cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inductively coupled radio frequency methane plasma simulation

A self-consistent two-dimensional radio frequency inductively coupled glow discharge model has been developed in cylindrical coordinates using a fluid model. The objective of the study is to provide insight into charged species dynamics and investigate their effects on plasma process for a methane discharge. The model includes continuity and energy equations for electrons and continuity, momentum and energy equations for positive and negative ions. An electromagnetic model that considers the electric field due to the space charge within the plasma and due to inductive power coupling is also incorporated. For an inductively coupled methane discharge we expect to find higher fluxes of ions and radicals to the cathode, and hence a higher deposition/etch rate for a high-density plasma. The independent control of ion energy to the cathode in an inductively coupled discharge will facilitate control on film deposition/etch rate and uniformity on the wafer. Swarm data as a function of the electron energy are provided as input to the model. The model predicts the electron density, ion density and their fluxes and energies to the cathode. The radical and neutral densities in the discharge are calculated using a gas phase chemistry model. The diamond-like-carbon thin-film deposition/etch rate is predicted using a surface chemistry model. The gas phase chemistry model considers the diffusion of radicals and neutrals along with creation and loss terms. The surface deposition/etching process involves adsorption-desorption, adsorption layer reaction, ion stitching, direct ion incorporation and carbon sputtering.
Abstract 5361: Development of targeted inhibitors against RecQ1 helicase

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Background: RecQ helicases are a ubiquitous family of DNA unwinding enzymes involved in the maintenance of chromosome stability. RecQ1 helicase genomic variations have an important prognostic role and represents a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer [JCO 2006; 24 (11) 1720-1728]. Pubchem data indicated potential RecQ1 activity >600 compounds using a qHTS RecQ1 assay (NIH Chemical Genomics Center). Methods: We applied a set of filters including molecular weight, potency and Hill curve fitting and also removed those interfering with biological assay to identify sixteen compounds for studying RecQ1 inhibition. Two compounds showed strong inhibition of RecQ1 helicase activity at 50 µM and at IC50 < 5 µM, respectively. From a large library of compounds, eight potential inhibitors were synthesized in three simple steps. First, sulfonylation of various amines with 3-Nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride was performed followed by reduction of the nitro group into an amine. Finally, acylation with variety of acid chlorides resulted in the final library of RecQ1 analogs. These agents were studied for RecQ1 helicase activity assay with the radiolabeled partial duplex substrate in vitro. The RecQ1 inhibitor candidate compounds were investigated in pancreatic cancer cell lines (AsPC-1, BxPC-3, Capan-1, PANC-1, and Mia-Paca2) for anti-tumor efficacy using cell proliferation assay with CellTiter-Glo® luminescence. Combination studies with test compounds and poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor olaparib and topoisomerase Inhibitor SN38 were performed. Results: Though none of the compounds showed the same level of activity of the parent compounds, we were able to demonstrate a modest level of helicase activity with several. Two compounds displayed strong inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. Two other compounds displayed synergistic inhibition with SN38 or olaparib of pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and induced DNA damage. Conclusions: Synthesis of RecQ1 inhibitors is feasible and shows potential for anti-tumor efficacy. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Mingxin Zuo, David Maxwell, Basvoju A. Bhanu Prasad, Zhenghong Peng, William Bornmann, Milind M. Javle. Development of targeted inhibitors against RecQ1 helicase. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5361. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5361
MEASURING EXTREME RESPONSE STYLE

Research on extreme response style (ERS) in rating scale responses has been characterized by conflicting findings and little agreement over how to assemble and validate ERS mea- sures. This article proposes that, when ERS is defined as a pro- portion of extreme responses, an ERS measure will be more ac- curate if the items are uncorrelated and have equal extreme response proportions. Furthermore, appropriate stochastic mod- els should be used to assess the internal reliability and convergent validity of these measures. An ERS measure is created and vali- dated with this method, using items from a survey administered in 1975 and 1987 to large samples of U.S. adults serving on a consumer panel. We find that ERS is stable over a lengthy survey compared to a benchmark stability for a "perfect" measure. Fur- thermore, the distribution of ERS over this population is stable over time. Respondents' ERS is related to their age, education level, and household income but not to their gender.
Maintenance Rituximab After Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, and Prednisone Prolongs Progression-Free Survival in Advanced Indolent Lymphoma: Results of the Randomized Phase III ECOG1496 Study

Purpose To determine if maintenance rituximab (MR) after standard chemotherapy improves progression-free survival (PFS) in advanced-stage indolent lymphoma. Patients and Methods Patients with stage III-IV indolent lymphoma with responding or stable disease after cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (CVP) chemotherapy were stratified by initial tumor burden, residual disease after CVP (minimal or gross), and histology, and randomly assigned to observation (OBS) or MR 375 mg/m2 once per week for 4 weeks every 6 months for 2 years. PFS was the primary end point. Results Three hundred eleven (282 with follicular lymphoma) evaluable patients who received CVP were randomly assigned to OBS (n = 158) or MR (n = 153). Best response improved in 22% MR versus 7% OBS patients (P = .00006). Toxicity was minimal in both study arms. Three-year PFS after random assignment was 68% MR versus 33% OBS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.4; P = 4.4 × 10−10 [all patients]) and 64% MR v 33% OBS (HR = 0.4; P = 9.2 × 10−8 [patients w...
Magnesium sulfate potentiates morphine antinociception at the spinal level.

