cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laser vs. Blade Dicing for Direct Bonded Heterogeneous Integration (DBHi) Si Bridge

The recently introduced Direct Bonded Heterogeneous Integration (DBHi) Si bridge technology has chips connected by a bridge housed inside a cavity or trench that is precisely machined in the chip-carrier laminate. The size, thickness, and placement centrality of the bridge are critical parameters that are necessary to prevent interference with the laminate substrate trench. In this study, we compared laser and saw dicing processes for the DBHi bridge technology. Different laser dicing recipes are developed and optimized. The laser and saw dicing process are compared for dimensional tolerances, edge quality, and die strength of the bridge chips. The die strength is affected by the edge defects on the top and bottom surfaces adjacent to the edges and is measured using a three-point bend fixture in a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The laser dicing process is improved to equalize the die strength at both the surfaces as well as to achieve equal or higher die strength than blade dicing specifically for the thinner wafer thicknesses.
Providers' assignment of NYHA functional class in patients with heart failure: A vignette study.

Abstract Background Accuracy of New York Heart Association Functional Classification (NYHA-FC) I-IV assessment is critical to promoting guideline directed care. Objective Examine providers’ accuracy when diagnosing NYHA-FC I-IV in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods A web-based survey using validated vignettes was conducted with 244 physicians, nurse practitioners (NP), clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and physician assistants (PA) who provide care to patients with HF. Results Providers comprised of 65% NPs, 19% physicians, 14% CNSs, 2% PAs with an average of 15 years working with HF patients. Accuracy ranged from 36.9% for Class IV to 78.7% for Class I. Increased HF patient volume seen (p=0.024), physician vs. NP/PA/CNS (p=0.021), and typically assigned a HF stage (p Conclusion It is critical that NYHA-FC is accurately assigned to promote optimal outcomes. Research in the future should focus on improving accuracy in assigning NYHA-FC.
Reinforcement Learning-based Decentralized Optimal Control for Large-Scale Multi-agent System by Using Neural Networks and Discrete-time Mean Field Games

This paper proposed the Actor-critic-mass (ACM) algorithm to solve the discrete-time mean field type tracking control problem without discretization errors. The traditional large-scale multi-agent control problem suffers from computational explosion and communication difficulty due to the team's nearly infinite agent number. To deal with those challenges, the Mean Field Games (MFG) have been introduced in the multi-agent control problem to disconnect the computation and communication complexity with the agent number. However, traditional mean field type control problems mainly studied the continuous- times systems limited by the concerns of losing the solutions' existence or uniqueness caused by discretization. In this paper, the Feynman-Kac formula is utilized to reformulate the continuous MFG equation system into a backward discretized system. Specifically, the Hamiltonian-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation and backward Kolmogorov equation in the form of a backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) are introduced. Meanwhile, three neural networks (NN), i.e., the actor, critic, and mass NN, are developed to approximate the MFG equation system's discretized solution and the optimal control. Moreover, the stability and convergence of the NNs and the closed-loop system are provided via the Lyapunov stability analysis. Finally, a series of numerical simulations have shown the new discrete algorithm's performance.
Midterm follow-up of elderly patients with fragility fractures of the pelvis: A prospective cohort-study comparing operative and non-operative treatment according to a therapeutic algorithm.

Abstract Introduction The treatment of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) is a challenge. The variations of non-operative- and of operative treatment are manifold and a structured treatment algorithm is lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of elderly patients with a FFP who were treated with a therapeutic algorithm based on the FFP-classification. Patients and Methods In a prospective cohort study 154 patients (mean age: 81.8 ±.61 (65-96); female: (86.8%; 131/154). BMI: 23.7 ±.34 (15-43)) with a FFP after inadequate mono trauma were treated according to a strict therapeutic algorithm between 04/2016 and 12/2018. According to a classification based on CT-scans either a standardized operative treatment or conservative therapy was induced and the outcome regarding objective measurements of mobility, pain, need for analgesics and mortality during hospital stay and after one year was analyzed. Results 82/154 participants (53.2%) were assigned to the conservative treatment group and 72 participants (46.8%) to the operative treatment group. The overall one-year survival rate was 78.1% (118/151). The survival of the operative treatment group was 90.7% (49/54) and significantly higher than the survival of the conservative treatment group (74.7%; 56/75; p=.023). The one-year follow up showed a high dispersion of the pain level in the operatively treated patients and a significantly higher mean in comparison to conservatively treated patients. Both treatment groups showed increasing numbers of patients with unlimited mobilization but also immobile patients. Overall in 31.0% (18/58) of the operative participants and in 14.9% (14/93) of the non-operatively treated participants complications occurred (p=.04). Conclusion The strict compliance to the presented treatment algorithm of FFP with an operative strategy starting from FFP IIc leads to a significantly lower mortality within one year in comparison to the conservatively treated patients. The worst outcome and the highest mortality was seen in patients who refused the recommendation of operative stabilization. The results of this study justify to proceed with the strict classification dependent treatment algorithm and also support the early switch-over to operative treatment of patients with failed conservative therapy in FFP I to FFP IIb.
Air-to-Sea Transfer of Particles

