cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative regional curvature analysis: An application of shape determination for the assessment of segmental left ventricular function in man

Abstract All traditional techniques of regional ventricular function analysis depend upon one or more assumptions about coordinate, reference, or indexing systems, idealized ventricular geometry, and the uniformity of ventricular contraction. Therefore, a method of shape analysis was developed that allows the quantitation of regional curvature and is independent of the assumptions outlined. This was implemented on a commercial image processing unit and applied to silhouettes of 30-degree right anterior oblique left ventriculograms. Three groups with abnormal wall motion (anterior abnormality, n = 23; inferior abnormality, n = 23; anterior and inferior abnormalities, n = 22) were analyzed and compared to a group with normal regional function (n = 22). Relatively few significant quantitative curvature differences were noted at end diastole among the groups. These few abnormalities described a slight increase in curvature or globularity of the anterior and inferior walls. More marked and extensive aberrations were detected at end systole. The group with anterior wall motion disturbances showed four distinct areas of curvature abnormality. Excessive curvature was present on either side of the apex (anterior and inferoapical regions) and apical curvature was less than normal. The fourth region was in the inferior zone, which showed curvature values that were less than normal, suggesting increased inward motion contraiateral to the anterior abnormality. The group with inferior wall motion abnormalities also showed excessive end-systolic curvature on either side of the apex (diaphragmatic and anteroapical zones) and deficient curvature at the apex. A combination of these regional morphologic abnormalities was noted in the group with both anterior and inferior dysfunction. Regional shape change (end-diastolic minus end-systolic curvature) largely reflected the same abnormalities as the analysis of end-systolic curvature alone. In conclusion, shape abnormalities secondary to regional dysfunction can be quantitated on a segmental basis. This form of analysis provides a conceptually different approach to the quantitation of regional ventricular function that is divorced from the assumptions mandated by traditional techniques.
The single crystal elastic constants of hexagonal SiC to 1000°C

The relationships between the sound velocities in the cubic and hexagonal crystal structures and the tensor transformations for the two structures are applied to determine the elastic stiffnesses for the hexagonal structures of SiC to 1000 C. These results are then applied to calculate the polycrystalline elastic moduli, E and G, and their temperature variations. The calculated values for E and G at 20 C are 420 and 180 GPa; for (dE/dT) and (dG/dT), the values are -0.020 and -0.007 GPa/C, respectively.These agree well with published experimental values for E and G of dense polycrystalline alpha silicon carbides.
An Analysis and Restructuring of the Diamond Model of Social Response

Five descriptive models of social response are review, with emphasis on Willis's bidimensional diamond model. Even though the diamond model has never been widely accepted or used, it has advantages over alternative models, both in its conceptual sophistication and in its practical utility. Conceptually, the diamond model is actually a family of models, and this family includes the two most popular unidimensional models. Practically, the diamond model provides a clear-cut means of distinguishing between independence and anticonformity. One problem with Willis's original presentation of the model is considered, and its resolution provides the foundation for a restructured version of the model. The authors conclude that the diamond model has several of the characteristics general considered desirable for scientific theories and that it should be reevaluated by social influence researchers.
Effect of prolonged exposure to morphine on responsiveness of human and invertebrate immunocytes to stimulatory molecules.

This study deals with a novel role of morphine in the modulation of cellular responsiveness to immunostimulatory substances that, at first glance, appears to be in contrast to the well documented immunoinhibitory short-term effects of opiate alkaloids on cells simultaneously exposed to stimulatory molecules. Vertebrate and invertebrate immunocytes pre-exposed to morphine (10− M) in vitro for at least 24 h prior to the administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1.0 μ/ml) or other immunoactivating substances have revealed a distinct enhancement of their responsiveness to these signals e.g. monocytes exposed to LPS alone resulted in 21% activation, whereas the morphine pretreated level was at 40% (P < 0.01). Prolonged pretreatment with morphine of naive human monocytes had the same effect on their sensitivity to plasma from patients having undergone cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) operations followed by a diffuse inflammatory response. These results suggest that endogenous opiates may participate, in more than one way, in re-establishing an organism's readiness to meet a new demand on its immune system. Additional support for the concept of a role of endogenous opiates in immunomodulation was obtained by the results of in vivo tests with experimentally induced stress in Mytilus. Following their stress-induced stimulation, these animals' immunocytes could be shown to become exposed for some time to a measurable rise in endogenous morphine-like material (9 pmol/ml increasing to 59). These immunocytes, like those preincubated with exogenous morphine, displayed a heightened sensitivity to stimulation by LPS (control 21.3 ± 3.1% activation compared to 47.2 ± 5.1) when the morphine levels dropped. The mechanism of this enhancement of responsiveness to immunostimulation following the prolonged exposure of immunocytes to morphine, and its relationship with the known short-term immunoinhibitory opiate effects on the immune system, remains to be ascertained.
Mutual phenomena of Jupiter's Galilean satellites 1973–74