Intrathecal magnesium sulfate coinfusion with morphine increases antinociception in normal rats; however, because magnesium also delays the onset of tolerance, it is not clear whether this additional antinociception is a result of potentiated analgesia or tolerance abatement. We examined the antinoc
Kinetics of Entry of P0 Protein into Peripheral Nerve Myelin

Sciatic nerves from 9-day-old rat pups were removed, sliced into 0.4-mm sections, and incubated with [3H]fucose or [14C]glycine precursors. The nerve slices system gave nearly linear incorporation of [3H]fucose as a function of time for 3 h, after an initial lag of approximately 30 min for homogenate and approximately 60 min for myelin. Incorporation of [3H]fucose at constant specific radioactivity was directly proportional to exogenous fucose levels over the range 3.0 x 10(-8) M to 1.5 x 10(-6) M. Analysis of labeled proteins by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that greater than 50% of labeled glycoprotein was P0, with no other major constituents. This system was used in fucose-chase experiments to determine that a period of approximately 20 min elapses between fucosylation and assembly of P0 into myelin. Cycloheximide inhibition of protein synthesis was used to determine that a period of approximately 33 min elapses between protein synthesis and appearance of P0 myelin.
Efficacy of language assessment in Alzheimer's disease: comparing in-person examination and telemedicine.

BACKGROUND With the large number of aging individuals requiring screening of cognitive functions for dementing illnesses, there is a necessity for innovative evaluation approaches. One domain that should allow for online, at a distance, examination is speech and language dysfunction, if the auditory and visual transmission is of sufficient quality to allow adequate patient participation and reliable, valid interpretation of signs and symptoms (Duffy et al 1997). OBJECTIVE Examine the effectiveness of language assessment in mild Alzheimer's patients using telemedicine (TM) compared with traditional in-person (IP) assessment. DESIGN Ten patients with mild Alzheimer's disease, enrolled at a Geriatric Memory Clinic received a battery of standard language tests under two conditions: face-to-face and via satellite TM. RESULTS Comparison of TM and IP testing conditions were assessed within each for scores on each test in the two conditions. On each of the five language tasks, the Wilcoxon signed ranks test indicated no significant difference on performance between the TM and IP conditions for each participant. Overall acceptance of the TM evaluation in an elderly population was rated at a high level except for one individual. CONCLUSION Telemedicine can improve access to speech and language evaluation services which is relevant to both dementia and other neurological diseases of the elderly. In particular, this specific assessment tool can be used to provide evaluations in under-served rural areas.
Grip strength of college and professional football players.

Abstract Although strength is basic to human performance in sport, the relationship between grip strength and playing performance has not been clearly established. Therefore, it was the purpose of this study to determine the correlation between grip strength and football playing performance at college and professional levels of competition. The subjects of the investigation were 40 members of an NCAA (Division III) football learn and 53 members of an NFL football team. The college players ranged in age from 19 to 22 y. Their mean height was 182·4 cm and their average weight was 89·8 kg. The professional players ranged in age from 22 to 37 y. Their mean height was 188·3 cm and their average weight was 99·2 kg. They had an average of 5·5 y playing experience in the NFL. Eight of the players had achieved all-pro honours. Grip strength was measured with a tensiometer (Model T5, Pacific Scientific Co., Anaheim, California). The criterion measure was the best score of the three trials for dominant and non-prefe...
Cloning and expression of human lipocortin, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor with potential anti-inflammatory activity.

The anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids has been attributed to the induction of a group of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortin. These proteins are thought to control the biosynthesis of the potent mediators of inflammation, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid, a process that requires phospholipase A2 hydrolysis of phospholipids1–11. Lipocortin-like proteins have been isolated from various cell types, including monocytes3, neutrophils4 and renal medullary9 cell preparations. The predominant active form is a protein with an apparent relative molecular mass (Mr) of 40,000 (40K). These partially purified preparations of lipocortin mimic the effect of steroids, and mediate anti-inflammatory activity in various in vivo model systems3,5,11. Using amino-acid sequence information obtained from purified rat lipocortin, we have now cloned human lipocortin complementary DNA and expressed the gene in Escherichia coli. Our studies confirm that lipocortin is a potent inhibitor of phospholipase A2 activity.
Impact of early versus late clopidogrel discontinuation on stent thrombosis following percutaneous coronary intervention with first- and second-generation drug-eluting stents.

