cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical and Chemical Properties of Mississippi River Alluvial Valley and Delta Clays: ABSTRACT

End_Page 527------------------------------Areal distributions of clay suites of the central Gulf of Mexico area have been studied mainly by X-ray diffraction, using peak-height ratios as an index to the nature of clays. This approach alone yields little information regarding effects of depositional environments. The present study couples geochemical techniques with analysis of other environmental indicators and emphasizes effects of organic and inorganic processes associated with deposition and early diagenesis. Undisturbed samples from both active environments and deep borings were utilized. Samples from freshwater alluvial valley and upper deltaic-plain environments were compared with others from brackish and saline environments of the lower delta. Laboratory techniques included X-ray radiography, X-ray radiography, X-ray d ffraction, X-ray spectrography, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and microsteam distillation. Clays deposited in channel and natural levee environments show little modification from the basic transported suite carried by the Mississippi (predominantly montmorillonite with appreciable amounts of illite and kaolinite). Minor differences attributed to seasonal fluctuations in flow regimes of major tributaries are detectable in suspended load and bottom samples. Percent organic C and cation-exchange capacities tend to decrease toward the river mouth. In the lower delta, properties of delta-front and prodelta clays show distinct gradients, reflecting velocity decrease, water-depth increase, salinity increase, and mixing with shelf clays. Clays become more kaolinitic, less calcium saturated, and more sodium saturated seaward from distributary mouths. In these environments high soluble salt content is associated with a distinct texture and lamination produced by salt flocculation. Integrated intensity ratio logs of montmorillonite-plus-illite/kaolinite from deep lower-delta borings not only exhibit trends related to delta progradation, but also show clay-mineral zonation resulting from shifting delta lobes. This zonation has been useful particularly in solving stratigraphic problems associated with diapiric mud-lump structures. Clays are introduced into upper deltaic plain fresh-water basins largely by overbank flow from the main distributaries. Paludal and lacustrine environments are characterized by low rate of detrital introduction, high rates of organic and inorganic chemical deposition, high pH (>8.0), and warm, stagnant water. Despite the fact that secondary minerals (siderite, calcium carbonate, pyrite, vivianite, etc.) in the form of nodules and cementing agents are abundant and form rapidly, the basic nature of the clay remains unaltered even after burial for several thousand years. End_of_Article - Last_Page 528------------
Aperture-Collimated Double-Gated Silicon Field Emitter Arrays

We report the fabrication and characterization of aperture-collimated double-gated silicon field emitter arrays (FEAs) with conical tips below the gate aperture. Electrical measurements show that the anode current is relatively independent of the focus voltage consistent with numerical simulation of the structure using finite-element modeling. Optical measurements show that the device produces a small beam spot, which is roughly the same size as the silicon FEA footprint with an estimated beam divergence between 0.1deg and 0.4deg that is independent of the focus voltage. The experimental results are consistent with numerical simulation of the double-gated field emitter structure with the tip below the gate. Both experimental and numerical simulation results show that the focus field factor beta F is much smaller than the gate field factor betaG . Numerical simulation of other structures with the tip above the gate and the tip in-plane with the gate show that betaF is much higher than betaG or has a comparable value to beta G
Infectious Lassa Virus, but Not Filoviruses, Is Restricted by BST-2/Tetherin

Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2/tetherin) is a cellular membrane protein that inhibits the release of HIV-1. We show for the first time, using infectious viruses, that BST-2 also inhibits egress of arenaviruses but has no effect on filovirus replication and spread. Specifically, infectious Lassa virus (LASV) release significantly decreased or increased in human cells in which BST-2 was either stably expressed or knocked down, respectively. In contrast, replication and spread of infectious Zaire ebolavirus (ZEBOV) and Lake Victoria marburgvirus (MARV) were not affected by these conditions. Replication of infectious Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and cowpox virus (CPXV) was also not affected by BST-2 expression. Elevated cellular levels of human or murine BST-2 inhibited the release of virus-like particles (VLPs) consisting of the matrix proteins of multiple highly virulent NIAID Priority Pathogens, including arenaviruses (LASV and Machupo virus [MACV]), filoviruses (ZEBOV and MARV), and paramyxoviruses (Nipah virus). Although the glycoproteins of filoviruses counteracted the antiviral activity of BST-2 in the context of VLPs, they could not rescue arenaviral (LASV and MACV) VLP release upon BST-2 overexpression. Furthermore, we did not observe colocalization of filoviral glycoproteins with BST-2 during infection with authentic viruses. None of the arenavirus-encoded proteins rescued budding of VLPs in the presence of BST-2. Our results demonstrate that BST-2 might be a broad antiviral factor with the ability to restrict release of a wide variety of human pathogens. However, at least filoviruses, RVFV, and CPXV are immune to its inhibitory effect.
Using Data to Improve Instruction: Different Approaches for Different Goals.