Abstract Two series of predictions have been published for the 1973–1974 mutual phenomena of Jupiter's satellites, one (June–October, 1973) by Milbourn and Carey , and the other (February 1973–May 1974) by Brinkmann and Millis. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate some significant discrepancies between these two sets of predictions. New predictions are calculated for the period June 1973–May 1974. They agree very nearly with the predictions by Milbourn and Carey, but frequently differ by several minutes (up to 30 min when Jupiter III and IV are involved) from those by Brinkmann and Millis. Unlike the previous predictions, the new ones also give the estimated light decreases during the phenomena. The method of prediction is documented for future applications to Jupiter's and Saturn's satellites. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the problems involved in extracting information about the positions, radii, and albedos of the satellites from observed light curves.
The warehouse-inventory-transportation problem for supply chains

Warehouses play a vital role in mitigating variations in supply and demand, and in providing value-added services in a supply chain. However, our observation of supply chain practice reveals that warehousing decisions are not included when developing a distribution plan for the supply chain. This lack of integration has resulted in a substantial variation in workload (42–220%) at our industry partner’s warehouse costing them millions of dollars. To address this real-world challenge, we introduce the warehouse-inventory-transportation problem (WITP) of determining an optimal distribution plan from vendors to customers via one or more warehouses in order to minimize the total distribution cost. We present a nonlinear integer programming model for the WITP considering supply chains with multiple vendors, stores, products, and time-periods, and one warehouse. The model also considers worker congestion at the warehouse that could affect worker productivity. A heuristic based on iterative local search is developed to solve industry-sized problems with up to 500 stores and 1000 products. Our experiments indicate that the distribution plans obtained via the WITP, as compared to a sequential approach, result in a substantial reduction in workload variance at the warehouse, while considerably reducing the total distribution cost. These plans, however, are sensitive to aisle configuration and technology at the warehouse, and the level and productivity of temporary workers.
On the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of soft biological tissues.

Abstract Two approximate constitutive equations which have proved useful for characterizing the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of polymers are proposed as candidate theories to characterize soft biological tissues. The equivalence of these theories with one form of the Fung equation for stress relaxation is demonstrated. It is shown that different results are predicted for constant strain rate tests for data presented by Haut and Little (1972) for collagen fibers.
Cultural Diversity Research on Learning and Development: Conceptual, Methodological, and Strategic Considerations:

In this article we identify two major conceptual and methodological limitations to current treatments of cultural diversity in social science research: (a) the tendency to treat race, ethnicity, culture, and social class as fixed and often essentialized categories rather than as multi-faceted, situated, and socially constructed processes; and (b) the tendency to focus on single levels of analysis rather than to look across levels, especially by linking individual and community-based experiences to larger structural, institutional, discursive, and ideological practices. We propose a set of strategic guidelines for mitigating these limitations, and illustrate them with examples from our ongoing research on two projects: (a) a qualitative-centered research program on Latina/o bilingual children’s work as translators, interpreters, or para-phrasers;1 and (b) quantitative-centered research on African-American culture retainers.
Induction of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions in chinchillas from carboplatin-induced inner hair cell loss

Fifteen chinchillas were evaluated for spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) before and after administering carboplatin (126-200 mg/kg), an anti-neoplastic drug that selectively destroys inner hair cells (IHCs) in this species. SOAEs were absent from all animals prior to carboplatin treatment, but at 1 week post-treatment, 47% of the animals and 30% of the ears had developed SOAEs. SOAE frequencies were clustered between 5 and 10 kHz and SOAE intensity ranged from 10 to 32 dB SPL. All of the ears with SOAEs had IHC lesions exceeding 60% throughout most of the cochlea and two ears had outer hair cell lesions of 25-60% at a cochlear place associated with the frequency of the SOAE. Thus, high doses of carboplatin that cause IHC loss can be used to create an animal model with SOAEs.
Emergent literacy intervention appears effective for teaching sound letter correspondence and consonant–vowel–consonant spelling combinations to young children who use augmentative and alternative communication

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Johnston, S. S., Davenport, L., Kanarowski, B., Rhodehouse, S., & McDonnell, A. P. (2009). Teaching sound letter correspondence and consonant-vowel-consonant combinations to your children who use augmentative and alternative communication. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 25, 123–135. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: No source of funding reported, and the original authors of this research report no conflicts of interest.
Intermolecular hydrogen bonding of chloro-substituted acetic and propionic acids in carbon tetrachloride

Abstract A calorimetric enthalpy of dilution technique has been applied to the investigation of the self-association of several chloro-substituted carboxylic acids in dilute solutions in anhydrous carbon tetrachloride at 25°C. Calorimetric data are expressed in terms of relative apparent molar enthalpies, Φ L . The values of Φ L are shown to be consistent with the monomer-dimer model. Values of the equilibrium constant, standard enthalpy, and standard entropy of dimerization are given for seven acids. Results are discussed in terms of the effect of substitution on the electrostatic nature of the hydrogen bond.
The support structure of heart and stroke patients: a study of the role of significant others in patient rehabilitation.

