cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a home study continuing education program on patient teaching skills

We developed a home study version of an established and successful workshop program called Effective Patient Teaching (EPT), making use of suggested guidelines for developing home study courses. The self-study modules we produced consisted of workbook materials, videotaped illustrations, and practice exercises, all of which focused on patient teaching and counseling skills. During a period of 2 years and 3 months, 28 participants enrolled in the home study course. Only one participant completed the entire course. Another participant completed the portion purchased. The barrier most commonly cited as preventing completion of the home study course was other work-related deadlines. We suspect that our requirement for a feedback procedure (either an audio- or n videotape of an instruction interview) may also have prevented submission of a completed course. The low, completion rate made quantitative evaluations impossible. Although the literature includes reported successes in the use of self-learning courses, few formal evaluations have been conducted and reported. The efficacy of home study courses, particularly when enhanced skill is the desired outcome rather than knowledge gain, is yet to be e published, and merits close examination and rigorous evaluations.
Computer Aided Control of the Integrated Circuit Manufacturing Process

The characteristics of an integrated circuit manufacturing facility will be analyzed to determine in which areas computer aided tools will yield the highest benefits. A distributed transaction oriented process control system (PCS), with a flexible architecture for continuous expansion has been operational at several Hewlett-Packard IC facilities for five years. PCS includes a high-level, self-documenting process language editor for the definition of process recipes. Recipes are down-loaded from the central computer for the direct set-up and monitoring of equipment. In addition, PCS collects in-process measurements and tracking information into a wafer lot history file from which process engineers and supervisors can retrieve engineering and status information.
Analysis of Three Fast Oxygen-Neon-Magnesium Novae

Since astronomers have only known about the existence of oxygen-neon-magnesium (ONeMg) novae for the last decade, little work has been done on them as a group. The purpose of this work was to study three fast ONeMg novae: V838 Nova Herculis 1991 (Her 91), V693 Nova Coronae Australis 1981 (CrA 81), and Nova LMC 1990 No. 1 (LMC 90a). Each of these novae has been studied in detail, and a comparison of the results is provided in order to better understand ONeMg novae as a class. My analyses have provided values of the elemental abundances, ejection velocities, ejected masses, white dwarf (WD) masses, maximum outburst luminosities, and white dwarf turn-off times for these novae. All three novae have abundances enhanced relative to solar values, with the oxygen abundance of Her 91 being the exception (see Table 1). They show high N/O ratios, indicating high-mass WD progenitors. We find CrA 81 and LMC 90a to have almost identical abundances, even though the initial metal abundances for the LMC novae are one-third of solar values. Each of the novae exhibited a super-Eddington luminosity phase at maximum light. Our analysis of the Her 91 spectrum taken 2 months after outburst, however, required a luminosity almost 2 orders of magnitude lower than the Eddington limit for a 1.4 M, WD. The best fits for CrA 81 and LMC 90a, on the other hand, were consistent with a constant luminosity of ∼1038 ergs s for at least 2 months after outburst. While we were unable to accurately determine ejected masses for either CrA 81 or LMC 90a owing to the lack of optical data, we found an ejected mass of ∼1024 M, for Her 91. This is in agreement with the values found by other groups using different data and different techniques. The results of this study can be used in many ways to help further the understanding of novae and stellar evolution. The elemental abundances that have been determined can be used as input to theoretical hydrodynamic models. This will provide better constraints on the models in order to determine the energetics of the outburst and the mass of the underlying white dwarf, properties that are difficult to obtain observationally. Knowledge of the abundances will also help determine the contribution of fast ONeMg novae to the heavy-element content of the interstellar medium. In particular, with the abundance results, the mass fraction of Al in the nova ejecta can be estimated. These estimates will help to determine if novae are important for Galactic nucleosynthesis. Analysis of LMC 90a provides the means to compare Galactic with extragalactic novae. For example, the LMC novae can be used to calibrate the luminosities of (and therefore distances to) Galactic novae. This calibration will allow a better determination of the fast end of the absolute-magnitude decay-rate relationship or perhaps develop a separate relationship for this class of novae.
Relationships as Antidote to Challenges in the Classroom

This paper examines the challenges that African Americans face teaching predominantly white classes at the tertiary level, and argues that these challenges can be resolved by establishing strong ties between students and teachers. While it is largely black faculty who incur the costs of this relationship building, the paper notes that they probably are not the only beneficiaries. White students are likely to benefit as well, as is society at large. The paper’s analysis suggests that black faculty face work that is outside the scope of what white faculty must do. Such work can be viewed as another dimension of the burden of delivering a “hidden curriculum” for their predominately white institutions of employment (Brayboy, Journal of Black Studies 34: 72–86, 2003).
Coelectrophoresis of cardiac tissue from human, dog, rat and mouse: Towards the establishment of an integrated two‐dimensional protein database

