cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Exsolved Nanoparticles on a Perovskite Oxide Surface during a Redox Process

To evaluate the self-regeneration feasibility of exsolved Co–Fe nanoparticles on the La0.3Sr0.7Cr0.3Fe0.6Co0.1O3−δ perovskite at intermediate operation temperature (700 °C), the evolution of surface morphology and particle phases during a redox process has been determined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Unlike the complete reincorporation of the exsolved metals back to the perovskite lattice at 800 °C during the reoxidation process, the transition-metal oxide remains on the surface as an intermediate phase because of a sluggish reincorporation rate at 700 °C. Although the transition-metal oxide particles grow and coarsen quickly in an oxidizing atmosphere, the nanoparticles could still be formed by a disintegration of the reduced spinel oxide in a reducing atmosphere. The hemispherical-like shape of the nanoparticles can be achieved by minimizing metallic surface energy and maintaining the strong metal–oxide interaction. The redispersion of Co–Fe nanoparticles completes the self-regenera...
The Mutual Embrace: Institutions and Epistemology

In twenty years of scholarship on the history of modern physics (following his previous careers in theoretical physics and the history of biology), Sam Schweber has been at the forefront of one of our field’s greatest and most enduring challenges: linking the high-brow world of ideas with the grubby, earthly world of lucre, power and the “all too human.” Across a terrain pocked by contentious debates, in which caricatures of extreme positions often stand in for difficult analyses, Sam has gently pushed for a vision at once common-sensical and radical: of course the ideas of modern physics depend on the vagaries of time and place, proclaims Sam. The dependence comes not in the form of abstracted Weltbilden or Zeitgeisten, but in the concrete bricks and mortar of institutions. Historically-contingent, culturallyspecific institutions tether the netherworld of theory, Sam has taught us. If physics looked different in Wilhelmine Germany than in Cold-War America, look not (or certainly not only) to the writings of Immanuel Kant or John Dewey. Look for the means by which physicists have conducted their research, interacted with their patrons and trained their students. Look to physicists’ changing institutions – with all their stubborn time- and place-ness – to understand their epistemology. In this “mutual embrace” of institutions with epistemology, Sam has shown, we will find the keys to understanding both – a potent lesson to guide us into a new century of scholarship on science, technology and their histories. The salient feature that Sam has worked so hard to understand is the “pragmatic,” “utilitarian,” or “empiricist” flavor of so much of the theoretical physics produced within the United States during the twentieth century, often in stark contrast with the Erkenntnistheorie-style of the great Continental theorists. Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr spent sleepless nights debating the epistemological and metaphysical consequences of the emerging quantum theory; Wolfgang Pauli and Erwin Schrodinger eagerly linked their latest theoretical work to Eastern mysticism and Jungian depth psychology. In describing his youth, Werner Heisenberg carefully perpetuated the image of the lone boyhood thinker sitting on a rooftop contemplating Plato’s Timaeus, even as the riots and looting following World War I erupted beneath him. Not so the Americans. Many turned, as Richard Feynman did, to stories of handyman craftwork in their younger years (fiddling either with crystal radio kits or chemistry sets). Others, such as Edwin Kemble, John Van Vleck and John Slater, drew their contrast with the Bohrian style even more explicitly, proudly declaring that physical theories need neither be right nor true, merely useful for the job at
Diamond optomechanical crystals with embedded nitrogen-vacancy centers

Hybrid quantum devices, in which disparate quantum elements are combined in order to achieve enhanced functionality, have received much attention in recent years due to their exciting potential to address key problems in quantum information processing, communication, and control. Specifically, significant progress has been made in the field of hybrid mechanical devices, in which a qubit is coupled to a mechanical oscillator. High cooperativity in such devices has been demonstrated with superconducting qubits, and coupling defect qubits to mechanical elements via crystal strain has enabled novel methods of qubit measurement and control. In this paper we demonstrate the fabrication of diamond optomechanical crystals (OMCs) with embedded nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers, a preliminary step toward reaching the quantum regime with defect qubit hybrid mechanical devices. We measure optical and mechanical resonances of diamond OMCs as well as the spin coherence of single embedded NV centers. We find that the spin has long coherence times = 1.5 μs and T 2 = 72 μs despite its proximity to nanofabricated surfaces. Finally, we discuss potential improvements of these devices and prospects for future experiments in the quantum regime.
Patrimônio Religioso e (In)Capacidade de Significar

Definida a religiao como subsistema da cultura, bem como a area de interseccao entre Cristianismo e Religiao, reflecte-se sobre o patrimonio cristao enquanto linguagem e sobre a dificuldade da cultura contemporânea, precisamente enquanto religiosamente deserdada, em fruir plenamente do patrimonio por falta do codigo de acesso ao Significado. Conclui-se com uma proposta de fruicao turistica da fachada da Igreja de Sta Cruz de Braga, especificamente enquanto Patrimonio Religioso.
Neurological disorders, affective bioethics, and the nervous system: reconsidering the Schiavo case from a materialist perspective