Abstract This study is concerned with the ‘presentation of the self’ by 48 heart and stroke patients, subsequent to their discharge from a rehabilitation institute. By comparing the patients' self-evaluation of their capacities to carry out certain activities of daily living with the evaluations of these activities by their significant others, we review the consequences of agreement and non-agreement to the patients' rehabilitation.
How do heart disease and stroke become risk factors for Alzheimer's disease?

Abstract Background: Heart disease and stroke are two of the major leading causes of death and disability in the world. Mainly affecting the elderly population, heart disease and stroke are important risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: This review examines the evidence linking chronic brain hypoperfusion (CBH) produced by several types of heart disease and stroke on the development of AD. Results: The evidence indicates a strong association between such risk factors as coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), atrial fibrillation, aortic/mitral valve damage, hypertension, hypotension, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular-carotid atherosclerosis, and transient ischemic attacks in producing CBH. In people whose cerebral perfusion is already diminished by their advanced age, further cerebral blood flow reductions from heart-brain vascular-related risk factors, seemingly increases the probability of AD. The evidence also suggests that a neuronal energy crisis brought on by a relentless CBH i...
Is bone marrow biopsy essential for the diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) was first described in 1934 [1], classified as a myeloproliferative disorder (MPD) in 1951 [2], accepted as a distinct clinicopathologic entity in 1960 [3], and chara...
A cultural system to reduce weed interference in organic soybean

Organic producers are seeking alternative tactics for weed control, so that they can reduce their need for tillage. In this study, we examined cultural strategies for controlling weeds during the transition from a cool-season crop to soybean. The study was arranged as a two-way factorial, with factors being choice of cool-season crop and tillage treatments. The cool-season crops were either spring wheat harvested for grain or an oat–pea mixture harvested for forage. Five tillage treatments, ranging from intensive tillage to no-till, were established following each cool-season crop. Two tillage treatments included the cover crops, oat plus oilseed radish. Soybean was planted the following growing season. Each soybean plot was split into two subplots: weed-free and weed-infested. A cultural system comprising oat/pea as a preceding crop with no-till and cover crops reduced weed biomass in soybean 63% compared to intensive tillage. Reduced weed biomass resulted because of delayed weed emergence and lower weed community density. Consequently, soybean yielded 14% more in this treatment than with the intensive tillage treatment when weeds were present. Weed community composition also differed between the two systems; horseweed and field dandelion were prominent in no-till, whereas common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed and buffalobur were prevalent in the tillage control. Other treatments did not control weeds better than intensive tillage. A cultural system approach may minimize the need for tillage during the interval between cool-season crops and soybean.
The effects of comorbidity on the benefits and harms of treatment for chronic disease: a systematic review.

Background There are concerns about the potential for unintentional harms when clinical practice guidelines are applied to patients with multimorbidity. The objective was to summarize the evidence regarding the effect(s) of comorbidity on the outcomes of medication for an index chronic condition. Methods A systematic review was conducted of studies published in MEDLINE and Cochrane Trials before May 2012. The search strategy was constructed to identify articles indexed with “comorbidity” or a related term or by a given condition and one or more additional specified comorbid conditions. The search yielded 3252 articles, of which 37 passed the title/abstract screening process, and 22 were included after full-text review. An additional 23 articles were identified by screening the reference lists for included articles. Information was extracted on study design; population; therapy; comparison groups; outcome(s); main findings. Findings Indexing of articles was inconsistent, with no term for “multimorbidity,” and rare use of “comorbidity”. Only one article examined the effects of comorbidity per se, finding no benefit of tight control of DM among persons with high comorbidity, defined using a comorbidity index. The remainder examined pairs of conditions, the majority of which were post-hoc analyses of randomized controlled trials and which found no difference in outcomes according to whether a comorbid condition was present. Several demonstrated no difference or an increased risk of adverse outcome among persons with DM and tight control of HTN as compared to usual control. Several demonstrated lack of benefit of statins among persons with end-stage renal disease. Conclusions There is limited evidence regarding the effects of multiple comorbidities on treatment outcomes. The majority of studies demonstrated no effect of a single comorbid condition on outcomes. Additional studies examining a broad range of comorbidity are required, along with clear and consistent indexing to allow for improved synthesis of the evidence.
Analysis of a coherent optically controlled phased-array antenna system

