cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coronary Artery Bypass for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Since Favaloro introduced coronary artery bypass grafting in 1969,1 results have improved steadily even though the procedure has been applied to more patients that are older, with more extensive disease, and worse left ventricular function.2 In spite of recent success of percutaneous angioplasty for multi-vessel disease and relatively normal left ventricles, bypass surgery has been preferred for those with three-vessel disease and severe left ventricular dysfunction.3–6 Evidence for the role of surgical revascularization in patients with symptomatic diffuse coronary artery disease and impaired left ventricles was first noted in the 1984 report of the Veterans Administration Cooperative Trial7 that demonstrated an 11-year survival advantage over medical therapy of 12% (50% vs. 38%). The definition of abnormal left ventricle was generous by today’s surgical standards and included ejection fraction of 40% or below and included only patients with stable angina.This study was reinforced by the CASS report in 1985,8 and The Veterans Administration Medical Center’s results were similar when extended to patients with an unstable pattern of angina.9
A phase II randomized trial of nivolumab with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) versus nivolumab alone in metastatic (M1) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

6009Background: A minority of patients with metastatic HNSCC respond to the anti-programmed death (PD-1) monoclonal antibody, Nivolumab (Nivo). We sought to determine whether targeted radiation to a single lesion combined with Nivo would enhance tumor regression in non-irradiated lesions (abscopal response) and improve outcomes. Methods: Patients with M1 HNSCC (including nasopharynx) with at least two RECIST 1.1 measurable lesions were randomized with stratification for viral status (EBV/HPV pos vs. neg) 1:1 to either Nivo alone q 2 weeks or Nivo with SBRT to a single lesion (9 Gy x 3) between the 1st and 2nd doses of Nivo. The primary end-point was objective response rate (ORR) in non-irradiated lesions using RECIST 1.1. Secondary analyses included overall survival (OS), progression free-survival (PFS), and duration-of-response (DOR). We hypothesized that SBRT added to Nivo would increase ORR from 15% to 45%. Enrolling 53 patients thus provides a one-sided alpha of 0.10 and a power of 0.80. Results: 53 p...
Treatment of Early-Onset Hip Osteoarthritis in Young Patients

Pain and debilitating symptoms due to hip osteoarthritis (OA) can significantly compromise quality of life in young, active patients. The management of the young adult with hip OA presents a unique set of challenges, with symptoms that originate from a variety of underlying hip pathologies, and patient age spanning from youth through middle age. Early options for hip OA include nonoperative treatment with anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and injections. For patients with structural hip abnormalities (femoroacetabular impingement or dysplasia), arthroscopy or reconstructive osteotomy are acceptable treatment options. In advanced disease, joint-preserving techniques are often ineffective, and patients may require joint resurfacing or replacement. The treatment strategies for early hip OA continues to evolve with the development of new and refined surgical techniques, especially in the setting of underlying hip pathology, and a growing popularity of utilizing biologic agents. The purpose of this manuscript is to review current conservative and surgical management and to describe an algorithm for treatment of early-onset hip OA.
Evolution of signalling through pursuit deterrence in a two-prey model using game theory

We model the evolution of a pursuit-deterrent signal of ‘perception advertisement’ for the case in which a predator can travel among many patches, each of which contain two prey. We consider a signal that is difficult for prey to fake, such as approaching the predator, and assume that the signal also alerts other prey in the patch, thereby reducing the overall value of that patch to the predator. We analyse the model using evolutionary game theory and adaptive dynamics on prey and predator fitness-generating functions to determine convergent stable equilibrium solutions for the behaviour of prey and predator. We consider the effects on equilibria of the probability of predator detection, signalling cost, predator travel time and the chance of killing the prey. Depending on the parameter values, we find stable equilibria at pure signalling, nonsignalling and mixed evolutionarily stable strategies (ESSs). For example, prey are more likely to signal when they have a low probability of detecting the predator, and when the predator's missed opportunity costs are higher. We also find that there are two basins of attraction such that the system evolves towards one of them depending on the initial strategy values. This is the first two-prey pursuit-deterrent signalling game we are aware of, providing a novel theoretical basis for the evolution of signalling in group-living prey.
Structural Equation Modelling with Second-Order Confirmatory Factor Analysis: Critical Factors Influencing Consumer Behavior in Medical Tourism

The chapter demonstrates an application of structural equation modelling (SEM) with latent variables in tourism research, and the associated statistics are described. First, we discuss the basic concepts of SEM, followed by an explanation of the key statistics and terms associated with this procedure. Then we describe the procedure for conducting SEM, including second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Finally, we describe the related technique of SEM analysis. In doing so, the chapter provides an application of structural equation modelling with latent variables, of which latent variables are hypothetical constructs that are invoked to explain observed covariation in behavior. The study aims to identify critical factors of consumer acceptance of medical tourism in Asia. The study employs factor analysis (i.e., exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency reliability tests) and structural equation modelling analysis and path analysis (i.e., the analysis of moment structures and regression analysis) using the survey data collected from a sample of 486 international tourists who visited South Korea in 2014.
Harmonics-Based RFID Sensor Based on Graphene Frequency Multiplier and Machine Learning

