cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adoption of ISHLT Recommendations for Psychosocial Evaluation of LVAD Candidates

Purpose The 2018 ISHLT Recommendations for psychosocial (PS) evaluation of adult cardiothoracic and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) candidates includes four domains: risk factors, knowledge and understanding regarding decision making, assessing individual resources, and specific considerations for MCS to guide patient selection. This study examined healthcare providers’ attitudes towards clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), assessed adoption of the PS elements of ISHLT's 2018 recommendations, and factors associated with adoption of the recommendations. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of LVAD coordinators at all 183 North American centers in both INTERMACS and CMS databases. The questionnaire, developed with consideration of relevant CPG and PS literature and distributed via mail and email, requested characteristics of respondents and staff member(s) responsible for PS assessment, beliefs regarding CPG's, methods for assessment, contextual barriers impacting assessment processes, and adoption of the PS recommendations. Qualitative responses were coded independently by two researchers. Quantitative responses were analyzed utilizing descriptive and bivariate statistics. Results The 58 responding centers (38%) were from 29 U.S. states and one Canadian province, with a total adult implant volume of 1,183 (R= 0 - 85; mean 21.5) in 2018. All respondents (100%) felt CPGs improved post-operative care. Most (87.9%) felt they had adopted the ISHLT PS recommendations and that the recommendations were consistent with their clinical practice (94.8%). Few (17.5%) believed that PS evaluation was a challenge at their institution and PS domain assessments were generally completed for 83.5% to 85.5% of patients, though a few centers reported completion rates as low as 10%. We identified no statistically significant association among clinician-level or hospital level factors and adoption of the recommendations. Reported challenges to adoption including having no clear method to complete the assessments and recommendations being too difficult to adopt into clinical practice. Conclusion LVAD center staff generally adopted the assessment elements of the 2018 ISHLT Recommendations and agree that CPGs improve post-operative care. While most patients are assessed, opportunities exist to reduce barriers to adoption of ISHLT Recommendations.
Navigation Through Proxy Measurement of Location by Surface Detection

The purpose of the work presented here is to build an intelligent mobile system which is capable of detecting the type of floor on which it is moving. This information can further be used for the measurement of the location based on the surface type. This has been achieved through building a surface classification model by training the model on the data collected by an inertial measurement units (IMU) sensor. The inertial features of each of the considered surface types are captured by moving the system containing embedded IMU sensor with raspberry pi on different surfaces. Hence, a robust and portable system is developed which is capable of recognizing the type of surface on which it is navigating.
Ultrasound assessment of peripheral intravenous catheters by nurses in the pediatric intensive care unit.

Objective:Establish the feasibility of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurse-directed ultrasound assessment (UA) of peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters, compare the results of UA to traditi...
Immersive Environments: Learning in Augmented + Virtual Reality

We articulate a framework for CSCL researchers to consider when designing activities for learning and participation in immersive environments. We begin with a description of the framework that includes five types of immersive qualities, four of which have been written about in previous frameworks–Sensory, Actional, Narrative, and Social. We believe the fifth quality called Emancipatory immersion, advances the field by providing a sense of purpose for learning and participation that is larger than oneself that can transform identities and conceptions of empowerment and action. We then use the SANSE framework to investigate synergies with these qualities among four genres of immersive environments that CSCL researchers have investigated: (1) Headset VR; (2) Desk-Top Virtual Worlds; (3) Space-Based AR; and (4) Place-Based AR. We intend to contribute to dialogue about the kinds of designs for immersive tools the field can and should be thinking about to improve educational conditions.
Amide directed iridium C(sp3)–H borylation catalysis with high N-methyl selectivity

Abstract A bidentate monoanionic ligand system was developed to enable iridium catalyzed C(sp3)–H activation borylation of N-methyl amides. Borylated amides were obtained in moderate to good isolated yields, and exclusive mono-borylation allowed the amide to be the limiting reagent. Selectivity for C(sp3)–H activation was demonstrated in the presence of sterically available C(sp3)–H bonds. Competitive kinetic isotope studies revealed a large primary isotope effect, implicating C–H activation as the rate limiting step.
Crystal nucleation and growth kinetics in batch evaporative crystallization

This research was undertaken to study the applicability of the population balance and other analysis techniques uiied in the study of continuous crystallizecs to batch crystalli­ zation. A general population balance equation was derived for batch crystallization and was solved by assuming the crystal growth rate to be a product of two functions, one a function of crystallization time (t) only and the other a function of characteristic crystal length (L) only. The usefulness of the moment equations together with the mass balance in solving the population balance to obtain the popu­ lation density as a function of the independent variables t and L was illustrated by considering a batch evaporative crystalllzer subject to the constraints of constant growth rate and homogeneous nucleation. The moment equations and the mass balance for two other modes of operation of the batch crystalllzer were solved on the analog computer and the plots of population density as a function of crystal size for different times of crystallization were obtained. A batch evaporative crystallization apparatus was built and several crystallization runs were made using the potassium sulfate system. The experimental crystal size distributions obtained for different times of crystallization showed that the crystal growth rate was size dependent and the population distributions for different crystallization times appeared to
Formate Dehydrogenase from Clostridium Thermoaceticum

