and Classroom Interaction in Distance Learning: A Case Study of the Japanese Language Classes at an American High School

With a growing demand for Japanese language courses at secondary schools, satellite language programs have become a solution to the shortage of qualified classroom teachers In the disrance learning Japanese classes of the high school where our research was conducted, various aspects of the teacher's role in traditional Foreign language classes were divided and handled by different people. This article examines the role of the facilitator in distance learning classes by analyzing the mechanism of distance teaching and describing students' perceptions of the teacher and their classroom interaction. It argues that the classroom Facilitator's function to mediate betwen the remote teacher and the learner is a key Factor in the successful operation of distance learning language classes.
Missense mutation at the C-terminus of PAX6 negatively modulates homeodomain function

PAX6 is essential for ocular morphogenesis. Mutations in the PAX6 gene produce various phenotypes, including aniridia, Peters' anomaly, foveal hypoplasia, autosomal dominant keratitis and congenital cataracts. PAX6 functions as a transcription factor and has two DNA binding domains (a paired domain and a homeodomain) which are joined by a linker, and a transactivation domain enriched in proline, serine and threonine (PST) at the C-terminus. The mechanism of PAX6 function is not clearly understood, and few target genes in vertebrates have been identified. We examined disease-causing missense mutations in the PST domain to understand how they affect the function of PAX6. Upon examining the DNA samples of aniridia patients, we identified three missense mutations in the PST domain: P375Q (a novel mutation) and the previously reported Q422R and X423L mutations. On the basis of functional analysis, the P375Q mutant appears to have a normal transactivation activity but lower DNA binding through the paired domain than the wild-type. The Q422R mutation resulted in the loss of DNA binding ability of the PAX6 homeodomain. Substitution analyses of the C-terminal amino acid (codon 422) indicated that an amino acid at codon 422 is required for DNA binding of the homeodomain of intact PAX6 and that the polarity and charge of the side-chain of the terminal amino acid influence this binding.
A non-invasive LSO-APD blood radioactivity monitor for PET imaging studies

A study has been carried out to investigate the possibility of using a pair of LSO + APD detector arrays to obtain a non-invasive measurement of the arterial input function for use in PET. The main focus of this study was to determine the spatial resolution and sensitivity required to obtain a high quality image that would permit a precise determination of the region of interest around the wrist artery. From these data a quantitative arterial input function that has minimal interference from the tissue and vein background can be obtained. The detector arrays were operated in coincidence counting mode to obtain planar images of various phantoms to demonstrate the feasibility of the concept.
Novel anastomotic techniques

Creating a safe and healthy bowel anastomosis remains critical for successful intestinal surgery. The selection of anastomotic technique depends on several factors, including the site of anastomosis, bowel caliber, tissue quality, and underlying disease process, but more importantly individual surgeon experience and personal preference play a major role. Other important key factors to a successful anastomosis are meticulous technique, good blood supply, and tension-free connection. However, despite the “perfect conditions” and technical advances some anastomoses continue to leak resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Around 4% of all colonic anastomoses and even higher percentage of colorectal anastomoses leak; thus reducing this complication rate would improve mortality and health care costs. Many different techniques of colorectal anastomosis have been described in search for better outcomes and lower leak rates. In this article, I will discuss adjuncts to staplers with an emphasis on the compression anastomotic techniques and newer devices available, the potential advantages of intraoperative endoscopic evaluation of anastomosis, role of fluorescence imaging, and future directions in intestinal anastomotic technology.
Contemporary mechanical circulatory support therapy for postcardiotomy shock

Significant progress has been made in the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), particularly in the clinical success in durable left ventricular assist device. Short-term MCS has also advanced in the form of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, external centrifugal VADs as well as percutaneous VADs. Postcardiotomy shock (PCS) is a rare clinical entity associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by heart failure that either results in an inability to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass or that occurs in the immediate postoperative period, accounting for the most common indication for MCS. The reported in-hospital mortality of the PCS patients remains high, consistently over 50%, despite ongoing refinements of MCS technology. The optimization of selection criteria and the prompt institution of MCS are likely the keys to improving this persistently high mortality rate. Unfortunately, the lack of a clear definition for PCS in the literature limits scientific analyses and comparison of the existing evidence. To establish the treatment strategy and appropriately manage this challenging disease, substantial and fundamental effort by the cardiovascular society is imperative.
Impact of Pre-Call Request Form and Gender Interaction on Response to a Mail Survey:

The author investigates the effect of grammatical variations in telephone prenotification and interviewer/respondent gender interaction on mail survey response rate, speed, quality, and bias. The f...
Linear recurrent subsequences of generalized meta-Fibonacci sequences

In a recent paper, Frank Ruskey asked whether every linear recurrent sequence can occur in some solution of a meta-Fibonacci sequence. In this paper, we consider the natural generalization of meta-Fibonacci recurrences to more than two terms. In this context, we show, using an explicit construction, that any sequence satisfying a linear recurrence with positive coefficients occurs as an evenly-spaced subsequence in some generalized meta-Fibonacci sequence.
Effects of uremia patients sera on bone marrow derived CFU-E proliferation

Objective To investigate the existence of the erythropoiesis inhibitors(?).Methods Twelve patients suffered from uremia with anemia were studied[5 males,and 7 females,(50±12)years].Methylcellulose culture technique was used to culture mice bone marrow cells.The sera from the uremia patients were added to CFU- E and BFU-E culture medium with final concentrations of 1,25%,2.5% and 5%,Mice bone marrow cells were ob- tained from the female Balb/c mice.In vitro CFU-E and BFU-E culture in the presence of sera from uremia patients was compared with that in the presence of normal human subjects with the use of normal mice bone marrows.Re- suits The effects of the sera from uremia patients on CFU-E and BFU-E colon growth were in a dose-dependent manner.The effect was correlated with the concentrations of the sera(P0.05).There were no significant inhibito- ry effects on the CFU-E and BFU-E growth of mice bone marrow in vitro from sera of the normal subjects.Conclu- sion The erythropoiesis inhibitors might exist in uremia sera which had a dose-dependent inhibitory effects on CFU-E and BFU-E proliferations.
Tips and Tricks: Single-Site Robotic-Assisted Myomectomy

Abstract Study Objective To describe some tips and tricks that facilitate a single-site robotic- assisted (RA) myomectomy. Design Stepwise surgical tutorial using a narrated video (Canadian Task Force classification III). Setting Academic tertiary care hospital. Interventions Single-incision RA myomectomy is a novel technique that presents unique surgical challenges. Although similar in outcomes to multiport myomectomy, single-site myomectomy is more cosmetically appealing. Traditional laparoscopic single- site myomectomy has been associated with a steep learning curve. The robotic single-site platform mitigates some of these difficulties, which allows for the reproducibility and safety of this technique in appropriately selected patients. In this surgical tutorial, we present a case of a 7-cm type 2-5 fibroid removed with this approach. Conclusion Single-site RA myomectomy is a safe, minimally invasive option for appropriately selected patients. Although it is a challenging procedure, it provides excellent cosmesis and is reproducible with adequate training and expertise.
The Body and the Book: Reading Being and Nothingness

In Phenomenology of Perception, Merleau-Ponty reminds us of the words of Edmund Husserl’s assistant, Eugen Fink, that phenomenology is wonder in the face of the world and a corresponding return to things (PP xiii). Still, Husserl, Sartre and Merleau-Ponty wrote about phenomenology, and certainly we come across their thoughts only in books. On one level I do not want to make very much of this; that is, I do not claim that the philosophical enterprise can be reduced to the act of writing. There is no need for me to take such a heavy burden upon myself since my point is a simple hermeneuical one, namely, that certain books have a unity that is more than the sum of their chapters.
Sampling and Analysis

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses sampling and analysis. In atmospheric analyses, the mass or concentration of the desired analyte is not measured directly. Instead, a numerical value of a physical or chemical property for the analyte, which can then be correlated with either mass or concentration, is obtained. The relationship between the measured physical or chemical property ( X i ) and the quantity ( q i ) for analyte species ( i ) is given by an analytical calibration function X i = f i ( q i ). If X i is determined for a series of standards of different known masses or concentrations, these results establish the analytical calibration curve, that is, the relationship between the analytical signal and the analyte mass or concentration. The choice of an appropriate calibration technique is affected by the analytical method, potential interferences in the sample matrix, the number of samples to be analyzed, the degree of accuracy necessary for the data's intended use, and the relative magnitude of the error contributed by the measurement process compared to combined errors from sampling, sample preparation, and data reduction. Knowledgeable interpretation of trace atmospheric measurement data is an important factor in a good-quality assurance program, and greater recognition of this principle would prevent considerable confusion.
Accessibility, accountability, affordability: healthcare policy in orthopedic trauma.