We have investigated the feasibility of identifying homologous proteins in whole tissue protein extracts of dog, mouse and rat hearts by comparison with our human heart two-dimensional (2-D) database. Samples of ventricular myocardial tissue from each of these species were coelectrophoresed with a human tissue sample. Gels were silver stained and patterns were analysed using PDQUEST. The number of proteins comigrating with human proteins was 301, 201 and 356 for the dog, mouse and rat, respectively. In the dog pattern, 33 of these comigrating proteins were tentatively identified from the similarity between their migration properties and those of known human proteins. Twenty-nine such proteins were identified in the mouse pattern while 30 comigrating rat proteins were identified. While these tentative identifications require confirmation, we feel that this technique offers a useful shortcut in the characterisation of proteins present in similar tissue samples from different species and avoids the necessity for duplicating laborious procedures, such as protein microsequencing, otherwise used in the identification of these proteins in each species.
Glycogen contains phosphodiester groups that can be introduced by UDPglucose:glycogen glucose 1-phosphotransferase

Rabbit-muscle glycogen contains covalently bound phosphorus, equivalent to 1 phosphate group per 208 glucose residues. This often disputed, minor component was previously thought to represent a phosphomonoester group at C-6 of a glucose residue. Here we show that more than half the phosphorus is present as a phosphodiester, the remainder being monoester. A novel enzyme activity has been found in muscle that can account for the presence of the phosphodiester in glycogen. This is a UDPglucose:glycogen glucose 1 -phosphotransferase that positions glucose 1 -phosphate on C-6 of glucose residues in glycogen, forming a diester. The phosphomonoester groups present may arise by removal of the glucose residue originally transferred as glucose 1-phosphate.
Allospecific vocal learning by Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus): A failure of videotaped instruction under certain conditions

Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) do not acquire referential English labels when tutored with videotapes in social isolation (Pepperberg, I.M., 1994. Auk 111, 300-313) possibly because of (1) lack of social interaction to direct their attention appropriately or (2) absence of reward for an attempt at a targeted label. To test the first premise, two parrots watched videotapes with trainers who directed the birds' attention to the video monitor. Vocal praise rewarded attempts at a targeted label. To test the second premise, subjects watched videotapes in social isolation with a reward system that, in the absence of social interaction, could furnish the appropriate item after an attempt at the label. Subjects also received live interactive tutoring on a different set of object labels. Birds learned referential labels from live interactive tutors but not from videotapes. Specific aspects of live tutoring appear critical for the acquisition of referential English labels.
Occurrence of two rare malignant neoplasms (breast and ovarian) in an adolescent female.

Abstract Background Phyllodes breast tumors, particularly malignant ones, are rare in adolescents. Tumor behavior does not correlate with histopathology. This case of an adolescent with a malignant phyllodes tumor, followed by the occurrence of a borderline ovarian tumor, also uncommon in adolescence, may shed light on our understanding of phyllodes and uncommon gynecologic malignancies in the young. Case A-14 year-old Caucasian female underwent wide local excision of a 4-cm malignant phyllodes breast tumor. At 17 years of age she had excision of a serous borderline tumor of the ovary. Comments The occurrence of two rare neoplasms in an adolescent female raises questions about a common underlying etiology, such as a genetic mutation. Genetic evaluation of minors is a sensitive and complex issue. Natural history studies regarding phyllodes tumors presenting in adolescence are needed to establish recommendations regarding best practice, including the role of genetic evaluation in this population.
Electroweak Cross Sections, Asymmetries, and Diboson Results from the Tevatron

Electroweak cross sections provide a great deal of vital information. Large inclusive cross sections (and asymmetries within those processes) are sensitive to parton distribution functions. Much smaller diboson cross sections are sensitive to trilinear coupling vertices, and are also common backgrounds to new physics searches. Measurements of these cross sections and asymmetries from the CDF and D0 experiments, with emphasis on the most recent results, will be presented.
The Impact of Supervision Training on Genetic Counselor Supervisory Identity Development

Supervision is critical to the training of genetic counselors. Limited research exists on the influence of supervision training and experience on the development of genetic counseling supervisors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of supervision training in addition to supervisory and clinical experience on supervisory identity development, and the perceived confidence and competence supervisors have in their own supervisory skills. In addition, we explored genetic counselors' (N = 291) interest in and barriers to training as well as perspectives on requirements for supervisors. Results indicated clinical experience, supervision experience, and formal supervision training are positively associated with genetic counselors' supervisory identity development as measured by the Psychotherapy Supervisory Development Scale (PSDS) (p < 0.05). Despite a moderate correlation between supervision experience and formal training (ρ = 0.42, p < 0.001), both had independent effects on PSDS scores (p < 0.04). A majority of genetic counselors were interested in receiving supervision training but noted lack of available training as a barrier. The majority of participants indicated that supervisors should be certified as genetic counselors, but there was no consensus on training requirements. Development of additional supervision training opportunities for genetic counselors should be considered.
Effect of an electric field applied during the solution heat treatment of the Al-Mg-Si alloy AA6022 on the subsequent natural aging kinetics