Clostridium thermoaceticum is an obligate anaerobic and thermophilic bacterium. It ferments various sugars to acetate, which is the only product, and from one mole of hexose almost three moles of acetate are formed.1 The fermentation of glucose is via the Embden-Meyerhof glycolytic pathway to pyruvate.2 Half of the pyruvate is oxidized by pyruvate-ferredoxin reductase to yield acetate, CO2 and reduced ferredoxin.3 Carbon dioxide serves as the acceptor of electrons generated during the fermentation of glucose and in the oxidation of pyruvate. The CO2 is reduced to a methyl group, which with the carboxyl group of the other half of pyruvate formed in the glycolysis is converted to acetate.4 The fermentation of glucose by C. thermoaceticum can be summarized as follows: $${{\rm{C}}_{\rm{6}}}{{\rm{H}}_{{\rm{12}}}}{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{6}}}{\rm{ + }}{{\rm{H}}_{\rm{2}}}{\rm{O}} \to {\rm{C}}{{\rm{H}}_3}{\rm{COCOOH + C}}{{\rm{H}}_{\rm{3}}}{\rm{COOH}} + {\rm{C}}{{\rm{O}}_2} + 6{\rm{H}}$$ (1) $${\rm{C}}{{\rm{H}}_3}{\rm{COCOH}} + {\rm{C}}{{\rm{O}}_2} + 6{\rm{H}} \to 2{\rm{C}}{{\rm{H}}_3}{\rm{COOH}} + {{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{O}}$$ (2) $${\rm{Sum}}:{\rm{ }}{{\rm{C}}_{\rm{6}}}{{\rm{H}}_{{\rm{12}}}}{{\rm{O}}_{\rm{6}}} \to {\rm{3C}}{{\rm{H}}_{\rm{3}}}{\rm{COOH}}$$ (3)
Non-parametric information geometry and multi-scale models of texture

We develop a novel algorithmic representation of textures using the statistics of multiple spectral components of images. Histograms of filter responses are viewed as elements of a non-parametric statistical manifold, and local texture patterns are compared using a geodesic metric derived from Riemannian information geometry. Several region-based image segmentation experiments are carried out to test the proposed representation and metric. This representation of textures is applied to the development of a spectral cartoon model of images.
Scholarly publishing: the electronic frontier

Scholarly publishing is changing and the changes will have an impact on all members of the academic community and on how they will go about creating and maintaining scholarship."Scholarly Publishing: The Electronic Frontier" examines the critical issues facing universities, academics, libraries, and scholarly presses in the turbulent time when publishing is likely moving from a print to an electronic paradigm. The essays by all of the major participants in this "electronic revolution" explore the technical, social, and organizational impact of computer-mediated communication. They examine both ends of the continuum and everything in between--from how the system might be completely overhauled to a gradual retrenching where much remains the same but paper is no longer the communication medium. Some of the subjects, implicit in the various possible futures for scholarly publishing and covered here, include the role of the library with respect to electronic publications, protection of intellectual and economic property, and plagiarism.
Complexity scalable MPEG-2 to WMV transcoder with adaptive error compensation

In this paper, we study the problem of video transcoding from MPEG-2 to WMV format, together with several desired functionalities such as bit rate reduction etc. We propose two architectures (for different typical application scenarios) that are unique in their complexity scalability and adaptive drifting error control, which in return provide a mechanism to achieve desired trade-off between the complexity and the quality. A simple model-based rate control algorithm is also presented. We performed extensive experiments for various design targets such as complexity scalability, performance tradeoff, drifting control effect etc. The proposed transcoding architectures can be straightforwardly applied to the MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 transcoding applications due to the significant overlap between the MPEG-4 and WMV coding technology.
Relation Elements for the Semantic Web

The investigation into the intrinsic nature of relations has led to the development of the Relation Element theory. At present, there is no significant initiative to comprehensively describe the intrinsic nature of relations in ontological representations for the Semantic Web. The use of relation elements can describe the nature of relations in knowledge domains beyond the capabilities of currently popular knowledge representation paradigms for the Semantic Web such as OWL and DAML. With this in mind, this paper presents an implementation of the relation element theory for the Semantic Web using the reification feature of RDF/RDFS. The reasons for the inability to use DAML or OWL for defining relation elements are discussed with possible solutions. Finally, some of the possible benefits of using relation elements to define the intrinsic nature of relations for Semantic Web applications are also proposed and demonstrated in this paper.
Generalized expressions for the minimum time interval between consecutive arrivals at an idealized railway station