ABSTRACT We analyze a true-time delay, optically controlled phased array antenna system whereby beam forming is accomplished using a large number of antenna elements that can receive any of several different microwave true-time-delays via use of coherent optical carriers through a single transmission fiber. Wecalculate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the signal-to-interchannel interference ratio (SIR) of onechannel for various modulation-demodulation schemes (i.e., AM-heterodyne, FM). We show that for AMmodulation, with a bandwidth of 1 MHz, a transmitter power of -10 dBm and a laser linewidth of 1 MHz, we can obtain dynamic a range (DR) of 46 dB, with a channel separation six times of that of the microwave oscillation frequency (fm). For the FM scheme, DR 60 dB for a laser linewidth of 1 MHz, aFM modulation index of 2 and a channel spacing of I 2f1. It is found that coherent optically controlledphased array antennas provide improved controllability, and can have the SNR and DR that meet the
Static and dynamic scheduling of customer arrivals to a single‐server system

In this article we consider a single-server system whose customers arrive by appointments only. Both static and dynamic scheduling problems are studied. In static scheduling problems, one considers scheduling a finite number of customer arrivals, assuming there is no scheduled customer arrival to the system. In dynamic scheduling problems, one considers scheduling one customer arrival only, assuming that there are a number of scheduled customers already. The expected delay time is recursively computed in terms of customer interarrival times for both cases. The objective is to minimize the weighted customer delay time and the server completion time. The problem is formulated as a set of nonlinear equations. Various numerical examples are illustrated. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The behaviour of unemployment and unfilled vacancies in Great Britain: a search-turnover View

Previous empirical estimates of the relationship between unemployment and unfilled vacancies in Great Britain have been obtained from a mis-specified model. In particular, past studies have attempted to estimate an equilibrium relation directly from observations which have in general been generated from disequilibrium states of the labour market. This paper presents and estimates a disequilibrium, job search-labour turnover model of the labour market, using quarterly British data, from which a static equilibrium ‘UV’ relationship can be derived. The empirical results suggest that there is no statistically significant equilibrium relationship between unemployment and vacancies in Great Britain. Consquently, the recent controversy over explanations for alleged for alleged shifts in this relationship may have been ‘much ado about nothing’.
3D Bayesian image reconstruction using the generalized EM algorithm

Summary form only given. The use of the generalized expectation maximization (GEM) algorithm for image reconstruction from projections and restoration from broad point spread functions is proposed. A GEM algorithm has been developed for maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation using Markov random field prior distributions for a set of Poisson data whose mean is related to the unknown image by a linear transformation. This method is applicable in emission tomography (PET and SPECT) and to the restoration of radioastronomical images. The EM algorithm is applicable to problems in which there is a more natural formulation of the estimation problem in terms of a set of complete unobserved data which is related to the incomplete observed data by a known many-to-one transformation. Applying this approach to the MAP image reconstruction problem results in a two-step iterative algorithm. The resulting computational costs are significantly lower than those for the coordinate descent algorithms. The algorithm does not guarantee convergence to a global maximum, but will converge to a stationary point of the posterior density for the image conditional on the observed data. >
A new factorization of special nonlinear discrete systems and their applications

In this paper, a new factorization of discrete nonlinear systems is presented. This factorization is based on the star product, an operation corresponding to the linear connection of systems. A relevant algorithm is developed, based on a theoretical background. Finally, some applications to system analysis, BIBO stability, and feedback design are provided.
Parental perspectives on influenza vaccination among children with asthma.

Objectives.The objectives of this study were to: (1) identify modifiable factors influencing receipt of influenza vaccination among children with asthma, and (2) to evaluate the effect of heightene...
Effect of MT1-MMP deficiency and overexpression in corneal keratocytes on vascular endothelial cell migration and proliferation.

Purpose: To determine the effect of keratocyte-derived MT1-MMP on calf pulmonary artery endothelial cell (CPAE) proliferation and migration. Methods: Keratocyte lines were generated from MT1-MMP knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice. WT keratocytes were transfected with WT or mutant MT1-MMP DNAs (ΔTC or E240A). The effect of keratocyte-conditioned media on CPAE proliferation and migration was assayed. Results: KO keratocyte conditioned media resulted in the greatest increase of CPAE cell proliferation (190.5 ± 6.0%; p < 0.01). WT keratocyte conditioned media showed higher CPAE proliferation (155.4 ± 3.6%) than WT/MT1-MMP-transfected keratocytes (119.7 ± 2.2%; p < 0.001). Migration assays confirmed these findings. Conclusions: Keratocyte-derived MT1-MMP has anti-angiogenic effects in CPAE cells.
Progesterone Receptors Identified in Vascular Malformations of the Head and Neck

OBJECTIVE: To identify hormone receptors within vascular malformations (arteriovenous malformations [AVMs], venous malformations [VMs], and lymphatic malformations [LMs]) of the head and neck.STUDY DESIGN: Immunohistochemical staining for estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) was performed on archival vascular malformation tissue collected from both pediatric and adult patients.SETTING: Tertiary referral center from 2006 to 2008.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twelve AVM, 10 VM, and eight LM specimens were stained for both ER and PR. Ten breast carcinoma specimens were used as controls, with the carcinoma cells serving as positive controls, and the endothelium and smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels serving as negative controls. Five normal supraglottic mucosal samples served as head and neck controls. The Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS: Ten of the 12 (83%) AVM specimens stained diffusely positive for PR within the nuclei of the endothelium and smooth muscle of the ...
Fulfillment-Based Fairness: A New Fairness Notion for Multi-AP Wireless Hotspots