This article proposes a novel approach to bioethics, referred to as "affective bioethics", which draws on traditions in anthropology, science and technology studies, disability studies, and Spinozist materialism. By focusing on the case of Michael and Terri Schiavo, in which Terri's personhood and subjectivity are challenged by dominant forms of neurological reductivism in the USA, this article suggests that approaching her condition as a set of relations with the people in her life and her socio-technical environment may have helped to develop new ways to conceptualise personhood and subjectivity moving beyond the view of her as a non-person. Drawing on Michael Schiavo's memoir of his legal battles, and Terri's diagnosis and care, this article shows how Terri's connections to the world disrupt American ideas about the isolatable individual as the basis for personhood and subjectivity. Attending to these interpersonal and socio-technical connections focuses bioethical attention on the worlds that individuals inhabit, and how those worlds might be designed to make more kinds of life livable and new forms of personhood and subjectivity possible.
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS FOR HOSPICE CARE OUTCOMES: PERSPECTIVES OF PATIENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND PROVIDERS

Use of hospice services in the U.S. has grown to cover an expanding number of patients with varying conditions and demographic characteristics. Notably, hospice agencies increasingly serve patients with diverse socio-cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Limited research has explored how these factors act to influence the course and outcomes of hospice care, or their role in shaping race/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in burdensome outcomes like acute hospitalization. This presentation uses the theoretical lens of Cultural Health Capital to explore how socio-cultural factors affect patient-provider interactions within the home hospice setting. Qualitative interviews were conducted with both providers (N=32) and patients/caregivers (N=7) at a large not-for-profit hospice agency in New York City. Themes identified from these interviews included prior knowledge and familiarity with hospice, family dynamics and social support, and linguistic and cultural barriers to care. Findings indicate the need for greater attention to socio-cultural influences on interactional dynamics within home hospice.
Expressivist to the core: Metaaesthetic subjectivism is stable and robust

Abstract Two common observations about aesthetics are in tension: that people generally consider aesthetic judgments subjective, and that people generally behave like objectivists (arguing over judgments, making choices based on judgments of trusted critics, rejecting strong assertions of aesthetic equivalence). This tension would be resolved if the first observation turned out to be false—if people endorsed subjectivism weakly, flexibly, or rarely. We tested whether people can be pushed to endorse objectivism under certain circumstances. Across a large sample (N = 588), aesthetic subjectivism proved consistent and robust to experimental manipulations. Even judgments that reflected participants' own evaluations of artworks were considered just as subjective as judgments directly opposed to their personal evaluations. We conclude that the apparent tension can be explained by the philosophical position of expressivism and discuss expressivism's prospects as a framework for understanding aesthetic judgment.
Dietary Alcohol and Fat Differentially Affect Plasma Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Activity and Triglycerides in Normo‐ and Hypertriglyceridemic Subjects

Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with increased plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol concentrations and reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer activity (CETA) mediates the exchange of HDL-cholesteryl ester (CE) for the triacylglycerol (TAG) of very-low-density lipoproteins. We compared the effects of oral challenges of Alcohol, saturated fat (SAT), and (Alcohol + SAT) on plasma CETA, cholesterol, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and TAG among normo-triglyceridemic (NTG) and mildly hypertriglyceridemic (HTG) volunteers having a range of plasma TAG concentrations. The major changes were (1) CETA increased more after ingestion of SAT and (Alcohol + SAT) in the HTG group versus the NTG group; (2) after all three challenges, elevation of plasma TAG concentration persisted longer in the HTG versus NTG group. Plasma cholesterol was not affected by the three dietary challenges, while Alcohol increased NEFA more in the HTG group than the NTG group. Plasma TAG best predicted plasma CETA, suggesting that intestinally derived lipoproteins are acceptors of HDL-CE. Unexpectedly, ingestion of (Alcohol + SAT) reduced the strength of the correlation between plasma TAG and CETA, that is the effects of (SAT and Alcohol) on plasma CETA are not synergistic nor additive but rather mutually suppressive. The alcohol-mediated inhibition of CE-transfer to chylomicrons maintains a higher plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration, which is athero-protective, although the suppressive metabolite underlying this correlation could be acetate, the terminal alcohol metabolite, other factors, including CETA inhibitors, are also likely important.
Cytokine Responses in Tracheas from Major Histocompatibility Complex Congenic Chicken Lines with Distinct Susceptibilities to Infectious Bronchitis Virus.

