cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing value-added contributions of university technology business incubators to tenant firms

This paper assesses the value-added contributions of university technology business incubators (UTBIs) to their new technology-based tenant firms. The business incubator is widely believed as providing a nurturing environment for new business start-ups. However, the role played by university relationships in supporting the development of new technology-based firms (NTBFs) has escaped systematic review in the US due to a lack of historical data. To fill this gap, this article presents empirical data on UTBIs by focusing on their value-added dimensions which include typical incubator services along with university-related inputs. The study is based on a national survey of six representative UTBI facilities, providing an insight into the value-added aspects as perceived by the clients. It concludes that several UTBI services, specifically some of the university-related inputs such as university image, laboratories and equipment, and student employees add major values to the client firms, making the UTBI a viable strategy for nurturing NTBFs.
Aids-Related Knowledge and Attitudes of Social Workers in South Carolina

This study examines the association between knowledge of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and skill among social workers in South Carolina and attitudes toward people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS. A stratified random sampling method was used to obtain a representative sample of social workers in South Carolina. Findings show that AIDS-related knowledge and skill were significantly associated with improving the general attitudes of social workers toward HIV/AIDS clients. In addition to knowledge and skill-related measures, other significant covariates of attitudes include levels of contact with HIV/AIDS clients and sensitivity to minorities. As with previous studies, demographic variables such as age and gender were not found to be significantly related to variations in attitudes toward HIV/AIDS clients. Furthermore, locality of practice and supervisory position did not significantly correlate with attitudes. The implications of these findings for social services agencies are discussed.
Sivelestat and its role in tissue reperfusion injury

The recent article by Mori et al. is highly interesting [1]. Recent studies have shown that sivelestat decreases and prevents tissue reperfusion injury not just in the lung but in other organs also. For instance, Kotake et al. have recently shown that sivelestat can effectively decrease the effects of ischemia reperfusion injury in the hepatoenteric region [2]. Similarly, it has been shown that sivelestat attenuates the effects of ischemia reperfusion injury in the bladder [3]. Kambe et al. have even reported that sivelestat decreases myocardial damage secondary to tissue reperfusion injury in the heart [4]. These beneficial effects were noted even if the drug was administered after the onset of the myocardial ischemia. In another recent study, Hoshi et al. compared the mortality in critically ill patients admitted in an intensive care unit who were treated with sivelestat to the mortality in those who did not receive sivelestat [5]. The mortality in critically ill patients who were treated with sivelestat was 6% compared to 33.3% in those who did not receive sivelestat therapy. These studies clearly indicate that sivelestat may have a major role to play in the management of tissue reperfusion injury, especially in patients with multiple organ failure, in the near future. Further studies, especially in humans, are needed so as to fully avail these beneficial effects.
Technology, work, and information flows: lessons from the implementation of a wireless alert pager system

The combination of collaborative work practices and information technology affect the flow of information in clinical settings. The introduction of a new technology into these settings can change not only established work practices but also the information flows. In this paper, we examine the introduction of a wireless alerts pager in a surgical intensive care unit (SICU). Through a qualitative study, we analyze the effects that this new information tool had on both the work practices in the SICU and the information flow in the unit. We describe four challenges that SICU staff members faced with respect to the alerts pagers. We found that the pager provided new routes of information to SICU staff but in doing so disrupted existing work practices and information flows.
Neuropsychiatric Side-Effects of Lidocaine: Examples from the Treatment of Headache and a Review

Lidocaine has been used in treatment of patients with refractory headache. Personal observations of neuropsychiatric toxicity in these patients led us to review our cases and the literature systematically for lidocaine side-effects, especially neuropsychiatric symptoms. In our series of 20 patients, side-effects were observed in all, the most frequent being neuropsychiatric (75%) and cardiological (50%). When reviewing published series on intravenous lidocaine use, reports of side-effects range from 0 to 100%, with neuropsychiatric symptoms being reported in 1.8-100%. Thirty-six case reports of lidocaine-induced psychiatric symptoms were also analysed. Psychiatric symptoms of toxicity were similar in most patients, despite their differing ages, pathologies, co-therapies and lidocaine dosages. In conclusion, lidocaine neuropsychiatric toxicity has a well-recognized stereotypical clinical presentation that is probably unrecognized in headache series. As lidocaine represents an emerging alternative therapy in headache, particularly in short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing, clinicians and patients should be aware of the extent of this problem.
Eulerian–Lagrangian modeling of turbulent liquid–solid slurries in horizontal pipes