Premature antiplatelet therapy discontinuation (ATD) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation is known to predict stent thrombosis (ST). However, recent data suggest that a shorter antiplatelet therapy duration is safe with newer generation DESs. The study aimed to compare the impact of early and late clopidogrel ATDs on ST in a real-world registry of first- and second-generation DES use. A total of 6,236 patients who underwent DES implantation were analyzed retrospectively: 4,217 received first-generation DESs (sirolimus- and paclitaxel-eluting stents) and 2,019 received second-generation DESs (everolimus-eluting stents). Within each DES cohort, patients were categorized into timing of clopidogrel discontinuation within 1 year: early (
Cortical intracellular analyses of responses to inhibitory and disinhibitory stimuli

Abstract Intracellular recordings of responses of cortical neurons resulting from pairing single shocks to caudate nucleus and lateral geniculate body were made. Single caudate shocks generated long IPSPs which could be shortened if followed at appropriate intervals by a lateral geniculate stimulus. An EPSP following the lateral geniculate stimulus was not necessary for the shortening of the caudate-evoked IPSP. If the lateral geniculate shock was replaced by a second caudate stimulus, a short latency EPSP invariably occurred which was then followed by a resetting of the IPSP. These intracellular events are analogous to previously reported results obtained with extracellular recordings.
Analysis of sex and regional differences in androgen receptors in fetal rhesus monkey brain

Cytosolic androgen receptor levels were measured in different brain regions of fetal male and female rhesus monkeys (day 135 post-conception). The hypothalamus-preoptic area, amygdala and cerebellum exhibited higher receptor concentration in comparison to the cerebral cortex (parietal, temporal frontal, and occipital lobes), hippocampus and cingulate gyrus (P less than 0.001). No sexual difference in receptor concentrations was found except in the amygdala where fetal males exhibited slightly higher levels than females. The similarity in androgen receptor levels suggests that the developing brain of both sexes could be influenced by circulating androgens under normal or pathological conditions.
Age and Growth of Yellowtail Snapper from South Florida

Abstract Age and growth of yellowtail snapper Ocyurus chrysurus from south Florida were determined from otolith cross-sections. The oldest fish was 14 years old (443-mm fork length). Mean back-calculated fork lengths of 807 fish ranged from 136 mm at the end of year 1 to 429 mm at the end of year 14. The von Bertalanffy equation for 802 yellowtail snapper aged 10 or less was Lt = 450.9[1 - e-0.279(t+0.355)], where L = fork length (mm) and t = years. The length-weight relationship was W = 6.13 × 10-5L2.76, where W = weight (g).
Clinical interview methods in mathematics education research and practice

Abstract Use of clinical interview methods in mathematics education research and as an assessment strategy in the mathematics classroom are contrasted. Differences and similarities between roles of researcher and practitioner are outlined. Uses of clinical interviews in research and practice are discussed by focusing on issues of how one prepares to administer an interview, kinds of tasks found to be most useful, kinds of questions one should ask, and how one should respond to students' answers and questions. A sample interview between an experienced teacher and a fifth grader is exhibited to illustrate the need for significant tasks, a sound pedagogical content knowledge base, in addition to interview skills and techniques.
Experimental study of nonsteady asymmetric flow around an ogive-cylinder at incidence

Flow visualization, surface-mounted pressure transducers, and hot-wire anemometers have been used to measure the leeside vortex flowfield on an ogive-cylinder at high angles of attack. Results show that there is a high degree of flowfield unsteadiness arising from several phenomena. The phenomena include large-scale von Karman vortex shedding, high-frequency pressure and velocity fluctuations indicative of the presence of free shear-layer vortices, and a vortex interaction. The effects of axial position, angle of attack, and wind-tunnel speed on the surface pressure and velocity in the wake were investigated
MMW Polarimetric Radar Bistatic Scattering From a Random Surface

This paper explores the nature of bistatic radar scattering from terrain by reporting the results of an investigation involving measurements of the hemispherical pattern of the field scattered by a random soil surface. The measurements were performed by a 35-GHz fully polarimetric radar system with transmitter and receiver modules mounted on separate rotatable arches. The acquired data were analyzed to determine the angular sensitivities of several attributes of the scattered field, including amplitudes and phase differences of the polarized scattering coefficients, and their copolarized and cross-polarized ratios. Generally speaking, the scattering pattern exhibits a weak dependence on the scattering angle thetass (except along the backward direction and forward specular direction), but it exhibits a strong dependence on the azimuth angle phi, particularly for the cross-polarized components. Much of the dependence is attributed to the vectorial definition of polarization in a standard frame of reference. Comparison of the measured data with calculations based on the second-order physical optics model reveals reasonable overall agreement between theory and observations (typically within 4 dB)
Glucagon-like peptide-1 activation of TCF7L2-dependent Wnt signaling enhances pancreatic beta cell proliferation.