When starting to read a chapter such as this, I have difficulty discerning where the author wants to lead. Usually, there are some generalities (this chapter describes some physics of wet and dry removal -- for chemists), some restrictions (there is insufficient space, here, to cover all the details), and some hazy outline of the approach (because of these space limitations, a deductive approach will be taken). Then, the author usually attempts to draw a road map with words. However, for me, the phrase “then, in the next section” has a definite mesmerizing quality. Some of the fault, I think, lies with editors and publishers who refuse to let the author list section and subsection headings. After all, that is what the author is trying to do; and for me, it’s so much easier to review the list, later, when I’m totally lost. Fortunately in the present case, the editors have been more receptive to rational arguments(!), and therefore I invite the reader to glance at the Table of Contents, now, to gain a glimpse of the chosen route.
Anxiety sensitivity mediates the association between post-traumatic stress symptom severity and interoceptive threat-related smoking abstinence expectancies among World Trade Center disaster-exposed smokers.

Abstract Introduction Anxiety sensitivity (fear of internal anxiety-relevant bodily sensations) is an individual difference variable that is associated with the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is also involved in the maintenance/relapse of smoking. Abstinence expectancies are crucial to smoking maintenance, yet, past work has not explored how PTSD symptom severity and anxiety sensitivity contribute to them. Method Participants were 122 treatment-seeking daily smokers (36.1% female; Mage = 49.2, SD = 9.7; cigarettes per day: M = 18.3, SD = 15.2) who were exposed to the World Trade Center disaster on September 11, 2001 and responded to an advertisement for a clinical smoking cessation trial. The indirect effect of anxiety sensitivity was tested in terms of the effect of PTSD symptom severity on smoking abstinence expectancies (i.e., anxiety sensitivity as a statistical mediator). Results PTSD symptom severity was positively associated with interoceptive threat-related smoking abstinence expectancies: expecting harmful consequences (β = .33, p Conclusions These data document the role of PTSD symptoms in threat-based expectancies about smoking abstinence and suggest anxiety sensitivity may underlie the associations between PTSD symptom severity and abstinence expectancies.
System identification and noise cancellation via neural-net computing

We report on highly favorable results obtained in use of neural-net computing in the learning of processes and in the cancellation of noise in signals obscured by noise. In the first instance, we demonstrate the ability to accurately learn models of linear and nonlinear functional mappings in noisy environments. In the case of noise cancellation, we report on the ability to extract a signal from noisy background. >
4‐Hydroxy‐trans‐2‐nonenoic acid is a γ‐hydroxybutyrate receptor ligand in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus

Elevated production of 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE) occurs in numerous neurological disorders involving oxidative damage. HNE is metabolized to the non-toxic 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenoic acid (HNEAcid) by aldehyde dehydrogenases in the rat cerebral cortex. Based upon the structural similarity of HNEAcid to ligands of the gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) receptor, we hypothesized that HNEAcid is an endogenous ligand for the GHB receptor. HNEAcid displaced the specific binding of the GHB receptor ligand (3)H-NCS382 (30 nm) in membrane preparations of human frontal cerebral cortex and whole rat cerebral cortex with IC(50s) of 3.9 +/- 1.1 and 5.6 +/- 1.2 micro m, respectively. Inhibition was attenuated when the carboxyl group of HNEAcid was replaced with an aldehyde or an alcohol. HNEAcid (300 micro m) did not displace the binding of beta-adrenergic receptor and GABA(B) receptor antagonists, demonstrating the selectivity of HNEAcid for the GHB receptor. HNEAcid is formed in homogenates of human frontal cortical gray matter in an NAD(+)-dependent (V(Max), 0.71 nmol/min/mg) and NADP(+)-dependent (V(Max), 0.12 nmol/min/mg) manner. Lastly, (3)H-NCS382 binding is elevated 2.7-fold with age in the cerebral cortex of rats. Our data demonstrate that an HNE metabolite, formed in rat and human brain, is a signaling molecule analogous to other bioactive lipid peroxidation products.
Audit Partner Tenure and Reported Internal Control Deficiencies: U.S. Evidence from the Not-for-Profit Sector

This study examines the effect of audit partner tenure and audit partner changes on auditors’ reporting of internal control deficiencies among large U.S. not-for-profit (NFP) organizations. We find a negative association between audit partner tenure and the likelihood that the audit report discloses significant deficiencies and material weaknesses, which our tests indicate reflects deterioration in the quality of internal control reports with audit partner tenure. We also find that audit reports are more likely to disclose a significant deficiency rather than a material weakness as tenure increases. Further, audit partner tenure is associated with lower odds of remediating an internal control deficiency in the following year. Finally, we find limited evidence that audit partner changes are associated with reported internal control deficiencies. Our findings contribute large-sample U.S. evidence on the association between audit partner tenure and internal control reporting and provide useful information to government regulators, NFP boards charged with auditor and internal control oversight, and NFP stakeholders.
In‐house counsel claims against a corporate employer and access to privileged corporate communications: An analysis and a proposal

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate in‐house counsel's dual role in the context of a wrongful discharge claim against his corporate employer and its effect on privileged corporate communications.Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of legal research and analysis.Findings – A multipart factors test is proposed focusing on three areas: first, rationale for discharge; second, in‐house counsel's claim; and third, risks to privileged corporate information.Originality/value – The paper creates new means to evaluate corporate privilege and in‐house counsel access.
Visual Search and Background Complexity: Does the Forest Hide the Trees?