We present here a compact graphene-based radiofrequency identification (RFID) sensor that can simultaneously detect two (bio-)chemical agents with the molecular-level sensitivity. We demonstrate that a simple circuit comprising the functionalized graphene transistors can realize a chemically-sensitive frequency modulator, whose output high harmonics are sensitively influenced by two (bio-)chemical agents. Moreover, the machine learning method is used to analyze multiple output harmonics for retrieving chemical properties of (bio-)chemical agents under detection. The proposed RFID sensor may find various wireless sensing applications and internet-of-things (IoTs).
Regression discontinuity analysis of Gavi's impact on vaccination rates

Abstract Since 2001, an aid consortium known as Gavi has accounted for over half of vaccines purchased in the 75 eligible countries with an initial GNI below $1,000 per capita. Regression discontinuity estimates suggest most aid for cheap, existing vaccines like hepatitis B and DPT was inframarginal: for instance, hepatitis B doses sufficient to vaccinate roughly 75% of infants raised vaccination rates by single-digit margins. These results are driven by middle-income countries near the eligibility threshold, and do not preclude larger gains for the poorest countries, global externalities via vaccine markets, or impacts on newer vaccines such as pneumococcal or rotavirus for which income eligibility rules were relaxed.
Placental pathology in live births conceived with in vitro fertilization after fresh and frozen embryo transfer

Background The availability and use of frozen embryos after ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproduction has increased with improvement in vitrification techniques and the rise of preimplantation genetic testing. However, there are conflicting data regarding whether obstetric outcomes differ between fresh and frozen embryo transfer cycles. Objective To compare placental pathology from live births arising from fresh and frozen embryo transfer cycles. Materials and Methods A cohort of 1140 live births with placental pathology arising from autologous in vitro fertilization cycles with fresh or frozen programmed transfer performed at MGH Fertility Center between 2004 and 2017 was retrospectively reviewed. An experienced placental pathologist categorized the reported placental pathology as anatomic, infectious, inflammatory, or vascular/thrombotic. Our primary outcomes were differences in these placental pathologies between the 2 groups. Patient demographic, cycle, and birth outcomes were compared with the use of χ2 tests, Student t test, or nonparametric tests, as appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to compare placental pathology between the fresh and frozen transfer groups. Results Of the 1140 cycles included in our analysis, 929 arose from fresh embryo transfers (81.3%) and 211 arose from programmed frozen embryo transfers (18.5%). For both transfer types, the average age of the women at time of treatment was 35 years; mean body mass indices were within the normal range (23.6 kg/m2 for fresh transfers and 23.2 kg/m2 for frozen transfers, P = .26), and mean day 3 follicle-stimulating hormone values were 7.1 and 7.0 IU/L (P = .44), respectively. Deliveries occurred on average at 37.5 and 38.0 weeks’ gestational age (P = .04) in the fresh versus frozen transfer group, with similar rates of obstetric complications. However, frozen transfers were more likely to be associated with marginal cord insertion (adjusted odds ratio, 1.87; confidence interval, 1.21, 2.91; P = .01), accessory lobe formation (adjusted odds ratio, 2.96; confidence interval, 1.12, 7.79; P = 0.03), subchorionic thrombi (adjusted odds ratio, 3.72; confidence interval, 1.80, 7.71; P Conclusion Pregnancies arising from frozen embryo transfers demonstrated more anatomic and vascular placental pathology than those from fresh transfers in our cohort of patients, despite similar maternal outcomes. More research is needed to explore how these differences in pathology may influence obstetric and perinatal outcomes.
Orthopaedic care of the child with arthrogryposis: a 2020 overview.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The orthopaedic treatment of children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita has evolved steadily over the past two decades. Interrelated factors have spurred this on, including better appreciation of the functional potential of persons with arthrogryposis, development of newer procedures specific for the arthrogrypotic deformities, and outcomes studies that provide understanding of the overall capabilities of adults with arthrogryposis and follow-up to determine which treatments were beneficial and which were not. This article briefly sketches out of some of these advances and indicates areas that need further development. RECENT FINDINGS Outcome studies show that the majority of adults with arthrogryposis are ambulatory but less than half are fully independent. Adults frequently experience ongoing pain, particularly foot and back pain, limiting ambulation and standing. Advancements in the upper extremity treatment include improving elbow function, wrist repositioning, and improving thumb positioning. In the lower extremities, correction of hip and knee contractures leads to improved ambulatory potential, and treating clubfeet with serial casting decreases poor outcomes. SUMMARY Clinical evaluation, both physical examination and assessment of the patient's needs, are important in directing treatment in arthrogryposis. Further outcomes studies are needed to continue to refine procedures and define the appropriate candidates.
Comparing Stakeholders’ Knowledge and Beliefs About Supporting Students’ Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health in Schools