What data should teachers use, and how should they use these data to improve their teaching? In this review, a diverse set of literature that addresses this question is categorized according to three distinct approaches: the diagnostic approach, the methods approach, and the teacher approach. Within the diagnostic approach, teachers collect data to determine the students who need to learn specific content. Within the methods approach teachers collect data to determine the aspects of teaching that contribute to student learning. Within the teacher approach, teachers collect data to help the teacher develop beliefs and knowledge that support effective teaching. Benefits and drawbacks of these approaches are identified, and some guidelines and cautions concerning the use of data to improve instruction are discussed.
Photocatalytic activity of transition-metal-ion-doped coordination polymer (CP): photoresponse region extension and quantum yields enhancement via doping of transition metal ions into the framework of CPs.

To improve photocatalytic activity of a coordination polymer (CP) in the visible light region, five different transition metal ions (Fe3+, Cr3+, Ru3+, Co2+ and Ni2+) were introduced into its framework through an ion-exchange process. Among all the resulting transition metal ion doped coordination polymers (TMI/CPs), the one doped with Fe3+ took on the most excellent photocatalytic activity and the highest quantum yields in the visible light region, decomposing 94% Rhodamine B (RhB) in 8 hours. It can be attributed to the doping of Fe3+, which reduced the band gap (Eg) of the original CP, facilitating photocatalysis of the obtained polymer. Compared with the coordination polymer with Fe3+ as a dopant, products doped with other metal ions presented weaker photocatalytic activities in the visible light region, while under the irradiation of ultraviolet light, they showed favorable photocatalytic properties. The results suggest that to dope transition metal ions into the framework of CPs would be an ideal option for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of coordination polymers.
Effects of a summer emergent literacy intervention for rising kindergarteners

This study examined the effectiveness of a nine-week summer emergent literacy program implemented in a Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) summer program that serves families from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants were four- and five-year-old children attending a YMCA summer camp. After being placed in appropriate respective skill-level groups, children received one-hour, daily emergent literacy instruction from their camp counselors, who were trained as novice reading teachers. The teachers used emergent literacy activities to support letter-naming fluency and growth in letter-sound correspondence recognition in addition to mastery of read-aloud texts. The 28 participants experienced positive growth on both dependent measures (letter-naming fluency and letter-sound fluency), indicating the efficiency of the intervention as a tool for improving school readiness for children from low-income families. Additionally, the results suggest that beginning reading teachers may be able to conduct eff...
Molecular monitoring in CML and the prospects for treatment-free remissions

Monitoring treatment responses in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is based on complete blood counts (CBCs) to determine hematologic response, karyotyping of bone marrow metaphase cells to delineate cytogenetic response and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify expression of BCR-ABL1 mRNA (molecular response; MR) in peripheral blood. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to identify BCR-ABL1 in interphase nuclei and mutational analysis of the BCR-ABL1 kinase domain (KD) are used in certain clinical circumstances. As most patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) achieve complete cytogenetic responses (CCyRs), qPCR with its increased sensitivity and dynamic range has become the main tool used to monitor CML patients. Landmark analyses of large TKI trials have established MR milestones that identify patients with high risk of failure, are the basis of consensus management guidelines, and have led to a strong push toward qPCR test standardization. Today many laboratories report BCR-ABL1 qPCR results on the international scale (IS), a system based on the conversion of laboratory-specific numerical values to conform to a universal scale. The fact that qPCR is technically demanding and liable to assay variations poses considerable challenges for its routine clinical use. This is important as the prevalence of patients on chronic TKI therapy increases and critical clinical decisions are made based on qPCR results, for example if discontinuation of TKI therapy should be considered. Here we will review the current state of molecular monitoring in CML, focusing on qPCR, the definition of TKI failure and the results of TKI discontinuation studies.
The Interaction of Refusal and Not-at-Home Sources of Nonresponse Bias:

Refusals and not-at-homes generally are assumed to be independent sources of bias in survey research. The validity of that assumption was studied empirically and a typology of interaction for the two sources of error is presented.
Effect of physical activity on calciotropic hormones and calcium balance in rats.

The response of calciotropic hormones and bone turnover to exercise and immobilization was examined by the measurement of calcium balance, bone turnover indexes, levels of parathyroid hormone, neph...
Religion and Political Vision

Albert Hirschman recounts the story of the Polish rabbi who impressed a Krakow congregation with his psychic powers. One sabbath while saying prayers in the Remuh synagogue, he suddenly exclaimed: ‘The rabbi of Warsaw has just died.’ Since Warsaw is located over 150 miles to the north of Krakow, the people in the synagogue marveled at the clairvoyance of their rabbi. Yet doubts began to emerge when some Jews from Krakow visited Warsaw two weeks later and saw that the rabbi there was still alive — indeed, healthy enough to preside at the Sabbath services. On returning to Krakow, these Jews told their colleagues about their rabbi’s mistaken judgment. Although some of his detractors snickered, other faithful supporters rushed to his defense. ‘Oh yes,’ they retorted, ‘he may have been wrong about a few specific details. But what great vision our rabbi has.1
The Preparation and Thermodynamic Properties of Some Chiral 4-Alkyl-4′-Cyanostilbenes and Tolans