This research addresses the issue of cognitive complexity or cognitive load in a visual search task. Eye tracking methodology was employed to track users' eye fixations and scan patterns while counting targets in a visual array. Background complexity and number of targets were varied. Results showed that there was a positive relationship between fixation duration and background complexity and between fixation duration and number of targets in the array. Fixation duration and saccade predicted background complexity and number of targets for simple and systematically varied arrays. These results indicate that eye-tracking data may contribute effectively to the development of user models in crisis management systems.
Synthesis of coherent optical pulses using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based gradient descent phase-locking algorithm with three semiconductor lasers

We demonstrate optical pulse synthesis through coherent combination of AOM-separated light by phase-locking feedback from an FPGA. An order of magnitude improvement in phase stability is shown, limited by the noise of the AOM driver.
Crossing cultures: US student teacher observations of pedagogy, learning, and practice in Plymouth, UK schools

International internships can assist pre-service teachers in beginning to build a repository of successful strategies for learning and becoming members of the global educational community. These include school settings and scheduling; use of curriculum and resources; instructional skills and strategies, including lesson planning; and classroom management, including management of student behaviours. The current study examines the reflections of 56 undergraduate teacher education students from Florida who took part in a three-week international internship in Plymouth, UK. The primary purpose of the study was to determine the areas in which the experience had an impact on their pedagogical awareness. Specifically, the research question was: ‘How does the short-term study abroad internship impact pre-service teachers' perceptions or understanding of: professional school relationships, and classroom management and structure?'
Well-Being and Safety Among Inpatient Psychiatric Staff: The Impact of Conflict, Assault, and Stress Reactivity

Psychiatric staff are faced with multiple forms of hostility, aggression, and assault at work, collectively referred to as workplace violence, which typically is activated by patients but can also come from coworkers and supervisors. Whether workplace violence adversely affects staff well-being may be related not only to its presence, but also to an individual's stress reactivity. At a large public psychiatric hospital, an online survey was completed by 323 clinical care staff, of whom 69.5 % had experienced physical assault in the previous 12 months. Staff well-being (depression, anger, and physical health) and staff safety concerns were adversely affected by conflicts with other staff members and by individual reactivity to social conflict and to assault. To improve staff well-being, in addition to safety protocols, interventions should target staff relationships, personal health maintenance practices, and individual coping skills for dealing with adverse workplace experiences.
Prevalence and cost of imaging in inpatient falls: the rising cost of falling

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the type, prevalence, and cost of imaging following inpatient falls, identify factors associated with post-fall imaging, and determine correlates of positive versus negative imaging. DESIGN: Single-center retrospective cohort study of inpatient falls. Data were collected from the hospital's adverse event reporting system, DrQuality. Age, sex, date, time, and location of fall, clinical service, Morse Fall Scale/fall protocol, admitting diagnosis, and fall-related imaging studies were reviewed. Cost included professional and facilities fees for each study. SETTING: Four hundred and fifteen bed urban academic hospital over 3 years (2008-2010). PATIENTS: All adult inpatient falls during the study period were included. Falls experienced by patients aged CONCLUSION: Inpatient falls affect patients of both sexes, all ages, occur at any time of day and lead to expensive imaging, mainly from head CTs. Further study should be targeted toward clarifying the indications for head CT after inpatient falls and validating risk models for positive and negative imaging, in order to decrease unnecessary imaging and thereby limit unnecessary cost and radiation exposure. Language: en
Patellar Tendinitis: The Significance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

We evaluated the significance of magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with patellar tendinitis. Midline sagittal magnetic resonance images were taken of 12 knees from 10 patients and of 17 knees from 15 age- and activity-matched subjects who underwent imaging for reasons other than patellar tendinitis. Of the 12 magnetic resonance imaging scans of knees with clinical patellar tendinitis, 3 (25%) exhibited no defect and only 7 (58%) had unequivocal intratendinous lesions. Among the 17 scans of subjects without clinical patellar tendinitis, 5 (34%) showed no defect and 4 (24%) had unequivocal intratendinous lesions. Proximal tendon width was significantly larger for the tendinitis patient group (5.0 +/- 1.7 mm versus 3.9 +/- 1.0 mm), although considerable overlap was present. All subjects with unequivocal intratendinous signal changes had a significantly longer nonarticular inferior patellar pole and were significantly older (38.1 years versus 26.8 years). Only Blazina stage III lesions were associated with abnormal findings on magnetic resonance imaging. As a whole, the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging was 75% and 29%, respectively. In younger patients with relatively mild symptoms, magnetic resonance imaging did not show significant changes; in older, active patients changes may be present in asymptomatic knees.
Programmed Analysis of a 2×2 Contingency Table