Schools can play a significant role in promoting timely access to mental health services by utilizing proactive approaches to identifying and supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs. However, recent data suggest that few schools in the USA are taking such proactive approaches. Given that implementation of school-based programs is determined by a complex interplay of influences at multiple levels (i.e., individual, innovation, environment), more research is needed to understand the perceptions of stakeholders representing each of these unique levels. The purpose of this study was therefore to compare stakeholders’ knowledge, beliefs, and opinions regarding school-based approaches to identifying and supporting students at risk of SEB challenges. Survey responses were obtained from district administrators, school building administrators, school support staff, teachers, and parents within 1330 school districts across the USA. Although some differences across groups were noted, patterns generally supported that stakeholders (a) reported being knowledgeable about social, emotional, and behavioral problems and the school-based approaches to identifying and assessing them, (b) believed that student social, emotional, and behavioral problems should be a prioritized concern and identified using screening procedures, and (c) perceived moderate amounts of pressure to change social, emotional, and behavioral screening practices from different sources in their communities. In addition, respondents across stakeholder groups reported consistently strong agreement that screening should be used to proactively identify not only which students are exhibiting internalizing/externalizing problems, but also which students possess various risk and resilience factors.
Evaluating the environmental impacts of online shopping: A behavioral and transportation approach

Abstract Various fields and commercial sectors have witnessed a transformation with the advent of the internet. In the last decade, the retail sector in particular has witnessed the massive growth of e-commerce. This has also significantly altered our shopping experiences, influencing a range of decisions, from where, how, and how much to shop. With the consistent growth of e-commerce transactions, more trucks than ever before are entering cities today, bringing with them the negative externalities of increased congestion and pollution. This study first unravels underlying shopping behaviors–both in-store and online–using the 2016 American Time Use Survey (ATUS) data. The authors also develop an econometric behavioral model to understand the factors that affect shopping decisions. At a macro level, the disaggregate individual shopping behaviors are studied by implementing the model to synthetic populations to estimate potential vehicle miles traveled and environmental emissions in two metropolitan areas, Dallas and San Francisco (SF). Finally, the study estimates the impacts of rush deliveries, basket size, and consolidation levels by developing a breakeven analysis between in-store and online shopping. These results confirm the importance of managing the urban freight system, including delivery services and operations, to foster a more sustainable urban environment.
A Highly Efficacious PS Gene Editing System Corrects Metabolic and Neurological Complications of Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I

Our previous study delivered zinc finger nucleases to treat mice with mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I), resulting in a phase I/II clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02702115). However, in the clinical trial, the efficacy needs to be improved due to the low transgene expression level. To this end, we designed a proprietary system (PS) gene editing approach with CRISPR to insert a promoterless α-l-iduronidase (IDUA) cDNA sequence into the albumin locus of hepatocytes. In this study, adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) vectors delivering the PS gene editing system were injected into neonatal and adult MPS I mice. IDUA enzyme activity in the brain significantly increased, while storage levels were normalized. Neurobehavioral tests showed that treated mice had better memory and learning ability. Also, histological analysis showed efficacy reflected by the absence of foam cells in the liver and vacuolation in neuronal cells. No vector-associated toxicity or increased tumorigenesis risk was observed. Moreover, no off-target effects were detected through the unbiased genome-wide unbiased identification of double-stranded breaks enabled by sequencing (GUIDE-seq) analysis. In summary, these results showed the safety and efficacy of the PS in treating MPS I and paved the way for clinical studies. Additionally, as a therapeutic platform, the PS has the potential to treat other lysosomal diseases.
Tunneling conductance between parallel two-dimensional electron systems.

We derive and evaluate expressions for the low-temperature dc equilibrium tunneling conductance between parallel two-dimensional electron systems. Our theory is based on a linear-response formalism and on impurity-averaged perturbation theory. The disorder broadening of features in the dependence of tunneling conductance on sheet densities and in-plane magnetic-field strengths is influenced both by the finite lifetime of electrons within the wells and by momentum-nonconserving tunneling events. Disorder vertex corrections are important only for weak in-plane magnetic fields and strong interwell impurity-potential correlations. We comment, on the basis of our results, on the possibility of using tunneling measurements to determine the lifetime of electrons in the quantum wells
Before Affective Nihilism, Understanding Affect

In order to understand nihilism as a feeling-based phenomenon—as affective nihilism—one must first understand Nietzsche’s account of affectivity. In this chapter, I offer a Nietzschean account of affects and their functions, which include exciting or inhibiting the drives, motivating behavior (by inclining and disinclining the individual who experiences them), and shaping evaluative orientations. Additionally, I explain the transpersonal nature of affect: not only are affects contagious, but they are also communicated in a norm-laden socio-cultural context that plays a critical role in shaping the phenomenal character and motivational force of affective experience. The transpersonal nature of affect—especially the way that affects are socially and culturally mediated—is critical for understanding how one might become “infected” by affective nihilism: by internalizing certain beliefs and norms that damage one’s will.
The Survival of the Unfit