Today, most wireless hotspots deploy multiple APs (Access Points) to improve the network performance and to provide fair and satisfactory services to clients. However, without a well-defined fairness objective function and the corresponding service provision schemes, the desired improvements may not be achieved. On the other hand, it has been realized that existing fairness notions proposed for single-AP wireless hotspots exhibit various performance anomalies in multi-AP wireless hotspots: bandwidth anomaly with Bandwidth-based Fairness (BbF) and association anomaly with Timeshare-based Fairness (TbF). To answer this challenge, we propose a new fairness notion, called the Fulfillment-based Fairness (FbF), for multi-AP wireless hotspots. It emphasizes allocation of bandwidth to clients in proportion to their respective maximum attainable bandwidth allocations. Extensive simulation shows that FbF outperforms BbF and TbF in terms of aggregate system throughput by up to 40% and 70%, respectively. It performs particularly well when the clients present a high degree of transmission rate diversity and/or in the presence of bottleneck clients that can only communicate with a single AP at low transmission rates.
Effectiveness of Education and Individualized Counseling in Reducing Environmental Hazards in the Homes of Community-Dwelling Older Women

OBJECTIVES: To test the effectiveness of an education and counseling intervention on reducing environmental hazards in the homes of older women. DESIGN: Secondary analysis from a randomized, controlled trial with two arms: fall prevention program and health education program (control). Environmental hazards were assessed at baseline and immediately posttreatment (12-weeks). SETTING: Participants’ homes. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred seventy-two communitydwelling women aged 70 and older at risk for falling. INTERVENTION: The fall prevention program involved a comprehensive fall risk evaluation, exercise, education, individualized counseling, and referrals. The health education program included topics unrelated to fall prevention. With the exception of the fall risk evaluation conducted by a nurse practitioner, baccalaureate-prepared nurses carried out the interventions. MEASUREMENTS: Summed and individual scores for hazards related to the bathroom, floor surfaces, lighting, furniture, stairways, and storage areas. RESULTS: Environmental hazards were found in all
Searching stochastically generated multi-abstraction-level design spaces

Abstract We present a new algorithm called Highest Utility First Search (HUFS) for searching trees characterized by a large branching factor, the absence of a heuristic to compare nodes at different levels of the tree, and a child generator that is both expensive to run and stochastic in nature. Such trees arise naturally, for instance, in problems which involve candidate designs at several levels of abstraction and which use stochastic optimizers such as genetic algorithms or simulated annealing to generate a candidate at one level from a parent at the previous level. HUFS is applicable when there is a class of related problems, from which many specific problems will need to be solved. This paper explains the HUFS algorithm and presents experimental results comparing HUFS with alternative methods.
Direct Observations of Nucleation in a Nondilute Multicomponent Alloy

The chemical pathways leading to gamma'(L1(sub 2)) nucleation from nondilute Ni-5.2 Al-14.2 Cr at. %, gama(fcc), at 873 K are followed with radial distribution functions and isoconcentration surface analyses of direct-space atom-probe tomographic images. Although Cr atoms initially are randomly distributed, a distribution of congruent Ni3Al short-range-order domains (SRO), [R] approx. equals 0.6 nm, results from Al diffusion during quenching. Domain site occupancy develops as their number density increases leading to Al-rich phase separation by gamma'-nucleation, [R]=0.75 nm, after SRO occurs.
Short distance behaviour of the pair correlation function for classical plasmas

Abstract The screening effects on two like charges at short distances in a classical plasma are computed using a cluster expansion for the pair correlation function. We obtain numerically accurate results for the intermediate screening region, Λ ∼ 1, where Λ is Coulomb interaction parameter.
Principles of trust for MAS: cognitive anatomy, social importance, and quantification

After arguing about the crucial importance of trust for Agents and MAS, we provide a definition of trust both as a mental state and as a social attitude and relation. We present the mental ingredients of trust: its specific beliefs and goals, with special attention to evaluations and expectations. We show the relation between trust and the mental background of delegation. We explain why trust is a bet, and implies some risks, and analyse the most basic forms of non-social trust (reliance on objects and tools) to arrive at the more complex forms of social trust, based on morality and reputation. Finally we present a principled quantification of trust, based on its cognitive ingredients. And use this "degree of trust" as the basis for a rational decision to delegate or not to another agent. The paper is intended to contribute both to the conceptual analysis and to the practical use of trust in social theory and MAS.
Considerations for an analog and mixed-signal computer-aided design tool