It is well established that optically active nematogens exhibit cholesteric mesophases. The term “chiral nematic” was coined by Dolphin1 to describe this general class of liquid crystals. Examples of chiral nematic liquid crystals have been synthesized based on Schiff bases1,2 aromatic esters,3 cinnamic esters4 and biphenyls.5 We have recently prepared two new series of liquid crystals with the trans stilbene and tolan structures6,7 and have now obtained the optically active analogs in these series. This paper will describe the compound preparation and list the thermodynamic properties that were obtained.
Adaptation, Evolution, and Systematics

The chapter provides a general review of the major theoretical framework and terminology of evolutionary biology. It discusses the relationship between adaptation, natural selection and evolution as well as patterns and levels of evolution. Species are the basic unit of biological diversity, and many different criteria have been proposed to identify species among living and fossil organisms. This chapter discusses the relationship between how species are related to one another through phylogeny and how this relatedness is codified in the framework of Linnean systematics.
Preparing Minority Students for Law School: The Program for Minority Access to Law School

Students of color traditionally have been under-represented in law school admissions, and those admitted have higher attrition rates than their white counterparts. In response to these concerns, law schools have instituted a number of programs in recent years designed to increase minority enrollments and retention rates. Most of these programs target minority students immediately before or during their time in law school. Receiving less attention have been programs designed to provide instruction and motivation to minority undergraduates interested in law early in their college careers. In 1991, the law schools at Northern Illinois University, the University of Illinois, and Southern Illinois University co-sponsored a pilot instructional program for minority undergraduate students. Entitled the Program for Minority Access to Law School (PMALS), the project involved six weeks of on-campus instruction at Northern Illinois University from June 17 to July 26, 1991. The primary goals of the program were to stimulate interest in the legal profession and to enhance the analytical and writing skills necessary to success in law school, thereby increasing the pool of qualified minority law applicants. This article will describe the purpose, structure, and evaluation of the pilot PMALS program. Part I will discuss the background and goals of the program. Part II will discuss the program's structure, including student recruitment and curricular design. Part III will discuss the evaluation of the program. Finally, the conclusion will discuss the role that programs such as PMALS might play in the minority recruitment and retention process.
Outside the mainstream: Novel collecting duct proteins regulating water balance

Body water balance is critical to survival and, therefore, very tightly regulated by the hypothalamus and kidney. A key mechanism involved in this process, the arginine vasopressin-mediated phosphorylation and apical membrane insertion of aquaporin 2 in the collecting duct, has been extensively studied; however, with the increased availability of conditional knockout animals, several novel collecting duct proteins have recently been implicated in water homeostasis. In this Mini-Review, we briefly discuss these novel proteins and their roles in the regulation of water homeostasis.
Isolation and Characterization of the Apolipoprotein Genes

In our laboratory, we have isolated and are in the process of characterizing cDNA and genomic clones for four of the apolipoproteins: apo A-I, apo CII, apo CIII, and apo E. Our strategy has been to identify a region of the apolipoprotein primary amino acid sequence specified by relatively unambiguous codons. We have then synthesized cDNA oligomers corresponding to all possible mRNA’s that could code for these amino acids. This mixture of oligomers is radiolabeled and used as a probe to screen a library of cDNA made from adult human liver mRNA and cloned in a plasmid vector. A cDNA clone is then radiolabeled and used as a probe to screen a library of human genomic DNA cloned in bacteriophage lambda. The selected cDNA and genomic clones were characterized by restriction endonuclease mapping, subcloning, and DNA sequencing. Chromosomal localization of the apolipoprotein genes was accomplished through the use of cDNA probes and somatic cell hybrids. In the latter technique, human cells and rodent cells were fused and then propagated in culture. During this process, the hybrids tend to lose human chromosomes. After a period of time, the hybrid cells contain the rodent genome and only a few human chromosomes. At that time, the hybrids are characterized as to which human chromosomes are still remaining, and DNA is prepared and probed for the apoprotein gene of interest. After looking at many hybrids, one observes which human chromosome is present whenever the apoprotein gene is present and which human chromosomes are absent whenever the apoprotein gene is absent.
Effect of laser treatment parameters on surface modification and tribological behavior of AISI 8620 steel

Abstract In this study, the effect of different shielding gas and laser scanning velocity on the resulting retained austenite (RA) content and tribomechanical properties of AISI 8620 steel were investigated. RA generation was comparatively lower at higher scanning velocity and with argon as the shielding gas due to lower beam interaction time and inert environment. Varied heat input and differing reaction volume resulted in different hardness levels on these samples. Air shielded samples showed slightly higher friction coefficient than the other samples due to higher surface roughness and shearing of oxide layers. The nitrogen shielded samples exhibited the best wear resistance among all samples, which was attributed to nitride formation on surface and to high hardness resulting from the laser treatment.
CARACaS multi-agent maritime autonomy for unmanned surface vehicles in the Swarm II harbor patrol demonstration