Is there room for weaklings in Darwin's theory of evolution? The “survival of the fittest”–that muscular phrase taken from Herbert Spencer–would seem to suggest not. A more nuanced and counterintui...
A Machine Learning Approach to Uncovering Hidden Utilization Patterns of Early Childhood Dental Care Among Medicaid-Insured Children

Background: Early childhood dental care (ECDC) is a significant public health opportunity since dental caries is largely preventable and a prime target for reducing healthcare expenditures. This study aims to discover underlying patterns in ECDC utilization among Ohio Medicaid-insured children, which have significant implications for public health prevention, innovative service delivery models, and targeted cost-saving interventions. Methods: Using 9 years of longitudinal Medicaid data of 24,223 publicly insured child members of an accountable care organization (ACO), Partners for Kids in Ohio, we applied unsupervised machine learning to cluster patients based on their cumulative dental cost curves in early childhood (24-60 months). Clinical validity, analytical validity, and reproducibility were assessed. Results: The clustering revealed five novel subpopulations: (1) early-onset of decay by age (0.5% of the population, as early as 28 months), (2) middle-onset of decay (3.0%, as early as 35 months), (3) late-onset of decay (5.8%, as early as 44 months), (4) regular preventive care (67.7%), and (5) zero utilization (23.0%). Patients with early-onset of decay incurred the highest dental cost [median annual cost (MAC) = $9,499, InterQuartile Range (IQR): $7,052-$11,216], while patients with regular preventive care incurred the lowest dental cost (MAC = $191, IQR: $99-$336). We also found a plausible correlation of early-onset of decay with complex medical conditions diagnosed at 0-24 months. Almost one-third of patients with early-onset of decay had complex medical conditions diagnosed at 0-24 months. Patients with early-onset of decay also incurred the highest medical cost (MAC = $7,513, IQR: $4,527-$12,546) at 0-24 months. Conclusion: Among Ohio Medicaid-insured children, five subpopulations with distinctive clinical, cost, and utilization patterns were discovered and validated through a data-driven approach. This novel discovery promotes innovative prevention strategies that differentiate Medicaid subpopulations, and allows for the development of cost-effective interventions that target high-risk patients. Furthermore, an integrated medical-dental care delivery model promises to reduce costs further while improving patient outcomes.
Pediatric Venous Thromboembolism: Different Rates of Incidence, Anatomic Locations, and Risk Factors Between Orthopaedic and Nonorthopaedic Related Patients.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) may be increasing in children; however, scarce literature exists comparing incidence rates between pediatric orthopaedic patients and other pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence, anatomic locations, and risk factors of VTEs between orthopaedic and nonorthopaedic pediatric related patients to determine if important differences exist. METHODS Computed tomography and ultrasound data were reviewed for children (below 19 y old) with a diagnosed VTE between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2016. Demographic and clinical data, including VTE anatomic location and risk factors, were recorded. Two major cohorts were identified: orthopaedic-related (ORTH) and nonorthopaedic-related (NORTH) VTEs. Incidence rates were estimated and risk factors were compared using χ2 testing. RESULTS There were 373 children diagnosed with a VTE (average age 10.3 y) of a total of 810,097 treated as in-patients for an incidence rate of 4.60 per 10,000 cases (95% confidence interval=4.15 to 5.10 per 10,000 cases). The rate of ORTH VTEs (28 of 188,669 orthopaedic patients, 1.48 per 10,000 cases) was significantly lower than that of NORTH VTEs (345 of 621,428 nonorthopaedic patients, 5.55 per 10,000 cases; P<0.001). For the ORTH cohort, there was a significant difference in the proportion of deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremity (91%) compared with the upper extremity (9%) (P<0.001), while a more even distribution of NORTH deep vein thrombosis in the upper (50%) and lower (41%) extremities was appreciated. The primary risk factors for ORTH VTEs included surgery (93%; P<0.001), change in ambulatory status (61%; P<0.001), and trauma (18%; P<0.001), while the primary risk factors for NORTH VTEs included intravenous peripheral inserted central catheter/central line (61%; P<0.001) and cancer (27%; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Pediatric ORTH VTEs have a significantly lower incidence rate and different primary risk factors than those of NORTH VTEs. This information is useful for health care providers when making decisions regarding risk and prophylaxis in pediatric patients with orthopaedic and nonorthopaedic conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
Factors that contribute to persistent Listeria in food processing facilities and relevant interventions: A rapid review