(1971). Programmed Analysis of a 2×2 Contingency Table. The American Statistician: Vol. 25, No. 5, pp. 40-44.
The Functionary, the Citizen, and the Engineer

Knowledge and action rest upon a background of shared expectations. ‘Technology’ refers to a particular background of expectations. Key words are: efficiency, productivity, utility, order, control, and objectivity. If, however, such expectations are carried too far, the behavior of mere functionaries becomes established: one becomes preoccupied with the completion of assignments with no time or inclination for the asking of troublesome questions. This paper examines one of the consequences of such behavior. A model is presented illustrating how organizational systems selectively distort assessments. Within such systems, favorable information is more likely to survive and thus a distorting tendency emerges. Such systemic distortions do not require individual fraud or deceit; the ‘normal’ behaviors of functionaries suffice. We claim that these functionary practices arise from taking the technological expectations too far. Examples are presented. Suggestions on avoiding functionary behavior and systemic distortions are discussed. We suggest that greater emphasis be given to the notion of ‘citizen engineers’.
Reenvisioning training: new partnerships and focus

With the continually changing nature of technology and the fragmented delivery of professional development on campus, Indiana State University was looking for new methods of providing technology training to faculty. After years of providing the standard instructor-led training in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and email, the training unit was dissolved and merged with Instructional and Research Technology Services, a new unit on campus, whose vision is to engage internal and external audiences in collaborative efforts that enhance opportunities for faculty and students in their application of innovative instructional and research technologies. This merger also allows new opportunities for collaboration with the Center for Teaching and Learning, a unit responsible for supporting, promoting, and enhancing quality teaching at Indiana State University through a broad range of programs, services, and resources. This paper and presentation describes how technology training, instead of being a disconnected afterthought, has now become an integral part of a multi-dimensional professional development program for faculty.
Prediction intervals in exponential families

A method for obtaining prediction intervals for an outcome of a future experiment is presented. The method uses hypothesis testing as a tool to derive prediction intervals and assumes that the probability distributions of informative and future experiments are one parameter exponential families. Asymptotic similar mean coverage prediction intervals are derived using the score test as a test statistics. Examples are presented and asymptotic prediction limits are compared with the prediction limits given in the literature.
Abstract 1429: Bioluminescent methods for investigating metabolic pathways

Cancer cells are dependent on metabolic pathways that have been altered to support unique requirements for cancer cell growth and survival. The central role of these pathways makes them attractive targets for new treatment approaches. Rapid and sensitive assays, amenable to high-throughput screening, are needed to study the enzymes, metabolites and cofactors involved in cancer cell metabolic pathways. We developed a bioluminescent technology to address these needs and monitor changes in the fundamental metabolic co-factors nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides and key metabolites such as lactate. The bioluminescent method uses a novel proluciferin substrate for the enzyme diaphorase. Luciferin is produced in the presence of NAD(P)H, resulting in a luciferase-generated light signal proportional to the starting NAD(P)H concentration. This is a versatile technology for measuring dinucleotide concentrations, enzyme activity and also metabolite levels. When lactate dehydrogenase is included in the reaction, the cellular metabolite lactate, an indicator of glycolytic rate, can be measured. NAD, NADP, NADH and NADPH can be measured in enzyme reactions or in biological samples, such as cells and tissues, with the use of NAD- and NADP-specific cycling enzymes. Total NAD+NADH or NADP+NADPH levels in cultured cells were rapidly monitored using a one-reagent addition, in-well plate protocol without the need for cell processing. Additionally, the levels of individual dinucleotides and their ratios were determined from cell and tissue samples using a streamlined in-well acid and base-treatment protocol. The effects of small molecules on cellular dinucleotide levels can be quickly assessed, as demonstrated with FK866, an inhibitor of NAD biosynthesis. Advantages of the bioluminescent approach over other detection methods include higher sensitivity (LOD ≤ 50 nM), larger maximum signal windows (S/B > 100) and compatibility with automated, high-throughput protocols (Z9 > 0.8). By providing these features, the bioluminescent assays should be useful tools for facilitating the study of cancer cell metabolic pathways and the development of therapeutics that target these pathways. Citation Format: Donna Leippe, Mary Sobol, Jolanta Vidugiriene, Wenhui Zhou, Gediminas Vidugiris, Troy Good, Laurent Bernad, Poncho Meisenheimer, James Cali. Bioluminescent methods for investigating metabolic pathways. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1429. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1429
Electronic structure of UPd3 - A localized f compound