This paper describes new autonomy technology that enabled a team of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to execute cooperative behaviors in the USV Swarm II harbor patrol demonstration and provides a description of autonomy performance in the event. The new developments extend the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s CARACaS (Control Architecture for Robotic Agent Command and Sensing) autonomy architecture, which provides foundational software infrastructure, core executive functions, and several default robotic technology modules. In Swarm II, CARACaS demonstrated higher levels of autonomy and more complex cooperation than previous on-water exercises, using full-sized vehicles and real-world sensing and communication. The core autonomous behaviors to support the harbor patrol scenario included Patrol, Track, Inspect, and Trail, providing the capability of finding all vessels entering the patrol area, keeping track of them, inspecting them to infer intent, and trailing suspect vessels. Significantly, CARACaS assumed responsibility for not only executing tasks safely and efficiently but also recognizing what tasks needed to be accomplished, given the current state of the world. Since the heterogeneous USV teams shared world model that evolved, such as due to (dis)appearance of vessels in the area or a change in health or availability of a USV, CARACaS replanned to generate and reallocate the new task list. Thus, human intervention was never required in the loop to task USVs during mission execution, though a supervisory role was supported in the autonomy system for mission monitoring and exception handling. Finally, CARACaS also ensured the USVs avoided hazards and obeyed the applicable rules of the road, using its local motion planning modules.
Management and Survival of Adult Patients with Pilocytic Astrocytoma in the National Cancer Database.

Background Adult pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) are relatively rare central nervous system (CNS) tumors with a favorable prognosis. We sought to investigate existing clinical management strategies and overall survival (OS) as a function of various clinical characteristics in a cohort of adult patients with PA. Methods The study cohort comprised all patients age >18 years diagnosed with a CNS PA diagnosed between 2004 and 2014 and included in the National Cancer Database. Clinical and treatment-related characteristics were recorded and analyzed for associations with OS following diagnosis using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results A total of 3057 adult patients, with a median age of 32 years, met the inclusion criteria. At diagnosis, 1138 patients (41%) had cerebral tumors, 832 (30%) had cerebellar tumors, 252 (9%) had tumors of the spinal cord, and 534 (19%) had tumors of unspecified location. More than three-quarters (77%) of the patients underwent surgery alone as local therapy, with the remainder split among surgery plus radiation (11.9%), radiation alone (4.5%), and biopsy alone (6.9%). On multivariate analysis, factors associated with inferior OS included older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05; P Conclusions Our data provide large-scale prognostic information from a contemporary cohort of patients with PA, confirming that age, median income, Charlson/Deyo Score, and tumor size have significant effects on OS. Although resection status, tumor size, and location likely bias against EBRT, novel therapeutics are clearly needed in patients with tumors not amenable to resection or radiosurgery.
Detailed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Analysis in Infantile Spasms.

Purpose:To evaluate initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in infantile spasms, correlate them to clinical characteristics, and describe repeat imaging findings.Methods:A retrospect...
Development of Positron Emission Tomography Radiotracers for the GABA Transporter 1.

In vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor complex has been accomplished using radiolabeled benzodiazepine derivatives, but development of specific presynaptic radioligands targeting the neuronal membrane GABA transporter type 1 (GAT-1) has been less successful. The availability of new structure–activity studies of GAT-1 inhibitors and the introduction of a GAT-1 inhibitor (tiagabine, Gabatril) into clinical use prompted us to reinvestigate the syntheses of PET ligands for this transporter. Initial synthesis and rodent PET studies of N-[11C]methylnipecotic acid confirmed the low brain uptake of that small and polar molecule. The common design approach to improve blood–brain barrier permeability of GAT-1 inhibitors is the attachment of a large lipophilic substituent. We selected an unsymmetrical bis-aromatic residue attached to the ring nitrogen by a vinyl ether spacer from a series recently reported by Wanner and coworkers. Nucleophilic aromatic substitut...
The Transmission Process

I must confess some vested interests in this topic. I first discussed it in a paper with Karl Brunner, more than thirty-five years ago (Brunner and Meltzer, 1963). I have returned to the topic many times, most recently in a published symposium (Meltzer, 1995). I will refrain from reviewing these earlier studies, although I will refer in passing to some of the main ideas. I will concentrate on two topics. They do not exhaust the subject, but they raise issues that I believe are central.
Conversion of N6-isopentenyladenine to zeatin by Actinidia tissues.