The chicken major histocompatibility complex (MHC) B locus has been linked to resistance to infectious diseases. We have previously provided evidence that the MHC congenic chicken lines 331/B2 and 335/B19 differ in susceptibility to infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains M41 and ArkDPI in in vivo challenge experiments. Innate immune responses can be difficult to measure in vivo because they are nonspecific and can be triggered by environmental factors. In an attempt to address this issue, we used tracheal organ cultures derived from 331/B2 and 335/B19 birds to study local cytokine production after in vitro challenge with IBV M41. Interferon (IFN)-β, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 gene expression and production were assessed. Tracheal organ cultures derived from 335/B19 birds presented an increased inflammatory response compared to 331/B2. However, it was not possible to discriminate between cytokine responses in IBV-infected and phosphate-buffered saline–treated tracheal organ cultures. Because tracheal processing entails physical damage to the trachea, it is possible that the tracheal organ cultures presented high levels of inflammation regardless of the IBV challenge. To demonstrate the effects of IBV on innate immune responses in the MHC congenic chicken lines, we performed an additional in vivo experiment that focused on cytokine gene expression and production in tracheas up to 60 hr after a challenge with IBV M41. Our results corroborate previous in vivo observations that suggest that detrimental local inflammatory responses in 335/B19 birds might be associated with their susceptibility to IBV and that inflammation does not necessarily lead to the assembly of an appropriate adaptive immune response. This work provides further insight into the increased susceptibility of 335/B19 birds to infectious bronchitis.
MACH-2K Architecture: Building Mobile Device Trust and Utility for Emergency Response Networks

In this article, we introduce the MACH-2K trust overlay network and its architecture. MACH-2K's objectives are to (a) enhance the resiliency of emergency response and public service networks and (b) help build such networks in places, or at times, where network infrastructure is limited. Resiliency may be enhanced in an economic manner by building new ad hoc networks of private mobile devices and joining these to public service networks at specific trusted points. The major barrier to building resiliency by using private devices is ensuring security. MACH-2K uses device location and communication utility patterns to assign trust to devices, after owner approval. After trust is established, message confidentiality, privacy, and integrity may be implemented by well-known cryptographic means. MACH-2K devices may be then requested to forward or consume different types of messages depending on their current level of trust and utility.
SparkDev: Development Program to Facilitate Collaboration and Learning in Computer Science

At the undergraduate level, many students who enter computer science change majors within their first year. There are a multitude of intrapersonal reasons to explain why students choose to leave the field of computer science, such as lack of confidence, a misconception or disinterest in computing, minimal collaboration, and lack of a proper support system (Gordon, 2016). In addition, some universities focus on theoretical computer science to the detrimental exclusion of practical aspects. SparkDev, a 9-week development program, aims to resolve these issues that students face. In this program, students are given the tools, resources and community to build projects with emerging technologies within areas such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, cyber security and mobile development.
P149 EVolution: a text messaging powered intervention for connection, support and HIV eradication

Background To reach the UNAIDS goal of 90–90–90, young people worldwide must experience improved linkage to care, retention in care and viral load suppression (VLS). This goal highlights needs for accessible mHealth approaches. The EVolution intervention is one such approach with automated and live text-messaging and a triggered alert system for timely support. Our goals included: 1) address concerns in young people’s lives (housing, utilities, and mood); 2) increase appointments kept; 3) improve VLS rates. Methods HIV postive youth at clinic sites with access to a mobile texting device, and at least one additional criterion: newly diagnosed; not linked to care; out of care for at least six months; viral load greater than 200 copies/mL were recruited. The intervention uses automated two-way text messages for HIV-specifc medication/appointment reminders, monthly housing/utilities needs assessment and semi-weekly mood checks. Self-reported client challenges trigger action alerts and timely live two-way text messging with case management. Results were examined over 6-months. Results 102 youth enrolled. 89 participated in the program for > 6 months. Most participants were young, average age 22.33 (SD=2.08), male (91%), Black (93%) and men who have sex with men (MSM) (82%). Eighty-one percent of youth responded to at least one text in 89,120 total exchanges. Texts triggered 395 alerts, most often for missed medication, housing issues and missed appointments. Sevety-nine youth kept at least one appointment for HIV medical care. Twenty-five participants newly achieved VLS and 35 maintained VLS during the 6 months. A significantly greater proportion of participants were virally suppressed at 6 months versus baseline (p=0.18). Conclusion This text messaging intervention, which could be replicated in diverse settings, led to improved health and communication in a sample of young people at-risk or experiencing poor HIV outcomes. This presentation introduces an innovative streamlined communication approach with HIV postive youth, which addresses important health and social needs. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Consider Weather Forecasts Beyond One Week

As we plan our week's activities, we often turn to the seven day weather forecast. Could we plan even further into the future?
Comparison of Bifurcated Halogen with Hydrogen Bonds

Bifurcated halogen bonds are constructed with FBr and FI as Lewis acids, paired with NH3 and NCH bases. The first type considered places two bases together with a single acid, while the reverse case of two acids sharing a single base constitutes the second type. These bifurcated systems are compared with the analogous H-bonds wherein FH serves as the acid. In most cases, a bifurcated system is energetically inferior to a single linear bond. There is a larger energetic cost to forcing the single σ-hole of an acid to interact with a pair of bases, than the other way around where two acids engage with the lone pair of a single base. In comparison to FBr and FI, the H-bonding FH acid is better able to participate in a bifurcated sharing with two bases. This behavior is traced to the properties of the monomers, in particular the specific shape of the molecular electrostatic potential, the anisotropy of the orbitals of the acid and base that interact directly with one another, and the angular extent of the total electron density of the two molecules.
Dysregulation of Ambient Glutamate and Glutamate Receptors in Epilepsy: An Astrocytic Perspective.