Abstract Computations of liquid–solid slurries in horizontal pipes are performed to investigate the complex multiphase flow dynamics associated with operating conditions above and below the critical deposition velocity. A high-fidelity large eddy simulation framework is combined with a Lagrangian particle tracking solver to account for polydispersed settling particles in a fully developed turbulent flow. The two phases are fully coupled via volume fraction and momentum exchange terms, and a two-step filtering process is employed to alleviate any dependence of the liquid-phase mesh size on the particle diameter, enabling the capture of a wide range of spatial turbulent scales. A fully conservative immersed boundary method is employed to account for the pipe geometry on a uniform Cartesian mesh. Two cases are simulated, each with a pipe geometry and particle size distribution matching an experimental study from Roco & Balakrishnam, which considers a mean volumetric solid concentration of 8.4%, corresponding to just over 16 million particles. The first case considers a Reynolds number based on the bulk flow of the liquid of 85,000, resulting in a heterogeneous suspension of particles throughout the pipe cross-section. Statistics on the concentration and velocity of the particle phase for this case show excellent agreement with experimental results. The second case considers a lower Reynolds number of 42,660, leading to the formation of a stationary bed of particles. Three distinct regions are identified in the second case, corresponding to a rigid bed at the bottom of the pipe, a highly-collisional shear flow just above the bed, and a dilute suspension of particles far from the bed. Computational results indicate segregation in particle size along the vertical direction, with the smallest particles located at the top, increasing monotonically until the bed surface, where the largest particles are located. The covariance of concentration and velocity of each phase is presented, giving further insight on the multiphase dynamics. Statistics on the individual mechanisms that contribute to the motion of each particle, namely forces due to drag, the pressure gradient and viscous stresses of the surrounding fluid, and collisions, are provided for each case. It is observed that for the majority of the pipe cross-section, the drag force dominates for each case, which is balanced by inter-particle collisions in the streamwise direction, and by gravity in the vertical direction. Simulation results are also used to investigate closures from Reynolds average modeling of multiphase flows.
Omission of radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery in the United States: A population-based analysis of clinicopathologic factors

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy (RT) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is associated with a significant reduction in ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence and breast cancer mortality rates in patients with early stage breast cancer. The authors of this report sought to determine which patients with breast cancer do not receive RT after BCS in the United States. METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry was used to determine the rates of RT after BCS for women with stage I through III breast cancer in the United States from 1992 through 2007. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of omission of RT. RESULTS: In total, 294,254 patients with invasive, nonmetastatic breast cancer were identified who underwent surgery from 1992 through 2007. Most patients (57%) underwent BCS; among those, 21.1% did not receive RT after BCS. The omission of RT increased significantly from 1992 (15.5%) to 2007 (25%). The receipt of RT also decreased significantly for patients with increased cancer stage, age <55 years, high-grade tumors, large tumors, positive or untested lymph node status, African American or Hispanic race, and negative or unknown estrogen receptor status. Significant geographic variation was observed in the rates of RT after BCS. CONCLUSIONS: The omission of RT after BCS was more common in recent years, especially among women who had an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence. This trend represents a serious health care concern because of the potential increased risk of local recurrence and breast cancer mortality. Cancer 2012. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
On the quantitative evaluation of functionality in distributed intelligence systems

A quantitative methodology is presented for identifying and evaluating the shortfalls and overlaps between the desired functionality of a distributed intelligence system, as characterized by the requirements and the functionality of a proposed or implemented system. The approach is based on developing compatible Petri net representations of the requirements and of the system architecture which form the basis for the comparison of the desired and actual functionalities. By using the theory of Petri net invariants, the functionalities in both representations are obtained. They can then be compared to determine shortfalls and overlaps. The methodology is applied to a distributed intelligence system that models a distributed command center. >
Long queue estimation for signalized intersections using mobile data

Queue length is one of the key measures in assessing arterial performances. Under heavy congestion, queues are difficult to estimate from either fixed-location sensors (such as loop detectors) or mobile sensors since they may exceed the region of detection, which is defined as long queue in the literature. While the long queue problem has been successfully addressed in the past using fixed-location sensors, whether this can be done using mobile traffic sensors remains unclear. In this paper, a queue length estimation method is proposed to solve this long queue problem using short vehicle trajectories obtained from mobile sensors. The method contains vehicle trajectory reconstruction models to estimate the missing deceleration or acceleration process of a vehicle. Long queue estimation models are then developed using the reconstructed vehicle trajectories. The proposed method can provide estimates of the queue profile and the maximum queue length of a cycle. The method is tested in a field experiment with reasonable results.
Stress Analysis of a Total Hip Acetabular Component: An Fem Study

A stress analysis of a total hip acetabular component was performed using three-dimensional finite element modeling. The model consisted of 548 four-noded quadrilateral shell elements with 582 nodes. A worst-case support condition was assumed in which bony contact with small areas of the ilium, ischium, and pubis was represented by three-point support. Loads corresponding to the peak pressures developed in the hip when rising from a seated position—the activity contributing most to the fatigue of a prosthesis—were applied to the model. Peak stresses of 490 MPa are predicted around a screw hole in the region of greatest loading; according to the fatigue curve for porous-coated Ti-6A1-4V alloy, this translates into a component life of three years. When the area of bony support for the prosthesis is increased by a factor of 1.5, the fatigue life is more than doubled to seven years. The addition of restraints around the loaded hole to represent the placement of a screw extends the lifetime dramatically to 65 ...
Current understanding of interactions between nanoparticles and the immune system