Abstract Various experiments on UPd 3 , the analogue of the heavy fermion superconductor, UPt 3 , have ascertained that there are two f electrons per U which are localized in a magnetic singlet state. Recently, both photoemission (PES) and de Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) experiments have been reported on UPd 3 . To complement this experimental work, local density energy band calculations have been performed on UPd 3 where the f electrons have been treated as core states. The resulting density of states is found to be in good agreement with photoemission data. The theoretical Fermi surface is found to be more complex than current dHvA data indicate, but one can still unambiguously assign theoretical extremal orbits to the experimental data. Thus again, the data is consistent with a local f 2 configuration. Since the band calculations can explain the dHvA data in heavy fermion UPt 3 with the f electrons treated as band states, one finds that the Kohn-Sham ansatz for treating the f electrons as Bloch states breaks down between these two cases. This finding is confirmed by recent U(Pd x Pt 3- x ) alloy experiments which show a sudden decrease in the specific heat coefficient when alloying these two compounds.
Effect of pH on Formation of a Nativelike Intermediate on the Unfolding Pathway of a Lys 73 → His Variant of Yeast Iso-1-cytochrome c†

Previous work on a Lys 73 --> His (H73) variant of iso-1-cytochrome c at pH 7.5 [Godbole et al. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 119-126] showed that this variant unfolds through a nativelike intermediate that has properties consistent with replacement of the Met 80 heme ligand by His 73. Here, the pH dependence of the equilibrium unfolding of the wild type (WT) and H73 proteins have been investigated, since a characteristic pH dependence is expected for the stability of an intermediate stabilized by histidine-heme ligation. Stability has been evaluated using guanidine hydrochloride and pH denaturation methods. Above pH 5, the m-values from guanidine hydrochloride denaturation of the WT and H73 variants remain significantly different, consistent with continued population of this intermediate. At pH 4.5 the m-values for the two proteins are within error the same. To assess stability at lower pH, acid denaturation was carried out. The midpoint is about 3.3 for both proteins but the transition is broader for the H73 protein, suggestive of intermediates again being populated during the unfolding of the H73 protein at this lower pH. Heme ligation by Met 80 was monitored (695 nm absorbance) during gdnHCl (pH 4.5 and 5.0) and acid denaturation, confirming, respectively, the absence and presence of intermediates. A thermodynamic analysis demonstrates that this complex pH dependence for the presence of histidine ligation induced intermediates is expected and implicates a titratable group with a pKa of approximately 6.6. The analysis also demonstrates when the pH dependences of global stability and stability of an intermediate differ significantly, population of folding intermediates as a function of pH will show novel behavior.
The road to danger: the comparative risks of driving while sleepy

Objectives/Hypothesis. A large sector of the population of the United States has sleep deprivation directly leading to excessive daytime sleepiness. The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness in this population ranges from 0.3% to 13.3%. The consequences of even 1 to 2 hours of sleep loss nightly may result in decrements in daytime functions resulting in human error, accidents, and catastrophic events. The magnitude of risks in the workplace or on the highways resulting from sleepiness is not fully understood or appreciated by the general population. Hence, to more clearly emphasize the magnitude of these risks, we question whether mild sleep deprivation may have the same effect as alcohol on reaction times and driving performance. Study Design: Nonrandomized prospective cohort investigation. Methods: Sixteen healthy matched adult subjects (50% women) were stratified into two groups, sleep deprived and alcohol challenged. The sleep-deprived group was further subdivided into acute (one night without sleep) and chronic (2 h less sleep nightly for 7 d) sleep deprivation. Each group underwent baseline reaction time testing and then drove on a closed course set up to test performance. Seven days later, the group repeated this sequence after either sleep deprivation or alcohol intake. Results: There were no significant between-group differences (sleep deprivation or alcohol challenged) in the changes before and after intervention for all 11 reaction time test metrics. Moreover, with few exceptions, the magnitude of change was nearly identical in the two groups, despite a mean blood alcohol concentration of 0.089 g/dL in the alcohol-challenged group. On-track driving performances were similar (P = .724) when change scores (hits and errors) between groups were compared (baseline minus final driving trial). Conclusion: This comparative model suggests that the potential risks of driving while sleepy are at least as dangerous as the risks of driving illegally under the influence of alcohol.
The "cutting" edge: von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease activity in thrombotic microangiopathies.