Abstract Persistent Listeria in food processing facilities is defined as Listeria that survives over time, even after cleaning and sanitation activities have been performed. Once persistence has established, it can be difficult to eliminate the Listeria. A rapid review was conducted to identify locations of persistent Listeria, risk factors for persistent Listeria, and interventions that have been successful in eliminating persistent Listeria in food processing environments. A systematic search was performed in Food Science and Technology Abstracts in the Web of Science database to identify studies; of the 1,656 identified studies, 32 met the inclusion criteria. These 32 studies were conducted in seafood or smoked seafood processing facilities (n = 12), meat or poultry slaughter or processing facilities (n = 10), cheese processing facilities (n = 4), sandwich or deli meat processing facilities (n = 2), a produce facility (n = 1), and un-specified facilities or facilities that processed multiple product types (n = 3). This indicates there is a need for additional studies specific to produce. Of the 32 studies, only 13 included a definition of persistence; however, the definition of persistence was highly variable from study to study, suggesting a need to standardize the definition for Listeria persistence. Floors, drains, conveyor belts, slicers, and tables were the 5 most frequently mentioned sites where persistent Listeria was isolated in the included studies. Only 9 studies that discussed risk factors for persistent Listeria; the 2 most common risk factors mentioned were equipment cleanability and lack of hygienic zoning. Eleven studies tested interventions for the elimination of persistent Listeria. In addition to summarizing the existing knowledge on Listeria persistence in food processing facilities, this review also delineates additional research needs, such as studies on Listeria persistence in produce operations and studies that identify risk factors for persistence as well as successful intervention strategies (i.e., corrective actions to eliminate or reduce persistent Listeria).
Posttranslational regulation of transporters important for symbiotic interactions.

Coordinated sharing of nutritional resources is a central feature of symbiotic interactions, and, despite the importance of this topic, many questions remain concerning the identification, activity, and regulation of transporter proteins involved. Recent progress in obtaining genome and transcriptome sequences for symbiotic organisms provides a wealth of information on plant, fungal, and bacterial transporters that can be applied to these questions. In this update we focus on legume-rhizobia and mycorrhizal symbioses and how transporters at the symbiotic interfaces can be regulated at the protein level. We point out areas where more research is needed and ways that an understanding of transporter mechanism and energetics can focus hypotheses. Protein phosphorylation is a predominant mechanism of posttranslational regulation of transporters in general and at the symbiotic interface specifically. Other mechanisms of transporter regulation, such as protein-protein interaction, including transporter multimerization, polar localization, and regulation by pH and membrane potential are also important at the symbiotic interface. Most of the transporters that function in the symbiotic interface are members of transporter families; we bring in relevant information on posttranslational regulation within transporter families to help generate hypotheses for transporter regulation at the symbiotic interface.
Constitutive complexity: Military entrepreneurs and the synthetic character of communication flows

Chapter 1 Introduction: Communication Constitutes OrganizationLinda L. Putnam, Anne M. Nicotera, and Robert D. McPheeChapter 2 The Communicative Constitution of Organizations: A Framework for ExplanationRobert D. McPhee and Pamela ZaugChapter 3 Agents Of Constitution In Communicad: Constitutive Processes of Communication In OrganizationsRobert D. McPhee and Joel IversonChapter 4 Constitutive complexity: Military entrepreneurs and the synthetic character of communication flowsLarry D. Browning, Ronald Walter Greene, S. B. Sitkin, Kathleen M. Sutcliffe, and David ObstfeldChapter 5 Dislocation and Stabilization: How to Scale Up from Interactions to OrganizationFrancois Cooren and Gail T. FairhurstChapter 6 Organizing from the bottom up?: Reflections on the constitution of organization in communicationJames R. TaylorChapter 7 Theory Building: Comparisons of CCO OrientationsLinda L. Putnam and Robert D. McPhee
Developing Language Resources for a Transnational Digital Government System.

We describe ongoing efforts towards developing language resources for a transnational digital government project aimed at applying information technology (IT) to a problem of international concern: detecting and monitoring activities related to the transnational movement of illicit drugs. The project seeks to support information sharing, coordination and collaboration among government agencies within a country and across national boundaries by combining a variety of technologies including a distributed query processor with form-based and conversational user interfaces, a language translation system, an event server for event filtering and notification, and an event-trigger-rule server. The prototype system is being developed by U.S. universities in collaboration with an international agency and with universities and government agencies in Belize and the Dominican Republic. This paper focuses on the linguistic resources and their use in Example-Based Machine Translation (EBMT). We are in the process of developing an EnglishSpanish parallel corpus, focused on the domain of information elicited and used at border crossings, to fuel the EBMT system. While significant parallel corpora are available for these two languages in the newswire domain, they were found to be of very limited use for the border crossings application, spurring the need to develop our own resources.
Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance in membrane fusion studies.