The delivery of drugs, antigens, and imaging agents benefits from using nanotechnology-based carriers. The successful translation of nanoformulations to the clinic involves thorough assessment of their safety profiles, which, among other end-points, includes evaluation of immunotoxicity. The past decade of research focusing on nanoparticle interaction with the immune system has been fruitful in terms of understanding the basics of nanoparticle immunocompatibility, developing a bioanalytical infrastructure to screen for nanoparticle-mediated immune reactions, beginning to uncover the mechanisms of nanoparticle immunotoxicity, and utilizing current knowledge about the structure-activity relationship between nanoparticles' physicochemical properties and their effects on the immune system to guide safe drug delivery. In the present review, we focus on the most prominent pieces of the nanoparticle-immune system puzzle and discuss the achievements, disappointments, and lessons learned over the past 15years of research on the immunotoxicity of engineered nanomaterials.
Half-lives of Pu-238 and Cm-242

The $^{238}\mathrm{Pu}$ half-life was measured at 87.71 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.03 yr by observing the $^{238}\mathrm{Pu}$ $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle activity formed from the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay of $^{242}\mathrm{Cm}$. Samples of $^{242}\mathrm{Cm}$ were counted three times in a 262 day interval, leading to a $^{242}\mathrm{Cm}$ half-life of 162.76 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.04 days. Both values agree well with measurements made by other methods.RADIOACTIVITY $^{238}\mathrm{Pu}$; measured ${T}_{\frac{1}{2}}$, precise gravimetric aliquots, high precision $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ counting, $^{242}\mathrm{Cm}$; measured ${T}_{\frac{1}{2}}$.
Parental Involvement and Adolescents' Educational Success: The Roles of Prior Achievement and Socioeconomic Status.

Parental educational involvement in primary and secondary school is strongly linked to students' academic success; however; less is known about the long-term effects of parental involvement. In this study, we investigated the associations between four aspects of parents' educational involvement (i.e., home- and school-based involvement, educational expectations, academic advice) and young people's proximal (i.e., grades) and distal academic outcomes (i.e., educational attainment). Attention was also placed on whether these relations varied as a function of family socioeconomic status or adolescents' prior achievement. The data were drawn from 15,240 10th grade students (50 % females; 57 % White, 13 % African American, 15 % Latino, 9 % Asian American, and 6 % other race/ethnicity) participating in the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002. We observed significant links between both school-based involvement and parental educational expectations and adolescents' cumulative high school grades and educational attainment. Moderation analyses revealed that school-based involvement seemed to be particularly beneficial for more disadvantaged youth (i.e., those from low-SES families, those with poorer prior achievement), whereas parents' academic socialization seemed to better promote the academic success of more advantaged youth (i.e., those from high-SES families, those with higher prior achievement). These findings suggest that academic interventions and supports could be carefully targeted to better support the educational success of all young people.
Formal syntheses of naturally occurring welwitindolinones

The formal syntheses of N-methylwelwitindolinone C isothiocyanate, N-methylwelwitindolinone C isonitrile, N-methylwelwitindolinone D isonitrile, 3-hydroxy-N-methylwelwitindolinone C isothiocyanate, and 3-hydroxy-N-methylwelwitindolinone C isonitrile are reported. The synthesis features several novel processes, including a Lewis acid mediated coupling between a benzylic-type heteroaromatic alcohol and a highly functionalized silyl ketene acetal, an intramolecular enolate arylation, and a regioselective, Pd(0)-catalyzed π-allylic cyclization of a γ-benzoyloxy enone moiety that is revealed by unmasking a furan ring.
Obesity: Understanding and Achieving a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a chronic problem that is increasing in prevalence, affecting both adults and children. A small positive energy imbalance causes the problem, but focusing on calories may not be as productive as modulating some of the economic and societal factors. Obesity increases risk of death and many diseases; weight loss provides benefits in reducing health risks and improving the quality of life. Treatments must redress the energy imbalance. Diet, lifestyle modification, and exercise are the cornerstones of treatment. Two drugs are approved by the FDA for long-term treatment, and they can effectively improve health-related risks. Bariatric surgery has become a major treatment strategy and has proven that it can reduce long-term health risks from obesity.
Blockade of CD354 (TREM-1) Ameliorates Anti-GBM-Induced Nephritis