The insulinotropic hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a new therapeutic agent that preserves or restores pancreatic beta cell mass. We report that GLP-1 and its agonist, exendin-4 (Exd4), induce Wnt signaling in pancreatic beta cells, both isolated islets, and in INS-1 cells. Basal and GLP-1 agonist-induced proliferation of beta cells requires active Wnt signaling. Cyclin D1 and c-Myc, determinants of cell proliferation, are up-regulated by Exd4. Basal endogenous Wnt signaling activity depends on Wnt frizzled receptors and the protein kinases Akt and GSK3β but not cAMP-dependent protein kinase. In contrast, GLP-1 agonists enhance Wnt signaling via GLP-1 receptor-mediated activation of Akt and beta cell independent of GSK3β. Inhibition of Wnt signaling by small interfering RNAs to β-catenin or a dominant-negative TCF7L2 decreases both basal and Exd4-induced beta cell proliferation. Wnt signaling appears to mediate GLP-1-induced beta cell proliferation raising possibilities for novel treatments of diabetes.
Sodium visibility and quantitation in intact bovine articular cartilage using high field (23)Na MRI and MRS.

Abstract Noninvasive methods of detecting cartilage degeneration can have an impact on identifying the early stages of osteoarthritis. Accurate measurement of sodium concentrations within the cartilage matrix provides a means for analyzing tissue integrity. Here a method is described for quantitating sodium concentration and visibility in cartilage, with general applications to all tissue types. The sodium concentration in bovine patellar cartilage plugs was determined by three different methods: NMR spectroscopy of whole cartilage plugs, NMR spectroscopy of liquefied cartilage in concentrated HCl, and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy. Whole bovine patellae were imaged with relaxation normalized calibration phantoms to ascertain sodium concentrations inside the articular cartilage. Sodium concentrations in intact articular cartilage were found to range from ∼200 mM on the edges to ∼390 mM in the center, with an average of ∼320 mM in five separate bovine patellae studied. In essence, we have created sodium distribution maps of the cartilage, showing for the first time, spatial variations of sodium concentration in intact cartilage. This average concentration measurement correlates very well with the values obtained from the spectroscopic methods. Furthermore, sodium was found to be 100% NMR visible in cartilage plugs. Applications of this method in diagnosing and monitoring treatment of osteoarthritis are discussed.
Quantification of absolute coronary flow reserve and relative fractional flow reserve in a swine animal model using angiographic image data

Coronary flow reserve (CFR) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) are important physiological indexes for coronary disease. The purpose of this study was to validate the CFR and FFR measurement techniq...
Effect of Light Illumination on Threshold Voltage and Sub-threshold Slope of Amorphous Silicon Thin Film Transistors

In this study the light induced defect state creation under 1 sun illumination is investigated through changes in sub-threshold slope, Δ, and threshold voltage, VT, in a-Si:H TFT structures. Threshold voltage changes can be due to either charge trapping or defect state creation near the interface of gate insulator and a-Si:H active layer. By incorporating high quality thermal silicon dioxide in the a-Si:H TFT, the charge trapping effects have been minimized and the changes in threshold voltage can be attributed to induced defect states in the a-Si:H. Since the sub-threshold current is closely related to the band gap defect states, both VT and Δ can be used as a new probe to study the light induced defect creation in the a-Si:H. The information obtained about the nature of gap defect states from the analysis of changes in VT and Δ under light illumination is presented. The results obtained show that under 1 sun illumination there are very fast increases (within 10 seconds) in VT with subsequent slow increases and no observable changes in Δ, similar to those observed in the light induced photoconductivity changes in a-Si:H thin films. The increase in VT under the initial light illumination are associated with the Fermi level in a-Si:H active layers moving downward and causing band bending near the interface region of the gate insulator and a-Si:H active layer. Results are also presented on changes in VT under gate-bias stressing. Comparisons are then made between the results obtained under 1 sun light illumination and those under gate-bias stressing. The information obtained in this study about the nature of the gap defect states derived from characterization of the sub-threshold regimes is discussed.
Uranium adsorption by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 as a function of dissolved inorganic carbon concentration

Abstract Although the existence of uranyl-carbonate surface complexes on bacterial cell walls has been documented, the identities and thermodynamic stabilities of those complexes are poorly constrained by previous studies. We measured the adsorption of aqueous uranium [U(VI)] onto Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 with different initial concentrations of NaHCO3. Experiments were conducted in 0.1 M NaClO4 to buffer ionic strength, and pH was varied from 3 to 9. The observed extent of U(VI) adsorption onto S. oneidensis was independent of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration below pH 5. Above pH 5, the extent of adsorbed U(VI) decreased with increasing DIC concentration. A thermodynamic surface complexation modeling approach was used to interpret the adsorption data. A series of uranyl-, uranyl-hydroxide-, and uranyl-hydroxide-carbonate-bacterial surface complexes are required in order to account for the observed adsorption behavior, and we used the adsorption measurements to constrain values for the stability constants of these complexes. The modeling results suggest that uranyl-hydroxide-carbonate-bacterial surface complexes form and that competition between these complexes and uranyl-carbonate aqueous complexes controls the U(VI) adsorption behavior under high pH conditions in systems with high DIC concentrations. Hence, our results may be used to predict the extent of U(VI) adsorption onto bacteria in a range of natural and engineered DIC-bearing systems.
Observations on online educational materials for powder diffraction crystallography software.

