cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Rice Haptic Rocker: Comparing Longitudinal and Lateral Upper-Limb Skin Stretch Perception

Skin stretch, when mapped to joint position, provides haptic feedback using a mechanism similar to our sense of proprioception . Rocker-type skin stretch devices typically actuate in the lateral direction of the arm, though during limb movement stretch about joint angles is in the longitudinal direction. In this paper, human perceptual performance in a target-hitting task is compared for two orientations of the Rice Haptic Rocker. The longitudinal direction is expected to be more intuitive due to the biological similarities, creating a more effective form of haptic feedback. The rockers are placed on the upper arm, and convey the position of a cursor among five vertically aligned targets. The longitudinal orientation results in smaller errors compared to the lateral case. Additionally, the outer targets were reached with less error than the inner targets for the longitudinal rocker. This result suggests longitudinal stretch is more easily discerned than laterally oriented stretch.
The Phenomenological Method: Reflective or Hermeneutical ?

When the results of the methodological discussions of Parts One and Two of my study are juxtaposed, the common theme of Husserl’s and Heidegger’s understanding of phenomenology may be summed up with the well-known phrase: zuruck zu den Sachen selbst (return to the matters themselves). Indeed, it is their common philosophical commitment to what Heidegger refers to as “the meaning of all genuine philosophical ‘empiricism’ (Empirie)” (BT, 490 n10/50n), i.e., to the non-constructivistic disclosure of the a priori, that initially makes possible the phenomenological dialogue between these two thinkers. However, as the quotation marks around the word “empiricism” no doubt indicate, Heidegger has reservations about the precise nature of the apriority uncovered in Husserl’s understanding of the “method of every scientific philosophy which understands itself” (BT,490 n. 10/50n). These reservations come into bold relief with the consideration of the matters themselves, discussed above, with respect to each thinker’s philosophical understanding of the meaning of the “return” expressed in their commonly embraced maxim “to the matters themselves.”
Overlay (in GIS)

Overlay is a general method for analysis of co-occurring geographic phenomena. Traditional maps are in a sense a product of an overlay process where separate information layers such as roads, houses, and types of land have been put together on top of each other. In GIS the overlay process has been developed into an analytical tool where various forms of descriptive, deductive, and inductive analyses can be performed on the data layers. As a noun the term overlay also often refers to the individual layers in such analyses. Important applications of overlay analysis include change analysis, spatial data accuracy assessment, and various forms of multicriteria evaluations.
Public Health Modeling at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is a growing interest in promoting the use of mathematical modeling to support public health policies. This chapter presents three examples of operations research models developed and employed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. First, we discuss the Adult Immunization Scheduler, which uses dynamic programming methods to establish a personalized vaccination schedule for adults aged 19 and older. The second operations research project is a discrete event simulation model used to estimate the throughput and budget for mass vaccination clinics during the 2009–2010 H1N1 pandemic. Lastly, we describe a national HIV resource allocation model that uses nonlinear programming methods to optimize the allocation of funds to HIV prevention programs and populations.
Regulation of effective vs. ineffective B cell responses to chronic viral infections.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are chronic viral infections that cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current efforts to vaccinate against these pathogens have been unsuccessful and have failed to induce effective neutralizing antibodies capable of mediating sterilizing immunity. Natural HIV of HCV infection elicits the production of affinity matured class-switched antibodies that target viral proteins. While these antibodies can drive viral evolution, they are ineffective at controlling infection. Moreover, it is now clear that the evolution of these antibody responses, and the B cells that produce them, during chronic infection are radically different than those generated by acute infection or vaccination. Despite these observations, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of B cell differentiation and control of effective antibody production during chronic viral infection. We have developed a novel technique that allows us to track the virus-specific B cell response in the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) model, a mouse model of chronic viral infection. Using this technique we have found that chronic viral infection does not cause a skewing of the virus-specific B cell response to the plasma cell fate and away from the germinal center fate but induces a robust plasma cell response in an antigen-level and T-cell dependent manner. These results suggest that altered differentiation of virus-specific B cells early during the response to chronic viral infection may contribute to the temporal delay in development of effective neutralizing antibody responses during chronic infection.
Financing Media, Information, and Communication

How are companies, products and projects funded? The chapter first covers internal funding and self-financing. It then moves to debt financing—senior and subordinated debt, commercial paper, corporate bonds and so on. Also discussed are other types of debt: securitization; vendor, buyer and lease financing; and government loans. The chapter then moves to the various types of equity financing: limited partnerships in films and technology; private equity; angels; crowdsourcing; venture capital; and initial public offerings (IPOs) and secondary public offerings (SPOs). The last part of the chapter investigates media ownership and its impact on content—by individuals, institutional investors and governments. The concluding section deals with the question of a capital structure that is optimal for company operations and value. These themes are tracked in the case discussion, which compares the financing options available to an established media firm (Time Warner) and to a start-up.
Data staging for efficient high throughput stream processing