Abstract The thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), are classically defined by constellations of clinical findings. In the late 1990’s, several groups reported that a single test might be able to diagnose TTP and distinguish it from HUS. This test was an assay to detect von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease activity. Although there has been debate in the literature as to the utility of this assay, review of the available data suggests that this test can separate the idiopathic TMAs into three distinct categories: (1) patients who are protease positive with severe renal failure (similar to classic HUS), (2) patients who are protease positive without severe renal failure and (3) patients who are protease negative. While the latter two categories may appear similar to TTP at presentation, the prognosis differs in each of these groups of patients. Through use of the protease assay clinicians will be better able to diagnose, treat, predict outcome and design clinical trials.
Equivalence of the Effects on the Complex Conductivity of Superconductor due to Temperature Change and External Pair Breaking

The responsivity of microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) is related to the derivative of the complex conductivity σ with respect to the quasiparticle density n _(qp). For thermal quasiparticles, this derivative dσ/dn_(qp) can be evaluated from σ(T) and n_(qp)(T) given by the Marttis-Bardeen theory (Phys. Rev. 14:412, [1958]). For excess quasiparticles due to external pair breaking, d σ/dn _(qp) can be evaluated by introducing an effective chemical potential μ ^* into the Marttis-Bardeens theory, as did by Owen and Scalapino (Phys. Rev. Lett. 28:1559, [1972]). In this paper, we derive the expressions of dσ/dn_(qp) for both thermal and excess quasiparticles and show that they are approximately equal within the temperature and frequency range MKIDs operate. This equivalence validates the method of using bath temperature sweep to calibrate the responsivity of MKIDs. Response curves of an antenna-coupled submm MKID to bath temperature sweep and blackbody source temperature sweep are compared which demonstrates this equivalence.
Acquisition of Route and Survey Knowledge in the Absence of Vision

The ability of sighted, blindfolded individuals to navigate while walking was assessed in two types of tasks, one requiring knowledge of a route that previously had been navigated and another requiring more complex spatial inference or computation. A computerized measurement system monitored spatial position. The route tasks included maintenance of a heading, distance and turn reproduction and estimation, and turn production. The inferential task required completion of a multisegment pathway by returning directly to the origin. Pathways were replicated at two different scales. Measures for the route-knowledge tasks indicated a substantial ability to navigate in the absence of visual cues. Route reproduction performance was particularly accurate despite intrinsic veering tendencies. A substantial increase in error was observed in the pattern-completion task. Errors in pathway completion increased with pathway complexity and were quite similar at the two scales. Correlational data suggested that performance...
Divided societies and identity boundaries: a conflict analysis framework

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a conflict analysis framework that better captures the complexity of conflicts in divided societies by including the differing perceptions of identity boundaries between ethnic majorities and minorities in divided societies. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis draws on the social boundaries and societal security literatures to develop a typology representing four dyads of perceived identity boundaries that illustrate the different dynamics of ethnic relations in divided societies. Findings – The exploratory cases illustrate how the perceptions of identity boundaries have implications for conflict dynamics that call for different conflict management strategies. Research limitations/implications – The empirical cases serve to illustrate the application of the theoretical framework. Policy makers devising conflict management strategies in these deeply divided societies are likely to err if differing perceptions of social boundaries are not taken into c...
Non-euclidean geometric representations for lossy microwave networks☆

Abstract Application of non-Euclidean geometry to the representation of data obtained from single frequency measurements has been made on two-port networks, especially in the microwave region. Lossless networks may be made the subject of a two-dimensional representation, but those providing loss as well as phase shift must be represented in three dimensions. This paper concerns itself with geometric representations for lossy two-port networks at single frequency. The invariant elements of the network transformation are considered in both two and three dimensions. The screw-like motion of points within the unit sphere due to transformation by a loxodromic bilinear transformation is considered in some detail. A two-dimensional projection is discussed, which may be used for actual computation, and finally, a connection with the method of Deschamps is indicated.
Studies on the total synthesis of the macrolide antitumor agent rhizoxin. 1. Synthesis of the C3C13 segment

Abstract An asymmetric synthesis of the C3C13 segment of rhizoxin is described in which the relative stereochemistry of C7 and C8 is established through a chelation-controlled allylation followed by Mitsunobu inversion, and the pyran ring is constructed by a photochemically initiated 6-exo radical cyclization.
First description of a musculoskeletal linkage in an adipose fin: innovations for active control in a primitively passive appendage

Adipose fins are enigmatic appendages found between the dorsal and caudal fins of some teleostean fishes. Long thought to be vestigial, degenerate second dorsal fins, remnants of the primitive gnathostome condition, adipose fins have since been recognized as novel morphologies. Unique among the fins of extant fishes, adipose fins have uniformly been described as passive structures, with no associated musculature. Here we provide the first description of a musculoskeletal linkage in an adipose fin, identified in the sun catfish Horabagrus brachysoma. Modified supracarinalis posterior muscles insert from the dorsal midline anterior to the adipose fin by tendons onto the fin base. An additional pair of posterior adipose-fin muscles also inserts upon the fin base and lay posterolateral to the fin, superficial to the axial muscle. This musculoskeletal linkage is an evolutionary innovation, a novel mechanism for controlling adipose-fin movement. These muscles appear to exemplify two approaches by which fins evolve to be actively controlled. We hypothesize that the anterior muscles arose through co-option of an existing fin linkage, while the posterior muscles originated as de novo fin muscles. These findings present adipose fins as a rich system within which to explore the evolution of novel vertebrate appendages.
Proteome expression moves in vitro: resources and tools for harnessing the human proteome.