Abstract Tissue cultures grown from stem explants of three Actinidia species and a hybrid species rapidly converted N6-isopentenyladenine (i6Ade) to zeatin (io6Ade), a potent hydroxylated cytokinin. Within 24 h on 50 uM i6Ade, callus tissues of A. chinensis × arguta accumulated 83 ± 6 nmol/g io6Ade which was purified using HPLC and identified by its characteristic UV and mass spectra. Activity converting i6Ade to io6Ade was also demonstrated in stem segments from intact plants where it was low in the tip (3 cm), highest in the region corresponding to rapid leaf growth and very low in the mature stem. Root segments converted i6Ade to io6Ade almost as rapidly as the most active region of the stem while leaf petioles produced little io6Ade. Fruits of A. arguta and A. chinensis produced little or no io6Ade, respectively.
Impact of Perioperative Neurologic Deficits on Clinical Outcomes After Posterior Cervical Fusion.

Background In the United States, the number of posterior cervical fusions has increased substantially. Perioperative neurologic complications associated with this procedure, such as spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries, can have significant effects on patient health. We examined the impact of perioperative neurologic deficits on mortality in patients undergoing posterior cervical fusion. The secondary aim was to understand the risk factors for perioperative neurologic complications. Methods Data were collected from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Health Cost Utilization Project (HCUP) between 1999 and 2011. Patients younger than 18 years and older than 80 years were excluded, as were patients who underwent posterior cervical fusion caused by trauma. Patient demographics and comorbidities were compiled as well as variables that have been associated with increased risk of perioperative neurologic deficits. We used the van Walraven score, a weighted numeric surrogate for the Elixhauser comorbidity index, as a covariate to assess comorbidities that have been associated with in-hospital mortality and morbidity after posterior cervical fusion. In addition, we performed univariate comparisons between covariates and surgical outcomes. We conducted a multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for many of the covariates, as well as trend analyses. Results An analysis of 33,644 patients yielded an overall rate of perioperative neurologic deficits, morbidity, and mortality of 1.08%, 40.44%, and 1.00%, respectively. Perioperative neurologic deficits were independent risk factors predictors of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 5.270; P Conclusions Perioperative neurologic deficits are serious complications of posterior cervical fusion and can independently predict in-hospital mortality and morbidity. As this procedure continues to be used increasingly, attention should be directed toward preventing these complications and intervening earlier in patients who have a neurologic deficit. Future efforts should be geared toward screening for at-risk patients with the initiation of surgical prehabilitation.
A 60 GHz phased array with measurement and de-embedding techniques

We present a 60 GHz phased array system that combines several key technologies to realize 10 GHz bandwidth coverage. Particularly, a tightly coupled dipole array centered at 60 GHz is designed and tested for its wideband performance. The tightly coupled dipole elements offer excellent wideband behavior of 10 GHz with voltage standing wave ratio < 3 with scanning to 45°, as well as low cost printed circuit board fabrication. Additionally, we demonstrate a measurement setup with de-embedding procedure to measure gain at the antenna feed point. A feeding structure was designed and fabricated for de-embedding gain pattern measurements. Recovered measurements are shown to be in agreement with simulation.
Treatment of Unresectable Adult Pilocytic Astrocytoma with Bevacizumab with or without Temozolomide (P01.097)

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that bevacizumab (bev) with or without temozolomide (TMZ) might be effective in treating unresectable pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) in adults. BACKGROUND: PA is a WHO Grade I tumor that is often not completely resectable. TMZ, an alkylating agent, and bev, a blocker of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), are both approved for treatment of glioblastoma. Pathological studies have shown VEGF expression in PA. DESIGN/METHODS: We reviewed cases of unresectable PA treated with bev with or without TMZ. We identified 11 patients, 6 male and 5 female, with a median age of 31 years. Six were hypothalamic, 2 thalamic, 2 pineal, and 1 midbrain. Three patients were treated in the up-front setting, and 8 were treated for progression after radiation therapy. Four patients had received prior chemotherapy, 2 with TMZ and 1 each PCV and carboplatin. Treatment consisted of bev 5 mg/kg every 14-21 days, with or without TMZ 150-200 mg/sq m every 5 of 28 days. MR scans were graded according to Macdonald criteria. RESULTS: Seven patients were treated with TMZ plus bev and 4 with bev monotherapy. Median duration of therapy was 494 days for bev and 281 days for TMZ. Ten patients (91%) achieved a partial response and 1 no response. Cyst volumes were decreased in 6 of 7 tumors (86%) with multicystic change. Visual field or extraocular movement deficits improved significantly in 5 patients. One patient experienced symptomatic intratumoral hemorrhage. One patient died after craniotomy for hemorrhagic tumor progression. Only 1 patient progressed on bev. Median time to progression on bev was 575 days. CONCLUSIONS: Bev when administered with or without TMZ is effective in unresectable adult PA and deserves a Phase II study. Disclosure: Dr. Green has nothing to disclose. Dr. Woyshner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Quan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pope has received personal compensation for activities with Genentech and Hoffman-La Roche as a consultant. Dr. Cloughesy has received personal compensation for activities with Genentech, Inc., Hoffman-La Roche, Merck Serono, and Celgene as a consultant.
Enriching Our Understanding of Health Care Management Journals: A Career Value and Cognitive Mapping Approach