The influence of a dc electric field E = 5 kV/cm applied during the solution heat treatment (SHT) of the Al–Mg–Si alloy AA6022 at 475–552 °C on the subsequent natural aging kinetics was determined employing resistivity. It was found that the increase in the as-quenched resistivity which resulted from application of the field during SHT was retained throughout the natural aging process. An Avrami-type analysis of the natural aging kinetics gave n avg. = 0.3 and k avg. = 5 × 10−2 (min−1)0.3. These values are in qualitative accord with those determined for the Al–Mg–Si–Cu alloy AA6111.
New technique for surface exposure dating

A new technique that allows researchers to determine the amount of time a rock sample has been exposed to daylight could find many applications in geology and archaeology. The new method, pioneered by Sohbati et al., is based on optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) bleaching profiles. OSL is the light emitted on illumination due to the release of stored energy accumulated in crystalline materials through the action of ionizing radiation from natural radioactivity. In solid rock, the latent luminescence has accumulated in response to the amount of natural ionizing radiation absorbed since rock formation. Exposure to daylight removes the acquired latent luminescence in a so-called bleaching or resetting process. In a rock surface continuously exposed to daylight, this resetting will penetrate deeper into the surface with time (the rock “bleaches”); the longer the rock is exposed, the deeper this bleaching penetrates into the surface. Therefore, measuring the extent of bleaching in a sample can provide a measure of how long the sample has been exposed to daylight.
Fitting Woven Fabric to Surfaces in Three Dimensions

A computational method is presented for fitting woven fabric to nonalgebraic surfaces by using numerical-analysis techniques. The method is based upon modelling the process of smoothing fabric over a surface. Fabric co–ordinates are mapped onto the surface to be fitted. No assumptions are made about the surface to be fitted other than that it is continuously differentiable. Important assumptions made about the fabric are that warp/weft intersections act as pivot points and that the distance between adjacent warp and weft intersections is small enough for the curvature of the surface to be nearly constant between intersections. The method presented produces results that agree well with empirical data and with values calculated by using Hack and Taylor's fitting equations for surfaces of rotation. The method presented, however, can be used for any surface, whether or not an analytical equation is available.
Popularity, social acceptance, and aggression in adolescent peer groups : Links with academic performance and school attendance

This article reports a short-term longitudinal study focusing on popularity and social acceptance as predictors of academic engagement for a sample of 342 adolescents (approximate average age of 14). These youths were followed for 4 consecutive semesters. Popularity, social acceptance, and aggression were assessed with a peer nomination inventory, and data on academic engagement were obtained from school records. For adolescents who were highly aggressive, increases in popularity were associated with increases in unexplained absences and decreases in grade point average. Conversely, changes in social acceptance were not predictive of changes in grade point average or unexplained absences. These results highlight the importance of multidimensional conceptualizations of social standing for research on school adjustment during adolescence and emphasize the potential risks associated with popularity.
Effect of yield surface vertex on crack-tip fields in mode III

Abstract An asymptotic crack-tip analysis of stress and strain fields is carried out for an antiplane shear crack (Mode III) based on a corner theory of plasticity. Because of the nonproportional loading history experienced by a material element near the crack tip in stable crack growth, classical flow theory may predict an overly stiff response of the elastic plastic solid, as is the case in plastic buckling problems. The corner theory used here accounts for this anomalous behavior. The results are compared with those of a similar analysis based on the J2 flow theory of plasticity.
Transformational Priors Over Grammars

This paper proposes a novel class of PCFG parameterizations that support linguistically reasonable priors over PCFGs. To estimate the parameters is to discover a notion of relatedness among context-free rules such that related rules tend to have related probabilities. The prior favors grammars in which the relationships are simple to describe and have few major exceptions. A basic version that bases relatedness on weighted edit distance yields superior smoothing of grammars learned from the Penn Treebank (20% reduction of rule perplexity over the best previous method).
Effects of Ca2+ deregulation on mitochondrial membrane potential and cell viability in nucleated cells following lytic complement attack.