Abstract High-bandwidth stream-oriented applications often demand high throughput computation engines implemented on dedicated hardware such as FPGAs, or ASICs. In such circuits, the streaming width (number of inputs and outputs per cycle) multiplied by the clock frequency represents the maximum throughput of the architecture. Re-sequencing the data elements in both space and time (referred to here as permutations of the input/output sequence) can often lead to more computationally conducive architectural solutions. Structures for performing permutations on streaming data can be grouped into the classes of general permutations and linear permutations. While the subclass of linear permutations includes important permutations such as the perfect shuffle (stride) permutation, Hadamard reordering, and bit-reversal, the stream width must be a power of two. This article reviews the two implementation types and seeks to determine in which cases the general implementation type should be used. In one-to-one streaming widths, the linear implementation shows optimal or near optimal costs in area (RAM and logic gates), but for arbitrary streaming widths, the next largest power of two linear implementation must be used. In these cases, the general implementation overhead may be more cost efficient than the larger stream width for the linear implementation.
Thin film composite membranes: Does the porous support truly have negligible resistance?

Abstract The permeation resistance of the porous support in a thin film composite (TFC) membrane is believed to be negligible compared with that of the thin polyamide film. Indeed, the resistance of a porous support, as determined from direct water permeation experiments as a function of transmembrane pressure (TMP), is only a fraction of the total resistance of a typical TFC membrane. However, the true resistance of the porous support in a TFC membrane, especially during high-pressure reverse osmosis (RO), could be significantly different from the value obtained via direct permeation measurement. Although the porous support is subjected to mechanical loading equivalent to the overall TMP, the effective TMP across the porous support that generates deformation can be significantly lower due to the internal pressure of the water within the pores. In this study we utilized a serial configuration, consisting of a TFC membrane on top of a representative porous support, to quantify the true resistance of the porous support under conditions of high mechanical loading but low permeation. Unsurprisingly, the results confirm that the porous support resistance appears negligible as compared with that of the TFC membrane under low TMP. However, after exposure to high TMP in the serial configuration, the porous support evidences up to 15X larger plastic strain and 28X higher resistance as compared to the same support tested separately under low TMP. At TMP = 8.3 MPa, the additional porous support beneath the TFC membrane increases the overall resistance by 31%. Using a resistance in-series model, the data suggest that the true resistance of the porous support could be as high as ~ 45% that of the thin film under the high-TMP but low-permeation condition encountered during high-pressure RO desalination.
Crystal structure of the [(THF)Cs(μ-η5:η5-Cp')3Yb] n oligomer.

The green compound poly[(tetrahydrofuran)tris[μ-η 5 :η 5 -1-(trimethylsilyl)cyclopentadienyl]caesium(I)ytterbium(II)], [CsYb(C 8 H 13 Si) 3 (C 4 H 8 O)] n or [(THF)Cs(μ-η 5 :η 5 -Cp′) 3 Yb II ] n was synthesized by reduction of a red THF solution of (C 5 H 4 SiMe 3 ) 3 Yb III with excess Cs metal and identified by X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes as a two-dimensional array of hexagons with alternating Cs I and Yb II ions at the vertices and cyclopentadienyl groups bridging each edge. This, based off the six-electron cyclopentadienyl rings occupying three coordination positions, gives a formally nine-coordinate tris(cyclopentadienyl) coordination environment to Yb and the Cs is ten-coordinate due to the three cyclopentadienyl rings and a coordinated molecule of THF. The complex comprises layers of Cs 3 Yb 3 hexagons with THF ligands and Me 3 Si groups in between the layers. The Yb—C metrical parameters are consistent with a 4 f 14 Yb II electron configuration.
Paternalism or Gender-Neutrality?