Given the important functions that glutamate serves in excitatory neurotransmission, understanding the regulation of glutamate in physiological and pathological states is critical to devising novel therapies to treat epilepsy. Exclusive expression of pyruvate carboxylase and glutamine synthetase in astrocytes positions astrocytes as essential regulators of glutamate in the central nervous system (CNS). Additionally, astrocytes can significantly alter the volume of the extracellular space (ECS) in the CNS due to their expression of the bi-directional water channel, aquaporin-4, which are enriched at perivascular endfeet. Rapid ECS shrinkage has been observed following epileptiform activity and can inherently concentrate ions and neurotransmitters including glutamate. This review highlights our emerging knowledge on the various potential contributions of astrocytes to epilepsy, particularly supporting the notion that astrocytes may be involved in seizure initiation via failure of homeostatic responses that lead to increased ambient glutamate. We also review the mechanisms whereby ambient glutamate can influence neuronal excitability, including via generation of the glutamate receptor subunit GluN2B-mediated slow inward currents, as well as indirectly affect neuronal excitability via actions on metabotropic glutamate receptors that can potentiate GluN2B currents and influence neuronal glutamate release probabilities. Additionally, we discuss evidence for upregulation of System x c - , a cystine/glutamate antiporter expressed on astrocytes, in epileptic tissue and changes in expression patterns of glutamate receptors.
CFHT - Wide Field Imaging and "CCD-world" Host

CFHT is committed to a future of wide field imaging in the optical, in order to take full advantage of its unique high quality site and to support the coming age of 8–10m class telescopes. The UH8k mosaic [5] is currently in frequent use at the prime focus -it consists of an array of 2k x 4k thick Loral CCDs, or 8192 by 8192, 15 micron pixels, covering 0.23 degree square. Another mosaic of 2 x 6 thinned CCDs (or 8192 by 12288, 15 micron pixels) to be selected from the Lincoln Labs/MIT consortium [3] is currently under construction at the Institute for Astronomy, The University of Hawaii at Manoa [4]. This camera will cover 0.34 degrees square and is expected to see first light before the end of 1997. On the longer term, CFHT is entering into a collaboration with the Commissariat a l’energie atomique, Saclay, France to build a 16k by 16k thinned CCD array, named MEGACAM, which will cover up to 0.96 square degrees and will represent the flagship of CFHT’s imaging programme [2]. First light is anticipated before the end of the millennium. For further information on these and other CFHT projects, please visit the CFHT Web homepage at http://www.cfht.hawaii.edu/.
Charging up the public for automated external defibrillators.

Public training in the use of automated external defibrillators to treat out-of-hospital cardiac arrests has been receiving increased attention. The implementation of public access defibrillation programs has been the most significant intervention to improve survival in decades. Dramatic success came when we placed automated external defibrillators in the hands of the public to be utilized without an Emergency Medical Services response having to occur. The device is simple to operate – sixth-grade children have demonstrated safe and effective operation. Training should be taken to its elemental level. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training should not be forgotten; it too should be taken to its simplest form.
Biosynthesis of Ergothioneine and Hercynine by Fungi and Actinomycetales

Unlike other bacteria, aerobic members of the order Actinomycetales show a close biochemical relationship to the fungi by their capacity to synthesize hercynine and ergothioneine. The myxomycete Physarum polycephalum, possessing the same synthetic ability, also shows this relationship. Contrariwise, the unusual position of yeasts as fungi is indicated by the inability of all yeastlike Ascomycetes and all except a few false yeasts to synthesize these two betaines.
Systems techniques and computational methods

Tele-Manufacturing: Rapid Prototyoing on the Internet/Intranets. Models and Algorithms for Machine Scheduling with Setup Times. Compuer Aided 5-Axis Maching. Finite Element Method and Thermo-Viscoplastic Cutting Model in Manufacturing Systems. Diagnostics for Monitoring Maitenance and Quality Manufacturing. Reverse Engineering and Inspection of Machined Parts in Manufacturing Systems. Application of Reference Architectures for Enterprise Integration. Engineering Monitoring and Diagnosis using Wavelet Transforms.
Multiple antenna channels with partial feedback

We consider flat-fading multiple antenna channels with t transmit and r receive antennas, which is modeled by an r /spl times/ t complex matrix H. The first n eigenvectors of H/sup /spl dagger//H, where 0/spl les/n/spl les/min(t,r) are assumed to be available at the transmitter as partial spatial information of channel. A transmission method was proposed which enables better use of the multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) channels. By using the transmission scheme, the MIMO channel can be decomposed into two parts: n parallel channels and a new small coupled MIMO channel. One reasonable coding strategy is to employ conventional time-domain only code for each of the parallel channels and a space-time code for the small MIMO channel. This paper focuses on deriving the channel capacity of the multiple antenna channels employing such a coding strategy. The results show that the proposed methods lead to systems wherein the amount of feedback information can be significantly reduced with a minor sacrifice of achievable transmission rate.
Perceptual organization of speech in one and several modalities: common functions, common resources