The basis of analysis in the paper is the operating philosophy stipulating that the distance between two successive vehicles must be no less than the following vehicle's stopping distance based on emergency braking capabilities. The spacing constraint introduced includes an integral term to account for the distance consumed while a vehicle's emergency braking system is responding to a signal to commence deceleration. The modeling presented implicitly assumes a capability to continuously measure the exact distance between successive vehicles.
Restoration of stance phase knee flexion during walking after spinal cord injury using a variable impedance orthosis

A hybrid neuroprosthesis (HNP) combines lower extremity bracing with functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) to restore walking function and enhance the efficiency of ambulation. This report details the development of a novel HNP containing a variable impedance knee mechanism (VIKM) capable of supporting the knee against collapse while allowing controlled stance phase knee flexion. The design of a closed loop, finite state controller for coordination of VIKM activity with FNS-driven gait is presented. The controller is verified in testing during able bodied gait. The improved functionality provided by this system has the potential to delay the onset of fatigue and to expand FNS driven gait to allow walking over uneven terrains and down stairs.
Sex-related response to organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides in adult Oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta.

During the development of a resistance-monitoring bioassay that uses males as the life-stage tested, the relationship of adult female and male susceptibility of Grapholita molesta to different classes of insecticides was investigated. Preliminary results indicated that more males survived diagnostic doses of azinphos-methyl than females. Additional research revealed that, although the body mass of adult male G molesta was only 69% of that of female moths (5.67 and 8.20 mg, respectively), their LC50 values were 2.6, 4.1 and 10.3 times higher than those of females for azinphos-methyl, malathion and parathion-methyl, respectively. However, female G molesta moths were more tolerant to methomyl than were male moths. There was no indication that this sex-related response occurred in G molesta larvae. The results presented here raise concerns regarding the use of pheromone traps for determining whether insecticide treatments are required and as part of resistance monitoring programs. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
A Single Amino Acid Mutation in the Envelope Cytoplasmic Tail Restores the Ability of an Attenuated Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Mutant To Deplete Mucosal CD4+ T Cells

ABSTRACT Disruption of the conserved motif GYxxO in the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) SIVmac239 envelope (Env) cytoplasmic tail resulted in a virus (ΔGY) that exhibited a high plasma peak but uniquely failed to acutely deplete mucosal CD4 + T cells. Here, we show that ΔGY containing a flanking S727P mutation that was acquired in ΔGY-infected macaques reacquired the ability to rapidly deplete CD4 + T cells in lamina propria. This suggests that the GYxxO motif and S727P each contribute to SIV9s targeting to mucosal tissues.
Correlation of the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) in Patients With Dysphonia

Summary Objectives This study examines the correlation between two voice-specific patient-reported outcome measures: the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL). Study Design Retrospective chart review. Participants Eight hundred four patients presenting to our voice clinic between May 2009 and August 2011. All patients completed the VHI-10 and V-RQOL in a single sitting. Methods Correlation between the two scales was examined using Spearman rank analysis. Calculated VHI-10 score was derived from V-RQOL score by direct conversion equation and compared with measured VHI-10 score. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were derived for diagnostic groups. Results Spearman correlation coefficient between the VHI-10 and V-RQOL was −0.91 ( P P = 0.0014) and muscle tension dysphonia (V-RQOL AUC = 0.536 [SE ± 0.026]; VHI-10 AUC = 0.508 [SE ± 0.26]; P = 0.018) groups, with the V-RQOL showing relatively greater sensitivity. Conclusions The VHI-10 and V-RQOL are highly correlated. However, VHI-10 score cannot be calculated from V-RQOL score using the tested equation. The V-RQOL may be more sensitive than the VHI-10 in detecting the impact of presbyphonia and muscle tension dysphonia.
Minimizing biases in estimating the reorganization of human visual areas with BOLD retinotopic mapping.

There is substantial interest in using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) retinotopic mapping techniques to examine reorganization of the occipital cortex after vision loss in humans and nonhuman primates. However, previous reports suggest that standard phase encoding and the more recent population Receptive Field (pRF) techniques give biased estimates of retinotopic maps near the boundaries of retinal or cortical scotomas. Here we examine the sources of this bias and show how it can be minimized with a simple modification of the pRF method. In normally sighted subjects, we measured fMRI responses to a stimulus simulating a foveal scotoma; we found that unbiased retinotopic map estimates can be obtained in early visual areas, as long as the pRF fitting algorithm takes the scotoma into account and a randomized “multifocal” stimulus sequence is used.
Non-linear optimal controller design for building HVAC systems

The purpose of heating system controllers is to provide thermal comfort to the occupants while maintaining the minimum energy consumption. This paper introduces several non-linear optimal controllers for a single zone heating system in buildings. The system model is based on fundamentals of heat transfer and thermal dynamics. Input/Output feedback linearization, MATLAB/Simulink response optimizer and nonlinear programming are applied into optimal controller design and the results are compared. The study shows optimal controller has a large energy saving potential compared to traditional PI controller.
RNA recognition: towards identifying determinants of specificity.