The strong and widely-accepted reasons for using gender-neutral language presumptively apply to the gendered word paternalism and its gender-neutral counterpart, parentalism. So this article’s thesis is that legal scholars should begin with a presumption for using the gender-neutral word parentalism, while using paternalism only when emphasizing the important relevance of gender or otherwise trying to convey a gendered meaning. Accordingly, many legal scholars define paternalism in an expressly gendered way — such as “the institutionalization of male dominance,” or an “ideology [that] teaches men to minimize women's agency” — or fittingly use paternalism to describe an attitude especially characteristic of men or directed primarily toward women. All these many uses of the gendered word paternalism are supported by the writers’ apparent intent to emphasize the important relevance of gender to the writers’ points. On the other hand, and despite the spread of gender-neutral language throughout our society and legal profession, many legal scholars continue to use the gendered word paternalism without indicating any important relevance of gender or otherwise manifesting intent to convey a gendered meaning. These many writers use paternalism rather than parentalism to describe laws or policies aiming to protect people (of all genders) by restricting their choices. For example, these writers cite “paternalism” as a standard justification for restrictions on contractual choice or other private ordering, including the unconscionability doctrine, usury laws, the minimum wage, and countless regulations limiting the range of enforceable promises by consumers, borrowers, employees, investors, and others. In each of these contexts, better to use the gender-neutral word parentalism, unless the writer emphasizes the relevance of gender or otherwise manifests an intent to convey a gendered meaning. For example, a writer could justify using the gendered word paternalism by arguing that all our laws are gendered male so gendered language should be used to discuss any law, including using paternalism to describe laws aiming to protect people of all genders by restricting their choices. Or a writer could justify using the gendered word paternalism by arguing (after citing sufficient empirical data) that protect-by-restricting-choice parenting is gendered male, so analogous protect-by-restricting-choice laws and policies are also gendered male. Absent one of those two plausible arguments justifying use of the gendered word paternalism, laws or policies aiming to protect people of all genders by restricting their choices are better described as examples of parentalism. In short, a presumption for using the gender-neutral word parentalism to describe laws or policies aiming to protect people of all genders by restricting their choices is well-grounded in the strong and widely-accepted reasons for ordinarily using gender-neutral language. And examining legal scholarship’s many uses of paternalism and parentalism illuminates our understandings of gender in both law and parenting.
Cost effectiveness of caplacizumab in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening disease characterized by thrombotic microangiopathy leading to end-organ damage. The standard of care (SOC) treatment is therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) alongside immunomodulation with steroids, with increasing use of rituximab +/- other immunomodulatory agents. The addition of caplacizumab, a nanobody targeting von Willebrand factor, was shown to accelerate platelet count recovery and reduce TPE treatments and hospital length of stay in TTP patients treated in the TITAN and HERCULES trials. The addition of caplacizumab to SOC also led to increased bleeding due to transient reductions in von Willebrand factor and increased relapse rates. Using data from TITAN and HERCULES on caplacizumab, we performed the first-ever cost effectiveness analysis in TTP. Over a 5-year period, the projected incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) in our Markov model was $1,482,260, significantly above the accepted 2019 US willingness-to-pay of $195,300. One-way sensitivity analyses showed the utility of the well state and the cost of caplacizumab to have the largest effects on ICER, with a reduction in caplacizumab cost demonstrating the greatest impact on lowering the ICER. In a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, SOC was favored over caplacizumab in 100% of 10,000 iterations. Our data indicate that the addition of caplacizumab to SOC in treatment of acquired TTP is not cost effective due to the high cost of the medication and its failure to improve relapse rates. The potential impact of caplacizumab on health system cost using longer-term follow-up data merits further study.
Optimal Social Distancing and the Economics of Uncertain Vaccine Arrival

Beliefs about the arrival time of a vaccine have a large effect on optimal social distancing in an SIR model, though the relationship is complex. A higher mean vaccine arrival time can increase or decrease optimal distancing depending on assumptions. We analytically demonstrate two channels that explain the ambiguity. We use a quantitative model that allows for targeted policy across risk groups to evaluate recent proposals for COVID-19 to let the young go and protect the old. If the mean vaccine arrival time is two years, the proposal might be loosely justified, but it is catastrophic if mean arrival is six months—520, 000 more old die, 380, 000 more young die, and regret exceeds US$3 trillion. The welfare gains from the targeted policy are also highly sensitive to vaccine arrival beliefs.
An Analysis of Seasoned Equity Offerings by Equity REITs (1991-95)

This paper examines the valuation effect around the filing and offer dates of seasoned equity offerings by Equity REITs over the period 1991-1995. Based on a much larger sample, our finding of a significantly negative reaction to filing announcements corroborates the evidence in Howe and shilling (1988). our analyses indicate that the valuation effect is impacted more by the information content of the filing than any tax-based explanations. We find a significantly negative valuation effect on the offer day as well. The effect persists even after adjustment of returns by the bid-ask bounce induced by excessive selling of shares in the secondary market by institutional investors to take advantage of offer price discounts. While we attribute the result partly to order flow imbalance around the offer day, this finding is inconsistent with extant literature and merits further investigation.
Abdominal Wound Healing Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation and Dwell Time in Critical Care: A Case Study.

Introduction Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) has been shown to be a viable option in abdominal wound healing protocols. To shed additional light on NPWTi-d, the present case study describes the treatment of a large postsurgical abdominal wound. Case report A 50-year-old female with multiple comorbidities underwent complete colectomy, end ileostomy, and percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy tube placement and subsequently developed a 27 cm x 22 cm x 7 cm abdominal wound that was approximately 85% covered by a thick layer of necrotic fat. After multiple surgical debridements over a 4-week timeframe, with recurrent adipose necrosis and failed surgical closure, NPWTi-d was initiated using 50 mL normal saline with 10-minute dwell time followed by 3.5 hours of continuous negative pressure at -125 mm Hg. Perforated foam was used in the wound bed. The NPWT dressings were changed twice weekly, and a physical debriding pad was used during dressing changes as needed. The instillation fluid was changed to an antimicrobial when an infection developed. Over the course of 6 weeks of treatment with NPWTi-d, progressive improvement was noted in wound size and depth; the final wound measurement was 25 cm x 22 cm x 4.5 cm, and 25% of the wound bed was covered with a thinner layer of necrotic tissue. Unfortunately, the patient died due to her underlying illness. Conclusions Despite the patient's overall failure to thrive, poor nutrition, and persistent high acuity, this wound improved dramatically with attention to the complexities of stoma care and the use of NPWTi-d.
An ergodic theorem for the weighted ensemble method