In order to understand speech, the perceiver meets two challenges: (1) to find a speech signal within ongoing sensory activity, and (2) to project its properties into linguistic phonetic attributes. These functions have customarily been designated as perceptual organization and perceptual analysis. The case of multimodal perceptual organization is revealing to consider because the perceiver finds sensory ingredients spanning modalities. Contemporary accounts offer alternative conceptualizations of these functions based largely on the study of single modalities. A Gestalt derived account hypothesizes that perceptual organization precedes analysis, grouping sensory elements into perceptual streams by a variety of similarity criteria. An account deriving from probabilistic functionalism describes analysis occurring within modalities preceding a stage of organization that binds the derived features. These alternatives and their hybrids appear implausible on empirical and theoretical grounds for accommodating multimodal perceptual organization. Additionally, our studies using sinewave replicas of utterances reveal that the customary models are untenable accounts of unimodal no less than multimodal perceptual organization. A third way, justified by our results, describes auditory perceptual organization of sinewave sentences as a specific instance of the general susceptibility to coherent sensory variation. This account potentially allows a single description of uni- and multimodal perceptual organization.
Regulation of Lymphotoxin Production by the p21ras-raf-MEK-ERK Cascade in PHA/PMA-Stimulated Jurkat Cells

Although the production of lymphotoxin (LT) from activated Th1 lymphocytes has been reported extensively, the intracellular signaling mechanisms that regulate this T cell function remain totally undefined. We have examined whether the p21ras-raf-1-mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK)-ERK cascade plays a role in regulating the production of LT, because the activity of these signaling molecules is up-regulated in activated T lymphocytes. Transfection of Jurkat leukemic T cells with a dominant negative mutant of p21ras (ras17N or ras15A), raf-1 (raf 1-130), or ERK1 (Erk1-K71R) resulted in the suppression of the mitogen/phorbol ester-stimulated production/secretion of LT. This suppression was accompanied by a parallel inhibition of mitogen-stimulated ERK activation. The selective antagonist of MEK1 activation, PD98059, also attenuated the mitogen-stimulated or anti-CD3 Ab and phorbol ester-stimulated production of LT from Jurkat cells or peripheral blood T lymphocytes. This study provides, for the first time, direct evidence that the p21ras-raf-MEK-ERK cascade plays a vital role in regulating the production of LT.
Non-linear free vibrations of symmetrically laminated, slightly compressible cylindrical shell panels

Abstract A geometrically non-linear dynamic shell theory presented by the authors in an earlier work is used to study the non-linear free vibrations of symmetrically laminated cylindrical shell panels. The theory accounts for arbitrary lamination constructions, anisotropy, and slight compression across the thickness. In this paper, this theory is used to derive the equation of motion of the panel with quadratic and cubic non-linearities and symmetric lamination schemes. The symbolic manipulator Mathematica™ is used to perform the Rayleigh-Ritz procedure and derive a single-mode approximation to the vibration of the panel. The Lindstedt-Poincare perturbation technique is used to analyze the resulting non-linear differential equation of motion and study the effects of non-linearities on the dynamics of free vibrations of the panel. A numerical example of a symmetrically laminated graphite/epoxy shell panel is used to demonstrate the procedure. The numerical example shows that non-linearities are of the hardening type and are more pronounced for smaller opening angles. Moreover, it shows that the larger-amplitude motions are dominated by the lower modes.
Bounds on graph spectra

Abstract The largest eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix of a graph has received considerable attention in the literature. Not nearly as much seems to be known about bounds on other eigenvalues of the spectrum. Several results are presented here toward that goal, first for the general class of simple graphs, then for triangle-free graphs and finally for the even more restricted class of bipartite graphs.
Systematic construction of higher order bases for the finite element analysis of multiscale elliptic problems

Abstract We introduce a new approach to deriving higher order basis functions implemented in the Multiscale Finite Element Method (MsFEM) for elliptic problems. MsFEM relies on capturing small scale features of the system through bases utilized in the coarse scale solution. The proposed technique for the derivation of such bases is completely systematic and the increase in the associated computational cost is insignificant. We also show that the implementation of higher order bases in MsFEM leads to similar advantages as using higher order Lagrangian shape functions in the conventional finite element method. Various numerical examples for heat transfer problems with periodic or heterogeneous thermal properties are given to demonstrate the efficiency and improved characteristics of the proposed higher order bases.
Lack of validity of diagnosis-related group payment systems in an intensive care population.