Abstract We have previously shown [Papadimitriou JC. Ramm LE. Drachenberg CB. Trump BF. Shin ML. (1991) J. Immunol., 147, 212–217] that formation of lytic C5b-9 channels on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells induced rapid depletion of adenine nucleotides associated with prelytic leakage preceding cell death. Extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]e) reduction by chelation markedly delayed the onset of cell death, although the adenine nucleotide leakage was enhanced. In the present study, we examined the temporal relationships between ionized cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and cell death in individual cells by digital imaging fluorescence microscopy (DIFM), during the earliest phase of C5b-9 attack. The results showed an immediate, > 20-fold rise in [Ca2+]i, rapidly followed by dissipation of Δψm and subsequent acute cell death. These events were markedly delayed by chelation of Ca2+e, but not by nominally Ca2+ free medium. Differing from previous reports indicating propidium iodide labeling of viable cells bearing C5b-9 channels, with DIFM we observed nuclear fluorescence with that marker only in association with cell death. These findings indicate that Ca2+ influx through lytic C5b-9 channels is responsible for the massive increase in [Ca2+]i, as well as for the rapid loss of Δψm, followed by acute cell death. When this [Ca2+]i increase is prevented, the cell death is probably related to metabolic depletion.
Multi-mechanism non-linear vibration harvester combining inductive and magnetostrictive mechanisms

In this study, we focus on developing a multi-mechanism energy harvester (MMEH) which combines magnetostrictive and inductive mechanisms with overall shape and size similar to AA battery. The multi-mechanism harvester was theoretically modeled, fabricated and experimentally characterized. The theoretical model combining analytical and FEM modeling techniques provides the system dynamics and output power for specific generator and magnetostrictive geometry at various source conditions. The prototype consisted of a cylindrical tube containing a magnetic levitation cavity where a center magnet oscillated through a copper coil. Magnetostrictive rods were mounted on the bottom and top cap of the cylindrical tube. In response to external vibrations, electrical energy was harvested from the relative motion between magnet and coil through Faraday's effect and from the magnetostrictive material through the Villari effect. The experimental results were compared to theoretical predictions for both mechanisms which s...
On the apparent homology of actin and tubulin.

Muscle actin and ciliary A-tubulin from Pecten irradians have molecular weights of 46,000 and 59,000, respectively, as measured by sodium lauryl sulfate—polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Tryptic and chymotryptic peptides obtained from these proteins are very dissimilar, indicating that there is little significant homology.
Uptake of molybdenum at two pH levels as influenced by anaerobiosis

The influence of anaerobiosis and pH level of the nutrient medium has been studied with respect to Mo-uptake by corn and tomato plants. Data presented suggest that species differences may alter penetration and transport of Mo. Practical significance is attached to the fact that high nutrient levels in root systems do not necessarily indicate the status in the shoots. Conversely, analysis of shoot tissue can be misleading in assessing total Mo (and possibly other ions) removal under certain cultural environments.
Detection Of Silica In Plants

Silica in plants can be stained by silver chromate, methyl red, and a colorless crystal violet lactone which are adsorbed by the silanol groups resulting in red-brown, red, and blue colors, respectively. Specialized silica cells in grasses can also be detected through polarization colors due to form birefringence. Silica in the bulliform and silica cells of rice leaves is amorphous and is made up of 1-2-nm particles aggregating into 2.5 X 0.4-,um rods with oblique ends.
Intermittent intra atrial block: its diagnosis, incidence and implications

Fifty-six cases of intermittent intra-atrial block (IIAB), were found among 4,500 consecutive routine electrocardiograms (1.2 percent). Intermittently, abnormally wide P waves occurring either every other sinus beat or slightly more irregularly during sinus rhythm were ascribed to intermittent functional block in the anterior internodal tract. Other forms of intra-atrial block (IAB) are discussed. The course and possible prognostic significance of IIAB are presented.
Polylithiation of ferrocece

Abstract Ferrocene was metalated with n-butyllithium in hexane and in benzene to produce a mixture of polylithiated products. This mixture contained compounds with 1 to 7 lithium atoms per ferrocene molecule. The subsequent addition of chlorotrimethylsilane or deuterium oxide to these lithiated compounds resulted in products with as many as seven substituents on the ferrocene rings. A tetrasilylated ferrocene was isolated.
An adaptive implementation case study of apriori algorithm for a retail scenario in a cloud environment