A computer-aided design (CAD) tool is being developed to assist in analog and mixed-signal electronic system design through the use of design optimization. This CAD tool uses technology- and implementation-independent high-level behavioral models. These computationally efficient behavioral models are expressions of the relationships among terminal variables of common electronic, MEMS, photonic, electro-mechanical, and other signal processing functions. These behavioral models include limiting behaviors in the DC, time domain, and frequency domain. These models are not based upon specific semiconductor devices, circuit configurations, or fabrication technologies. Simulations using these computationally efficient behavioral models allow designers of mixed-signal systems to evaluate alternative architectures in less time, at lower computational cost than possible with traditional semiconductor device-level simulation. With an efficient means of evaluating the performance of a mixed-signal system architecture available, we use design optimization to adjust the figures of merit of the behavioral models to achieve the desired terminal characteristics of the overall system architecture.
Developing a Process to Support Perinatal Nurses After a Critical Event

The work of perinatal nurses sometimes includes emergencies involving death, or near death, which can leave health care providers with feelings of stress and grief. After experiencing a particularly stressful period, nurses at our organization identified processes to help themselves recover and to support each other. The result of this work is a written plan to facilitate the support of perinatal nurses after critical events. This article describes the development and implementation of this plan.
Association of ureaplasma urealyticum with abnormal reactive oxygen species levels and absence of leukocytospermia.

Purpose: Ureaplasma urealyticum is a commensal of the lower genitourinary tract of many sexually active adults. The organism is more common in partners of infertile than fertile marriages. We conducted a prospective study at our tertiary care center to confirm a possible association between U. urealyticum and abnormal sperm function parameters.Materials and Methods: A total of 50 consecutive male patients seeking general urology consultation for lower urinary tract symptoms characteristic of chronic prostatitis were evaluated. Urine and semen localization cultures were performed with additional semen cultures for U. urealyticum, Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis. Specimens from 21 healthy men were used as controls. Specimens were analyzed by a computer assisted semen analyzer, and verified manually for concentration, percent motility and morphology. Leukocytospermia was measured by the Endtz test. Semen specimens were also analyzed for reactive oxygen species (ROS), acrosome reaction and mannos...
Characteristics and Low Vision, Corrections in Stargardt's Disease: Educational and Vocational Achievements Enhanced by Low Vision Corrections

Abstract One hundred and sixteen patients with Stargardt's disease demonstrated the most useful optical aids that enabled them to obtain an education and employment. The most useful optical aid for distance was the 8X monocular focusable telescope. For near, high-add bifocals, tri-focals, half-eye binocular spectacle magnifiers, paperweight-type magnifiers and hand magnifiers were most useful. Optical aids were prescribed for 102 patients with a success rate of 96%. The progression of visual loss is generally gradual and symmetrical terminating within ten years after onset and not becoming worse than 20/800 (6/240). Academic success seems to be related more to intellectual ability than degree of visual impairment. Highly trained and educated individuals with Stargardt's disease were able to find employment and perform duties usually associated with normal vision.
Intersecting manifolds: detection, segmentation, and labeling

Solving multi-manifolds clustering problems that include delineating and resolving multiple intersections is a very challenging problem. In this paper we propose a novel procedure for clustering intersecting multi-manifolds and delineating junctions in high dimensional spaces. We propose to explicitly and directly resolve ambiguities near the intersections by using 2 properties: One is the position of the data points in the vicinity of the detected intersection; the other is the reliable estimation of the tangent spaces away from the intersections. We experiment with our method on a wide range of geometrically complex settings of convoluted intersecting manifolds, on which we demonstrate higher clustering performance than the state of the art. This includes tackling challenging geometric structures such as when the tangent spaces at the intersections points are not orthogonal.
Planetary geology: an introduction

This elementary textbook persuasively demonstrates in comprehensive and illuminating detail that although the vast range of particulate bodies orbiting the Sun exhibit a mind-boggling range of cont...
Tuning Catalytic Selectivity: Zeolite- and Magnesium Oxide-Supported Molecular Rhodium Catalysts for Hydrogenation of 1,3-Butadiene

Regulation of the catalytic selectivity of rhodium for the industrially important hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene to n-butenes has been achieved by controlling the structure of essentially molecular rhodium species bound to supports. The selectivity for n-butene formation increases as the nuclearity of the metal species decreases from several Rh atoms to one, but these catalysts form the undesired product n-butane, even at low diene conversions. The n-butene selectivity increases when the rhodium is selectively poisoned with CO ligands, and it is highest when the support is the electron-donor MgO and the rhodium is in the form of clusters that are well approximated as dimers. The electron-donor support is crucial for stabilization of the rhodium carbonyl dimer sites, as it limits the oxidative fragmentation of the clusters—which is facilitated when the support is HY zeolite (a poor electron donor)—that leads to decreased catalytic activity and selectivity. The selective MgO-supported rhodium carbonyl dimer...
Acetylcholine-cholinesterase relationships in embryonic chick lung cultivated in vitro.