Case mix based on diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) was studied over 3 years for duration of stay and mean charges for a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and a general ward (WARD) population. Case mix variation for 2403 PICU and 14,552 WARD patients was analyzed, and a subset of 856 PICU and 2222 WARD patients examined for variations in duration of stay and mean charges in nine DRGs. Whereas case mix by DRG was consistent over time for both groups, the PICU case mix differed consistenty from WARD case mix (P
Virus-augmented delayed hypersensitivity skin tests in gynecological malignancies

Cultured human tumor cells of various histologic origins were infected with PR8/A/34 influenza virus. Nonviable crude membrane extracts were derived from the infected and uninfected cells. The extracts were coded and tested for their ability to produce delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions (DHSR) in allogeneic patients with squamous uterine cervical carcinoma, epithelial ovarian carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Augmented antigen sensitivity to the virus-modified extracts compared with virus alone or to the unmodified extracts was observed in all patient groups. There was insufficient specificity to delineate a response by individual tumor type and related tumor extract, but some of the observed responses suggested tumor or organ site associations. Cervical carcinoma patients reacted more frequently to the virus-modified cervix extract, which also produced a high frequency of response in patients with ovarian carcinoma and melanoma. Ovarian carcinoma patients demonstrated increased sensitivity to both virus-modified ovarian carcinoma extracts, although 14 of 21 patients also showed responsiveness to one of the unmodified ovarian extracts. Malignant melanoma patients showed increased sensitivity to all virus-modified extracts except one of two derived from the ovarian carcinoma, and demonstrated a significantly augmented response to the virus-modified melanoma extract when the response to this extract was compared with that in ovarian carcinoma patients. The augmented reactions appear to be due to an association of the PR8 virus and as yet undetermined cellular components rather than to the virus alone. The possible involvement of tumor-associated determinants and the clinical significance of this phenomenon require further investigation.
Mnt-Max to Myc-Max complex switching regulates cell cycle entry

The c-Myc oncoprotein is strongly induced during the G0 to S-phase transition and is an important regulator of cell cycle entry. In contrast to c-Myc, the putative Myc antagonist Mnt is maintained at a constant level during cell cycle entry. Mnt and Myc require interaction with Max for specific DNA binding at E-box sites, but have opposing transcriptional activities. Here, we show that c-Myc induction during cell cycle entry leads to a transient decrease in Mnt–Max complexes and a transient switch in the ratio of Mnt–Max to c-Myc–Max on shared target genes. Mnt overexpression suppressed cell cycle entry and cell proliferation, suggesting that the ratio of Mnt–Max to c-Myc–Max is critical for cell cycle entry. Furthermore, simultaneous Cre-Lox mediated deletion of Mnt and c-Myc in mouse embryo fibroblasts rescued the cell cycle entry and proliferative block caused by c-Myc ablation alone. These results demonstrate that Mnt-Myc antagonism plays a fundamental role in regulating cell cycle entry and proliferation.
Validity of the rapid buffering approximation near a point source of calcium ions

In the presence of rapid buffers the full reaction-diffusion equations describing Ca2+ transport can be reduced using the rapid buffering approximation to a single transport equation for [Ca2+]. Here we simulate the full and reduced equations, exploring the conditions necessary for the validity of the rapid buffering approximation for an isolated Ca2+ channel or a cluster of channels. Using a point source and performing numerical simulations of different durations, we quantify the error of the rapid buffering approximation as a function of buffer and source parameters as well as the time and spatial scale set by the resolution of confocal microscopic measurements. We carry out simulations of Ca2+ "sparks" and "puffs," both with and without the indicator dye Ca2+ Green-1, and find that the rapid buffering approximation is excellent. These calculations also show that the traditional calculation of [Ca2+] from a fluorescence signal may grossly underestimate the true value of [Ca2+] near a source. Finally, we use the full model to simulate the transient Ca2+ domain near the pore of an open Ca2+ channel in a cell dialyzed with millimolar concentrations of 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid or EGTA. In this regime, where the rapid buffering approximation is poor. Neher's equation for the steady-state Ca2+ profile is shown to be a reliable approximation adjacent to the pore.
Characterization of NAPTF subgrade soils for mechanistic-based analysis and design of airport flexible pavements

The National Airport Pavement Test Facility (NAPTF) was constructed to generate full-scale testing data to support the development of advanced airport pavement design procedures. The NAPTF material properties were characterized using test pit data obtained prior to full-scale heavy gear trafficking as well as using test data obtained from trenches opened after the completion of traffic testing. In this paper, the post-traffic subgrade characterization test results obtained from NAPTF subgrade trench sections were evaluated and compared with the pre-traffic test pit data. The combined data were used to evaluate the most commonly used correlations amongst subgrade soil properties. Subgrade moduli backcalculated from Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD) test data were compared with the laboratory test results and were also correlated to field California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values. Regression analyses indicated that subgrade resilient modulus is significantly related to the unconfined compressive strength. These ...
Gain effects on performance using a head-controlled computer input device