Retail transactional databases are voluminous and traditional algorithmic approaches to mine pattern in them are time consuming. The current study presents an approach to scale Apriori a Frequent Item set Mining (FIM) algorithm, which is often used for market basket analysis. The study also compares the performance of scaled version of the algorithm (running on multiple on-demand simultaneous Azure cloud instances) with that of traditional setup (running on a fixed Azure cloud instances) using simulated data sets. The experimental results show that the response times were significantly lower and in favor of the scaled approach as the data volume increases.
Association of TIMI Myocardial Perfusion Grade and ST-segment resolution with cardiovascular magnetic resonance measures of microvascular obstruction and infarct size following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background Impairment of coronary microvascular perfusion is common among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can identify microvascular obstruction (MO) following reperfusion of STEMI. We hypothesized that myocardial perfusion, as assessed by the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Myocardial Perfusion Grade (TMPG), would be associated with a CMR metric of MO in this population. Methods Twenty-one STEMI patients who underwent successful primary PCI were evaluated. Contrast-enhanced CMR was performed within 7 days of presentation and repeated at three months. TIMI Flow Grade (TFG), corrected TIMI Frame Count (cTFC), TMPG, MO, infarct size, and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) were assessed. Results The median peak creatine phosphokinase (CPK) was 1,775 IU/l (interquartile range 838–3,321). TFG 3 was present following PCI in 19 (90%) patients. CMR evidence of MO was present in 52% following PCI. Abnormal post-PCI TMPG (0/1/2) was present in 48% of subjects and was associated with MO on CMR (90% MO with TMPG 0/1/2 vs. 18% MO with TMPG 3, P < 0.01). Abnormal post-PCI TMPG was also associated with a greater peak CK (median 3,623 IU/l vs. 838 IU/l, P < 0.001) and greater relative infarct size (17.3% vs. 5.2%, P < 0.01). Conclusion Among STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, post-PCI TMPG correlates with CMR measures of MO and infarct size. The combined use of both metrics in a comprehensive assessment of microvascular integrity and infarct size following STEMI may aid in the evaluation of future therapeutic strategies.
Hybrid Surgical and Catheter Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation

Advances in surgery for atrial fibrillation from cut and sew technique to thoracoscopy and new energy source have enabled minimally invasive approach which avoids median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. However, minimally invasive approach is unable to match the outcome of classic surgical technique due to difficulty in creating some of linear ablation lines. Hybrid procedure using catheter mapping and ablation in addition to minimally invasive surgical ablation has gained interest to combine the advantages of both procedures. No large study has been conducted to date comparing this new technique to other existing treatments. The aim of this paper is to review the data on hybrid procedure for atrial fibrillation and assess its early outcome and efficacy.
Evolutionary Genetics of Genome Merger and Doubling in Plants

Polyploidy is a common mode of evolution in flowering plants. The profound effects of polyploidy on gene expression appear to be caused more by hybridity than by genome doubling. Epigenetic mechanisms underlying genome-wide changes in expression are as yet poorly understood; only methylation has received much study, and its importance varies among polyploids. Genetic diploidization begins with the earliest responses to genome merger and doubling; less is known about chromosomal diploidization. Polyploidy duplicates every gene in the genome, providing the raw material for divergence or partitioning of function in homoeologous copies. Preferential retention or loss of genes occurs in a wide range of taxa, suggesting that there is an underlying set of principles governing the fates of duplicated genes. Further studies are required for general patterns to be elucidated, involving different plant families, kinds of polyploidy, and polyploids of different ages.
Nitrogen rate and landscape impacts on life cycle energy use and emissions from switchgrass‐derived ethanol

Switchgrass-derived ethanol has been proposed as an alternative to fossil fuels to improve sustainability of the US energy sector. In this study, life cycle analysis (LCA) was used to estimate the environmental benefits of this fuel. To better define the LCA environmental impacts associated with fertilization rates and farm-landscape topography, results from a controlled experiment were analyzed. Data from switchgrass plots planted in 2008, consistently managed with three nitrogen rates (0, 56, and 112 kg N ha−1), two landscape positions (shoulder and footslope), and harvested annually (starting in 2009, the year after planting) through 2014 were used as input into the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy use in transportation (GREET) model. Simulations determined nitrogen (N) rate and landscape impacts on the life cycle energy and emissions from switchgrass ethanol used in a passenger car as ethanol–gasoline blends (10% ethanol:E10, 85% ethanol:E85s). Results indicated that E85s may lead to lower fossil fuels use (58 to 77%), greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (33 to 82%), and particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions (15 to 54%) in comparison with gasoline. However, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other criteria pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM10), and sulfur dioxides (SOx) were higher for E85s than those from gasoline. Nitrogen rate above 56 kg N ha−1 yielded no increased biomass production benefits; but did increase (up to twofold) GHG, VOCs, and criteria pollutants. Lower blend (E10) results were closely similar to those from gasoline. The landscape topography also influenced life cycle impacts. Biomass grown at the footslope of fertilized plots led to higher switchgrass biomass yield, lower GHG, VOCs, and criteria pollutants in comparison with those at the shoulder position. Results also showed that replacing switchgrass before maximum stand life (10–20 years.) can further reduce the energy and emissions reduction benefits.
Substituted diphenyl ethers as a novel chemotherapeutic platform against Burkholderia pseudomallei