We study weighted ensemble, an interacting particle method for sampling distributions of Markov chains that has been used in computational chemistry since the 1990s. Many important applications of weighted ensemble require the computation of long time averages. We establish the consistency of weighted ensemble in this setting by proving an ergodic theorem for time averages. As part of the proof, we derive explicit variance formulas that could be useful for optimizing the method.
Compassionate Deactivation of Pediatric Ventricular Assist Devices: A Review of 14 Cases

Abstract Context Compassionate deactivation (CD) of ventricular assist device (VAD) support is a recognized option for children when the burden of therapy outweighs the benefits. Objectives To describe the prevalence, indications, and outcomes of CD of children supported by VADs at the end of life. Methods Review of cases of CD at our institution between 2011 and 2020. To distinguish CD from other situations where VAD support is discontinued, patients were excluded from the study if they died during resuscitation (including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), experienced brain or circulatory death prior to deactivation, or experienced a non-survivable brain injury likely to result in imminent death regardless of VAD status. Results Of 24 deaths on VAD, 14 (58%) were CD. Median age was 5.7 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.6, 11.6) years; 6 (43%) had congenital heart disease; 4 (29%) were on a device that can be used outside of the hospital. CD occurred after 40 (IQR: 26, 75) days of support; none while active transplant candidates. CD discussions were initiated by the caregiver in 6 (43%) cases, with the remainder initiated by a medical provider. Reasons for CD were multifactorial, including end-organ injury, infection, and stroke. CD occurred with endotracheal extubation and/or discontinuation of inotropes in 12 (86%) cases, and death occurred within 10 (IQR: 4, 23) minutes of CD. Conclusion CD is the mode of death in more than half of our VAD non-survivors and is pursued for reasons primarily related to noncardiac events. Caregivers and providers both initiate CD discussions. Ventilatory and inotropic support is often withdrawn at time of CD with ensuing death.
Heated Humidified Breathing Circuit Rewarming in Hypothermic Patients Post-Cardiopulmonary Bypass-Pilot Study.

Objectives Hypothermia on intensive care unit (ICU) admission after cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass is common. It contributes to postoperative complications including shivering, coagulopathy, increased blood loss and transfusion requirements, morbid cardiac events, metabolic acidosis, increased wound infections, and prolonged hospital length of stay. The current standard of care for rewarming ICU patients is forced air warming blankets. However, high-quality evidence on additional benefit rendered by other warming methods, such as heated humidified breathing circuits (HHBC), is lacking. Therefore, the authors conducted a pilot study to examine whether the addition of HHBC to standard forced air warming blankets in hypothermic patients (≤35°C) admitted to the ICU after cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass reduced time to normothermia. Design Prospective study conducted at a single large academic medical center. Participants The study group was composed of 14 patients who were enrolled prospectively between April 1 and June 14, 2019. The study group was compared with a 2:1 matched retrospective control group. The matched group consisted of 28 patients from a 12-month period from July 1, 2018 June 30, 2019. Interventions Study patients received warming via forced air warming blankets and HHBC and were compared with patients in a control group who received only warming blankets. Time to normothermia, time to extubation, time to normal pH, blood loss, blood transfusions, and coagulation profile laboratory values were compared between the study and control groups. Measurements and Main Results The present study found no statistical difference in time to normothermia, for which the standard-of-care retrospective group achieved normothermia after a median (Q1-Q3) 4.8 (4.0-6.0) hours compared with 4.4 (3.5-5.5) hours in the prospective group receiving HHBC. All secondary outcomes, including time to extubation, time to normal pH, ICU blood product transfusion, chest tube output, and coagulation profile, were similar. Conclusions The present pilot study detected a similar time to normothermia, extubation, and normal pH when HHBC were added to standard forced air warming blankets in hypothermic patients (≤35°C) admitted to the ICU after cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. A future larger prospective study designed to detect smaller, but clinically meaningful, reductions in the time to key clinical events for patients treated with HHBC is feasible and warranted.
Adipokinetic hormone gene sequence from Manduca sexta.