The purpose of this study was to use a Fitts' task to (1) determine how control-display gain influences performance using a head-controlled computer input device; (2) compare relative sensitivity to gain and optimal gain between head control and hand/arm control; and (3) investigate control-display gain interactions with other task factors including target width, movement amplitude and direction. The task was a discrete target acquisition task using circular targets of 2.9 mm, 8.1 mm, and 23.5 mm, movement amplitudes of 24.3 mm and 61.7 mm, and eight radial directions including 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, and 315 degrees. Each device was operated at four gain levels. Ten subjects participated. The results indicated that gain had a significant effect on movement time for both types of pointing devices and exhibited local minimums. Discrete target acquisition at all gains was aptly described using Fitts' Law for both input devices. The mouse gain resulting in minimum movement time and RMS cursor deviation was between 1.0 and 2.0. The minimum movement time and RMS cursor deviation for the head-controlled pointer occurred at a gain between 0.3 and 0.6. Average movement time at the optimal head-controlled pointer gain had a slope of 169 ms/bit and was more than 76% greater than at the optimal mouse gain with a slope of 135 ms/bit. In addition, average RMS displacement was more than 27% greater for the head-controlled pointer at its optimal gain setting than for the mouse. Gain had the greatest effect for small target widths and long movement amplitudes using the head-controlled pointer. Average movement time increased 37% when increasing the head-controlled pointer gain from 0.6 to 1.2 for the small target width, but only increased 0.3% when increasing gain for the large target width. Average movement time also increased 12% when decreasing the head-controlled pointer gain from 0.3 to 0.15 for the long movement amplitude, but decreased 0.3% when decreasing gain for the short movement amplitude.
Nonparametric estimation in selection biased models in the presence of estimating equations

Consider two independent samples, one sample of size m from a distribution F and the other of size n from a weighted distribution G where with w(.)≤0 and Assume that there is a parameter θ∊R d associated with F through and consider the nonparametric estimators of F and of G on the basis of these two samples when θ is known and Φ is a real valued function and when θ is unknown and Φ is a rector valued function of dimension r<d. We show that converge weakly to pinned Gaussian processes as m+n goes to +∞ and m/n converges to a constant and provide the expressions of the covariance functions. In the case where θ is unknown and Φ is a vector valued function of dimension r<d, we propose an approximate chi-square test for testing θ = θ0 against all alternatives. This work is an extension of Vardi (1982a,b) and is closely connected to the work of Qin (1993) and Qin and Lawless (1995).
Structural Role of Gly193 in Serine Proteases INVESTIGATIONS OF A G555E (GLY193 IN CHYMOTRYPSIN) MUTANT OF BLOOD COAGULATION FACTOR XI

In serine proteases, Gly193 is highly conserved with few exceptions. A patient with inherited deficiency of the coagulation serine protease factor XI (FXI) was reported to be homozygous for a Gly555 → Glu substitution. Gly555 in FXI corresponds to Gly193 in chymotrypsin, which is the numbering system used subsequently. To investigate the abnormality in FXIG193E, we expressed and purified recombinant FXIaG193E, activated it to FXIaG193E, and compared its activity to wild type-activated FXI (FXIaWT). FXIaG193E activated FIX with ∼300-fold reduced kcat and similar Km, and hydrolyzed synthetic substrate with ∼10-fold reduced Km and modestly reduced kcat. Binding of antithrombin and the amyloid β-precursor protein Kunitz domain inhibitor (APPI) to FXIaG193E was impaired ∼8,000- and ∼100,000-fold, respectively. FXIaG193E inhibition by diisopropyl fluoro-phosphate was ∼30-fold slower and affinity for p-aminobenzamidine (S1 site probe) was 6-fold weaker than for FXIaWT. The rate of carbamylation of NH2-Ile16, which forms a salt bridge with Asp194 in active serine proteases, was 4-fold faster for FXIaG193E. These data indicate that the unoccupied active site of FXIaG193E is incompletely formed, and the amide N of Glu193 may not point toward the oxyanion hole. Inclusion of saturating amounts of p-aminobenzamidine resulted in comparable rates of carbamylation for FXIaWT and FXIaG193E, suggesting that the occupied active site has near normal conformation. Thus, binding of small synthetic substrates or inhibitors provides sufficient energy to allow the amide N of Glu193 to point correctly toward the oxyanion hole. Homology modeling also indicates that the inability of FXIaG193E to bind antithrombin/APPI or activate FIX is caused, in part, by impaired accessibility of the S2′ site because of a steric clash with Glu193. Such arguments will apply to other serine proteases with substitutions of Gly193 with a non-glycine residue.
Randomized comparison of split tip versus step tip high-flow hemodialysis catheters.