Identification of a novel class of anti-Burkholderia compounds is key in addressing antimicrobial resistance to current therapies as well as naturally occurring resistance. The FabI enoyl-ACP reductase in Burkholderia is an underexploited target that presents an opportunity for development of a new class of inhibitors. A library of substituted diphenyl ethers was used to identify FabI1-specific inhibitors for assessment in Burkholderia pseudomallei ex vivo and murine efficacy models. Active FabI1 inhibitors were identified in a two-stage format consisting of percent inhibition screening and MIC determination by the broth microdilution method. Each compound was evaluated against the B. pseudomallei 1026b (efflux-proficient) and Bp400 (efflux-compromised) strains. In vitro screening identified candidate substituted diphenyl ethers that exhibited MICs of less than 1 μg/ml, and enzyme kinetic assays were used to assess potency and specificity against the FabI1 enzyme. These compounds demonstrated activity in a Burkholderia ex vivo efficacy model, and two demonstrated efficacy in an acute B. pseudomallei mouse infection model. This work establishes substituted diphenyl ethers as a suitable platform for development of novel anti-Burkholderia compounds that can be used for treatment of melioidosis.
Piloted simulation of NextGen time-based taxi clearances and tailored departures

This paper describes the results of a medium-fidelity piloted flight deck simulation of future surface operations. Sixteen commercial transport pilots conducted time-based taxi-out operations at DFW airport under two Next Generation Airspace (NextGen) implementations. In the Limited NextGen implementation, time-based operations were defined by providing a taxi clearance with a commanded average speed to the pilot. In the Advanced NextGen implementation, advanced avionics allowed for time-based taxi operations to be conducted with speed error-nulling algorithms and arrival time information. Results indicated that the Advanced NextGen implementation substantially improved pilots' ability to arrive at airport traffic flow points at the required time. An additional “tailored departure” (i.e., NextGen 4-D departure) clearance verification task assessed the impact of time-based taxi on the departure phase of flight. Results indicated that time-based taxi operations in general, and specifically the Advanced NextGen implementation, might add to pilot workload during taxi out. Future research regarding the assessment and the impact of time-based taxi operations is required.
A Statistical Characterization of Electromigration-Induced Open Failures in 2-Level Metal Structures

A new electromigration test structure has been designed and fabricated which allows statistical characterization of current-induced open failures at vias, under varying current flow geometries. Results for a 2-level Al-Cu metallization system with W-filled 1.0 μm vias reveal no differences in via lifetimes for parallel, anti-parallel, or perpendicular current flows. However, a factor of 7 improvement in the total average via resistance produces an order of magnitude improvement in lifetimes. Line reliability remains superior to the reliability of the vias, indicating that the vias are the “weak links” in the system. A model for evaluating temperature and current density effects which incorporates the atomic flux equation has been developed and used to make reliability predictions for extrapolations to operating conditions. The model suggests that the median time to failure of a 2-level ietal structure with an average via resistance of two ohms will be 2.7×10 17 hours for operating conditions of 2×10 5 A/cm 2 and 125°C.
Afferent arteriolar vasodilator effect of adenosine predominantly involves adenosine A2B receptor activation

Adenosine is an important paracrine agent regulating renal vascular tone via adenosine A1 and A2 receptors. While A2B receptor message and protein have been localized to preglomerular vessels, func...
Design and characterization of terahertz-absorbing nano-laminates of dielectric and metal thin films

A terahertz-absorbing thin-film stack, containing a dielectric Bragg reflector and a thin chromium metal film, was fabricated on a silicon substrate for applications in bi-material terahertz (THz) sensors. The Bragg reflector is to be used for optical readout of sensor deformation under THz illumination. The THz absorption characteristics of the thin-film composite were measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The absorption of the structure was calculated both analytically and by finite element modeling and the two approaches agreed well. Finite element modeling provides a convenient way to extract the amount of power dissipation in each layer and is used to quantify the THz absorption in the multi-layer stack. The calculation and the model were verified by experimentally characterizing the multi-layer stack in the 3-5 THz range. The measured and simulated absorption characteristics show a reasonably good agreement. It was found that the composite film absorbed about 20% of the incident THz power. The model was used to optimize the thickness of the chromium film for achieving high THz absorption and found that about 50% absorption can be achieved when film thickness is around 9 nm.
Necessary and sufficient conditions for perfect channel shortening and implications for interference mitigation

We explore the shortening of multiple channels arising from either over-sampling or from using multiple antennas between a single transmitter and receiver. Using terminology we develop, we give new necessary and sufficient conditions for perfect channel shortening (PCS). In an example, the perfect channel shortener's robustness against wide-band noise, narrow-band interferers and received signal SNR mismeasurement is compared to that of an imperfect channel shortener. The work concludes with a list of possible extensions of the results and future work.
The Use and Non‐Use of Semantic Information, Word Order, and Case Markings During Comprehension by L2 Learners of German