SummaryAddition of 0.02 Molar acetylcholine to the medium of 15-day embryo chick lung cultivated in vitro for 8 days caused a 2- to 6-fold increase in the cholinesterase activity of that tissue. The increase in enzyme activity was maximal 4 days after addition of acetylcholine to the medium, and was maintained only by the continued addition of acetylcholine to the medium. Neither choline nor acetate alone nor choline and acetate together produced an increase in enzyme activity comparable to that produced by acetylcholine. Results of substrate specificity studies on the cholinesterases of chick embryo lung suggested that there was both an acetylcholinesterase and a non-specific esterase in the lung cells. Only the acetylcholinesterase was affected by the added acetylcholine. The results indicated that acetylcholine was an inducing agent for the formation of acetylcholinesterase in the embryo chick lung cells cultivated in vitro.
Serotype Distribution and Drug Resistance of 261 Shigella Strains

[Objective]To understand the serotype distribution and drug resistance of Shigella in Minhang District of Shanghai City,and provide scientific evidence for diarrhea prevention and control.[Methods]The serotype of shigella isolated from fecal samples of intestinal diarrhea patients were grouped in Minhang District during 2007-2009.Antibiotic susceptibility was conducted by K-B method.[Results]A total of 261 strains were isolated,shigella flexneri accounted for 72.80%,followed by shigella sonnei which accounted for 27.20%.Ten serotypes(F1a14 strains,F2a100 strains,F2b13strains,F4a4strains,F4c38 strains,FX mutation 7strains,FY mutation11strains,F4b 1strain,F5a1strain,F6 1strain) were distributed in 190 strains of shigella flexneri.The rate of resistance to cotrimoxazole,ampicillin trihydrate,tetracycline,rifampcin,nalidixic acid was 87.36%,88.12%、86.97%,81.23%,96.93% respectively.[Conclusion]Shigella showes seriously multi-drug resistance in Minhang District and should be pay more attention to surveillance and control of drug resistance.
Luteal phase consequences of low-dose gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy in nonluteal-supported in vitro fertilization cycles.

Objective To determine the follicular and luteal phase impact of low-dose GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) treatment during follicular stimulation for IVF. Design A randomized prospective study compared patients receiving low-dose GnRH-a and hMG therapy to clomiphene citrate (CC) and hMG cycles. Setting Patients were treated through a university-based IVF-ET program. Patients Thirty-six patients underwent follicular stimulation with low-dose GnRH-a and hMG and were compared with 34 patients undergoing ovulation induction with CC and hMG. Results Significantly shorter luteal phase length occurred with GnRH-a and hMG therapy; however, there was no statistically significant difference in luteal P levels. Follicular parameters were the same (peak E 2 , number of follicles, and number of oocytes), suggesting that folliculogenesis was not altered. There were no statistical differences in pregnancy rates. Conclusions Sustained low-dose GnRH-a therapy during follicular stimulation does not have a clinical effect on luteal function.
Coupling Single Giant Nanocrystal Quantum Dots to the Fundamental Mode of Patch Nanoantennas through Fringe Field

Through single dot spectroscopy and numerical simulation studies, we demonstrate that the fundamental mode of gold patch nanoantennas have fringe-field resonance capable of enhancing the nano-emitters coupled around the edge of the patch antenna. This fringe-field coupling is used to enhance the radiative rates of core/thick-shell nanocrystal quantum dots (g-NQDs) that cannot be embedded into the ultra-thin dielectric gap of patch nanoantennas due to their large sizes. We attain 14 and 3 times enhancements in single exciton radiative decay rate and bi-exciton emission efficiencies of g-NQDs respectively, with no detectable metal quenching. Our numerical studies confirmed our experimental results and further reveal that patch nanoantennas can provide strong emission enhancement for dipoles lying not only in radial direction of the circular patches but also in the direction normal to the antennas surface. This provides a distinct advantage over the parallel gap-bar antennas that can provide enhancement only for the dipoles oriented across the gap.
Predictions of Process-Execution Time and Process-Execution Status

As shown in Chap. 3, process-execution time is a fundamental measure in an EIS. Our risk-aware execution-time estimation method (Sect. 3.2.2) has demonstrated improved performance over static rule-based methods. However, in addition to performing real-time production scheduling, an EIS should also be able to carry out planning for the future. Therefore, accurate predictions of both process-execution time and process status are crucial for the development of an intelligent EIS. We propose new process-execution time-prediction and process status-prediction methods for an EIS.
Preclinical Assessment of Young Blood Plasma for Alzheimer Disease.