CD354, Triggering Receptor of Myeloid Cells-1 (TREM-1), is a potent amplifier of myeloid immune responses. Our goal was to determine the expression and function of TREM-1 in immune-mediated nephritis. An anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody (anti-GBM)-induced nephritis model was employed, where mice were sensitized with rabbit IgG followed by anti-GBM serum to induce disease. Anti-GBM-treated 129x1/svJ mice developed severe nephritis whereas C57BL/6 (B6) mice were resistant to disease. Anti-GBM disease resulted in elevated renal TREM-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels and increased urine TREM-1 levels in 129x1/svJ. TREM-1 blockade with an inhibitory peptide, LP17, inhibited proteinuria and renal disease as measured by glomerulonephritis class, severity of tubulointerstitial disease, crescent formation, and inflammatory cell infiltrates. In sum, TREM-1 is upregulated in renal inflammation and plays a vital role in driving disease. Thus, TREM-1 blockade emerges as a potential therapeutic avenue for immune-mediated renal diseases such as lupus nephritis.
Endovascular Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Is Associated with Lower Incidence of Post-operative Acute Renal Failure.

Background Acute renal failure (ARF) after surgical treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an independent predictor of post-operative mortality. Open repair for ruptured AAA has been the gold standard treatment; however, there has been a recent trend in increased utilization of endovascular repair (EVAR) for treatment of ruptured AAA. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review and compare the incidence of ARF among patients treated with open versus endovascular repair of ruptured AAA. Methods American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was searched for surgeries performed for AAA during 2005–2010. Patients' demographics and co-morbidities (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease) were collected. Incidence of ARF after surgery was reviewed. We also collected American Society for Anesthesiologists scores, operating times, functional status, post-operative complications, and mortality. Results Of total 2179 operations for ruptured AAA, incidence of mortality within first 30 days after operation was 17% after EVAR for ruptured AAA and 33.2% after open repair of ruptured AAA. Incidence of ARF was 6.9% after EVAR for ruptured AAA and 13.5% after open repair of ruptured AAA. Odds ratio for mortality after open repair was 1.94 (confidence interval [CI] 1.51–2.49) when compared with EVAR (P < 0.001), and odds ratio for developing ARF after EVAR was 1.62 (CI 1.14–2.29) as compared with open AAA repair (P < 0.05) in multivariable logistic regression models. Open repair of ruptured AAA and totally dependent functional status were associated with post-operative mortality and ARF. Conclusions Incidence of mortality and post-operative ARF for ruptured AAA is significantly higher when treated with open repair, as compared to EVAR. Totally dependent functional status was associated with post-operative mortality and ARF.
The relationship between thrombin and platelets: Linking vessel injury to thrombosis and inflammation

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) does not effectively inhibit clot-bound thrombin and increases platelet reactivity, expression of P-selectin and inflammatory responses. These negative effects of UFH cannot be entirely overcome by the addition of a glycoprotein antagonist and may help explain the REPLACE-2 results.
Contextual Sensitivity and the Large Number Word Bias: When Is Bigger Really More?

Number words can be confusing, even beyond early stages of number word acquisition. In this chapter we describe possible sources of this confusion, and propose that children’s awareness of the inherent ambiguity of some numerical statements may be a unique and overlooked aspect of their “number sense.” We further propose that this potential source of individual differences may be systematically measured by testing children’s sensitivity to number words in context. For example, some children’s magnitude comparison judgments conform to a large number word bias; and the strength of this bias varies with context. Future research is needed to develop and test measures of such contextual sensitivity in number word interpretation, to develop models linking the role of numerical ambiguity to formal early mathematics learning, and to test whether responses to numerical ambiguity reflect numerical abilities specifically or foundational skills such as executive function and metacognition.
Classification of dermoscopy patterns using deep convolutional neural networks

Detection of dermoscopic patterns, such as typical network and regular globules, is an important step in the skin lesion analysis. This is one of the steps, required to compute the ABCD-score, commonly used for lesion type classification. In this article, we investigate the possibility of automatically detect dermoscopic patterns using deep convolutional neural networks and other image classification algorithms. For the evaluation, we employ the dataset obtained through collaboration with the International Skin Imaging Collaboration (ISIC), including 211 lesions manually annotated by domain experts, generating over 2000 samples of each class (network and globules). Experimental results demonstrates that we can correctly classify 88% of network examples, and 83% of globules example. The best results are achieved by a convolutional neural network with 8 layers.
Reaction of Ga x As y + clusters with NH 3

By using a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT ICR) device, semiconductor cluster ions can be observed with extremely high mass resolution (~105), and the surface physics and chemistry can be studied for a wide variety of conditions and reactants.1 Extensive discussion of the design details of this apparatus has appeared elsewhere.2,3
Evaluation of chromium(III) genotoxicity with cell culture and in vitro assays