Randomized comparison of split tip versus step tip high-flow hemodialysis catheters. Background Our purpose was to compare the function and complications of two high-flow polyurethane hemodialysis catheters. Methods This prospective, randomized trial compared the Ash-Split (MedComp) and Opti-Flow (Bard Access Systems) catheters. All patients referred for tunneled hemodialysis catheter placement were offered entry in the study, provided they met inclusion criteria. Catheters were placed by interventional radiologists using ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance. Procedure time and initial complications were recorded. Effective (QbEff) catheter flow rates and recirculation were studied at baseline, one month, three and six months using ultrasonic dilution (Transonic) at various pump speeds (Qb). Episodes of catheter malfunction and infection were recorded. Catheter removal or six months was the study endpoint. Results A total of 132 patients were enrolled in the trial. The groups did not differ as to age, sex distribution, height or weight ( P > 0.05). Initial complications included kinking resulting in catheter failure (Optiflow N = 3), and tunnel bleeding (Optiflow N = 1; Ash N = 3). Adjusted mean flow rates (QbEff) at Qb300 were 299 mL/min Ash and 305 mL/min Optiflow ( P = 0.06), at Qb400 were 365 mL/min Ash and 382 mL/min Optiflow ( P = 0.01), and at QbMax were 414 mL/min Ash and 433 mL/min Optiflow ( P = 0.03). Recirculation was significantly higher with the Optiflow catheter at most measurement points. Total late complications were lower in the Ash group ( P = 0.04), and catheter survival was significantly higher in the Ash group ( P = 0.02). Conclusions Both catheters can deliver flow rates well beyond those recommended by the Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative. While the Optiflow delivered higher flow rates at some measurement points, this was offset by higher recirculation. The Ash catheter showed a long-term survival advantage and fewer late complications.
Linear groups containing an involution with two eigenvalues—1

The main theorem of this paper describes quasiprimitive linear groups G which contain a matrix with two eigenvalues 1 and the remaining eigenvalues 1. This is a special case of a linear group containing a unimodular matrix with a trivial eigenspace of codimension 2. If a linear group contains a unimodular matrix with trivial eigenspace of codimension 2 other than this, the group is known by [l], [12], or [8], as is described in [8]. In a later paper [9], we treat linear groups containing a matrix with any eigenspace of codimension 2. Of course, there we refer to this work. Linear groups containing a matrix with eigenspace of codimension 1 were determined in [14] in 1914. We prove the following theorem.
Endovascular treatment of acute and chronic aortic pathology in patients with Marfan syndrome

Background In patients with Marfan syndrome, the complications of aortic degeneration, including dissection, aneurysm, and rupture represent the main cause of mortality. Although contemporary management of ascending aortic disease requires open surgical reconstruction, endovascular repair is now available for management of descending thoracic and abdominal aortic pathology (ie, thoracic endovascular aortic repair [TEVAR], endovascular aneurysm repair [EVAR]). The short- and long-term benefit of endovascular repair in Marfan patients remains largely unproven. We examine our outcomes after EVAR in this patient population. Methods All patients with a diagnosis of Marfan syndrome who were treated with TEVAR/EVAR were evaluated in a retrospective review. Perioperative, procedure-specific and patient covariate data were aggregated. Primary endpoints were overall mortality and procedural success as divided into three categories: (1) successful therapy, (2) primary failure, or (3) secondary failure. Results Between 2000 and June 2010, 16 patients were identified as having undergone 19 TEVAR/EVAR procedures. These included three emergent operations (two for acute dissection/malperfusion and one for anastomotic disruption early after open repair). All 16 patients had previously undergone at least one (range, 1-5) open operation of the ascending aorta or arch at a time interval from 33 years to 1 week prior to the index endovascular repair. During a median follow-up of 9.3 months (range, 0-46 months), there were four deaths (25%). Six patients (38%) had successful endovascular interventions. Despite early success, there was one death in this group at 1 month postintervention. Seven patients (44%) experienced primary treatment failure with five undergoing open conversion and one undergoing left subclavian coil embolization (the seventh was lost to follow-up and presented 4 months later in cardiac arrest and expired without repair). There were three deaths in the primary treatment failure group. Two patients experienced secondary treatment failure. One underwent the index TEVAR for acute dissection with malperfusion and required a subsequent TEVAR for more distal aortic pathology. He is stable without disease progression. The other patient underwent open conversion after a second EVAR with four-vessel "chimney" stent grafts and is stable with his entire native aorta having been replaced. Conclusions Aortic disease associated with Marfan syndrome is a complex clinical problem and many patients require remedial procedures. Endovascular therapy can provide a useful adjunct or bridge to open surgical treatment in selected patients. However, failure of endovascular therapy is common, and its use should be judicious with close follow-up to avoid delay if open surgical repair is required.
Effect of a forebrain lesion on the polycyclic sleep-wake cycle and sleep-wake patterns in the cat

Abstract This study tested the hypothesis that regulation of a polyphasic sleep-wake cycle in the cat is directed in large part by structures in the basal forebrain region. Cats were prepared surgically for chronic sleep recording and were trained to produce an operant EEG response for food in order to assess behavioral periodicity. Electrographic data were analyzed for sleep-wake patterns, mean periodicity of the REM and operant performance (basic rest-activity) cycle and polyphasic sleep-wake cycle. Bilateral lesions placed in the basal forebrain markedly suppressed expression of sleep for more than three weeks. These lesions significantly shortened the mean periodicity of the polyphasic sleep-wake cycle, but not that of the basic rest-activity cycle. These data support the hypothesis that basal forebrain structures are involved in the genesis and control of slow-wave sleep and the polyphasic sleep-wake cycle.