Health management-related journals embody the place where scholarly and professional knowledge resides. Stakeholders—academicians, universities, libraries, and publishers—harbor interest in journal...
Zeon and Idem-Clifford Formulations of Boolean Satisfiability

The Boolean satisfiability problem (SAT) is the problem of determining whether the variables of a given Boolean formula can be consistently replaced by true or false in such a way that the formula evaluates to true. In fact, SAT was the first known NP-complete problem. In recent years, SAT has found numerous industrial applications, particularly in model checking tools. In the current work, three approaches to Boolean satisfiability based on Clifford subalgebras are presented. In the first approach, an “idem-Clifford” algebraic test for satisfiability is presented. This test is straightforward to implement symbolically (e.g., using Mathematica), but does not yield the specific solution sets for a given formula. In the second approach, nilpotent adjacency matrix methods are extended to Boolean formulas in order to determine not only whether or not a Boolean formula is satisfiable but to explicitly obtain all solutions. This approach requires the construction of a graph associated with a given Boolean formula. Finally, a “new” algebraic framework is developed that combines the convenience of the first approach with the power of the second, recovering explicit solutions without the need to construct graphs. The algebraic formalism presented here readily lends itself to symbolic computations and provides the theoretical basis of a Clifford-algebraic SAT solver.
A Silent Build-up in Seismic Energy Precedes Slow Slip Failure in the Cascadia Subduction Zone

We report on slow earthquakes in Northern Cascadia, and show that continuous seismic energy in the subduction zone follows specific patterns leading to failure. We rely on machine learning models to map characteristic energy signals from low-amplitude seismic waves to the timing of slow slip events. We find that patterns in seismic energy follow the 14-month slow slip cycle. Our results point towards a recurrent build-up in seismic energy as the fault approaches failure. This behavior shares a striking resemblance with our previous observations from slow slips in the laboratory.
Expansions of Topologies by Locally Finite Collections

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses under what conditions on the collection A will a given topological property be preserved under an expansion of the topology by A? The properties studied are regularity, complete regularity, paracompactness, metrizability, and stratifiability. Borges has given, in the case of simple expansions, necessary and sufficient conditions for the preservation of the topological properties. Properties are preserved under an expansion by a finite collection if it is preserved under each related simple expansion.
Research at the Point of Care: Using Electronic Medical Record Systems to Generate Clinically Meaningful Evidence.

Context Health care leaders have recommended the use of health information technology to improve the quality of patient care. In athletic training, using informatics, such as electronic medical rec...
Advanced Non-linear Control Technique for Current-Fed Full-Bridge DC-DC Converter

Boost and boost derived DC-DC converters exhibit the phenomenon of unstable zero dynamics. This leads to zero in the right-half of the s-plane, thereby making the DC-DC converters bandlimited. Applying advanced control techniques that require system inversion to cancel the non-linearities cannot be implemented since a zero in right-half plane leads to a right-half plane pole which is not a feasible pole-zero cancellation. This paper proposes a non-linear inversion control technique which implements an output re-definition technique to design a controller for a non-minimum phase system. The paper uses an example of boost derived full-bridge (current-fed) DC-DC converter. The paper models and analyzes the zero dynamics and discusses the method used to stabilize the zero dynamics. Further, input-output feedback linearization control is implemented deriving the control law. Simulation results are presented, where detailed analysis shows the proposed technique offers multiple advantages.
Linguistic and nonlinguistic processing speed across age-matched normal healthy controls and individuals with left-hemisphere damage, with and without aphasia

Background: Slowed language production and comprehension in people with aphasia (PWA) is frequently cited as a characteristic of the disorder, even after full recovery. However, results supporting ...
The role of extracurricular activities and lectures in mitigating medical student burnout

Context Strong evidence throughout the literature highlights burnout as a significant and increasing problem among medical students, impacting students' ability to effectively care for and empathize with patients. Objectives To examine how involvement in extracurricular activities and attendance at burnout lectures can impact burnout among medical students. Methods An anonymous digital survey including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was sent to all students (n=765) at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. The survey included questions regarding the number of burnout/wellness lectures respondents had attended, the number of clubs in which the respondents participated, the number of hours spent in these clubs, and any leadership positions held by the respondents. Results Of the 765 students enrolled, 597 completed the survey. Results indicated that women participated in significantly more clubs than men (t[456]=-4.30; p Conclusions Our results indicate the importance of understanding what drives burnout on the individual level and adapting interventions to suit the needs of individual students, rather than the student body as a whole.
Worsening heart failure: challenges as a therapeutic target.