The purpose of short-term invitro genotoxicity assays is to predict if a chemical may have a potential to cause cancer and to offer information regarding chemical mechanisms of DNA damage. These tests do not “prove” that something causes cancer, nor is there one single test that provides an unequivocal ruling that a given substance is a carcinogen. A carcinogen is generally accepted as an agent that induces neoplasms in humans or animals, increases the incidence of tumors, or speeds up the time for tumor development. The standard short-term invitro cell culture assays are carried out in bacteria and in mammalian cells. It is generally accepted that a battery of at least three tests are required, which includes assays for bacterial mutagenesis and both mammalian chromosomal aberrations and mutagenesis. Chromosomal aberrations, or visible changes to chromosome structure and morphology are also used to predict carcinogenicity. The assay measures the ability of a test chemical to be clastogenic. The strengths of invitro assays lie in the similarities between bacterial, animal, and human DNA, and the ability of DNA to react with directly genotoxic chemicals. The assays are less expensive and faster to perform than animal experiments, and initial screenings with invitro tests contribute to scientists' ability to decrease unnecessary animal testing.
ASV operability at sea: Size matters as much as hull form design

The influence of vessel size on the performance of a second generation Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV) in irregular head waves is investigated. The hull of the SWATH type ASV is optimized using a combination of high fidelity hydrodynamic numerical models to achieve minimal propulsion powering requirement as well as lower motions in waves compared to state of the art catamaran type (CAT) surface vessels currently referred to as first generation. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) assistance at sea requires the ASV to possess exceptional seakeeping qualities which hull optimization procedures aim to achieve. However, the performance of the ASV may be sensitive to the most probable wave period of the ambient environment due to the asymptotic peaks typical of SWATH vessel responses in long waves. It is the objective of this study to assess the seakeeping behavior of five different sizes of the ASV at sea to determine the limiting sea state for each vessel size. Parameters such as the significant heave and pitch motions are used to examine the operability of the vessels in five sea states. The results highlight the importance of selecting appropriate vessel size based on the predominant weather conditions of the location.
Illite dissolution kinetics from 100 to 280 °C and pH 3 to 9

Abstract Some geothermal reservoirs may require permeability enhancements (either by reactivating existing fracture networks or creating new ones) to allow sufficient fluid and heat transfer throughout the system. In these engineered geothermal systems (EGS), fluid/mineral reactivity is of interest because mineral reaction can affect fracture apertures, wall rock stability, and potential downstream precipitation. In this study we focus on the reactivity and dissolution of illite, an aluminosilicate sheet mineral common in geothermal systems, measured in flow-through experiments carried out at temperatures of 100–280 °C and pH 2.7–9.7. Under these conditions, illite dissolves readily according to: R illite = 1 × 10 - 2 · e - 58 / RT · a H + 0.55 + 2 × 10 - 5 · e - 54 / RT + 1.5 · e 77 / RT · a OH - 0.35 · f ( Δ G r ) , where Rillite represents the surface area-normalized dissolution rate. Illite dissolves congruently under alkaline pH conditions at temperatures of 100 °C and above, but as pH decreases below 5 illite dissolution is accompanied by precipitation of an aluminum oxy(hydroxide) phase identified as boehmite by X-ray diffraction of bulk samples. Precipitation of AlO(OH)(s) appears to proceed rapidly and is limited by the rate of illite dissolution in our experiments.
Effect of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors on the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction.

Lung transplant recipients (LR) have a reduced median five-year survival of approximately 55% primarily due to chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Statins have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that may facilitate CLAD prevention. This study sought to evaluate statin effect on CLAD development. Adult bilateral LR from January 2004-October 2013 were included. Statin group included recipients with early statin use and continued for minimum 6 months. Propensity score matching was performed for age, gender and native lung disease to select matched non-statin group. Competing risk approach was used to evaluate statin effect on CLAD development at 3 years while controlling for acute rejection and CMV pneumonitis. 130 patients were included in each group. CLAD cumulative incidence at 3 years for statin and non-statin groups were 20.6% (CI: 11.8%-33.5%) and 22.4% (CI: 12.2%-27.3%). Statin use was not associated with a decreased risk of CLAD (SHR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.55-1.59, p=0.80), but was associated with a decreased risk of death (SHR: 0.45, CI: 0.22-0.90, p= 0.024). At 3 years, patient survival was 81.7% in statin group and 68.3% in non-statin group (p=0.012). Statins did not significantly delay the time to development of CLAD in LR but did demonstrate a benefit in patient survival. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Wide injection range OCVD system for lifetime spectroscopy techniques