Abstract A gene sequence encoding the neuropeptide adipokinetic hormone (AKH) was isolated from a genomic library of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. 2.5 x 10(5) recombinant plaques were screened with a 29-mer oligonucleotide substituted with deoxyinosine at six ambiguous codon positions. One clone was obtained from which we deduced an intronless gene encoding the AKH precursor (prepro-AKH). From NH2 to COOH terminus, prepro-AKH consists of a signal peptide, a single AKH peptide block followed by a Gly-Lys-Arg processing site, and a 34-residue sequence that appears unrelated to known peptides. The cloned AKH gene sequence hybridized to one transcript from the adult corpus cardiacum/corpus allatum complex. The Manduca genome appears to contain one copy of the AKH gene. These studies are a basis for explaining synthesis of a representative from a widespread, physiologically important family of arthropod neuropeptides.
Abstract 020: Angiotensin Ii-induced Hypertension Has Significant Effects On Proliferation, Differentiation And Engraftment Efficacy Of Hematopoietic Stem Cell.

Cyclosporin and other immunosuppressive drugs are used in bone marrow (BM) transplantation to increase engraftment efficacy and reduce rejection. However, their chronic clinical use is closely associated with increase in blood pressure and development of hypertension (HTN). Despite these significant side effects, little is known about the influence of high blood pressure on hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and BM activity. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate if Ang II induced HTN exerts influence on HSC proliferation, differentiation and engraftment in the BM. Infusion of Ang II (1000ng/kg/min for 21 days) and establishment of HTN resulted in increased proliferation of HSCs as evidenced by 87% increase in Sca-1+, c-Kit+, Lin- (SKL) HSC and 254% increase in CD150+, CD48- SKL long-term HSC in the BM. Furthermore, this was associated with significant accumulation of monocytes in both BM (30% increase) and spleen (250% increase). These changes in HSC and inflammatory cells were blocked by co-infusion of Ang II and losartan (60mg/kg/day), In order to understand the effect of Ang II on HSC homing, GFP+ HSCs were injected into the lethally irradiated and saline or Ang II infused C57BL6 mice. FACS analysis of GFP+ donor derived cells showed that hypertensive animals has poor engraftment efficacy on both BM and peripheral blood (35-52% compared to saline controls). Time-lapse in vivo imaging of mouse tibia showed that HSC failed to engraft to the BM osteoblastic niche in hypertensive mice. HSCs pretreated with 100nM Ang II for 18 hours in vitro also showed significantly diminished ability (16% compared to control) to engraft in normal recipient mice. These observations demonstrate that 1) chronic Ang II induced HTN regulates HSC proliferation and impairs the homing ability and reconstitution potential of HSC in BM, 2) These effects are mediated by the AT1 receptor on HSC and 3) Ang II accelerates HSC differentiation leading the increase of inflammatory cells in BM and spleen. The results suggest that hypertensive status and BP control should be strictly taken into account in consideration for BM transplantation.
Rethinking agricultural research roles

An examination of the role ofUniversity weed scientists in herbicide efficacyresearch and long-term weed management studies raisesseveral important questions: who should do what kindof research and what kind of research should be done,and, because the university is a research institutionfunded by the public, there is also the importantquestion of who should pay for the research. Indeveloping a response to these questions, severaldimensions of the relationships within which weedscience works must be considered. The author‘sexperience has demonstrated that production, thedominant value in agriculture, provides a sufficientanswer to the questions for many in weed science.However, when weed scientists claim credit forexcellence in production they must also acceptsociety‘s right to hold them responsible for problemsthey now treat as externalities.
Analysis and provisioning of a circuit-switched link with variable-demand customers

We consider a single circuit-switched communication link, depicted by a Erlang multi-class loss queue, where a customer may vary its required bandwidth during its service. We obtain approximately the steady-state blocking probability of each class of customer. Comparisons with simulation results show that the approximation solution has a good accuracy. For the proposed model, we also provide an efficient capacity provisioning algorithm.
Micropropagation and Field Evaluation of × Heucherella ‘Bridget Bloom’

Abstract × Heucherella ‘Bridget Bloom’ shoots were surface disinfected and cultured on basal medium composed of Murashige-Skoog salts and vitamins and the following addenda per liter; sucrose, 30 g; glycine, 2 mg; and washed Difco Bacto-agar, 6 g. Axillary shoot proliferation was greatest on medium supplemented with 0.5 mg 1−1 benzyladenine, 0.025 mg 1−1 naphthaleneacetic acid and 4 g 1−1 washed Difco Bacto-agar. Adventitious shoots regenerated from callus that initiated from the base of cultured microcuttings. Microcuttings were rooted in Redi-Earth under intermittent mist for 4 wk (94% rooted) and then moved to a greenhouse (98% survival after 4 wk). During a 16 month field study, plants produced from microcuttings grew as well as, if not better than, greenhouse-grown plants propagated by division. Micropropagated plants originating from axillary buds had significantly greater fresh and dry weights, and initiated more leaves and crowns when grown under field conditions than plants originating from adven...
A hardware/software simulator to unify courses in the computer science curriculum