Worsening heart failure (WHF) has been proposed over the years as a clinically relevant endpoint in assessing therapies for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) [(1)][1]. Although varied across different studies, WHF was often defined as “either failure to improve (persistent symptoms and
Media, Markets, and Democracy by C. Edwin Baker. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 2002. 375 pp

(2003). Media, Markets, and Democracy by C. Edwin Baker. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 2002. 375 pp. American Journalism: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 109-110.
The Decline of Professionalism

t is my hope that the subject of my remarks today, the decline of professionalism, meets the stern criteria defined by the Founder of the Society, Benjamin Franklin. In fixing the standard of promoting "luseful knowledge:' Walter Massey wrote that Franklin's purpose was to stimulate ideas worthwhile to society. A serious decline in professionalism in any of the learned professions is inevitably injurious to the society in which it functions, and in order to evaluate the seriousness of such a decline, one must examine the setting in which that decline occurs. We must ask whether it is isolated and peculiar to one profession or whether there is also a decline in other professions and other human activities. I see disturbing evidence that there has been a broad decline in professionalism over the past twenty or twenty-five years, not only in the three learned professions in the clergy, in medicine, and in the law-but in many other important activities. For example, those who serve in the "money markets" including "Wall Street," in banks, and in savings and loan institutions -have inflicted severe damage on the public. Some have called this period a "Greed Era." The decline of professionalism, especially in the law, has taken on epidemic dimensions. I do not make such a statement lightly. John J. Yanas, President of the New York State Bar Association, recently stated: "Greed and avarice seem to permeate every facet of life in this country and the practice of law has not proven to be immune. . . ." He then goes on to state:
Inhibition of caspases by cytokine response modifier A blocks androgen ablation-mediated prostate cancer cell death in vivo.

Abstract Androgen withdrawal is a major therapeutic modality in the treatment of prostate cancer. Although tumors initially respond, they subsequently relapse, and these recurring tumors are androgen independent. To examine possible mechanisms to explain the androgen independence of prostate cancer, we have expressed cytokine response modifier A (CrmA), a competitive inhibitor of caspases, interleukin 1β-converting enzyme-like proteases, which mediate apoptotic cell death, in the human androgen-dependent prostate cancer cell line LNCaP. LNCaP cells require androgens for continuous growth in culture and to form tumors in nude mice. The expression of CrmA in LNCaP cells prevented the decreased growth rate induced by androgen withdrawal in tissue culture. When CrmA-expressing LNCaP (LNCaP-CrmA) cells were implanted s.c. in nude mice, the tumors grew six times faster than parental cells. Androgen ablation by castration before tumor implantation suppressed the ability of control LNCaP cells expressing nonfunctional CrmA mutant (R291T) to form tumors, but LNCaP-CrmA cells formed tumors similar in size to those formed in normal mice. When orchiectomy was performed 10 days after tumor implantation, control LNCaP cells expressing a nonfunctional CrmA mutant (R291T) regressed, but LNCaP-CrmA tumors continued to grow. Thus, inhibition of caspases prevents androgen withdrawal-induced prostate cancer cell death, suggesting that caspase activation is normally an important part of this process.
Cost-Effectiveness and Health Care Utilization in a Multidisciplinary Pain Center: Comparison of Three Treatment Groups

Recent literature supports the efficacy of multidisciplinary pain management in treating persons suffering from chronic pain. However, the components of multidisciplinary pain management need to be evaluated in terms of effects on patients' quality of life as well as saving of future health care dollars. Therefore, cost-effectiveness of three treatment groups was compared by examining treatment outcome, posttreatment health care costs, and posttreatment health care visits. Results revealed that patients receiving both medical and psychological treatment (multidisciplinary pain management) exhibited the largest improvements in functional capacity, while being the least costly after their treatment program had ended. In contrast, patients who received only medical treatment exhibited significant deterioration in outcome after their treatment ended, and consumed substantially more posttreatment health care dollars.
Mechanism of interferon action: effect of double-stranded RNA and the 5'-O-monophosphate form of 2',5'-oligoadenylate on the inhibition of reovirus mRNA translation in vitro