This article presents findings from a year-long study of how intermediate second language (L2) learners of German (English first language) used case markings, word order, and semantic information when comprehending individual German sentences. The results showed that the learners relied on word order and semantic information, but did not necessarily use case-marking information. The learners' performance, however, improved as the study progressed, which suggests that with repeated exposure to the target sentences, they became more adept at noticing and processing case-marking information. The findings have implications for grammar instruction, not only at intermediate levels, but also for beginning-level L2 instruction.
Angiotensin II induces skin fibrosis: a novel mouse model of dermal fibrosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Ang II (angiotensin II), a vasoconstrictive peptide, is a well-known inducer of kidney, heart, and liver fibrosis. The goal of this study was to investigate the profibrotic potential of Ang II in the mouse skin. Ang II was administered by subcutaneous osmotic mini pumps to C57BL/6 male mice. Collagen-content measurements were performed with Gomori Trichrome staining and hydroxyproline assay. The mRNA expression level of collagens, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, CTGF, αSMA, CD3, Emr1, CD45/B220, MCP1, and FSP1 were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunostaining was performed for markers of inflammation and fibrosis, including, phospho-Smad2, αSMA, CD3, Mac3, CD45/B220, and CD163B. Fibrocytes were identified by double staining with CD45/FSP1 and CD45/PH4. Endothelial cells undergoing endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) were identified by double staining with VE-cadherin/FSP1. Ang II-infused mice develop prominent dermal fibrosis in the area proximal to the pump, as shown by increased collagen and CTGF mRNA levels, increased hydroxyproline content, and more tightly packed collagen fibers. In addition, elevated mRNA levels of TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 along with increased expression of pSmad2 were observed in the skin of Ang II-treated mice. Dermal fibrosis was accompanied by an increased number of infiltrating fibrocytes, and an increased number of αSMA-positive cells, as well as CD163B+ macrophages in the upper dermis. This correlated with significantly increased mRNA levels of αSMA, Emr1, and MCP1. Infiltration of CD3-, CD45/B220-, and Mac3-positive cells was observed mainly in the hypodermis. Furthermore, an increased number of double-positive VE-cadherin/FSP1 cells were detected in the hypodermis only. This work demonstrates that Ang II induces both inflammation and fibrosis in the skin via MCP1 upregulation and accumulation of activated fibroblasts. Additionally, our data suggest that populations of these fibroblasts originate from circulating blood cells. Ang II infusion via osmotic minipumps could serve as a useful mouse model of skin fibrosis to gain new insights into pathogenic mechanisms and to test new antifibrotic therapies.
Bus Binding, Re-ordering, and Encoding for Crosstalk-Producing Switching Activity Minimization during High Level Synthesis

Crosstalk is a complex function of signal activity, coupling parasitics, and signal timing. In this work, in the context of high-level synthesis, we propose simulated annealing (SA) based exploration of bus binding, bus-line re-ordering, and data transfer invert encoding schemes that targets the minimization of crosstalk producing signal activity in on-chip buses. Given a data flow graph, we perform execution profiling, operation scheduling, resource allocation, and operation binding. Then, we submit the partially synthesized design to the SA engine which simultaneously explores the binding, re-ordering, and encoding subspace. Experimental results on three benchmarks yielded activity savings in the range of 17-43% with an average of 25% at little (maximum 1%) or no expense of area.
PerfExplorer: A Performance Data Mining Framework For Large-Scale Parallel Computing

Parallel applications running on high-end computer systems manifest a complexity of performance phenomena. Tools to observe parallel performance attempt to capture these phenomena in measurement datasets rich with information relating multiple performance metrics to execution dynamics and parameters specific to the application-system experiment. However, the potential size of datasets and the need to assimilate results from multiple experiments makes it a daunting challenge to not only process the information, but discover and understand performance insights. In this paper, we present PerfExplorer, a framework for parallel performance data mining and knowledge discovery. The framework architecture enables the development and integration of data mining operations that will be applied to large-scale parallel performance profiles. PerfExplorer operates as a client-server system and is built on a robust parallel performance database (PerfDMF) to access the parallel profiles and save its analysis results. Examples are given demonstrating these techniques for performance analysis of ASCI applications.
Foresight in schizophrenia: a potentially unique and relevant factor to functional disability.

Objectives: The factors that contribute to functional disability in schizophrenia are only partially known and likely consist of an array of biopsychosocial constructs. This research sought to further elucidate the factors that conspire against functional recovery from schizophrenia by introducing the concept of foresight and exploring its unique contribution to functional outcome. Methods: Patients in the early course of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were studied over the course of one year as part of a clinical trial of cognitive enhancement therapy. Fifty-eight patients were assessed by using measures of foresight, functional disability, neurocognitive function, and psychopathology at baseline, and 49 were reassessed on the aforementioned domains at the oneyear follow-up. Results: Patients displayed significant deficits in foresightfulness throughout the study period. Cross-sectionally, measures of foresight exhibited significant and moderate to large relationships with measures of functional disability at both baseline and the one-year follow-up. Longitudinal analyses revealed that baseline levels of foresight were significantly predictive of future functional disability, after adjusting for neurocognitive function, psychopathology, and treatment assignment. Conclusions: This exploratory investigation suggests that foresight may be an important determinant of functional disability in schizophrenia. Future research will need to investigate whether impairments within this domain can be remediated to help promote a more functional recovery from the disorder. (Psychiatric Services 59: 256–260, 2008)
Aphids indirectly increase virulence and transmission potential of a monarch butterfly parasite by reducing defensive chemistry of a shared food plant.