This article presents a series of approaches used to educate potential users of crystallographic software for powder diffraction. The approach that has been most successful in the author's opinion is the web lecture, where an audio presentation is coupled to a video-like record of the contents of the presenter's computer screen.
Improved hidden Markov models in the wavelet-domain

Wavelet-domain hidden Markov models (HMMs), in particular the hidden Markov tree (HMT) model, have been introduced and applied to signal and image processing, e.g., signal denoising. We develop a simple initialization scheme for the efficient HMT model training and then propose a new four-state HMT model called HMT-2. We find that the new initialization scheme fits the HMT-2 model well. Experimental results show that the performance of signal denoising using the HMT-2 model is often improved over the two-state HMT model developed by Crouse et al. (see ibid., vol.46, p.886-902, 1998).
5alpha-reductase inhibition for men with enlarged prostate.

Purpose: Increasingly, men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are seeking treatment in the primary care setting. This article reviews the use of α-blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) in the management of LUTS and enlarged prostate. Data sources: Information is based on a critical review of the published literature. Relevant studies were identified using MEDLINE and review of reference lists of published studies. Conclusions: Enlargement of the prostate is a common occurrence among aging men. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are in a unique, frontline position to evaluate symptoms and bother and to recommend appropriate treatment of patients with enlarged prostate. Both α-blockers and 5ARIs are effective at reducing symptoms in the short term. However, only the 5ARIs impact disease progression and maintain improvement in symptoms in the long term. Implications for practice: NPs play an important role in assessing and treating LUTS in men with enlarged prostate. When treating men with LUTS, assess the severity of symptoms and the extent of prostate enlargement. For symptomatic men with enlarged prostate, long-term therapy with 5ARIs should be considered to treat symptoms as well as address the disease progression.
Role of the Constitutive Splicing Factors U2AF65 and SAP49 in Suboptimal RNA Splicing of Novel Retroviral Mutants

Retroviruses display a unique form of alternative splicing in which both spliced and unspliced RNAs accumulate in the cytoplasm. Simple retroviruses, such as avian sarcoma virus, do not encode regulatory proteins that affect splicing; this process is controlled solely through interactions between the viral RNA and the host cell splicing machinery. Previously, we described the selection and characterization of novel avian sarcoma virus mutants. These viruses were separated into two classes based upon analysis of splicing intermediates produced in infected cells and in a cell-free system. One class, which included mutants with altered polypyrimidine tract or branch point sequences, showed significant accumulation of intermediates, suggesting that splicing was regulated in step 2. The other class, which included mutants with deletions of exonic enhancer sequences, did not accumulate splicing intermediates, suggesting that splicing was regulated before step 1 of the splicing reaction. In this report, we show that a mutant blocked at step 1 fails to form a stable spliceosomal complex, whereas one blocked at step 2 shows a defect in its ability to transit through the last spliceosomal complex. Using UV cross-linking methods, we show that regulation at each step is associated with specific changes in the binding of cellular splicing factors. Regulation at step 1 is correlated with decreased cross-linking of the factor U2AF65, whereas regulation at step 2 is correlated with enhanced cross-linking of the factor SAP49. Because these mutations were isolated by selection for replication-competent viruses, we conclude that retroviral splicing may be regulated in vivo through altered binding of constitutive splicing factors.
Police and Alcohol Use: A Descriptive Analysis and Associations with Stress Outcomes

Alcohol misuse is a significant problem in police work. This study describes alcohol use correlates and examines psychological outcomes of stress associated with the use and level of alcohol by police officers. Measures: (1) AUDIT-Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test; (2) demographics; (3) Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale; (4) Impact of Events Scale (PTSD); and (5) life events scale. The mean AUDIT score was M = 5.64 (low risk <8). Male officers had significantly higher scores in overall AUDIT total, hazardous alcohol use domain, and dependent symptoms domain (p = 0.004, 0.002, 0.031, respectively). Women officers in the hazardous drinking range on the AUDIT were significantly younger than women officers in the lower AUDIT range (p = 0.050). Males in the hazardous drinking range had significantly higher external life event scores than females (p = 0.037), suggesting a need for increased attention to the spillover effect of police work.
Effect of a Multidisciplinary Intervention on Communication and Collaboration Among Physicians and Nurses