Abstract Members of a family of proteins containing a conserved ∼80-amino acid RNA recognition motif (RRM) bind specifically to a wide variety of RNA molecules. Structural studies, in combination with sequence alignments, indicate the structural context of both conserved and non-conserved elements in the motif. These analyses suggest that all RRM proteins share a common fold and a similar protein-RNA interface, and that non-conserved residues contribute additional contacts for sequence-specific RNA recognition.
The different receptor species of liver have similar complex insulin binding properties

Liver plasma membranes bind insulin in a complex fashion via three prominent disulfide-linked insulin receptor structures of 360K, 300K, and 260K molecular weight. To determine if the complex binding is explained by different binding affinities among the different structures, 125I-insulin was specifically cross-linked to the binding sites and the amount of radiolabeled insulin was determined after SDS-gel electrophoresis. The insulin binding characteristics of each structure were similar to the binding properties of the intact membrane. The Scatchard plot for each structure was curvilinear and the Kd values for the high and low affinity components were similar to the membrane values. Thus, the curvilinear Scatchard plot of insulin binding to liver membranes is also a feature of each receptor structure and is not a function of different receptors with different binding properties.
Nonparametric Statistical Models of Spherically Symmetric Kinematics

Nonparametric statistical models are presented for spherically symmetric, collisionless, static, many-body, gravitating systems. The models provide the complete mathematical relations connecting the observed kinematics (statistical distributions of velocity components and projected positions for individual system members) to the internal dynamics of the systems (distributions of orbital energies and angular momenta amongst system members, and the radial run of gravitational potential). Models are included for marginal, joint, and conditional distributions of observables likely to be useful in determining the internal dynamics of such systems; proper-motion components are included for application to some globular clusters. The models are suitable for the study of internal dynamics and mass distribution in such astronomical objects as globular clusters, dwarf spheroidal galaxies, halo systems of elliptical galaxies, and rich, symmetric clusters of galaxies.
Conservative management of advanced external auditory canal cholesteatoma.

Abstract Objective To investigate the spectrum of disease presentation and clinical management of primary external auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC). Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Specialty teaching hospital. Subjects and Methods Ten cases of primary EACC were identified in nine patients treated over 14 years (1995-2009). Cases were reviewed with regard to demographics, presentation, physical examination, CT findings, and clinical management. Results The most common symptoms were otalgia and hearing loss, followed by otorrhea and tinnitus. Erosion was present in the mastoid air cells in seven patients, middle ear in six, temporomandibular joint in two, otic capsule in two, and fallopian canal in one patient. Eight of nine patients were managed with serial debridement. Conclusions EACC is associated with adjacent bony erosion, most often involving the inferior EAC. Despite the potentially destructive nature of these lesions, most cases can be successfully managed with serial debridement.
Routine versus selective intraoperative cholangiography

Since its introduction 60 years ago, intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) has reduced the incidence of unnecessary common bile duct (CBD) explorations from 66% to less than 5%. However, the use of routine IOC during cholecystectomy remains controversial. Routine IOC during laparoscopic cholecystectomy reduces the incidence, level, and severity of bile duct injuries. Performing routine IOC with CBD exploration eliminates the need for postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or endoscopic sphincterotomy in the 1.4% to 3.5% of postoperative patients with abdominal pain or retained stones, thereby also eliminating the need for reoperation after failed endoscopic sphincterotomy. The financial cost of routine IOC is equal to or less than the cost of treating the severe bile duct injuries that are prevented as well as the cost of the work-up and treatment of patients with retained stones who have not had IOC. A policy of routine IOC sets operative priorities and improves the surgical skills that are necessary for laparoscopic transcystic duct CBD exploration.
Cutaneous nodular amyloidosis masquerading as a foot callus

Abstract We report a unique case of a 69-year-old man who presented with a 1-year history of pink nodules and plaques limited to the anterior plantar surface of the right foot and a 30-year history of a callus on the right heel. Histologic examination findings of both areas showed deposits of amorphous, eosinophilic material and an infiltrate of plasma cells in the dermis. Congo red–stained deposits exhibited apple-green birefringence with polarized light. Results of an extensive clinical and laboratory evaluation showed no evidence of systemic amyloidosis. The diagnosis of nodular primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) was made. Nodular PLCA isolated to pedal or strictly plantar surfaces is an unusual presentation of PLCA. The origin and the clinical and histopathologic features of nodular PLCA are reviewed.
Volcanic Dust and Climatic Change

ON page 20 of his very interesting book, “The Evolution of Climate,” Mr. C. E. P. Brooks says that I have “attributed glaciation to the presence of great quantities of volcanic dust in the atmosphere.” This is too generous. I only insist that volcanic dust is one of the factors that control climate, and that at times it may (not must) have been an important factor, especially when mountains were high and continents extensive.
Evaluation of Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy as a tool for quantitative analysis: signal stability considerations