To continually increase the voltage and current capabilities of power semiconductor devices, whether pushing older materials such as Si to its' intrinsic electrical limits or by employing newer substances like SiC or GaN, a thorough understanding of the entire device is required, from the basic physics of the material and its interactions with defects and passivation, up to the complete device structure, including terminal performance and device — level limitations. Of the fundamental parameters that affect device performance, the most complex and malleable is the carrier lifetime. Carrier lifetime has a profound effect on power devices designed for high voltage applications and power devices relying on conductivity modulation. This parameter cannot be given as a ball — park figure unlike mobility (and hence diffusion coefficients) as it is affected by nearly every processing step a device undergoes: a final device can have carrier lifetimes that differ drastically from the starting bulk material. The work herein utilizes a relatively new set of techniques collectively known as Lifetime Spectroscopy (LS) methods to extract fundamental material parameters relating to recombination activity: τη 0 , τρ 0 and AEt. These LS methods directly measure recombination activity of defects and hence acquire characteristic data of defects and dopants that is complimentary in nature to the information gleaned about them from more orthodox methods such as Deep — Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS). The Open Circuit Voltage Decay (OCVD) method is used along with improved data manipulation algorithms to extract the effective carrier lifetime as injection and temperature are swept. A complete stand — alone system has been constructed that allows a very wide range of current injection (∼1mA to > 200A) and built — in OCVD waveform acquisition. The first complete Temperature — Injection Dependent Lifetime Spectroscopy (T-IDLS) studies are carried out on a small signal PiN commercial diode.
Aortic Sinus Cusps for Catheter Ablation of Supraventricular and Ventricular Arrhythmias

The aortic sinus cusps (ASCs) have been recognized as sites of catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) as well as supraventricular tachycardias. There is no myocardium within the ASCs, and catheter ablation from the ASCs ablates an arrhythmogenic substrate in the adjacent myocardium. VAs and atrial tachycardias (ATs) arising from this specific anatomical location exhibit specific electrocardiographic and electrophysiological characteristics. Because anatomically, the ASCs are located next to the right ventricular outflow tract and interatrial septum, mapping on both the right and left sides is usually required to identify a site of successful ablation. Catheter ablation of these VAs and ATs is highly successful and safe. However, since important structures such as the coronary arteries and atrioventricular conduction system are located around the ASCs, there is a potential risk of collateral damage to those structures during catheter ablation from the ASCs. Accurate recognition of the anatomy of this region is essential for successful catheter ablation and the prevention of complications associated with catheter ablation.
Single-site ventricular pacing via the coronary sinus in patients with tricuspid valve disease.

Aims To evaluate coronary sinus single-site (CSSS) left ventricular pacing in adult patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) when traditional right ventricular lead implantation is not feasible or is contraindicated. Methods and results We performed a retrospective analysis of 23 patients with tricuspid valve surgery/disease who received a CSSS ventricular pacing lead to avoid crossing the tricuspid valve. Two matched control populations were obtained from patients receiving (i) conventional right ventricular single-site (RVSS) leads and (ii) coronary sinus leads for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CSCRT). Main outcomes of interest were lead stability, electrical lead parameters and change in LVEF during long-term follow-up. Successful CSSS pacing was accomplished in all 23 patients without any procedural complications. During the 5.3 ± 2.8-year follow-up 22/23 (95.7%) leads were functional with stable pacing and sensing parameters, and 1/23 (4.3%) was extracted for unrelated reasons. Compared to CSSS leads, the lead revision/abandonment was similar with RVSS leads (Hazard ratio (HR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03, 22.0), but was higher with CSCRT leads (HR 7.41, 95% CI 1.30, 139.0). There was no difference in change in LVEF between CSSS and RVSS groups (-2.4 ± 11.0 vs. 1.5 ± 12.8, P = 0.76), but LVEF improved in CSCRT group (11.2 ± 16.5%, P = 0.002). Fluoroscopy times were longer during implantation of CSSS compared to RVSS leads (25.6 ± 24.6 min vs. 12.3 ± 18.6 min, P = 0.049). Conclusion In patients with normal LVEF, single-site ventricular pacing via the coronary sinus is a feasible, safe and reliable alternative to right ventricular pacing.
Filamin-A susceptibility to calpain-mediated cleavage as a marker of dynamic conformational changes in intact platelets

Filamin-A (FlnA), an actin-binding protein that organizes the actin cytoskeleton and mechanically links transmembrane glycoproteins to the cytoskeleton, associates with platelet receptors integrin αIIbβ3, glycoprotein-Ib (GPIb), and integrin α2β1. Fibrinogen, von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and collagen, binding to these receptors mechanically connect the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton. Here we identified that under standardized conditions, platelet activation and ligand binding to αIIbβ3, GPIb, or α2β1, generates reproducible patterns of FlnA cleavage after platelet lysis. We exploited this novel assay to study the impact of ligand binding and receptor activation on the platelet cytoskeleton. We identified that: i) the FlnA modification that renders it cleavable by calpain after platelet lysis, requires both ligand binding and either internal force (e.g; clot retraction) or external forces (e.g; stirring and aggregating), ii) FlnA modification depends on actin polymerization downstream of integrin αIIbβ3 and integrin α2β1, but not downstream of GPIb signaling, iii) FlnA modification is reversible in time when platelets are activated with convulxin (Cvx), collagen, von Willebrand factor (vWF) or thrombin receptor activating peptide (T6), and this reversibility correlates with platelet dissagregation, iv) in contrast to the reversible nature of platelet aggregation and FlnA modification by activation with Cvx, collagen, ristocetin or T6, when platelets are activated by thrombin the platelet do not disaggregate and FlnA remains cleavable. Our data demonstrate that αIIbβ3, α2β1 and GPIb can each exert tension on the cytoskeleton by virtue of binding ligand under conditions of shear. We further identified a unique role for αIIbβ3-fibrin interactions in creating sustained cytoskeletal tension, with implications for thrombus stability and clot retraction.
AlloDerm RTU Integration and Clinical Outcomes When Used for Reconstructive Breast Surgery.