Publisher Summary Membrane fusion study has resulted, in part, from the development of technologies for studying various aspects of the membrane fusion events and the development of models for fusion mechanisms that is tested by using the new technologies. Two of the most significant fusion mechanisms that are proposed are based on model membrane fusion studies of simple lipid vesicles. One of the models utilizes a mechanism involving calcium and phosphatidylserine (or cardiolipin), which may involve a gel (dehydrated) phase formation by the calcium–phosphatidylserine complex. The second pathway involves isotropic structures, I s , identified in 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of lipid dispersions as intermediates in membrane fusion. The isotropic structures satisfy the fundamental demands of fusion mechanisms. There are various steps for fusion—aggregation or adhesion of the membranes that will fuse and destabilization of the bilayer at the point of fusion. The chapter describes the available techniques for detecting nonbilayer structures.
Knowledge-Based Systems for Management Decisions

Knowledge-based systems for management decisions , Knowledge-based systems for management decisions , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی
Portopulmonary hypertension: Diagnosis, clinical features, and medical therapy.

Providers should suspect POPH in patients with liver disease who present with dyspnea out of proportion to known cardiopulmonary disease. Treatment decisions for these patients are based on the severity of the disease and prognostic indicators. Severe POPH has a poor prognosis and early prostacyclin therapy should be considered.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF AUTOMOBILE HEAD RESTRAINTS

ACCIDENT CASES INVOLVING CARS WITHOUT HEAD RESTRAINTS ARE COMPARED WITH CARS HAVING THIS DEVICE TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HEAD RESTRAINTS, THEIR POSITION WHEN IMPACT OCCURRED, AND TO PROVIDE SOME DETAILS CONCERNING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OCCUPANT POSITION, SEAT BACK DAMAGE, AND CERVICAL INJURY. A REDUCTION IN NONDANGEROUS CERVICAL INJURY WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE HEAD RESTRAINT GROUP. HOWEVER, DUE TO SMALL NUMBERS THIS COULD NOT BE CONFIRMED STATISTICALLY. APPROXIMATELY 73% OF THE ADJUSTABLE HEAD RESTS WERE IN THEIR LOWEST POSITION. THE POSITION OF THE OCCUPANT ON THE SEAT STRONGLY INFLUENCED INJURY. LARGER AMOUNTS OF REARWARD ROTATION OF THE SEAT BACK WERE ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER INJURY SEVERITY THAN LIMITED ROTATION. /SAE/
Aluminum Surface Texturing by Means of Laser Interference Metallurgy

The increasing use of lightweight materials, such as aluminum alloys, in auto body structures requires more effective surface cleaning and texturing techniques to improve the quality of the structural components. The present work introduces a novel surface treatment method using laser interferometry produced by two beams of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser operating at 10Hz of frequency to clean aluminum surfaces, and meanwhile creating periodic and rough surface structures. The influences of beam size, laser fluence, wavelength, and pulse number per spot are 1]. Aluminum surface cleaning to remove oxides and contaminations is required prior to the welding and joining processes. Without proper surface preparation, seams and joints are susceptible to increased wear, degradation and, in some cases, catastrophic failure. There are many methods to remove aluminum surface oxides. Mechanical method [2] is one prevalent method due to its relative low cost. It typically uses blasting media or abrasive materials that are applied directly to the surface. Chemical stripping [3] is another widely used cleaning method. An advantage of this method is the ability to more easily remove all traces of surface oxides and contaminations regardless of shape or surface features. Although the chemical stripping method is effective, the cost associate with environmental protection, hazardous-waste management is high.
Effect of LEO cycling at shallow depths of discharge on MANTECH IPV nickel-hydrogen cells

An individual pressure vessel nickel-hydrogen battery is being considered as an alternate for a nickel-cadmium battery on the Hubble Space Telescope. The space telescope battery will primarily be operating at a shallow depth of discharge (10 percent DOD) with an occasional 40 percent DOD. This shallow DOD raises several issues: (1) What is the cycle life. It is projected to be acceptable; however, there is no reported real time data base for validation. (2) The state of charge of the nickel electrode at the beginning of charge is 90 percent. Will this cause an acceleration of divergence in the battery individual cell voltages. (3) After prolonged cycling at 10 percent DOD, will there be enough capacity remaining to support the 40 percent DOD. (4) Is the state of charge really 90 percent during cycling. There is no reported real time data base at shallow depths of discharge. A data base to address the above issues was initiated.
Natalie T. J. Tindall and Richard D. Waters (Eds.), Coming Out of the Closet: Exploring LGBT Issues in Strategic Communication With Theory and Research

Established scholars Natalie Tindall and Richard Waters have compiled an insightful book that's both unique and uniquely valuable. Coming Out of the Closet should be considered important reading fo...
Reliability of Clinician-Based (GRBAS and CAPE-V) and Patient-Based (V-RQOL and IPVI) Documentation of Voice Disorders