• BACKGROUND Improving communication and collaboration among doctors and nurses can improve satisfaction among participants and improve patients’ satisfaction and quality of care. • OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of a multidisciplinary intervention on communication and collaboration among doctors and nurses on an acute inpatient medical unit. • METHODS During a 2-year period, an intervention unit was created that differed from the control unit by the addition of a nurse practitioner to each inpatient medical team, the appointment of a hospitalist medical director, and the institution of daily multidisciplinary rounds. Surveys about communication and collaboration were administered to personnel in both units. Physicians were surveyed at the completion of each rotation on the unit; nurses, biannually. • RESULTS Response rates for house staff (n = 111), attending physicians (n = 45), and nurses (n = 123) were 58%, 69%, and 91%, respectively. Physicians in the intervention group reported greater collaboration with nurses than did physicians in the control group (P < .001); the largest effect was among the residents. Physicians in the intervention group reported better collaboration with the nurse practitioners than with the staff nurses (P < .001). Physicians in the intervention group also reported better communication with fellow physicians than did physicians in the control group (P = .006). Nurses in both groups reported similar levels of communication (P = .59) and collaboration (P = .47) with physicians. Nurses in the intervention group reported better communication with nurse practitioners than with physicians (P < .001). • CONCLUSIONS The multidisciplinary intervention resulted in better communication and collaboration among the participants. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2005;14:71-77)
Multiple perspective interactive video

We present our approach to Multiple Perspective Interactive (MPI) video. In MPI video, a viewer could view an event from multiple perspectives, even based on the contents of the events. Using strategically located multiple cameras a set of image sequences is obtained and used to build a 3-dimensional model of the important events in a scene. Considering the request of a user, the system decides the best camera at every time instant and edits image sequences from these camera, much like an editor in standard live sport events, to provide a user the video sequence of the episode from the user's desired perspective. Our system features automatic camera selection and interaction using three-dimensional cursors. We present results of a prototype which is a part of our early efforts to establish a framework of MPI video. Our prototype is a football video retrieval system. We present our results to concretely show the concept of the interactive video.
Link Gain Matrix Estimation in Distributed Wireless Networks

In the planning of large-scale distributed wireless networks, the knowledge about the link gain matrix is required to facilitate a better match between system design and channel characteristics. Nevertheless, stochastic path loss models fail to produce an accurate estimation of link gains since they cannot faithfully capture the propagation characteristics of a specific environment. Furthermore, exhaustive measurement of all links in a large-scale network is unrealistic due to the complexity involved. This motivates us to develop an accurate link gain estimation methodology based on a small fraction of measurements. We propose here to partition all transmit-receive links into mutually exclusive categories - with each category defined by the number of obstructions on the direct path - and then derive a separate link gain model (equivalently, pathloss model) for each category. Thus, for each category, one would measure only a subset of all transmit-receive paths (selected on the basis of a "maximum entropy" principle) and, for each such path, record the link gain and distance. A least-squares linear fit of dB gain vs. long-distance for the measured links produces the model for that category, which can then be used to predict the remaining "unmeasured" path gains. We use ray- tracing programs to evaluate this approach for different network geometries, and we discuss its superiority to spatial interpolation methods for determining the network's link gains.
Intraocular Pressure: Modulation as Treatment for Glaucoma

Purpose To review the role of intervisit intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation as an independent risk factor for glaucoma. Design Perspective after literature review. Methods Analysis of pertinent publications in the peer-reviewed literature. Results Disparate findings regarding the role of intervisit IOP variation have been published. IOP variation was a significant risk factor in the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS), the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study, and other smaller studies. These studies have in common low IOPs (often after surgery) and moderately advanced disease. In the AGIS, when patients were stratified by mean IOP, only those patients with low IOPs showed the detrimental effects of IOP variation. IOP variation was not a significant risk factor in the Early Manifest Glaucoma Treatment Trial, and in 2 separate studies of ocular hypertensives. These studies have in common generally higher IOPs and an earlier stage of glaucoma (or no glaucoma at all). We believe these results are complementary rather than contradictory: existing data suggest that the effects of IOP variation depend on the characteristics of the patient, the baseline IOP, their stage of damage, the type of glaucoma, and other as-yet unknown factors. Conclusions Practitioners should consider whether patients who are progressing at low mean IOP may benefit from having IOP variation reduced. Single elevated measures of IOP may not be an anomaly or may not be related to compliance, but may identify patients who are at high risk for progressive glaucomatous damage, and thus should be monitored more carefully and potentially treated more aggressively.
DEVELOPING PROBABILISTIC MODELS TO PREDICT AMPHIBIAN SITE OCCUPANCY IN A PATCHY LANDSCAPE