Background AlloDerm Ready To Use (RTU) is a sterile version of AlloDerm regenerative tissue matrix, developed in response to concerns regarding the potential risk of infectious complications with the latter aseptic matrix. Clinical data on AlloDerm RTU use is, however, limited, particularly with respect to histologic evidence of graft integration and clinical outcomes. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent tissue-expander/implant reconstruction with the use of AlloDerm RTU from March 2011 to September 2012 were included in this analysis. Biopsies of AlloDerm RTU/capsule interface were obtained at the time of expander/implant exchange and evaluated for evidence of cellularization, vascularization, and inflammatory reaction. Data on postoperative complications were retrieved from patient records. Results A total of 116 biopsy specimens from 68 patients were obtained. At biopsy, on visual inspection, nearly all grafts were fully integrated within the host tissue. Histologically, graft specimens demonstrated mild-to-moderate neovascularization and cellular repopulation with no inflammatory cells. All patients were followed for 5 years postoperatively. Short-term postoperative complications of skin necrosis, seroma, and infection occurred in 10.3%, 4.3%, and 2.6% of reconstructions, respectively. Capsular contracture (grade 3) was the only long-term complication (5.2%). Rates of short- and long-term complications are similar to those observed in our previous experience with AlloDerm reconstructive tissue matrix. Conclusions AlloDerm RTU used in breast reconstructive surgery fully integrates and incorporates into host tissue. There were no unexpected safety concerns with its use at short-term or at long-term, at least up to 5 years of follow-up.
Ultra-Short Pulse Generation with CO$_{2}$ Lasers

Although considerable progress has been made, and several methods now permit the generation of 10 pm pulses in the picosecond range, mode-locked CO 2 oscillators do not appear to have reached their full potential. Two techniques, passive and injection mode-locking, have been used to generate pulses shorter than 100 ps and of these injection mode-locking seems to be particularly well suited to CO 2 oscillators since it is less sensitive to the short gain lifetime and rapid gain risetime of multi-atmosphere discharges. To date, no attempt to use both techniques simultaneously has been reported for CO 2 although this approach has been applied successfully to Nd: YAG oscillators (Murray & Lowdermilk 1978). Injection mode-locking is clearly a valuable tool for the study of pulse broadening mechanisms as a function of the operating pressure of the slave laser and the intensity, duration and wavelength of the injected pulses. Such investigations are of fundamental importance to the further development of ultra-short pulse CO 2 oscillators and amplifiers, and may well lead to the routine generation of pulses as short as 10 ps.
In Innovation, Is Patience A Virtue?

Patience is a virtue, if one is willing to persevere during preparation, planning and execution (program completion). Impatience is a virtue, if one, reacting to what has been learned in the lab or...
A Journey in Capacity Building: Revisiting the Mullins Framework for Meaningfully Engaging Patients in Patient Centered Outcomes Research

This paper reviews the implementation of the UNITE for Better Health Outcomes Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award project using Mullins and colleagues' Framework for Meaningfully Engaging Patients in Patient Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR) and the advantages and disadvantages of this framework. We combine Mullins' framework with the ten themes for guiding future studies in PCOR also developed by Mullins' research group. We interviewed patient stakeholders at the end of the engagement award and include patient stakeholder perspectives of how well we performed each of these steps. Despite some breakdowns in trust, which were eventually repaired, we successfully identified patient and family stakeholders; built partnerships with patients, researchers, providers, and community groups; explained the purpose of our project and the importance of PCOR; developed training materials for patients and providers; and updated our key constituents throughout the process. Overall, we believe combining Mullins' framework with the ten themes provides a solid roadmap for implementing a PCORI engagement award. Our main challenge was recruiting and keeping hard-to-reach patients and caregivers involved in the project. We believe this was due to our limitations more so than the framework. Based on the lessons we learned, we provide concrete recommendations for others who want to engage hard-to-reach patients using the Mullins framework.
High-Affinity Antibody Detection with a Bivalent Circularized Peptide Containing Antibody-Binding Domains.