There is a continuing need for improved analytical techniques to measure the concentration of trace gases for monitoring hazardous air pollutants, industrial emissions, chemical-warfare agent release, etc. Methods of analysis that can conclusively identify several analytes in a mixture are particularly desired. Towards this end, the use of Fourier-transform microwave (FTMW) spectroscopy as a quantitative analytical technique has been proposed. The high spectral resolution of FTMW provides a quick and unambiguous method for identifying multiple analytes in the gas phase. A small-scale FTMW spectrometer has recently been constructed for use in quantitative analysis. Prior to the present investigation, however, the use of this spectrometer in quantitative work has not been rigorously evaluated. This work summarizes efforts to identify and categorize sources of signal instability in the FTMW spectrometer. Methods employed to minimize these effects will also be discussed.
Plasmonic cloaking and scattering cancelation for electromagnetic and acoustic waves

One popular approach to cloaking objects from electromagnetic waves at moderately long wavelengths is the scattering cancelation technique. This mechanism is based on the use of a single homogeneous thin layer to cover an object of interest in order to provide scattering suppression in a given frequency band. This approach has also been recently extended to acoustic waves. This paper provides an investigation of the physical nature of scattering cancelation by a uniform thin layer for both electromagnetic and acoustic waves in inviscid fluids. Two distinct scattering cancelation regions are obtained within the available parameter space: a non-resonant plasmonic cloaking region and an anti-resonant cloaking region, which are identified and compared in both the electromagnetic and acoustic domains. Although both types of operations allow for the suppression of the dominant scattering orders, the resulting internal fields and physical functionality of the cloaks present distinct differences between the two domains. We discuss analogies and differences between these functionalities and their implications in electromagnetic and acoustic cloaking problems, with an insight into their practical implementation.
A Vision: The Idea of a University in the Present Age

My vision for the future university acknowledges the facts of rapid change in the world. It attempts to conserve the idea of the university as structures and process by centering the university on a study of changes as they are redefining knowledge. As vision, it asks that faculties join in Centers for the Study of the Present Age to discuss, teach and attempt to shape the futures of Science and Technology and their ramifications.
Twenty-four-hour rhythm and effects of stress and adrenomedullectomy on rat pineal dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline concentrations

1. Acute immobilization stress results in an increase in pineal adrenaline levels, which is prevented by prior removal of the adrenal medulla, indicating that the adrenal medulla is the primary source of elevated adrenaline concentrations in the pineal gland during stress. 2. Adrenomedullectomy does not result in a decrease in the low pineal adrenaline levels observed in nonstressed rats. This finding, together with the presence in the pineal gland of the adrenaline-forming enzyme, phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT; EC 2.1.1.28), indicates that local synthesis of small amounts of adrenaline can normally occur in the pineal gland. 3. The lack of change in methylating activity after denervation of the pineal gland suggests that adrenaline synthesis may normally occur postsynaptically. 4. No significant changes occur in the pineal concentrations of noradrenaline and dopamine after stress and adrenomedullectomy, with the exception of increased dopamine levels after stress in adrenomedullectomized rats. 5. Adrenaline concentrations show a 24-hr rhythm in the rat pineal gland, with maximum levels during the second half of the dark period (0100 to 0500 hr) and low concentrations at the end of the light period (1700 hr). The changes in pineal adrenaline levels parallel those of the other catecholamines, dopamine and noradrenaline, indicating that increased synthesis and/or uptake from the circulation of all three catecholamines can occur synchronously during the latter part of the dark period. 6. Our results suggest a physiological role for pineal adrenaline, together with dopamine and noradrenaline, in the regulation of the daily pineal rhythms and during stress.
A presenilin -independent aspartyl protease prefers the γ-42 site cleavage

β-Amyloid peptides (Aβ40 and Aβ42) are the major constituents of amyloid plaques, which are one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The Aβ is derived from sequential cleavages of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β- and γ-secretases. γ-Secretase consists of at least four proteins where presenilins (PS1 and PS2 or PS) are the catalytic subunit involved in the γ-site cleavage of APP. Secretion of both Aβ40 and Aβ42 is significantly reduced in PS1 knock-out cells and completely abolished in cells deficient for both PS1 and PS2. Consequently, both the PS proteins play essential roles in the production of the secretory of Aβ from cells. Recent studies in primary neurons, however, suggest that PSs are not required for intracellular Aβ42 accumulation; thus the intracellular Aβ42 appears to be generated in a PS-independent manner. Here we present the first biochemical evidence indicating that Aβ, especially Aβ42, can be generated in the absence of PS based on an in vitroγ-secretase assay employing membranes prepared from PS-deficient Blastocyst-derived (BD) cells. This PS-independent γ-secretase (PSIG) activity is sensitive to the changes in pH and displays an optimal activity at pH 6.0. Pepstatin A is a potent inhibitor for this proteolytic activity with IC50 of 1.2 nm and 0.4 nm for Aβ40 and Aβ42 generation, respectively. These results indicate that these PS-independent γ-site cleavages are mediated by an aspartyl protease. More importantly, the PSIG activity displays a distinct preference in mediating the 42-site cleavage over the 40-site cleavage, thereby generating Aβ42 as the predominant product.
Comparison between image analysis using class 2 and class 3 dynamical systems