Human-caused fragmentation of habitats is threatening an increasing number of animal and plant species, making an understanding of the factors influencing patch occupancy ever more important. The overall goal of the current study was to develop probabilistic models of patch occupancy for the mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana mus- cosa). This once-common species has declined dramatically, at least in part as a result of habitat fragmentation resulting from the introduction of predatory fish. We first describe a model of frog patch occupancy developed using semiparametric logistic regression that is based on habitat characteristics, fish presence/absence, and a spatial location term (the latter to account for spatial autocorrelation in the data). This model had several limitations in- cluding being constrained in its use to only the study area. We therefore developed a more general model that incorporated spatial autocorrelation through the use of an autocovariate term that describes the degree of isolation from neighboring frog populations (autologistic model). After accounting for spatial autocorrelation in patch occupancy, both models in- dicated that the probability of frog presence was strongly influenced by lake depth, elevation, fish presence/absence, substrate characteristics, and the degree of lake isolation. Based on cross-validation procedures, both models provided good fits to the data, but the autologistic model was more useful in predicting patch occupancy by frogs. We conclude by describing a possible application of this model in assessing the likelihood of persistence by frog
The effect of the TRF2 N-terminal and TRFH regions on telomeric G-quadruplex structures

The sequence of human telomeric DNA consists of tandem repeats of 5′-d(TTAGGG)-3′. This guanine-rich DNA can form G-quadruplex secondary structures which may affect telomere maintenance. A current model for telomere protection by the telomere-binding protein, TRF2, involves the formation of a t-loop which is stabilized by a strand invasion-like reaction. This type of reaction may be affected by G-quadruplex structures. We analyzed the influence of the arginine-rich, TRF2 N-terminus (TRF2B), as well as this region plus the TRFH domain of TRF2 (TRF2BH), on the structure of G-quadruplexes. Circular dichroism results suggest that oligonucleotides with 4, 7 and 8 5′-d(TTAGGG)-3′ repeats form hybrid structures, a mix of parallel/antiparallel strand orientation, in K+. TRF2B stimulated the formation of parallel-stranded structures and, in some cases, intermolecular structures. TRF2BH also stimulated intermolecular but not parallel-stranded structures. Only full-length TRF2 and TRF2BH stimulated uptake of a telomeric single-stranded oligonucleotide into a plasmid containing telomeric DNA in the presence of K+. The results in this study suggest that G-quadruplex formation inhibits oligonucleotide uptake into the plasmid, but the inhibition can be overcome by TRF2. This study is the first analysis of the effects of TRF2 domains on G-quadruplex structures and has implications for the role of G-quadruplexes and TRF2 in the formation of t-loops.
The importance of maturational studies in airway smooth muscle.

asthma affects 17.7 million Americans, 5 million of them children ([41][1]). Its incidence has more than doubled in the general population since 1980, with a disproportionate increase in children under the age of 4 ([41][1]). Measures of the yearly burden of this disease, 5,500 deaths ([31][2]),
Player autonomy versus designer intent: a case study of interactive tour guides

We explore the tradeoff between player autonomy and designer intent by simulating a system of autonomous museum tour guides. Visitors may have different art preferences or may wish to visit different exhibits on multiple visits. Often, these desires conflict. For example, visitors may wish to see the museum's most popular work, but that could cause congestion, ruining the experience. Thus, our task is to build a set of guides that can satisfy their visitors' goals while also providing quality experiences for all. We present the results of a case study indicating that there is a space in the design spectrum between fully author-controlled narrative and complete player autonomy that reduces the frequency of bad experiences while allowing visitors to realize their own goals.
Baf60c is a component of the neural progenitor-specific BAF complex in developing retina.

Remodeling of the chromatin network plays an important role regulating embryonic development as well as differentiation. The SWI/SNF complex is an ATP dependent chromatin-remodeling complex. It consists of several proteins, including an ATPase subunit, either Brg1 or Brm. Two subunits of this complex Baf53a and Baf45 have been previously identified as being neural progenitor specific. In this study, we show that Baf60c, another important part of this large complex, acts in a similar neural-progenitor specific manner. We show that during development Baf60c is expressed in neural progenitors in human retinas as well as mouse retina, cortex and spinal cord. Baf60c expression is lost during neural differentiation and its over-expression keeps the progenitors in a proliferative state through its interaction with the Notch pathway. Finally, we show that Baf60c is re-expressed in the Muller glial cells that reenter the cell cycle after neurotoxic damage.
The Relationship of Physical Applications of Fourier Transforms in Various Fields of Wave Theory and Circuitry

A procedure is presented for connecting some known physical applications of Fourier transform pairs in different branches of the theory of waves and circuitry. After an investigation of the cases of diffraction, reflection, and coupling of waves, deflection of particles (which includes the cathode-ray-tube case and so-called gap effect) and the closely related scanning problem are examined. Finally, extension to random functions is discussed briefly.
Optical polarization of m -plane In-GaN/GaN light-emitting diodes characterized via confocal microscope

A confocal microscope was applied to characterize near-field optical polarization of light emission from InGaN-based light-emitting diodes prepared on a nonpolar orientation. Detection of stray light was significantly reduced as a result of the confocal technique compared to broad-area measurements. The confocal measurement required no special sample preparation and obtained data was directly interpretable. A polarization ratio of 0.83 was measured on long-wavelength emitting devices and was sustained over two orders of magnitude of low current range. Energy shifts and separation of emission peaks for the two polarization components were evaluated to discuss the valence-band structure. Energy shifts indicated that the topmost band |X 〉 had a heavier effective mass than the lower band |Z 〉. Splitting energy of InGaN was estimated to be 30 meV. Results were consistent with the past reports, thus it was confirmed that the confocal microscope is a valid technique to characterize near-field optical polarization. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Clinical application of the BMPs.