Importance Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology starts long before clinical symptoms manifest, and there is no therapy to treat, delay, or prevent the disease. A shared blood circulation between 2 mice (aka parabiosis) or repeated injections of young blood plasma (plasma from 2- to 3-month-old mice) into old mice has revealed benefits of young plasma on synaptic function and behavior. However, to our knowledge, the potential benefit of young blood has not been tested in preclinical models of neurodegeneration or AD. Objectives To determine whether young blood plasma ameliorates pathology and cognition in a mouse model for AD and could be a possible future treatment for the disease. Design, Setting, and Participants In this preclinical study, mice that harbor a human mutant APP gene, which causes familial AD, were aged to develop AD-like disease including accumulation of amyloid plaques, loss of synaptic and neuronal proteins, and behavioral deficits. The initial parabiosis studies were done in 2010, and the final studies were conducted in 2014. Alzheimer disease model mice were then treated either by surgically connecting them with a young healthy mouse, thus providing a shared blood circulation through parabiosis, or through repeated injections of plasma from young mice. Main Outcomes and Measures Neuropathological parameters and changes in hippocampal gene expression in response to the treatment were assessed. In addition, cognition was tested in AD model mice intravenously injected with young blood plasma. Results Aged mutant amyloid precursor protein mice with established disease showed a near complete restoration in levels of synaptic and neuronal proteins after exposure to young blood in parabiosis (synaptophysin P = .02; calbindin P = .02) or following intravenous plasma administration (synaptophysin P P = .14). Amyloid plaques were not affected, but the beneficial effects in neurons in the hippocampus were accompanied by a reversal of abnormal extracellular receptor kinase signaling ( P = .05), a kinase implicated in AD. Moreover, young plasma administration was associated with improved working memory ( P = .01) and associative memory ( P = .02) in amyloid precursor protein mice. Conclusions and Relevance Factors in young blood have the potential to ameliorate disease in a model of AD.
Therapeutic Targeting of B-Cell Receptor Signaling Pathways

Abstract Abstract SCI-27 Targeted therapy in hematologic malignancies has achieved significant therapeutic success when relatively selective inhibition is attainable to a target dispensable to the majority of normal cells. The best appreciated example of this is imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), in which a single translocation forms a fusion protein involving the tyrosine kinase ABL that molecularly defines the disease. Kinase inhibition of ABL in this setting by imatinib (or other second- and third-generation kinase inhibitors) promotes durable, long-term remission in CML patients. The great majority of B-cell malignancies lack a characteristic translocation, activating mutation, or other aberration that facilitates such targeted therapy as employed in CML. Nonetheless, a common global signaling pathway involving the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway has emerged as one that might be important to the control of these diseases. Furthermore, mouse models of select kinase targets (phosphoinositide-3 kinase p110 isoform-delta and Bruton's tyrosine kinase [BTK]) have shown that these are dispensable relative to long-term survival. Indeed, knockout or mutation of BTK and p110 delta each have a modest phenotype outside of diminished B-cell development and function. Based upon these preclinical observations, several molecules targeting BCR signaling have come forward to the clinic with exciting results across a wide range of B-cell malignancies. GS-1101 is a selective phosphoinositide-3 kinase p100 delta inhibitor with a very favorable toxicity profile that has shown promising clinical activity in low-grade lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The toxicity of this orally administered agent is quite modest in the majority of patients and allows sustained continuous dosing. Similarly, ibrutinib is an irreversible inhibitor of BTK and has shown promising clinical potential in an even broader range of B-cell malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, low-grade lymphoma, and CLL. Toxicity with ibrutinib has also been modest, allowing long-term continuous dosing. Notably, each of these agents also produces an atypical mobilization of malignant lymphocytes into the blood soon after treatment. This treatment lymphocytosis is BCR-target-related due to diminished CXCR4/SDF-1 interface between tumor cells and stromal cells in the bone marrow, with egress of these cells to the blood. GS-1101 and ibrutinib are now entering phase III studies for regulatory approval and offer great potential to change the treatment paradigm of both CLL and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Questions moving forward with these agents will include molecular predictors of response, feasibility and efficacy of combining with other effective therapies, and mechanisms of resistance. The scientific session presentation will provide an overview of the most promising BCR signaling agents in CLL and NHL clinical trials. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Characterizing environmental effects on visible and UV reflectance of ALD-coated optics

Numerous atomic and molecular transitions that provide important diagnostics for astrophysical research exist in the Lyman-ultraviolet (LUV; 91.2 - 121.6 nm) and far-ultraviolet (FUV; 121.6 - 200 nm) bandpasses. Future astronomy and planetary science missions require the development of mirror coatings with improved reflectance between 90 - 200 nm which maintain optical performance in visible and IR wavelengths (320 - 2000 nm). Towards this end, we have developed an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process for optical coatings to enhance the efficiency of future space observatories. We measured the reflectance from 115-826 nm of sample optics, consisting of silicon wafers coated with lithium fluoride films deposited via ALD. We also measured the reflectance of sample optics stored in various environments, and characterized the effect of storage environment on visible and UV optical performance over week-long time scales. Minimal change in optical performance was observed for wavelengths between 200 and 800 nm, regardless of storage environment.