Comprehensive sets of clones and improved high-throughput methods for production of functional proteins now allow proteome-scale in vitro experiments on nearly 15,000 human genes.
The management of lysosomal disorders

Abstract Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a group of genetic disorders resulting from defective lysosomal metabolism/export of a range of naturally occurring compounds. Although individually rare, as a group they constitute a significant burden on society and are expensive to manage. In addition to general palliative care, treatment options for patients with LSDs now include haematopoetic stem cell therapy (HSCT), enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and substrate reduction therapy (SRT). The exact treatment regimen preferred depends upon the disease, the age at presentation and the presence or absence of central nervous system involvement. As therapy is likely to be most successful at an early stage in the natural history of a disorder, there is greater pressure upon clinicians to diagnose disorders as early as possible. As more treatments become available, newborn screening for LSDs may be the next essential development for this group of conditions.
Neutron and X-ray diffraction studies of the structure of non-crystalline materials

Abstract Neutron and X-ray diffraction experiments have provided useful information about the topological and chemical short-range order in non-crystalline materials. The availability of new sources and detectors for X-rays and neutrons has greatly improved the statistical accuracy of the scattered intensity and extended its range in momentum (Q) space, yielding high-resolution atomic distribution functions. The methods of isotopic and isomorphous substitution have been used to determine the partial atomic structure factors and their corresponding atomic pair distribution functions in binary metallic systems, and to evaluate the nearest-neighbor interactions in more complicated inorganic glasses. Recent results of structural investigations on Ni-based amorphous alloys and on halide glasses are discussed.
Infrared laser multiple photon chemistry of nitromethane

Abstract The CO2 laser-induced dissociation of nitromethane (CH3NO2) is investigated through luminescence and laser-induced flourescence studies. The main reaction channel is found to involve fission of the CN bond. Both ground state and electronically excited NO2 molecules are produced. Emission from electronically excited diatomic fragments is also observed. Interesingly, at pressures below 0.5 Torr the CN* (B2Σ+ radical is produced unimolecularly. The mechanism of the fragmentation is discussed.
The Cores of the Fe K Lines in Seyfert 1 Galaxies Observed by the Chandra High Energy Grating

We report on the results of 18 observations of the core, or peak, of the Fe Kα emission line at ~6.4 keV in 15 Seyfert 1 galaxies using the Chandra High Energy Grating (HEG). These data afford the highest precision measurements of the peak energy of the Fe Kα line and the highest spectral resolution measurements of the width of the core of the line to date. We were able to measure the peak energy in 17 data sets, and, excluding a very deep observation of NGC 3783, we obtained a weighted mean of 6.404 ± 0.005 keV. In all 15 sources the two-parameter, 99% confidence errors on the line peak energy do not exclude fluorescent Kα line emission from Fe I, although two sources (Mrk 509 and 3C 120) stand out as very likely being dominated by Kα emission from Fe XVII or so. We were able to measure the line core width in 14 data sets and obtained a weighted mean of 2380 ± 760 km s-1 FWHM (excluding the NGC 3783 deep exposure), a little larger than the instrument resolution (~1860 km s-1 FWHM). However, there is evidence of underlying broad-line emission in at least four sources. In fact, the width of the peak varies widely from source to source and may in general have a contribution from the outer parts of an accretion disk and more distant matter. For the disk contribution to also peak at 6.4 keV requires greater line emissivity at hundreds of gravitational radii than has been deduced from previous studies of the Fe Kα line.
Calcium imaging of epileptiform events with single-cell resolution.

Epileptic discharges propagate through apparently normal circuits, although it is still unclear how this recruitment takes place. To understand the role of different classes of neurons in neocortical epilepsy, we have developed a novel imaging assay that detects which neurons participate in epileptiform discharges. Using calcium imaging of neuronal populations during bicuculline-induced spontaneous epileptiform events in slices from juvenile mouse somatosensory cortex, we find that fast calcium transients correlate with epileptiform field potentials and intracellular depolarizing shifts and can be used as an optical signature that a given neuron has participated in an epileptiform event. Our results demonstrate a novel method to characterize epileptiform events with single-cell resolution. In addition, our data are consistent with an important role for layer 5 in generating neocortical seizures and indicate that subgroups of neurons are particularly prone to epileptiform recruitment.
Clickable NAD Analogues for Labeling Substrate Proteins of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) catalyze the transfer of multiple adenine diphosphate ribose (ADP-ribose) units from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to substrate proteins. There are seventeen PARPs in humans. Several PARPs, such as PARP-1 and Tankyrase-1, are known to play important roles in DNA repair, transcription, mitosis, and telomere length maintenance. To better understand the functions of PARPs at a molecular level, it is necessary to know what substrate proteins PARPs modify. Here we report clickable NAD analogs that can be used to label PARP substrate proteins. The clickable NAD analogs have a terminal alkyne group which allows the conjugation of fluorescent or affinity tags to the substrate proteins. Using this method, PARP-1 and tankyrase-1 substrate proteins were labeled by a fluorescent tag and visualized on SDS-PAGE gel. Using a biotin affinity tag, we were able to isolate and identify a total of 79 proteins were identified as potential PARP-1 substrates. These include known PARP-1 substrate proteins, including histones and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins. About 40% of the proteins were also identified in recent proteomic studies as potential PARP-1 substrates. Among the identified potential substrates, we further demonstrated that tubulin and three mitochondrial proteins, TRAP1 (TNF receptor-associated protein 1), citrate synthase, and GDH (glutamate dehydrogenase 1), are substrates of PARP-1 in vitro. These results demonstrate that the clickable NAD analog is useful for labeling, in-gel detection, isolation, and identification of the substrate proteins of PARPs and will help to understand the biological functions of PARPs.
Stability of nuclear ribosomes.