There has been tremendous progress in the areas of image processing (input: images, output: images) and computer graphics (input: numbers, output: images). Unfortunately, progress in image analysis (input: images, output: numbers) has been much slower. In this paper, we first briefly introduce the ideas of image analysis using class 2 dynamical systems and image analysis using class 3 dynamical systems. Then we compare these two approaches. The similarities of the two schemes are: (1) both methods use the ideas of storing information in stable configurations of dynamical systems and compress a huge image into a tiny vector that catches the characteristics of the image efficiently. Both methods are very general and they can be generalized to any type of images. (2) The mapping from an image to numbers is determined by the mapping from a specification of a dynamical system to the corresponding attractor it contains. (3) All image analysis algorithms (quasi-enumerative search, random enumerative search, local search, simulated annealing, and greedy) are similar. (4) Technically, local minima approaches (deterministic or probabilistic) remain to be the only best approach. All the limits, including converge to wrong minima and hence increase the error of analysis, apply for both approaches. (5) Theoretically, the unsolved problems (information capacity) are similar.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Advanced process control for furnace systems in semiconductor manufacturing

Traditional semiconductor manufacturing relies on statistical process control and human intervention as the fundamental method to change the process parameters to generate desired output. With the increase in demand for quality, yield, throughput, and performance, Advanced Process Control (APC) is needed to improve the manufacturing processes using run-to-run, wafer-to-wafer, within wafer and real-time process control. In this paper, multivariate, model-based APC system is developed using feed-forward and feedback mechanisms to automatically determine the optimal recipe parameters for each batch based on both incoming wafers and tool state properties. The APC methodology discussed in this paper mostly concentrates on diffusion batch processes. Primarily, it is implemented on the depletion processes such as Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (LPCVD) nitride. In addition to the traditional LPCVD nitride, APC models have also been tested and deployed on advanced Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) nitride batch furnace systems. Implementation of APC includes process characterization and understanding of the reaction mechanism of each process. Effects of temperature, time and number of ALD cycles govern the fundamental equations of the model that determine the inputs for subsequent batch. The integration of Equipment Interface (EI), Mathematical Model and the furnace Tokyo Electron Ltd. (TEL) was pivotal for the success of the project. Significant improvement in run to run, lot to lot and wafer to wafer variation in thickness is demonstrated by implementation of APC. In addition to the process parameters, batch size effect is also considered for the APC roll out.
Corporate hedging under personal and corporate taxation

Researchers have argued that financial distress costs and corporate tax shields can induce value-maximizing corporations to hedge their operating cash flows. We demonstrate that, for a fixed level of debt in the capital structure, the presence of personal income taxation and corporate non-debt tax shields may cause hedging to lower the value of the firm. When the hedging decision is evaluated at the optimal capital structure, hedging increases firm value.
Solution NMR Determination of the Anisotropy and Orientation of the Paramagnetic Susceptibility Tensor as a Function of Temperature for Metmyoglobin Cyanide: Implications for the Population of Excited Electronic States

Comprehensive 1H NMR assignments of the heme cavity proton resonances of sperm whale metmyoglobin cyanide have provided the dipolar shifts for nonligated residues which, together with the crystal c...
Real-Time Display Of IR Linescanner Data For RPVs

Honeywell EOD's linescanner has been enhanced for real-time operation by downsizing the AN/AAD-5 and repartitioning the design for adaptability to a variety of applications. The repartitioning effort has developed several new line replaceable units that allow real-time data linking and display of linescanner data. The near real-time E-0 design allows in flight recording and simultaneous downlinking on a video bandwidth data link. A simple, lightweight ground station real-time display has also been developed that can process the data linked imagery. This display will record, display, and process the imagery. This paper will discuss the architec-ture of this downsized E-0 system. The new real-time sensor has been flight tested and a production run for a foreign customer is nearing completion.
Wide variations in neighbor-dependent substitution rates.

Abstract The pattern of 20,200 point substitutions in the 16 unique neighbor-pair environments has been determined from aligned gene/pseudogene sequences in the current database of human DNA sequences. Substitution rates, representing averages over those for different regions of the genome, are distributed over a 60-fold range with strong biases in particular neighbor-pair environments. The rates for substitutions involving the CG doublet are the most rapid overall, where changes of the C·G pair vary over a tenfold range depending on the type of substitution and the 5′ neighbor-pair. In general, the rates are fastest in alternating purine-pyrimidine sequences and slowest in purine·pyrimidine tracts, suggesting that the frequencies of one or both key molecular misadventures that can occur during replication, dNTP misinsertion and transient misalignment, may be associated with structural alternations and flexibility of the backbone. By contrast, purine·pyrimidine tracts are less flexible, less prone to substitution, and therefore their proportions accumulate in sequences over time. Characteristics biases of the content and arrangement of oligonucleotide strings or tuples in all sequence elements, but particularly in non-coding regions, appear to be due to the pattern of different neighbor-dependent substitution rates. Computer simulations of numerous replicative cycles have been carried out with substitutions occurring on the same schedule found in this study for pseudogenes. Statistical analyses of tuple frequencies at periodic intervals during the simulation experiment indicate that sequences slowly change in lexical complexity toward a quasi-equilibrium state that corresponds to that for introns.
Collaborative inquiry among science and mathematics teachers in the USA: professional learning experiences through cross‐grade, cross‐discipline dialogue

This article presents five case studies of grade six to grade eight science and mathematics teachers engaged in supported collaborative inquiry. The research focus is on teachers’ growth trajectories related to their participation in professional learning communities supported through a professional development project. There were noticeably different trajectories in the teachers’ progress through the inquiry cycle and a variation in the degree of collaboration in different professional learning communities. Some of the successes and challenges are attributed to the cross‐grade, cross‐disciplinary nature of the collaboration; others to teachers’ existing relationships with each other prior to the beginning of this professional development project. The case study data indicate that dialogic inquiry grounded in classroom‐based data is a key element in teachers’ professional growth.
Antidiuretic hormone resistance in the neonatal cortical collecting tubule is mediated in part by elevated phosphodiesterase activity.

Neonates cannot concentrate their urine to the same degree as adults. One of the key factors in concentrating the urine is the renal collecting duct osmotic water permeability (Pf) response to anti...
The temporal nature of IS benefits: a longitudinal study

Abstract This paper discusses the dynamic nature of information technology (IT) benefits and reports on findings of a three-year evaluation of user productivity and organizational effectiveness following the installation of an integrated office information system (IS). For systems adopted on a voluntary basis, individual benefits occur first, while improvements in organizational effectiveness develop over a longer period of time. This suggests that the timing of IS assessment is important and that longitudinal research designs are more appropriate for IS benefits evaluation than cross-sectional studies.
The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Olav's Treatment and Recovery: Commentary on an Exemplary Case Report

The Case of Olav (Stalsett, Engedal, & Austad, 2010) offers in-depth insight from a spiritually and existentially informed psychodynamic perspective of how religious and spiritual issues may be intertwined with psychopathology. This case report also shows how psychological and spiritual interventions can be used in an integrative manner to help patients with severe long-term psychopathology. Ultimately the case provides convincing quantitative and qualitative evidence that an in-depth working through of Olav's pathological inner representations of self and God were instrumental in his psycho-spiritual healing and recovery.
Natural variation in the S-phase of renewing epithelia of the pouchless opossum, Marmosa mitis.

The sites of cell proliferation and the duration of the S-phases in epithelia (tongue, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and descending colon) of the pouchless opossum, Marmosamitis, have been studied following the injection of tritiated thymidine. the sites of cell proliferation in these epithelia are not significantly different than those reported for rodent tissues. On the other hand, measurements of the mean duration of DNA synthesis revealed great variability in this phase: tongue (12.8 hr), stomach (>14.0 hr), duodenum (8.5 hr), jejunum (8.6 hr), ileum (9.7 hr) and descending colon (11-3 hr). In addition, the values obtained for the mean duration of t2 (G2+2/1M) are fairly constant among the various epithelia. It is concluded that the times obtained for the average duration of the S-phases are longer and more variable in M. mitis than similar observations reported on renewing epithelia of eutherian mammals.
Mathematical analysis of type-I and type-IIb muscle fiber force generation in renal hypertension

Previous results from our laboratory have shown that isometric tension development is significantly lower in reduced renal mass (RRM) hypertensive rats when compared to shamoperated controls. The current study was designed to mathematically analyze isometric tetanic contraction profiles and determine the relative contribution of fast-glycolytic (FG) and slow-oxidative (SO)_muscle fibers produced by the isolated gastrocnemius-plantaris-soleus muscle group of RRM and sham rats. Because renal hypertension has been shown to be associated with a reduction in microvascular density, we hypothesized that renal hypertension leads to a decrease in SO muscle fiber contribution to force generation. The mathematical model determine the force contribution of two independent muscle fiber components, SO and FG, to the contraction and relaxation phase of isometric tetanic contractions. Each phase was modeled as having an exponentially rising contraction phase during the stimulus period and an exponentially decaying relaxation phase when the stimulus was removed. Each fiber type’s tensions was also scaled by an evelope function describing the fatigue over the contraction bout. The model, which included 10 parameters, was fit to experimental data by using a nonlinear optimization method and described certain limited characteristics of both fiber types. Results from this model suggest that renal hypertension affects skeletal muscle force generation primarily by decreasing the SO muscle fiber contribution to the total developed tension, decreasing performance and increasing muscle fatigue in RRM rats.
Decreased gonadotrophic hormone content of the anterior pituitary gland in dogs with hypothalamic lesions.