We present the design of a small but efficient computer system, a software simulator with a graphical user interface, and supporting software designed to integrate the educational experience of students taking courses in Computer Organization and Architecture, Operating Systems, and Compiler Design. We demonstrate the essential links among these three areas of Computer Science, and discuss how to integrate the developed system and software into the course material of the above-mentioned courses.
Power of One Bit of Quantum Information

In standard quantum computation, the initial state is pure and the answer is determined by making a measurement of some of the bits in the computational basis. What can be accomplished if the initial state is a highly mixed state and the answer is determined by measuring the expectation of ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{z}$ on the first bit with bounded sensitivity? This is the situation in high temperature ensemble quantum computation. We show that in this model it is possible to perform interesting physics simulations that have no known efficient classical algorithms, even though the model is less powerful than standard quantum computation in the presence of oracles.
Smoothness and asymptotics of global positive branches of D u + lf ( u )=0

The smallest eigenvalue of Δv+λf′(0)v=0 gives rise to a global positive branch of Δu+λf(u)=0 in Ω⊂ℝ2 together with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions (f(0)=0,f′(0)≠0). The theory, however, guarantees only that this branch is a continuum. We present a result that in a reasonably large class of problems this branch is actually an unbounded smooth curve. In the second part we study the asymptotic behavior of this positive smooth curve whenf has exponential growth. All results apply also to branches emanating at higher eigenvalues. As shown in [7] they have a fixed nodal structure when restricted to appropriate fixed-point spaces.
Fine-needle aspiration of 154 parotid masses with histologic correlation: ten-year experience at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Background Clinical and radiologic assessment of parotid masses cannot distinguish reliably between benign and malignant lesions. The utility of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of parotid masses at a cancer referral center (where clinicians may be especially adept at diagnosing parotid gland malignancies) remains controversial. Methods Between January 1986 and June 1996, 482 parotid glands were resected at the University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC). A preoperative FNA result was available for 147 of these resections (30%), (corresponding to 154 preoperative FNAs). The results of 154 consecutive preoperative FNAs were compared with the corresponding histopathologic diagnoses. Results Histologic evaluation revealed 76 malignant tumors and 78 benign lesions (67 neoplastic and 11 nonneoplastic). The FNA smear was nondiagnostic in two benign and two malignant cases. The cytologic diagnosis was true-positive in 61 cases (82% sensitivity), and true-negative in 65 cases (86% specificity). There were 11 false-positive results. Eight of these cases were classified as false-positive because they were suspicious for malignancy; five of the eight were outside cases. In addition, there were 13 false-negative results (6 metastatic lesions, 3 low grade mucoepidermoid carcinomas, 2 acinic cell carcinomas, and 2 carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenomas) (9%). Fifty-one of the malignant lesions (84%) and 60 of the benign lesions (92%), including 93% of the benign tumors, were classified accurately. Ten of ten lymphoma cases in this series were identified correctly. Conclusions FNA of parotid masses at a major referral cancer center has a sensitivity of 82%, a specificity of 86%, and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 84%. FNA plays an important role in the preoperative and postoperative assessment of parotid masses by aiding in the evaluation of tumors in poor surgical candidates and unresectable tumors, and by identifying metastases from other sites, reticuloendothelial tumors, and nonneoplastic inflammatory conditions.
A direct method of motion estimation from a sequence of stereo images

The authors report an approach for estimating motion from a stereo image sequence (SIM). First, a stereo motion estimation model is derived using the direct dynamic motion estimation technique. The problem is then solved by applying a discrete Kalman filter that facilitates the use of a long SIM. In the proposed approach, owing to the use of temporal derivatives in the motion estimation model, temporal matching is not needed. The effort for stereo matching is kept to a minimum by the use of a parallel binocular configuration. Noise smoothing is achieved by the use of a sufficiently large number of measurement points and a long sequence of stereo images. Experimental studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach. >
Cervical Ribs Are More Prevalent in Stillborn Fetuses than in Live-Born Infants and Are Strongly Associated with Fetal Aneuploidy:

ABSTRACT This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of cervical ribs in stillborn fetuses undergoing autopsy at our institution and to search for significant associations with cervical ribs. European studies have reported an increased prevalence of cervical ribs in patients with childhood cancer and in stillborn fetuses. We reviewed data from autopsies performed at Primary Children's Medical Center, Utah, between 2006 and 2009 on 225 stillborns (≥20 weeks) and 93 deceased live-born infants (<1 year). Digital fetal radiographs in anterior-posterior and lateral views had been taken of each subject. Chi-square analysis and general linear models were used for statistical analysis of the data. The overall prevalence of cervical ribs was higher in stillborns than in live-borns who died in the first year (43.1% vs 11.8%). Karyotypes were available for 93 (41.3%) of the stillborns. Of those, cervical ribs were present in 33 of 76 (43.4%) stillborns with normal karyotype and in 13 of 17 (76.4%) stillbor...
Influence of pre-operative diagnosis and frozen section on operative management of pancreatic cystic lesions