Purpose of review This review provides historical background on trauma care in the USA and summarizes contemporary trauma-related health policy issues. It is a primer for orthopedic surgeons who want to promote improvements in research, delivery, and cost reduction in trauma care.
Plasma-Surface Interaction Mechanisms in Atmospheric and High Pressure Regimes

Plasma-Surface Interaction Mechanisms in Atmospheric and High Pressure Regimes Plasma sciences evolved over decades, moving from the generation of plasmas under vacuum to the generation of atmospheric and high-pressure plasmas. With the increase in our understanding of plasma mechanisms and regimes has come an increase in interest of the entire spectrum of plasmas, their formation conditions, and applications unique to each plasma regime.
Role of cardiac pacing in congenital complete heart block

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Congenital complete heart block affects 1/15,000 live-born infants, predominantly due to atrioventricular nodal injury from maternal antibodies of mothers with systemic lupus erythermatosus or Sjogren’s syndrome. The majority of these children will need a pacemaker implanted prior to becoming young adults. This article will review the various patient and technical factors that influence the type of pacemaker implanted, and the current literature on optimal pacing practices.Areas covered: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Data regarding epicardial versus transvenous implants, pacing-induced ventricular dysfunction, alternative pacing strategies (including biventricular pacing, left ventricular pacing, and His bundle pacing), and complications with pacemakers in the pediatric population were reviewed.Expert commentary: There are numerous pacing strategies available to children with congenital complete heart block. The risks and benefits of the i...
Neural computations combine low- and high-order motion cues similarly, in dragonfly and monkey

Visual motion analysis is fundamental to survival across the animal kingdom. In insects, our understanding of the underlying computations has centered on the Hassenstein-Reichardt motion detector, which computes two-point cross-correlation via multiplication; in mammalian cortex, it is postulated that a similar signal is computed by comparing matched squaring operations. Both of these operations are difficult to implement biophysically in a precise fashion; moreover, they fail to detect the more complex multipoint local motion cues present in the visual environment. Here, via single-unit recordings in two visual specialists, dragonfly "(Odonata)" and macaque, and via model simulations, we show that neuronal computations are not simply approximations to idealized behaviors forced by biological constraints, but rather, are signatures of a common computational strategy to capture multiple local motion cues. The similarity of motion computations at the neuronal level in the brains of two extremely dissimilar animals, with evolutionary divergence of over 700 Myr, suggests convergence on a common computational scheme for detecting visual motion.
Differentially Private Feature Selection for Data Mining

One approach to analysis of private data is e-differential privacy, a randomization-based approach that protects individual data items by injecting carefully limited noise into results. A challenge in applying this to private data analysis is that the noise added to the feature parameters is directly proportional to the number of parameters learned. While careful feature selection would alleviate this problem, the process of feature selection itself can reveal private information, requiring the application of differential privacy to the feature selection process. In this paper, we analyze the sensitivity of various feature selection techniques used in data mining and show that some of them are not suitable for differentially private analysis due to high sensitivity. We give experimental results showing the value of using low sensitivity feature selection techniques. We also show that the same concepts can be used to improve differentially private decision trees.
Parameter Estimation and Nonlinear Predictive Control for RTP

Abstract Parameter estimation of a nonlinear dynamic model for a rapid thermal processing system is performed. A model transformation is presented that significantly improves the conditioning of the control system. Simulations of nonlinear QDMC demonstrate the viability of controllers based on quadratic programming techniques in terms of computation time.
Enhanced Dependability Evaluation Through Krylov Methods and Matrix Functions: The Case of Load-Sharing Systems

Recently, the link between performance and dependability measures for Markovian models and the evaluation of bilinear forms induced by well-known matrix functions has been established. The connection can be exploited to obtain effective and efficient solution methods for allowing in particular the computation of reliability-related measures. In this paper, a reliability model for a load-sharing system is discussed and then solved through Krylov methods generated by the mentioned connection.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Ammonia from N2 and H2O under Ambient Conditions Using Pore-Size-Controlled Hollow Gold Nanocatalysts with Tunable Plasmonic Properties

An electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) could provide an alternative pathway to the Haber–Bosch process for clean, sustainable, and decentralized NH3 production when it is coupled with renewably derived electricity sources. Developing an electrocatalyst that overcomes sluggish kinetics due to the challenges associated with N2 adsorption and cleavage and that also produces NH3 with a reasonable yield and efficiency is an urgent need. Here, we engineer the size and density of pores in the walls of hollow Au nanocages (AuHNCs) by tuning their peak localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR); in this way, we aim to enhance the rate of electroreduction of N2 to NH3. The interdependency between the pore size/density, the peak LSPR position, the silver content in the cavity, and the total surface area of the nanoparticle should be realized for further optimization of hollow plasmonic nanocatalysts in electrochemical NRRs.
Application of external voltage for fouling mitigation from graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide and molybdenum disulfide functionalized surfaces

Fouling of surfaces remains one of the largest challenges in the field of water filtration. Electrically conductive surfaces have shown antifouling capabilities under organic foulants. Additionally, two-dimensional nanomaterials—e.g., graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)—have antifouling properties and can be used to modify conductive polymer surfaces for the mitigation of fouling. Here, the surface attachment of foulants was investigated as a function of the surface charge by applying an external voltage. The release behavior of deposited foulants from polypyrrole surfaces modified with GO (GO-PPy), rGO-2h (rGO-PPy) and MoS2 (MoS2-PPy) was also studied. An electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (EQCM-D) was used for attachment and release studies of the foulants during external voltage application. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a model protein foulant in this study. Results show that it was possible to delay the attachment of the BSA foulant (more than 75%) on rGO-PPy and MoS2-PPy surfaces upon the application of −0.5 VAg/AgCl due to the electrostatic repulsion created by the external negative voltage on the surface. Moreover, the BSA attachment rate slows down by 92% and 91% on the rGO-PPy and MoS2-PPy surfaces compared to the bare PPy surface under the no voltage condition. Conversely, applying a voltage of +0.5 VAg/AgCl was not effective in delaying the attachment of BSA due to the presence of positively charged areas on the BSA surface. During the release study, it was found that it is possible to release the deposited BSA from all of the surfaces by NaCl electrolysis upon application of a voltage of +0.74 VAg/AgCl. Continuous generation of free chlorine (HOCl and OCl−) due to the oxidizing current produced on PPy and functionalized surfaces during external voltage application accelerates the degradation of the deposited BSA, resulting in the release of the foulant from the surface.
Comparing Stability in Random Forest Models to Map Northern Great Plains Plant Communities Using 2015 and 2016 Pleiades Imagery

Abstract. The use of high resolution imagery in remote sensing has the potential to improve understanding of patch level variability in plant structure and community composition that may be lost at coarser scales. Random forest (RF) is a machine learning technique that has gained considerable traction in remote sensing applications due to its ability to produce accurate classifications with highly dimensional data and relatively efficient computing times. The aim of this study was to test the ability of RF to classify five plant communities located both on and off prairie dog towns in mixed grass prairie landscapes of north central South Dakota, and assess the stability of RF models among different years. During 2015 and 2016, Pleiades satellites were tasked to image the study site for a total of five monthly collections each summer (June–October). Training polygons were mapped in 2016 for the five plant communities and used to train separate 2015 and 2016 RF models. The RF models for 2015 and 2016 were highly effective at predicting different vegetation types associated with, and remote from, prairie dog towns (misclassification rates
Case report: Cryoballoon ablation of the mitral isthmus using a novel mapping system

Perimitral atrial flutter is commonly treated by deployment of a mitral isthmus line. However, the creation of a contiguous, transmural linear lesion across the anterior mitral isthmus using radiofrequency energy ablation is technically challenging and can be associated with major complications. Herein, we describe the successful deployment of a superolateral mitral isthmus line using the 28-mm cryoballoon in combination with a new mapping system.
Seclusion and Restraint of Students With Disabilities: A 1-Year Legal Review:

News of teenager’s death in California shocked the special education community in early December 2018. Despite the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act’s provision for positive behavior supp...
Variable Photon Energy Photoelectron Spectroscopy on FeCl- 4: An Unusual Electronic Structure for High-Spin d5 Complexes.

The PES spectra obtained for CsFeCl4 over the energy range 25-150 eV show intensity changes in the valence band features which indicate that more metal character is present in the deepest bonding levels.