Assays for interstitial cell stimulating hormone and follicle stimulating hormone activity have been performed on the pituitaries of five male dogs with lesions in the posterior median eminence and the pituitaries of ten castrate male dogs with lesions in various parts of the hypothalamus. All dogs with destruction of the posterior median eminence showed depressed ICSH and FSH values. A lesion in the anterior median eminence in one castrated dog caused a lesser depression of pituitary content of these hormones; other lesions studied had no effect. The presence of a lowered FSH and ICSH content in the pituitary was not correlated with depressed thyroid or adrenal function or with the presence of diabetes insipidus. It is suggested that lesions in the posterior median eminence in the dog selectively inhibit the production and secretion of both ICSH and FSH.
Objectives and Design of the Hemodialysis Fistula Maturation Study

Background A large proportion of newly created arteriovenous fistulas cannot be used for dialysis because they fail to mature adequately to support the hemodialysis blood circuit. The Hemodialysis Fistula Maturation (HFM) Study was designed to elucidate clinical and biological factors associated with fistula maturation outcomes. Study Design Multicenter prospective cohort study. Setting & Participants Approximately 600 patients undergoing creation of a new hemodialysis fistula will be enrolled at 7 centers in the United States and followed up for as long as 4 years. Predictors Clinical, anatomical, biological, and process-of-care attributes identified pre-, intra-, or postoperatively. Outcomes The primary outcome is unassisted clinical maturation, defined as successful use of the fistula for dialysis for 4 weeks without maturation-enhancing procedures. Secondary outcomes include assisted clinical maturation, ultrasound-based anatomical maturation, fistula procedures, fistula abandonment, and central venous catheter use. Measurements Preoperative ultrasound arterial and venous mapping, flow-mediated and nitroglycerin-mediated brachial artery dilation, arterial pulse wave velocity, and venous distensibility; intraoperative vein tissue collection for histopathologic and molecular analyses; postoperative ultrasounds at 1 day, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and prior to fistula intervention and initial cannulation. Results Assuming complete data, no covariate adjustment, and unassisted clinical maturation of 50%, there will be 80% power to detect ORs of 1.83 and 1.61 for dichotomous predictor variables with exposure prevalences of 20% and 50%, respectively. Limitations Exclusion of 2-stage transposition fistulas limits generalizability. The requirement for study visits may result in a cohort that is healthier than the overall population of patients undergoing fistula creation. Conclusions The HFM Study will be of sufficient size and scope to: (1) evaluate a broad range of mechanistic hypotheses, (2) identify clinical practices associated with maturation outcomes, (3) assess the predictive utility of early indicators of fistula outcome, and (4) establish targets for novel therapeutic interventions to improve fistula maturation.
Supramolecular hydrogels formed by the conjugates of nucleobases, Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides, and glucosamine.

Here we report the generation of a novel class of supramolecular hydrogelators based on the integration of nucleobases, Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides, and glucosamine in a single molecule. These novel small molecule hydrogelators self-assemble in water to form stable supramolecular nanofibers/hydrogels and exhibit useful biostability. This approach provides a new opportunity for systematic exploration of the self-assembly of small biomolecules by varying any individual segment to generate a large array of supramolecular hydrogels for biological functions and for biomedical applications.
Health Care Spending Growth: How Different Is The United States From The Rest Of The OECD?

This paper compares the long-term (1970–2002) rates of real growth in health spending per capita in the United States and a group of high-income countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperati...
Dendritic Fibroblasts in Three-dimensional Collagen Matrices

Cell motility determines form and function of multicellular organisms. Most studies on fibroblast motility have been carried out using cells on the surfaces of culture dishes. In situ, however, the environment for fibroblasts is the three-dimensional extracellular matrix. In the current research, we studied the morphology and motility of human fibroblasts embedded in floating collagen matrices at a cell density below that required for global matrix remodeling (i.e., contraction). Under these conditions, cells were observed to project and retract a dendritic network of extensions. These extensions contained microtubule cores with actin concentrated at the tips resembling growth cones. Platelet-derived growth factor promoted formation of the network; lysophosphatidic acid stimulated its retraction in a Rho and Rho kinase-dependent manner. The dendritic network also supported metabolic coupling between cells. We suggest that the dendritic network provides a mechanism by which fibroblasts explore and become interconnected to each other in three-dimensional space.