Background. Frozen section analysis of cyst wall has been advocated as standard of care prior to surgical drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts. Recent studies have indicated that frozen section may be unreliable. Our aim was to investigate the role and accuracy of frozen section analysis of the cyst wall in the operative management of pancreatic cystic lesions. Methods. A retrospective review was performed of 44 patients who underwent operation for a cystic lesion of the pancreas. Results. Of the 25 patients with a diagnosis of pseudocyst, 9 patients had frozen section intra-operatively. Eight frozen sections demonstrated pseudocyst, and correlated with final pathology. One frozen section demonstrated a true cyst. Twenty-three patients had a final diagnosis of pseudocyst. Nineteen patients had a diagnosis of cystic neoplasm, and six patients had frozen sections. Three frozen sections were consistent with cystic neoplasm and correlated with final pathology. Three frozen sections demonstrated characteristics of pseudocyst, two correlated with final pathology, and one showed cystic neoplasm on final pathology. Conclusion. Routine use of frozen section may not be necessary; however, frozen section is useful when the intra-operative appearance does not correlate with pre-operative diagnosis.
Evidence for the involvement of GLOBOSA‐like gene duplications and expression divergence in the evolution of floral morphology in the Zingiberales

Summary •The MADS box transcription factor family has long been identified as an important contributor to the control of floral development. It is often hypothesized that the evolution of floral development across angiosperms and within specific lineages may occur as a result of duplication, functional diversification, and changes in regulation of MADS box genes. Here we examine the role of GLOBOSA (GLO)-like genes, members of the B-class MADS box gene lineage, in the evolution of floral development within the monocot order Zingiberales. •We assessed changes in perianth and stamen whorl morphology in a phylogenetic framework. We identified GLO homologs (ZinGLO1-4) from 50 Zingiberales species and investigated the evolution of this gene lineage. Expression of two GLO homologs was assessed in Costus spicatus and Musa basjoo. •Based on the phylogenetic data and expression results, we propose several family-specific losses and gains of GLO homologs that appear to be associated with key morphological changes. The GLO-like gene lineage has diversified concomitant with the evolution of the dimorphic perianth and the staminodial labellum. •Duplications and expression divergence within the GLO-like gene lineage may have played a role in floral diversification in the Zingiberales.
Interaction between ethics and technology

At first glance ethics and technology seem to have no interaction. However, we see the influence of ethics on technology both from the profession and the public. For example the "code of professional ethics" has changed the procedures in different parts of science, engineering and technology, and has given a particular direction to the types of projects done, their scope, and implementations. The sensitivity of consumers to choose moral values has also resulted in the change of direction for many technologies. Public participation in science and technology and the legal channels are the other factors that shape the influence of ethics on technology. More controversially on the other side we see the impact of technology on ethics. One can argue how and why some of the most abstract ideas like normative ethical theories or Kantian ethics have been reactions to the advancements in science and technology. Additionally, the effects of technological change have greatly influenced modern relativistic ethics. Technology has provided new possibilities for human life and created new ethical questions too. In a sense, "applied ethics" is the product of technological development. A different view of the ethics of science and technology is discussed and analyzed in this paper.
Ca2 + influx through L-type Ca2 + channels and transient receptor potential channels activates pathological hypertrophy signaling

Common cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and myocardial infarction require that myocytes develop greater than normal force to maintain cardiac pump function. This requires increases in [Ca(2+)]. These diseases induce cardiac hypertrophy and increases in [Ca(2+)] are known to be an essential proximal signal for activation of hypertrophic genes. However, the source of "hypertrophic" [Ca(2+)] is not known and is the topic of this study. The role of Ca(2+) influx through L-type Ca(2+) channels (LTCC), T-type Ca(2+) channels (TTCC) and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels on the activation of calcineurin (Cn)-nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling and myocyte hypertrophy was studied. Neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) and adult feline ventricular myocytes (AFVMs) were infected with an adenovirus containing NFAT-GFP, to determine factors that could induce NFAT nuclear translocation. Four millimolar Ca(2+) or pacing induced NFAT nuclear translocation. This effect was blocked by Cn inhibitors. In NRVMs Nifedipine (Nif, LTCC antagonist) blocked high Ca(2+)-induced NFAT nuclear translocation while SKF-96365 (TRP channel antagonist) and Nickel (Ni, TTCC antagonist) were less effective. The relative potency of these antagonists against Ca(2+) induced NFAT nuclear translocation (Nif>SKF-96365>Ni) was similar to their effects on Ca(2+) transients and the LTCC current. Infection of NRVM with viruses containing TRP channels also activated NFAT-GFP nuclear translocation and caused myocyte hypertrophy. TRP effects were reduced by SKF-96365, but were more effectively antagonized by Nif. These experiments suggest that Ca(2+) influx through LTCCs is the primary source of Ca(2+) to activate Cn-NFAT signaling in NRVMs and AFVMs. While TRP channels cause hypertrophy, they appear to do so through a mechanism involving Ca(2+) entry via LTCCs.
Early beneficial effect of streptokinase on left ventricular function in acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract The effect of intravenous streptokinase therapy on the time course of functional recovery was investigated in a controlled study of 64 patients randomized within 3 hours after the onset of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Contrast ventriculography was performed 1 to 4 days after AMI and repeated 5 weeks later. Wall motion was analyzed by the centerline method in the central infarct, peripheral infarct and noninfarct regions. In patients with ventriculographic data at the early catheterization, streptokinase-treated patients had less severe hypokinesia in the central infarct region than control patients (−2.9 ± 0.9 [n = 29] vs −3.4 ± 0.7 standard deviations below normal [n = 21], p This study shows that streptokinase benefits left ventricular (LV) function by 1 to 4 days after AMI, earlier than previously reported. The benefit was not limited to the peripheral infarct region, where ischemia might have been less severe, but Was also seen in the central infarct region. The implication is that thrombolytic therapy can improve LV function during the period of myocardial stunning, while myocardial function is still recovering.
Is there a therapeutic role for post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder?