The effect of reovirus double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and 5'-O-monophosphate form of 2',5'-oligoadenylate (pA(2'p5'A)2) on the translation and degradation of reovirus messenger RNA and on protein phosphorylation was examined in extracts prepared from interferon-treated mouse L fibroblasts. The following results were obtained. 1) The enhanced degradation of reovirus [3H]mRNA observed in the presence of either dsRNA or the 5'-O-triphosphate form of 2',5'-oligoadenylate (pppA(2'p5'A)3) was completely blocked by pA(2'p5'A)2. 2) The dsRNA-dependent phosphorylation of protein P1 and the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF-2) depended in a similar manner upon the concentration of dsRNA and was optimal at low dsRNA concentrations (0.1 to 1 microgram/ml). However, high concentrations of dsRNA (greater than 100 micrograms/ml) drastically reduced the phosphorylation of both P1 and eIF-2 alpha. Neither P1 nor eIF-2 alpha phosphorylation was affected by either pA(2'p5'A)2 or pppA(2'p5'A)3. 3) The translation of reovirus mRNA in vitro was inhibited by the addition of either low concentrations of dsRNA or pppA(2'p5'A)3. Whereas pA(2'p5'A)2 completely reversed the pppA(2'p5'A)3-mediated inhibition of translation, the inhibition mediated by low concentrations of dsRNA was only partially reversed by pA(2'p5'A)2. Under conditions where the pppA-(2'p5'A)3mediated degradation of reovirus mRNA was blocked, the translation of reovirus mRNA was still inhibited by low but not by high concentrations of dsRNA in a manner that correlated with the activation of P1 and eIF-2 alpha phosphorylation. These results suggest that the pppA(2'p5'A)n-dependent ribonuclease is not required and that protein phosphorylation may indeed be sufficient for the dsRNA-dependent inhibition of reovirus mRNA translation in cell-free systems derived from interferon-treated mouse fibroblasts.
Vortex identification in the wake of a model wind turbine array

abstractVortex identification techniques are used to analyse the wake of a 4 × 3 array of model wind turbines. The Q-criterion, Δ-criterion, and λ2-criterion are applied to particle image velocimetry data gathered fore and aft of the last row centerline turbine. The Q-criterion and λ2-criterion provide a clear indication of regions where vortical activity exists, while the Δ-criterion is not successful. Galilean decomposition, Reynolds decomposition, vorticity, and swirling strength are used to further understand the location and behaviour of the vortices. The techniques identify and display the high-magnitude vortices in high-shear zones resulting from the blade tips. Using Galilean and Reynolds decomposition, swirling motions are shown encapsuling vortex regions in agreement with the identification criteria. The Galilean decompositions selected are 20% and 50% of a convective velocity of 7 m/s. As the vortices convect downstream, the strength of the vortices decreases in magnitude, particularly in the f...
Effects of high-rate talkers on group voting behavior in the leaderless-group problem-solving situation.

-This study investigated the bases of voting behavior by naive Ss for a group member who is high in the hierarchy of verbal output among the group but not superior in correctness of his decisions in response to various problems presented. 12 groups of female Ss [3 naive Ss and an experimental corroborator (incognito to the naive Ss)] were to solve 30 relatively unstructured concept-formation problems, discuss their solutions, and then vote for a "leader" for each of the problems. It was shown that non-perceptive Ss attribute the collaborator with significantly more perceptions of correctness than perceptive Ss and, correspondingly, take away a significant number of perceptions of correctness from individuals who rank low in the duration hierarchy.
Fracture toughness of exponential layer-by-layer polyurethane/poly(acrylic acid) nanocomposite films

This paper characterizes the fracture toughness of layer-by-layer (LBL) manufactured thin films with elastic polyurethane, a tough polymer, and poly(acrylic acid) as a stiffening agent. A single-edge-notch tension (SENT) specimen is used to study mode I crack propagation as a function of applied loading. Experimental results for the full-field time histories of the strain maps in the fracturing film have been analyzed to obtain R-curve parameters for the nanocomposite. In particular, by using the strain maps, details of the traction law are measured. A validated finite strain phenomenological visco-plastic constitutive model is used to characterize the nanocomposite film while a discrete cohesive zone model (DCZM) is implemented to model the fracture behavior. The LBL manufactured nanocomposite is found to display a higher fracture toughness than the unstiffened base polymer.
Factors Involved in Hatching Chicken and Turkey Eggs at High Elevations A Progress Report of the First Year of Work on the Effect of Additional Oxygen upon Embryonic Growth and Mortality.

Abstract IT IS a recognized fact that it is more difficult to secure satisfactory hatches at higher than at lower elevations. The hatching difficulty is not due to feeding, breeding, or management, as eggs produced at higher elevations will hatch satisfactorily if shipped to lower elevations for incubation. Eggs produced at lower elevations will produce poorer hatches if incubated at higher elevations. At sea level the air exerts a pressure of about 760 mm. Hg. Approximately 20 percent of this is oxygen, which would exert a partial pressure of 152 mm. Hg. Partial pressure refers to the amount of air pressure due to a specific gas fraction of the atmosphere. At Laramie, the location of the Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, the elevation is about 7,200 feet. The air exerts a pressure of about 580 mm. Hg. Approximately 20 percent of this is due to oxygen, which accordingly exerts a partial pressure . . .
Embolotherapy of upper gastrointestinal

Angiography is indicated for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage that does not respond to medical or endoscopic therapy. Therapeutic options include vasopressin infusion and embolotherapy. Although initial studies showed a high early success rate with intra-arterial infusions of vasopressin, there is a high rate of recurrent hemorrhage. Embolotherapy, however, occludes the bleeding vessel and is less prone to rebleeding. The stomach is richly vascularized, allowing for the safe and appropriate use of embolic agents with a low risk of ischemia. This article outlines the techniques and results for controlling various causes of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.