Abstract The ultracentrifuge pattern of purified ribonucleoprotein particles from isolated calf thymus nuclei has been shown to consist of many components, some of which exhibit aggregation and dissociation reactions that are influenced by divalent cations. The preparation of nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles in an aggregated state is very closely related to, and depends on, the presence of magnesium, and the condition of the extraction medium. Complete removal of magnesium from the ribonucleoprotein causes irreversible dissociation of the particles.
Inner divisors and composition operators

Abstract This characterization is stated and proved in much greater generality, beginning with subspaces of arbitrary L ∞ spaces and using a notion of inner divisors. Among the consequences are a variant of Wermer's theorem on embedding disks in maximal ideal spaces and a result on linear isometrics of H ∞ . The ranges of composition operators C I when I is not necessarily inner are characterized. In particular, relatively closed sets E ⊂ c Δ of zero logarithmic and zero analytic capacity are characterized in terms of the algebras of bounded analytic functions on A invariant under corresponding Fuchsian groups. The paper concludes with an example of a uniformly closed subalgebra of H ∞ which contains the constants and the inner factors of its members, but is not of the form H ∞ I .
The effect of O,S,S,-trimethyl phosphorodithioate on the in vivo metabolism of phenthoate in the rat

Abstract The in vivo metabolism of phenthoate ( O,O -dimethyl S -[α-(carboethoxy)benzyl]phosphorodithioate) was followed in rats after oral administration of a nontoxic dose of 100 mg/kg. The same metabolic study was conducted following coadministration of 0.5% O,S,S -trimethyl phosphorodithioate (OSS-Me). When administered alone, phenthoate was metabolized principally by carboethoxy ester hydrolysis and cleavage of the PO and CS bonds, resulting in at least six metabolites. The primary urinary metabolite excreted was phenthoate acid. Coadministration of 0.5% OSS-Me did not alter the types of metabolites excreted. However, a reduction of the carboxylesterase-catalyzed product (phenthoate acid) was observed, indicating that the enzyme responsible for the major pathway of phenthoate detoxication was inhibited. Alternate detoxication processes did not compensate for the reduction in carboxylesterase-catalyzed detoxication. It was concluded that inhibition of the carboxylesterase enzymes is the major cause of the potentiation of phenthoate toxicity by OSS-Me.
Oxygen binding characteristics of haemocyanin in the Baltic isopod Saduria entomon

Abstract The brackish water isopod Saduria entomon has a haemocyanin oxygen carrying capacity of 1.15 vol%. The physically dissolved oxygen corresponds to 0.66 vol% giving a total normoxic carrying capacity of 1.8 vol% (0.56 mmol-1-1). The haemocyanin shows a very high affinity for oxygen; at 6°C and pH of 8.1 and 7.7 P50 values were 1.7 and 8 Torr. Haemocyanin oxygen affinity was increased at 12°C compared to 6°C. In vivo pH values were 7.65 in normoxia and 7.93 in hypoxia 10–20% air saturation. Exposure to hypoxia (10–20% air saturation) for up to 18 days did not change the oxygen affinity of the haemocyanin. The metabolism of S. entomon remained aerobic during this hypoxic period, no metabolic endproduct like lactate or endproducts of nitrogen metabolism like urate accumulated. The influence of these affinity modulating factors on the blood pigment of S. entomon is thus negligible during environmental hypoxia. In vitro studies on pH in relation to PCO2 showed that pH was always higher in oxygenated com...
Do the Unidentified Galactic EGRET Sources Lie in Star-forming Regions?

We find a statistically significant correlation between the positions of unidentified EGRET sources near the Galactic plane and OB associations. Nine of the unidentified EGRET sources have position contours overlapping an OB association, and an additional seven lie within 1° of an OB association. Using the known OB association distances to determine the intrinsic luminosity of the gamma-ray sources, we find a distribution of luminosities consistent with that of known gamma-ray pulsars. These results are consistent with the interpretation that young pulsars constitute the majority of the unidentified gamma-ray point sources near the Galactic plane.