ABSTRACTPurpose: We identified a subset of patients with bladder cancer (transitional cell carcinoma) and regional nodal metastasis to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes without detectable systemic dissemination. While the majority of these patients respond initially to chemotherapy, most have disease relapse at the same site within a year. We report the results of a phase II study exploring the potential benefit of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in whom disease has shown a significant response to chemotherapy.Materials and Methods: A total of 11 patients with biopsy proven metastatic transitional cell carcinoma in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes and no evidence of visceral metastatic disease in whom disease showed a significant response to chemotherapy underwent complete bilateral retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. The end point of study was disease specific survival, calculated from the time of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection to d...
Comparative thermal physiology of two sympatric sunfishes (Centrarchidae: Perciformes) with a discussion of microhabitat utilization

We investigated temperature-dependent responses of metabolism and thermal tolerance in bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and longear sunfish (L. megalotis). Each species showed significant differences in standard metabolic rate (SMR) and thermal tolerance among the three acclimation temperatures (10°C, 20°C, and 30°C). These sympatric centrarchids colonize microhabitats with different hydrodynamic and thermal regimes, which may be related to species differences in physiological responses to temperature. We found no interspecific differences in SMR and thermal tolerance. However, because there are differences in microhabitat utilization which may promote an adaptive suite of physiological tolerances unique to each species, we provide evidence suggesting that L. megalotis has greater physiological plasticity for SMR than L. macrochirus and that L. macrochirus has greater plasticity in thermal tolerance than L. megalotis. Trends in physiological plasticity with correlates of microhabitat utilization are discussed.
Expropriation and direct investment

Abstract The paper considers a model in which private foreign investors make direct long-lived capital investments in a small developing country that is subject to stochastic shocks to production. Depending upon the preferences of the host country, we find that expropriation can occur because of either 'desperation or ‘opportunism’. We show that under reasonable assumptions increased investment makes expropriation less likely to occur, and that the level of investment chosen by atomistic foreign investors may be non-optimal.
A highly active protein repair enzyme from an extreme thermophile: the L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase from Thermotoga maritima.

Abstract We show that the open reading frame in the Thermotoga maritima genome tentatively identified as the pcm gene (R. V. Swanson et al., J. Bacteriol. 178, 484–489, 1996) does indeed encode a protein l -isoaspartate ( d -aspartate) O -methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.77) and that this protein repair enzyme displays several novel features. We expressed the 317 amino acid pcm gene product of this thermophilic bacterium in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with an N-terminal 20 residue hexa-histidine-containing sequence. This protein contains a C-terminal domain of approximately 100 residues not previously seen in this enzyme from various prokaryotic or eukaryotic species and which does not have sequence similarity to any other entry in the GenBank databases. The C-terminal region appears to be required for enzymatic function as no activity is detected in two recombinant constructs lacking this domain. Sedimentation equilibrium analysis indicated that the enzyme is monomeric in solution. The K m values for measured for peptide and protein substrates were found to be intermediate between those of the high-affinity human enzyme and those of the lower-affinity wheat, nematode, and E. coli enzymes. The enzyme was extremely heat stable, with no loss of activity after 60 min at 100°C. Enzyme activity was observed at temperatures as high as 93°C with an optimal activity of 164 nmol/min/mg protein at 85°C. This activity is approximately 18-fold higher than the maximal activities of mesophilic homologs at 37°C. These data suggest that the Thermotoga enzyme has unique features for initiating repair in damaged proteins containing l -isoaspartyl residues at elevated temperatures.