This study examined the reliability of two methods for documenting voice quality by clinicians and compared the methods for documenting patients' perceptions of voice quality. It involved a prospective reliability study and a retrospective chart review. Reliability of two clinician-based voice assessment protocols-Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain (GRBAS) and Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation-Voice (CAPE-V)-was evaluated. These two protocols were then compared after use in voice assessments of 42 males and 61 females performed by a certified speech-language pathologist specializing in the assessment of voice disorders. In addition, two patient-based scales (Voice Related Quality of Life, or V-RQOL, and Iowa Patient's Voice Index, or IPVI) obtained from the same patients were compared with each other and with the clinician-based scales. Reliability of clinicians' ratings of overall severity of dysphonia using GRBAS and CAPE-V scales was very good (r>0.80). Agreement between V-RQOL Total scores and IPVI ratings of the patient's perceptions of impact of dysphonia was less strong (Spearman's r=-0.76). There was relatively weak agreement between patient-based and clinician-based scales. Clinician's perceptions of dysphonia appeared to be reliable and unaffected by rating tool, as indicated by the high level of agreement between the two rating systems when they were used together. The CAPE-V system appeared to be more sensitive to small differences within and among patients than the GRBAS system. The V-RQOL and IPVI approaches to documenting patient's perceptions of dysphonia agreed less well possibly due to differences in patient dependence on voice and on interpretation of the rating tool items. The differences between clinician-based and patient-based data support the conclusion that clinicians and patients experience and consider dysphonia very differently.
Oddball-evoked P300-based method of deception detection in the laboratory. II: Utilization of non-selective activation of relevant knowledge.

Abstract We used a deception detection paradigm modeled on the type used for pre-employment screening procedures. Our novel dependent measure was P300 amplitude. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while subjects were presented with a list of eight antisocial acts one at a time, and one target-response phrase to which a ‘yes’ button press was required. Subjects were instructed to try to escape detection during the ERP test if they were guilty of any of the acts. After the ERP test, ground truth was established by the completion of an innocent/guilty check list of antisocial acts under perceived anonymous conditions tending to favor honest responding. Subjects were classified as innocent ( n = 14) or guilty 17 based on their check list response to the relevant act ‘Used Falsified ID’. When comparing the P300 amplitudes in responce to the relevant and to another act, we found that most group analyses revealed significant differences between guilty and innocent subjects. The subjects were also individually classified by a 3-step algorithm which involved: (1) a bootstrap amplitude test that compared the bootstrapped amplitudes of the P300s to the relevant and to another act; (2) relevant-to-target item P300 amplitude ratios; and (3) relevant act P300 amplitudes. Overall, the algorithm yielded 87% accuracy. The present study was intended to be an advance over our previous study (Rosenfeld, et al., 1991), in which we correctly classified 89% of the subjects using a similar P300-based deception detection paradigm. However, the possible confounding limitation of that study was that subjects had to complete an innocent/guilty check list of their antisocial acts prior to the ERP test. The present study investigated the accuracy of the P300-based test when subjects did not admit or selectively rehearse their guilt of the relevant act prior to the ERP test.
Parallel hardware for sequence comparison and alignment

Sequence comparison, a vital research tool in computational biology, is based on a simple O(n2) algorithm that easily maps to a linear array of processors. This paper reviews and compares high-performance sequence analysis on generalpurpose supercomputers and single-purpose reconfigurable, and programmable co-processors. The difficulty of comparing hardware from published performance figures is also noted.
Practice and Research in Career Counseling and Development—2007

This annual review of the research and practice literature related to career counseling and development during 2007 is presented in 9 areas: professional issues, career assessment, career development, career theory and concepts, career interventions, advances in technology, personnel selection and job placement, international perspectives, and book reviews. Professional issues of a multicultural, multiethnic, and diversified workforce have become among the most frequently enumerated themes of the 2007 career development literature. The author summarizes and discusses the implications of the findings in this literature for the practice of career counseling.
The radiologist's role in acute endocrine problems.

Ultrasound and computed tomography have had an enormous impact on the imaging procedures used in the detection of tumors of the parathyroids, pancreas, and adrenals. Ultrasound is now the examination of choice in localizing parathyroid adenomas in the neck prior to cervical exploration or after unsuccessful exploration. Its role as a screening test in patients without biochemical confirmation of hyperparathyroidism awaits further study. Computed tomography is useful in identifying mediastinal parathyroid adenomas in patients who have had unsuccessful neck explorations and islet-cell tumors of the pancreas if they are sufficiently large (greater than 2 cm). Angiography remains the most accurate method of localizing insulinomas prior to surgery. Computed tomography scanning has become the procedure of choice in localizing adrenal tumors and has sufficient sensitivity to be used as a screening test in patients without biochemical confirmation of an adrenal abnormality.
Factoring and weighting approaches to status scores and clique identification

(1972). Factoring and weighting approaches to status scores and clique identification. The Journal of Mathematical Sociology: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 113-120.
Nasa's Laser Risk Reduction Program: A risk reduction approach for technology development