Direct chemical labeling of antibody produces molecules with poorly defined modifications. Use of a small antibody-binding protein as an adapter can simplify antibody functionalization by forming a specific antibody-bound complex and introducing site-specific modifications. To stabilize a noncovalent antibody complex that may be used without chemical crosslinking, a bivalent antibody-binding protein is engineered with an improved affinity of interaction by joining two Z domains with a conformationally flexible linker. The linker is essential for the increase in affinity because it allows simultaneous binding of both domains. The molecule is further circularized using a split intein, creating a novel adapter protein ("lasso"), which binds human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) with K D = 0.53 n m and a dissociation rate that is 55- to 84-fold slower than Z. The lasso contains a unique cysteine for conjugation with a reporter and may be engineered to introduce other functional groups, including a biotin tag and protease recognition sequences. When used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the lasso generates a stronger reporter signal compared to a secondary antibody and lowers the limit of detection by 12-fold. The small size of the lasso and a long half-life of dissociation make the peptide a useful tool in antibody detection and immobilization.
Studies on the impact structural damage of composite blades

The dynamic response of jet engine fan blades subjected to foreign object impact loadings has been investigated. Two analytical methods based upon a discrete mass distribution have been used for model purposes. Numerical results for blade natural frequencies, tip displacements, and bending moments have been obtained for boron-aluminum, graphite-epoxy, titanium, and stainless steel blades. Numerical data have been discussed for the various materials considered.
Wafer-Level Packaging TSV/Stack Die for Integration of Analog and Power Solution

The development of the analog and power IC package is a dynamic technology. Both analog and power IC WLCSP applications that were unattainable only a few years ago are today commonplace thanks in part to advances in WLCSP electronic package design. From portable applications such as in mobile telecommunications to consumer electronics, each imposes its own individual demands on the development of WLCSP. To meet such a diverse range of application requirements, WLCSP range encompasses from pure analog application, power application, and system-on-chip (SOC) integration of analog, logic, mixed signal, and power device to system in package which includes individual analog, logic, and power devices, most of which are subdivided into a number of outline versions of wafer-level packaging. The analog and power WLCSP offers a high thermal dissipation enabling analog and power IC usage in some of the most demanding application areas which integrate analog, logic, and power mosfets with through-silicon via (TSV), stack die technology [1, 2]. This chapter will introduce the development of the advanced wafer-level packaging with TSV and stack die concepts for integration of analog and power solutions.
The Hard Question of Justification in Health Care Ethics Consultation

As a codification of organizing principles, taxonomies allow us to examine similarities and differences in categories at a level of abstraction that can make things clearer, and make progress along...
What we owe to family: The impact of special obligations on moral judgment

Although people often recognize the moral value of impartial behavior (i.e., not favoring specific individuals), it is unclear when, if ever, people recognize the moral value of partiality. The current studies investigated whether information about special obligations to specific individuals, particularly kin, is integrated into moral judgments. In Studies 1 and 2, agents who helped a stranger were judged as more morally good and trustworthy than those who helped kin, but agents who helped a stranger, instead of kin were judged as less morally good and trustworthy than those who did the opposite. In Studies 3 and 4, agents who simply neglected a stranger were judged as less morally bad and untrustworthy than those who neglected kin. Study 4 also demonstrated that the violation (vs. fulfillment) of perceived obligations underlaid all judgment patterns. Study 5 demonstrated boundary conditions: When occupying roles requiring impartiality, agents who helped a stranger instead of kin were judged as more morally good and trustworthy than agents who did the opposite. These findings illuminate the importance of obligations in structuring moral judgment.
10 – Higher Education

Publisher Summary Peruvians have traditionally equated higher education with what goes on in universities. With mass secondary education and surging mass demand for the professional titulo, the absence of institutions of higher education other than universities has created an extremely critical situation. This chapter examines the changing functions of Peruvian universities over time, origins of the present crisis in higher education, and a number of recent noteworthy efforts to innovate and adapt universities to modern demands. The chapter also discusses several attempts made to create new, nonuniversity programs at the level of higher education along with technical-assistance contributions from international and national organizations. Moreover, perhaps the most fundamental change in the purpose of the university took place in the organizational reforms of the 1870's. Before independence, Peruvian universities stressed the broad areas of philosophical and theological learning typical of medieval European universities. With Independence, Peruvian universities gradually took on the Napoleonic pattern of higher education in which universities function exclusively to prepare students for distinct professions.
When a story contradicts: correcting health misinformation on social media through different message formats and mechanisms

The study examined the effects of message format (narrative vs. nonnarrative) and correction mechanism (social vs. algorithmic correction) in correcting e-cigarette related misinformation on social...
Stereotyping, Empathizing, Co-constructing Uniquenesses: A Reflection on Intimacy

An important kind of intimacy can usefully be understood as occurring through the process I call co-constructing uniquenesses. Here, conceptual analysis explains this joint process, and close readi...