It has been almost 40 years since Marshall Urist’s seminal observations on the bone induction principle were first published, yet we have not seen the common use of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in our patients. I believe that two obstacles have delayed this translation: (1) underestimation of the need for a higher concentration or dose of BMPS in primates compared with lower animals and rodents; and (2) difficulty finding a suitable carrier and …
The Judicial Genealogy (and Mythology) of John Roberts: Clerkships from Gray to Brandeis to Friendly to Roberts

During his Supreme Court nomination hearings, John Roberts idealized and mythologized the first judge he clerked for, Second Circuit Judge Henry Friendly, as the sophisticated judge-as-umpire. Thus far on the Court, Roberts has found it difficult to live up to his Friendly ideal, particularly in several high-profile cases. This Article addresses the influence of Friendly on Roberts and judges on law clerks by examining the roots of Roberts's distinguished yet unrecognized lineage of former clerks: Louis Brandeis's clerkship with Horace Gray, Friendly's clerkship with Brandeis, and Roberts's clerkships with Friendly and Rehnquist. Labeling this lineage a judicial genealogy, this Article reorients clerkship scholarship away from clerks' influences on judges to judges' influences on clerks. It also shows how Brandeis, Friendly, and Roberts were influenced by their clerkship experiences and how they idealized their judges. By laying the clerkship experiences and career paths of Brandeis, Friendly, and Roberts side-by-side in detailed primary source accounts, this Article argues that judicial influence on clerks is more professional than ideological and that the idealization of judges and emergence of clerkships as must-have credentials contribute to a culture of judicial supremacy.
Bandpass phase shifter and analytic signal generator

In this note, a novel tunable bandpass filter/phase shifter implementation (with a Hilbert transformer as a special case) is proposed. The filter can also be used to synthesize a bandpass analytic signal from a real-valued signal. The novelty is the simple, yet elegant implementation that exploits the even and odd symmetry of the in-phase and quadrature carrier modulation. HighlightsAlternate tunable bandpass phase shifter implementation is proposed.Exploits even and odd symmetry of in-phase and quadrature carrier modulation.Novel, simple yet elegant, architecture to shift the phase by any arbitrary angle.Hilbert transform computation of a bandpass signal as a specific case is presented.
Learning to Feel Like a Scientist.

There is increased attention in the science education community on the importance of engaging students in the practices of science. However, there is much to be learned about how students enter into and sustain their engagement in these practices. In this paper, we argue that epistemic affect—feelings and emotions experienced within science, such as the excitement of having a new idea or irritation at an inconsistency—is part of what instigates and stabilizes disciplinary engagement. We first discuss affect as evident in accounts of professionals; we then show its emergence and role in 2 case studies of elementary school students. In the end, we argue that epistemic affect is part of the substance that students should learn in science, and we discuss implications for research and instruction.
Thin slicing

Program slicing systematically identifies parts of a program relevant to a seed statement. Unfortunately, slices of modern programs often grow too large for human consumption. We argue that unwieldy slices arise primarily from an overly broad definition of relevance, rather than from analysis imprecision. While a traditional slice includes all statements that may affect a point of interest, not all such statements appear equally relevant to a human.As an improved method of finding relevant statements, we propose thin slicing. A thin slice consists only of producer statements for the seed, i.e., those statements that help compute and copy avalue to the seed. Statements that explain why producers affect the seed are excluded. For example, for a seed that reads a value from a container object, a thin slice includes statements that store the value into the container, but excludes statements that manipulate pointers to the container itself. Thin slices can also be hierarchically expanded to include statements explaining how producers affect the seed, yielding a traditional slice in the limit.We evaluated thin slicing for a set of debugging and program understanding tasks. The evaluation showed that thin slices usually included the desired statements for the tasks (e.g., the buggy statement for a debugging task). Furthermore, in simulated use of a slicing tool, thin slices revealed desired statements after inspecting 3.3 times fewer statements than traditional slicing for our debugging tasks and 9.4 times fewer statements for our program understanding tasks. Finally, our thin slicing algorithm scales well to relatively large Java benchmarks, suggesting that thin slicing represents an attractive option for practical tools.
Pyelonephritis. III. Observations on the association between chronic pyelonephritis and hypertension in the rat.

SummaryChronic, progressive, non-obstructed, enterococcal pyelonephritis in the rat is not associated with hypertension. It is suggested that this may be related to the absence of significant arteriolar nephrosclerosis.