The benefits of Earth Science (ES) laser instrumentation have been proven by decades of earth-science observations. Lasers allow remote sensing of earth-system variables such as sea elevation, atmospheric composition, wind profiles, cloud cover, ice mass, and vegetation canopy. Further, orbiting platforms provide a unique vantage point that allows laser measurements on a global scale. NASA implemented the Laser Risk Reduction Program (LRRP) to identify and address capability-gap areas where new devices or processes could yield high-reliability mission-ready parts, and to develop components needed to advance the state-of-the-art of laser-based instrumentation. This paper discusses LRRP's approach and the evolution of the program's developments from inception to their planned infusion into NASA's missions. It is the first part of a three-paper presentation (Program goals and organization; 1µ developments and results at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC); and 2µ developments and results at Langley Research Center (LaRC)) that summarizes LRRP's goals, formulation approach, management organization, and final results.
Subunit Assembly and Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Activity of Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2B Expressed in Sf9 Cells

Eukaryotic initiation factor-2B (eIF-2B) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that plays a key role in the regulation of protein synthesis. In this study, we have used the baculovirus-infected Sf9 insect cell system to express and characterize the five dissimilar subunits of rat eIF-2B. GEF activity was detected in extracts of Sf9 cells expressing the epsilon-subunit alone and was greatly increased when all five subunits were coexpressed. In addition, high GEF activity was observed in extracts containing a four-subunit complex lacking the alpha-subunit. Assembly of an eIF-2B holoprotein was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation of all five subunits. Gel filtration chromatography revealed that recombinant eIF-2B had the same molecular mass as eIF-2B purified from rat liver and that it did indeed possess GEF activity. Phosphorylation of the substrate eIF-2 inhibited the GEF activity of the five-subunit eIF-2B; this inhibition required the eIF-2B alpha-subunit. The results demonstrate that eIF-2Balpha functions as a regulatory subunit that is not required for GEF activity, but instead mediates the regulation of eIF-2B by substrate phosphorylation. Furthermore, eIF-2Bepsilon is necessary and is perhaps sufficient for GEF activity in vitro.
Recent advances in a molecular level lithography simulation

Computer simulation of microlithography is a valuable tool for both optimization of current processes and development of advanced techniques. The capability of a computer simulation is limited by the accuracy of the physical model for the process being simulated. The post exposure bake (PEB) of a deep-ultraviolet resist is one process for which an accurate physical model does not exist. During the PEB of a deep- ultraviolet resist, mass transport of photogenerated acid allows a single acid molecule to catalyze several deprotection reactions. Unfortunately, lateral transport of acid into unexposed regions of the resist complicates control over the critical dimension of printed features. An understanding of the factors that contribute to acid mobility would allow resist manufacturers to tailor resist transport properties to their needs. Molecular level models are particularly valuable when attempting to examine mechanistic phenomena and offer the best possibility of accurately predicting lithographic performance based upon the chemical formulation of a resist. This work presents a new, molecular scale simulation of the acid generation and transport process.
The role of the extracellular matrix in skeletal muscle development

Skeletal muscle fibers are surrounded by an extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix is composed of glycoproteins, collagen, and proteoglycans. Proteoglycans have been suggested to play an important functional role in tissue differentiation; however, an understanding of how the extracellular matrix affects skeletal muscle development and function is largely unknown. Proteoglycans can regulate collagen fibrillogenesis, inhibit cell growth, and modulate the response to growth factors. Our studies have focused on the proteoglycan decorin, which interacts with transforming growth factor-beta and regulates collagen fibrillogenesis and cellular growth properties in the avian genetic muscle weakness Low Score Normal. Low Score Normal pectoral muscle development is characterized by a late embryonic increase in the expression of decorin followed by a subsequent increase in collagen crosslinking and modified collagen fibril organization. This paper reviews the interaction of extracellular matrix molecules, cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and modulation of growth factor activity. How proteoglycans may interface with each of these key events during skeletal muscle myogenesis is discussed.
Ecotypic differences in the C3 and C 4 photosynthetic activity in Mollugo verticillata, a C3-C 4 intermediate.

Four populations of Mollugo verticillata L. were compared on the basis of their photosynthetic products, photosynthetic rates, enhancement under low oxygen concentration, and CO2 compensation points. In addition, pulse-chase labeling experiments were conducted using one of the four populations. Depending on the plant population, C4 acids ranged from 40% to 11% of the primary products under short-term exposure to 14CO2. These compounds were also metabolized during pulse-chase experiments. All four populations had significantly different photosynthetic rates and those rates were correlated with the amounts of labelled C4 acids produced and C4-acid turnover. Three populations of M. verticillata had similar compensation points (40 μl/l) and degrees of photosynthetic enhancement under low [O2] (20%), the fourth population was much lower in both characteristics (CO2 compensation, 25 μl/l; low-O2 enhancement, 12%). The results verify the intermediate nature of photosynthesis in this species, and illustrate populational differences in its photosynthetic and photorespiratory carbon metabolism.