Parasites and hosts live in communities consisting of many interacting species, but few studies have examined how communities affect parasite virulence and transmission. We studied a food web consisting of two species of milkweed, two milkweed herbivores (monarch butterfly and oleander aphid) and a monarch butterflyspecific parasite. We found that the presence of aphids increased the virulence and transmission potential of the monarch butterflys parasite on one milkweed species. These increases were associated with aphid-induced decreases in the defensive chemicals of milkweed plants. Our experiment suggests that aphids can indirectly increase the virulence and transmission potential of monarch butterfly parasites, probably by altering the chemical composition of a shared food plant. These results indicate that species that are far removed from host‐parasite interactions can alter such interactions through cascading indirect effects in the food web. As such, indirect effects within ecological communities may drive the dynamics and evolution of parasites.
Assigning Significance in Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics to Include Single-Peptide-Hit Proteins with Low Replicates

When sample replicates are limited in a label-free proteomics experiment, selecting differentially regulated proteins with an assignment of statistical significance remains difficult for proteins with a single-peptide hit or a small fold-change. This paper aims to address this issue. An important component of the approach employed here is to utilize the rule of Minimum number of Permuted Significant Pairings (MPSP) to reduce false positives. The MPSP rule generates permuted sample pairings from limited analytical replicates and simply requires that a differentially regulated protein can be selected only when it is found significant in designated number of permuted sample pairings. Both a power law global error model with a signal-to-noise ratio statistic (PLGEM-STN) and a constant fold-change threshold were initially used to select differentially regulated proteins. But both methods were found not stringent enough to control the false discovery rate to 5% in this study. On the other hand, the combination of the MPSP rule with either of these two methods significantly reduces false positives with little effect on the sensitivity to select differentially regulated proteins including those with a single-peptide hit or with a <2-fold change.
Manual laryngeal reposturing as a primary approach for mutational falsetto

Objectives/Hypothesis Mutational falsetto is a functional voice disorder characterized by failure of the male high-pitched preadolescent voice to transition to the lower pitch of adolescence and adulthood. Few objective outcomes data exist regarding the effectiveness of voice therapy for this poorly understood disorder. This study examined the immediate effects of a single therapy session using manual laryngeal reposturing as a primary approach in the management of mutational falsetto. Study Design Retrospective case series, pre-/posttreatment. Methods Manual circumlaryngeal techniques, including digital laryngeal reposturing maneuvers, were used as the primary approach to treat 12 consecutive males with mutational falsetto (mean age 17.5 yrs., range 14–25 years). Pre- and posttreatment audiorecordings of connected speech and sustained vowel samples were submitted to auditory-perceptual and acoustic analysis to assess the effects of a single voice therapy session. Acoustic estimates of severity in both connected speech and sustained vowel productions were computed using the Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia (CSID), a multivariate dysphonia summary tool that incorporates cepstral and spectral measures. Results Pre- and posttreatment comparisons confirmed a significant change in the direction of normal vocal function within a single treatment session for both listener- and CSID-based estimates of dysphonia severity. Conclusion Behavioral therapy using manual laryngeal reposturing by an experienced voice clinician is an effective and efficient primary approach for mutational falsetto. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 127:645–650, 2017
Reviewing Dyson’s Analysis of Gravitons, to Investigate Tokamak Graviton Detection, and Gerstsenshtein Coupling Between Photons and Gravitons

In a 2013 paper, Freeman Dyson presented thought experiments challenging the detectability of gravitons via LIGO interferometry and via the Gertsheshtein effect. Dyson assumed a distance of several light years would be required for detection of the interaction between gravitational waves (GWs) and tenuous B fields and photons, making gravitons experimentally undectable. In this paper, we present contrary theoretical evidence for detectability of near-field interaction of gravitons, photons, and a magnetic field. Our first example of 100% probability of the Gertshenshtein effect working is due to a GW generated by a tokamak with a interaction of GW, B field, and photons, in a volume on the order of a few cubic meters. The 100% probability of the Gertshenshtein effect working leads to gravitons interacting with a strong uniform magnetic field, resulting in photons which are detected by appropriate instrumentation. In addition, we will also comment upon another issue, that of relic GW, as may be generated by a new uncertainty principle as elucidated by the author. And how that effects relic considerations as to inflaton physics. I.e. the frequency range of the early universe GW (gravitons?) and those of gravitons (GW) produced by the Tokamak may be one and the same i.e. very pronounced overlap. And we explain why. Key words: Gertenshtein effect, LIGO, Octonionic, Pre Octonionic, Modified HUP( Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle)