cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementation, training, support, and maintenance

Abstract This chapter outlines the assistive technology implementation process. An overview is provided regarding a typical implementation process following an assistive technology assessment. Training is described as a stand-alone service or as provided in conjunction with implementation. Assistive technology implementation and training involve many subtasks that must be considered when planning this aspect of service delivery. There are many variables inherent in the implementation process: ordering, inspection, trial/testing, consumer contact, delivery, assembly, installation, and configuration/adjustments, which demonstrates a need for consumer monitoring, feedback, and additional training as appropriate. An overview of the train-then-place and place-then-train approaches is provided. Guidelines are offered regarding effective training.
Analysis of approximations used in terahertz quantum cascade laser doping calculations

The common approximations used in the ionized donor density calculations of terahertz quantum cascade lasers (TQCL’s) are investigated. Each approximation is computationally analyzed in order to determine its impact on the accuracy and speed of the doping calculations. The analyses are repeated across all of the lattice temperatures and donor densities that are typical in TQCL’s (T = 1 to 300 K, ND = 1.00 to 5.00 × 1016 cm-3 ). Additionally, an original optimized approximation is proposed and analyzed. This optimized approximation is found to out-perform the common approximations in both accuracy and speed in all cases.
Evaluating the quality of peer and self evaluations as measures of student contributions to group projects

ABSTRACTEducators in higher education commonly use peer and self evaluations to help assess student performance on group projects. Although these evaluations provide multiple benefits, many educators are wary of using them due to concerns about their quality. This study addresses three questions debated in the literature regarding the quality of these assessments. How much do students differentiate among peer contributions through their ratings? How reliable are peer ratings? How much agreement exists between peer and self ratings? Although these questions have been addressed to varying degrees in past work, their answers have been far from settled. While many studies focus on just one of the questions, this study’s data make it possible to address all three questions for the same group of students as well as examine each question by student performance level. The evaluations assessed in this study were completed by a large number of students under conditions associated with obtaining more valid and relia...
Complex Harmony: Rethinking the Virtue-Continence Distinction

In the Aristotelian tradition, the psychological difference between virtue and continence is commonly understood in terms of inner harmony versus inner conflict. Virtuous agents experience inner harmony between feeling and action because they do not care to do other than what their circumstances call for, whereas continent agents feel conflicted about doing what is called for because of competing concerns. Critics of this view argue, however, that when the circumstances require sacrificing something of genuine value, virtuous agents can indeed feel conflicted about acting well. But if this is so, what differentiates virtuous from merely continent agency? This essay argues that the traditional distinction conflates two aspects of virtue as well as two species of continence. And distinguishing between them provides resources for making sense of the complex relationship between inner conflict and good moral agency.
Protected Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) of Cabrol Type Anastomosis of Saphenous Vein Graft (SVG) to the Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA).

The use of percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (VAD) may minimize the risk of hemodynamic compromise during such high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and allow complete revascularization, thus improving outcomes. A good understanding of cardiac hemodynamics is essential in making informed decisions during such cases. A 61-year-old male with an extensive surgical cardiac history including a modified Cabrol type anastomosis with saphenous vein (SVG) conduits to two coronary arteries presented to our hospital with severe substernal chest discomfort and was noted to have diffuse ST depressions along with subtle ST elevations in lead aVR suggestive of diffuse sub-endocardial ischemia. Diagnostic coronary angiography revealed significant stenosis in the Cabrol type SVG grafts and we opted for a protected PCI using Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) support. A significant drop in the blood pressure was noted and despite trouble-shooting, the Impella arterial line tracing remained minimally pulsatile.​ A comprehensive understanding of circulatory support physiology was ultimately crucial in making an informed decision for a successful PCI outcome.
The centrosome of the early C. elegans embryo: inheritance, assembly, replication, and developmental roles.

Publisher Summary The centrosome or microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) is an unusual organelle in regard to the manner in which it is inherited. It is assembled after fertilization from an unequal contribution of maternal and paternal components. This chapter discusses the inheritance, assembly, replication, and developmental roles of the centrosomes of the early Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). In C. elegans, the centrioles are paternally inherited. Each spermatozoon contains a single pair of centrioles embedded in an RNA-containing perinuclear material. In organisms such as C. elegans, mechanisms exist to exclude the maternal MTOC from the zygotic lineage. At fertilization, the paternal centriole pair is released into the maternal cytoplasm, an event that initiates a dramatic transformation of both the centrosome itself and the zygote. Formation of the sperm asters and the first mitotic spindle in the C. elegans zygote is diagrammatically represented. Shortly after fertilization, the single pair of sperm centrioles duplicates to produce two MTOCs. The central role of the centrosome as pronucleus complex in specifying anteroposterior (AP) polarity is also described. Polarization of the AP axis occurs about three-quarters of the way through the first cell cycle when the zygote is reorganized. Between fertilization and first mitosis, several stereotypical nuclear movements occur. These movements fall into two categories: pronuclear migration and spindle alignment.
Validation and analysis of the coupled multiple response Colorado upper-division electrostatics diagnostic

Validation of the multiple response version of the Colorado upper-division electrostatics diagnostic.
Economic dynamics of epidemiological bifurcations

In this paper, we investigate the nature of rational expectations equilibria for economic epidemiological models, with a particular focus on the behavioral origins and dynamics of epidemiological bifurcations. Unlike mathematical epidemiological models, economic epidemiological models can produce regions of indeterminacy or instability around the endemic steady states due to endogenous human responses to epidemiological circumstance variation, medical technology change, or health policy reform. We consider SI, SIS, SIR and SIRS versions of economic compartmental models and show how well-intentioned public policy may contribute to disease instability, uncertainty, and welfare losses.
Loss of Control Eating and Health Indicators Over 6 Years in Adolescents Undergoing Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess associations between loss of control (LOC) eating and health outcomes among adolescents undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery. Methods A total of 234 adolescents were studied before and up to 6 years after surgery in a prospective, observational cohort design. Adolescents provided self-reports of LOC eating, pain severity, sleep quality, polycystic ovary syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and medication usage and objective measures of fasting glucose, serum insulin, glycohemoglobin A1c , cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. χ2 tests, Wilcoxon rank sums, and generalized linear mixed models were used to assess concurrent and prospective associations between LOC eating and health indicators. Results LOC eating presented in 32.5% of adolescents before surgery and was positively associated with sleep disturbances and psychiatric medication usage. After surgery, LOC eating presented in 7.9% to 14.6% of participants and was correlated with improved low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and greater back pain. LOC eating was inversely associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at the next consecutive time point. Conclusions LOC eating was unexpectedly associated with improved low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adolescents undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery. Deleterious effects of LOC eating on obesity-related health conditions, aside from back pain, were not detected. Metabolic and other weight-independent health benefits of surgery may persist postoperatively despite LOC eating and associated weight regain.
Incorporating active learning activities to the design and development of an undergraduate software and web security course

Data breaches and cybersecurity incidents have been a major concern for companies in various sectors, including healthcare, financial, entertainment, business, education, and government. Maintaining and protecting these systems requires a workforce that is educated with the practical and technical skills needed by cybersecurity experts for information warfare and non-technical skills demanded by the industry. This paper describes the design and development of an undergraduate software and web security course using active learning strategies. It discusses the rationale in the course design on the selected cybersecurity knowledge and skills for a cybersecurity course developed at York College of the City University of New York (CUNY). Several active learning activities were used to promote both technical security and non-technical skills necessary to perform cybersecurity work, such as think-pair-share, buzz group, and roleplay. The results show that active learning help promote students' development in solving problems, proposing solutions, and explaining ideas through writing and discussion, essential cybersecurity skills. The paper may serve as an informative guide for other instructors to promote active learning in their cybersecurity courses. A course evaluation survey has suggested favorable results using active learning activities in the class. Students believe that it helped them to understand complex concepts and engage with the materials and activities.
Early Versus Late Sternal Closure in Infants-Perioperative Associations and Outcomes.

Background Delayed sternal closure (DSC) has been used for patients who develop bleeding, chest wall edema, and malignant arrhythmia following cardiopulmonary bypass. Multiple factors can influence the timing of when to perform DSC. We aimed to describe our DSC experience in neonates and infants by comparing outcomes between patients undergoing early ( > 48 hours). We explored the associations between specific clinical and laboratory variables and the timing of DSC. Methods Retrospective chart review of neonates and infants ( Results A total of 121 patients were included in the analysis, 34% (n = 41) met late DSC criteria. The overall cohort had a 75% survival rate and a median time for open sternum of 42.5 hours (Q1:23-Q3:65). The median time for open sternum in the early and late DSC groups was 24 hours (Q1:21-Q3:43) and 93 hours (Q1:65-Q3:141), respectively (P Conclusions Future research that explores additional clinical and laboratory variables that can help guide DSC decision-making and timing is needed.
María Inés Martínez. El Despertar de las comunidades afrocolombianas. Relatos de cinco líderes: Dorina Hernández, Libia Grueso, Carlos Rosero, Marino Córdoba, y Zulia Mena. Houston: Editorial LACASA, 2012.

En la lente: memoria, referencialidad historica y documentalismo en el cine latinoamericano actual
The Archaeology of the HolyLand: From 70 C.E. to the Bar-Kokhba Revolt (132–135/136 C.E.)

H istorical B ackground: G eneral The Julio-Claudian dynasty, which was established by Augustus, came to an end with Nero's death in 68 C.E. Vespasian was proclaimed emperor in 69 C.E. and established the Flavian dynasty. He was succeeded by his sons Titus (who had overseen the siege of Jerusalem) and Domitian. The Flavians used their victory over the Jews to legitimize their newly founded dynasty. They filled Rome with victory monuments commemorating the “Jewish war,” including the Colosseum (Flavian amphitheater) and the arch of Titus. They also broadcast their victory on a special series of coins bearing the legend “Judea Capta,” which depict the province of Judea as a mourning woman (see Chapter 7). After the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, the Jews were required to pay the annual temple tax to the Capitolium in Rome. The Flavian dynasty came to an end with Domitian, an unpopular ruler who was assassinated in 96 C.E. The Roman Senate nominated the next emperor, an elderly but highly regarded statesman named Nerva. Nerva established the long-lived Antonine dynasty , but ruled only two years before dying of natural causes. He was succeeded by his adopted heir, Trajan , the first Roman emperor from the provinces (Spain), although he was born to an Italian family. Trajan was a popular emperor who enjoyed a long and successful reign (98–117 C.E.). An accomplished general, Trajan spent much of his time on military campaigns. He added the province of Dacia (modern Romania) to the Roman Empire, using the spoils to fund a building program in Rome that included a sprawling marketplace complex. Trajan also added to the Roman Empire the province of Arabia, which included the Nabataean kingdom (106 C.E.). To remove the lucrative trade in incense and spices from Nabataean control, the Romans shifted the caravan trade routes to the north, out of Nabataean territory. As a result, many former Nabataean trading posts became permanent settlements surrounded by desert farms, as the Nabataeans turned to agriculture for their livelihoods.
My Abuelita By Tony Johnston, Illustrated by Yuyi Morales: New York: Harcourt Children's Books, 2009. ISBN: 978–0–15–216330–3.

Both reviewed children's books show the passing of hope from an older adult to a younger character in their intergenerational friendship. Through letters a landlady helps a child work through grief...
Isomorphic or not? Examining cross‐border mergers and acquisitions by Chinese firms, 1985‐2006

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether isomorphism and mimetic, coercive, and normative mechanisms apply to cross‐border mergers and acquisitions initiated by Chinese firms. Unlike prior studies, the paper aims to identify multiple bases for imitation of firm strategy and verify: whether the degree of conformity in the multiple bases of firm strategy increases over time; and how mimetic, coercive, and normative pressures affect the degree of conformity.Design/methodology/approach – Hypotheses are tested on a sample of 1,004 cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (MA the location of the target firm; the ownership structure; and the size of the deal.Findings – The results show that not all decisions on cross‐border M&As react to forces of conformity in the same way. Overtime, the overall degree of conformity...
Type-dependence analysis and program transformation for symbolic execution

Symbolic execution can be problematic when applied to real applications. This paper addresses two of these problems: (1) the constraints generated during symbolic execution may be of a type not handled by the underlying decision procedure, and (2) some parts of the application may be unsuitable for symbolic execution (e.g., third-party libraries). The paper presents type-dependence analysis, which performs a context- and field-sensitive interprocedural static analysis to identify program entities that may store symbolic values at run-time. This information is used to identify the above two problematic cases and assist the user in addressing them. The paper also presents a technique to transform real applications for efficient symbolic execution. Instead of transforming the entire application, which can be inefficient and infeasible (mostly for pragmatic reasons), our technique leverages the results of type-dependence analysis to transform only parts of the program that may interact with symbolic values. Finally, the paper discusses the implementation of our analysis and transformation technique in a tool, stinger, and an empirical evaluation performed on two real applications. The results of the evaluation show the effectiveness of our approach.
Effect of Surface Preparation on Phase Distribution of Amalgam Surfaces

Several types of amalgams were prepared with carved, burnished, or polished surfaces. Elemental analyses were made of these surfaces with the electron microprobe and the phase fractions were calculated from these data. The phase distributions were found to vary with the technique of finishing.
Dose-dependent lymphocyte apoptosis following respiratory infection with Vaccinia virus.

Abstract Recently there has been renewed interest in poxvirus pathogenesis, especially with regard to infection via the respiratory route. Members of this family are known to produce a number of proteins that have the potential to negatively regulate the immune response. Vaccinia virus (VACV) has been used for a number of years as a model for the study of poxvirus infection. We have previously reported a dose-dependent decrease in virus-specific CD8 + T cells following respiratory infection with VACV. In this study we have evaluated whether more generalized immunosuppressive effects are also observed following infection with a high dose of VACV. We have found that mice infected intranasally with a high, but non-lethal, dose of VACV exhibited significant weight loss as well as decreased thymocyte number. Although these mice mounted an immune response, there was a significant increase observed in bystander T and B cell apoptosis. While increased death was apparent in both naive and activated/memory T cells populations, naive T cells appeared more sensitive to this effect. These findings are important for our understanding of poxvirus regulation of the immune response and extends our previous understanding of VACV-mediated immunosuppression to include generalized apoptosis in the naive and activated/memory repertoires.
The Range of Vector Measures over Topological Sets and a Unified Liapunov Theorem

Abstract Let (X, Σ, μ) be a finite, nonatomic, measure space. Let G=span{g1, g2, …, gn}⊆L1, and let the support of G be X, a.e. For f∈L∞, put M(f)=(∫X fg1 dμ, ∫X fg2 dμ, …, ∫X fgn dμ). Then Q={M(f): f∈B(L∞)} is a compact convex set. Liapunov's classsical theorem is that also Q={M(s): s∈ext B(L∞)}. This paper characterizes when the functions, s, in Liapunov's theorem can further be restricted to being the signs of continuous functions. That is, suppose there is a topology on X, and that Σ is the Baire sets. Let S be the collection of supports of continuous non-negative functions. T heorem .The following are equivalent: (i)Q={M(s): s∈ext B(L∞), and s=sgn f for some f∈C(X)}, (ii)for every g∈G, {x: g(x)>0} and {x: g(x)⩽0} are in S, a.e. The theorem is proved in a general setting. If the σ-field in the general theorem is arbitrary, the theorem becomes Liapunov's Theorem. The theorem above results when the σ-field is the Baire sets. A setting with the Borel sets produces Q as the range of M over extreme functions that are both lower semi-continuous a.e. and upper semi-continuous a.e.
FGF5 stimulates expansion of connective tissue fibroblasts and inhibits skeletal muscle development in the limb.

FGF5 is expressed in the mesenchyme and skeletal muscle of developing and adult mouse limbs. However, the function of FGF5 during development of the limb and limb musculature is unknown. To elucidate the inherent participation of FGF5 during limb organogenesis, a retroviral delivery system (RCAS) was used to overexpress human FGF5 throughout developing hind limb of chicken embryos. Misexpression of the soluble growth factor severely inhibited the formation of mature myocytes. Limbs infected with RCAS-FGF5 contained smaller presumptive muscle masses as evidenced by a decrease in MyoD and myosin heavy chain expressing cells. In contrast, ectopic expression of FGF5 significantly stimulated proliferation and expansion of the tenascin-expressing, connective-tissue fibroblast lineage throughout the developing limb. Histological analysis demonstrated that the increase in tenascin immunostaining surrounding the femur, ileum, and pubis in the FGF5 infected limbs corresponded to the fibroblasts forming the stacked-cell perichondrium. Furthermore, pulse labeling experiments with the thymidine analog, BrdU, revealed that the increased size of the perichondrium was attributable to enhanced cell proliferation. These results support a model whereby FGF5 acts as a mitogen to stimulate the proliferation of mesenchymal fibroblasts that contribute to the formation of connective tissues such as the perichondrium, and inhibits the development of differentiated skeletal muscle. These results also contend that FGF5 is a candidate mediator of the exclusive spatial patterning of the hind limb connective tissue and skeletal muscle. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
360° ratings: An analysis of assumptions and a research agenda for evaluating their validity

Abstract This article argues that assumptions surrounding 360° ratings should be examined; most notably, the assumptions that different rating sources have relatively unique perspectives on performance and multiple rating sources provide incremental validity over the individual sources. Studies generally support the first assumption, although reasons for interrater disagreement across different organizational levels are not clear. Two research directions are suggested for learning more about why different organizational levels tend to disagree in their ratings and thus how to improve interpretation of 360° ratings. Regarding the second assumption, it is argued we might resurrect the hypothesis that low-to-moderate across organizational level interrater agreement is actually a positive result, reflecting different levels' raters each making reasonably valid performance judgments but on partially different aspects of job performance. Three approaches to testing this hypothesis are offered.
Sibyl: A Tool for Managing Group Decision Rationale

We describe SIBYL, a system that supports group decision making by representing and managing the qualitative aspects of decision making processes: such as the alternatives, the goals to be satisfied, and the arguments evaluating the alternatives with respect to these goals. We use an example session with SIBYL to illustrate the language, called DRL, that SIBYL uses for representing these qualitative aspects, and the set of services that SIBYL provides using this language. We also compare SIBYL to other systems with similar objectives and discuss the additional benefits that SIBYL provides. In particular, we compare SIBYL to gIBIS, a well-known “tool for exploratory policy discussion”, and claim that SIBYL is mainly a knowledge-based system which uses a semi-formal representation, whereas gIBIS is mainly a hypertext system with semantic types. We conclude with a design heuristic, drawn from our experience with SIBYL, for systems whose goal includes eliciting knowledge from people.
On the Determination of the Coefficient of Friction and the Friction Factor by the Strip-Tension Friction Test

Abstract The strip tension friction test was used to investigate friction conditions in the forming of thin aluminum sheet without lubrication. In this test. which simulates metal flow around the leading face of a punch. the level of friction is judged based on tool-workpiece interaction when a metal strip, bent in the shape of a U. is stretched plastically around two fixed cylindrical friction pins. Friction is described by means of both friction coefficients and friction factors. Variables were pin diameter. surface condition of aluminum, and test orientation with respect to rolling direction. The effects of elastic and plastic deformation states in the straight portions of the strip upon friction conditions are also addressed.
Thermal stability of sputter-deposited ZnO thin films

This paper describes our investigation on the thermal stability of sputterdeposited, piezoelectric, ZnO thin films, using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements of metal-insulator-semiconductor structures, and electron microprobe. We focus on out-diffusion of Zn from ZnO thin films at a high temperature (450°C) and the composition change of zinc and oxygen after high temperature annealing (up to 700°C), since these factors are related to reliability and integrated circuits-process-compatibility of the ZnO films which are being used increasingly more in microtransducers and acoustic devices. Our experiments with electron microprobe show that ZnO thin films sputter-deposited from a ZnO target in a reactive environment (i.e., with O2) are thermally stable (up to 700°C). Additionally, the out-diffusion of zinc atoms from the ZnO films at a high temperature (450°C) is verified to be negligible using the XPS and C-V measurement techniques. The usage of a compound ZnO target, reactive environment with O2 and optimized deposition parameters (including gas ratio and pressure, substrate temperature, target-substrate distance and rf power, etc.) is critical to deposit thermally stable, high quality ZnO films.
Extracellular proteases of Aspergillus flavus: Fungal keratitis, proteases, and pathogenesis

Abstract To get a better understanding of the possible role of proteases in the pathogenesis of fungal keratitis, the extracellular proteases of a clinical isolate of Aspergillus flavus , from a severe case of kerititis, were identified and partially characterized. This strain, designated CU226/88, was grown with a variety of substrates as nitrogen sources, under conditions that would be expected to derepress the production of extracellular proteases. When grown on minimal medium with milk protein as a nitrogen source, the fungus appeared to produce primarily a metalloprotease, which has a zinc cofactor. When grown with insoluble collagen or elastin as a nitrogen source, a serine protease and cysteine protease, as well as the metalloprotease, are produced. Strain CU226/88 can grow with collagen, but not elastin, as the sole source of carbon as well as nitrogen. It is possible that the collagenase activity is a mediator of the severe corneal destruction caused by this isolate.
The cyclo-C3 ligand: trimetallic cyclopropenium complexes of Group 6–8 metals, including the X-ray crystal structure of [{Fe(CO)2(Cp)}3(μ3-C3)][SbF6]

Abstract Several trimetallic cyclopropenium cations have been prepared via reactions of three equivalents of a metallate anion with [C33Cl3][SbF6]. The X-ray crystal structure of [{Fe(CO)2(Cp)}3(μ3-C3)][SbF6] (1) shows a nearly equilateral C3 ring with an iron center bonded to each vertex. The cyclopropenium complexes [{Ru(CO)2(Cp)}3(μ3-C3)][SbF6] (2), [{Mo(CO)3(Cp)}3(μ3-C3)][SbF6] (3), [{W(CO)3(Cp)}3(μ3-C3)][SbF6] (4), and [{Re(CO)5}3(μ3-C3)][SbF6] (5) were spectroscopically characterized. Because of the 3-fold symmetrical nature of these complexes, their NMR spectra display a single cyclo-C3 ring carbon resonance and a single set of resonances for the metal moiety. Compound 1 reacts with Li[BHEt3] and LiMe to give complex reaction mixtures. We were not able to add a fourth metal center to the C3 ring of 1. The spectroscopically characterized C9 complex [{Fe(CO)2(Cp)}3{μ3-C3(CC)3}][SbF6] (6), prepared by the reaction of three equivalents of [Fe(CCSiMe3)(CO)2(Cp)] with [C33Cl3][SbF6], was not stable enough to isolate in analytically pure form.
Human brain sodium channels in bilayers

Sodium channels from human cortex were fused into planar lipid bilayers in the presence of batrachotoxin, and their single channel properties examined. Single channel slope conductance averaged 26 ps; tetrodotoxin block of the channels was voltage dependent with a K1/2 at 0 mV of 51 nM. The channel was asymmetrically selective for sodium over potassium. The permeability ratio (PNa/PK) equalled 3.3 when potassium was present only on the intracellular side of the channel, but it was 5.7 with potassium on the extracellular side. The average channel activation gating midpoint was -91 mV. These results indicate that sodium channels from human brain can be successfully studied both electrophysiologically and pharmacologically with the planar bilayer system.
First Report of Stem and Root Rot of Stevia Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in North Carolina.

Stevia (Stevia rebaundia) is an emerging crop in the United States. Once established, the crop is grown for 3 to 5 years and is typically harvested twice per growing season. Stevia leaves contain multiple glycosides that are used as a natural noncaloric sweetener that was approved by the USDA in 2008 as a sugar substitute. In commercial plantings of Stevia in North Carolina, wilting and death of plants in first- and second-year plantings were observed in 2012 and 2013. Diseased plants were observed in multiple counties in the state, with first symptoms observed in May of each year and continuing through the summer months. Prior to Stevia, these fields had been planted primarily in a corn-soybean rotation. Symptoms began as moderate to severe wilting of young shoots and chlorosis of leaves, rapidly followed by death of stems and rotting of roots. White mycelial growth was frequently observed at the base of stem tissue. Theses characteristic hyphae of Sclerotium rolfsii were often accompanied by the presenc...
A pattern of accumulation of a somatic deletion of mitochondrial DNA in aging human tissues.

Abstract An assay that selectively amplifies a specific deletion of the mitochondrial genome has been used to study the extent of the deletion's accumulation in a variety of human tissues. The deletion occurs at much higher levels in nervous and muscle tissues than in all other tissues studied. The variation in deletion level between the same tissues in different persons of similar age appears to be less than the variation among tissues within an individual. Tests for artifactual explanations of the level differences were each negative. Three cellular parameters that are correlated with the level of the deletion are identified. The preferential accumulation of deleterious mitochondrial mutations in a restricted subset of aging human tissues may compound deficiencies of function in those tissues that accrue with age.
Stability of Mezlocillin Sodium as Determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

The stability of cefotaxime sodium in water (with either hydrochloric acid, phosphate buffers, or other ingredients) dextrose, and sodium chloride has been studied using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic method with a relative standard deviation of 1.9% based on six injections. The optimum pH range of stability was determined to be approximately 4.3-6.2. In this pH range, the decomposition process was catalyzed only by the solvent. At pH less than or equal to 3.4, the hydrogen ion also catalyzed the reaction while at pH greater than 6.2, the hydroxyl ion hastened the process of decomposition. The solutions in 5% dextrose and 0.9% NaCl injections were stable for at least 1, 22, and 112 d at 24 degrees C, 4 degrees C, and -10 degrees C, respectively. For both solutions, the loss in potency was less than 5% at -10 degrees C in 224 d, less than 9% at 4 degrees C in 42 d, and less than 3.1% at 24 degrees C in 1 d.
A comparison of imputation methods in the presence of imprecise data when employing a neural network s-Sigmoid function

This research addresses the effects of the neural network s-Sigmoid function on Knowledge Discovery of Databases (KDD) in the presence of imprecise data. ANOVA testing and Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference statistics are conducted to investigate the impact of two factors: level of data missingness and imputation method. Data mining is based upon searching the concatenation of multiple databases that usually contain some amount of missing data along with a percentage of inaccurate data and noise. Therefore, analysis depends heavily on the accuracy of the database and on the chosen sample data to be used for model training and testing.
A new method for the pole estimation of linear time-invariant systems using singular value decomposition

A new method is presented for the pole estimation of linear time invariant (LTI) systems. For a single input case, this method gives estimation of each pole of the system. For a multiple input case, it estimates the repeated system poles with multiplicity equal to the number of inputs. The new method employs the singular value decomposition technique (SVD), and is shown to be numerically robust against measurement noises.
Crystal structure of thermostable family 5 endocellulase E1 from Acidothermus cellulolyticus in complex with cellotetraose.

The crystal structure of the catalytic domain of the thermostable endocellulase E1 from Acidothermus cellulolyticus in complex with cellotetraose has been solved by multiple isomorphous replacement...
A New High-Temperature Solar Research Furnace

A new highly concentrating solar research furnace has recently been completed at the University of Minnesota. The experimentally observed flux concentration ratio, at small aperture, of a cavity receiver is about 7000. The furnace embodies features which may be of interest to others in the solar energy community. This paper describes its construction and performance.
Induced overexpression of phospholemman S68E mutant improves cardiac contractility and mortality after ischemia-reperfusion

Phospholemman (PLM), when phosphorylated at Ser68, inhibits cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 1 (NCX1) and relieves its inhibition on Na+-K+-ATPase. We have engineered mice in which expression of the phos...
Analytical solutions for diffusion-controlled adsorption kinetics with non-linear adsorption isotherms

A regular perturbation series method provides a solution to the diffusion equation when the boundary condition is a non-linear adsorption isotherm. For adsorption at the interface the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms yield power series in the square root of time. Convergence of the power series solutions is improved by applying the Shanks transformation. The solutions are compared to limiting cases and to published numerical solutions. The results are most accurate for small time where the numerical finite difference method is least reliable.
A comprehensive obstetric patient safety program reduces liability claims and payments

Begun in 2003, the Yale-New Haven Hospital comprehensive obstetric safety program consisted of measures to standardize care, improve teamwork and communication, and optimize oversight and quality review. Prior publications have demonstrated improvements in adverse outcomes and safety culture associated with this program. In this analysis, we aimed to assess the impact of this program on liability claims and payments at a single institution. We reviewed liability claims at a single, tertiary-care, teaching hospital for two 5-year periods (1998-2002 and 2003-2007), before and after implementing the safety program. Connecticut statute of limitations for professional malpractice is 36 months from injury. Claims/events were classified by event-year and payments were adjusted for inflation. We analyzed data for trends as well as differences between periods before and after implementation. Forty-four claims were filed during the 10-year study period. Annual cases per 1000 deliveries decreased significantly over the study period ( P P = .02), and median annual payments per 1000 deliveries decreased from $1,141,638 to $63,470 ( P P = .046). In contrast, the Connecticut insurance market experienced a stable number of claims and markedly increased cost per claim during the same period. We conclude that an obstetric safety initiative can improve liability claims exposure and reduce liability payments.
A solution phase catalyst for an enantioselective Diels–Alder reaction

A new chiral catalyst for the enantioselective Diels–Alder reaction has been synthesized, namely [(4S,4′S)-4,4′,5,5′-tetra­hydro-4,4′-diiso­propyl-2,2′-(di­benzyl­methyl­ene)­dioxazole-κ2N,N′]­bis(tri­fluoro­methanesulfonato-κO)copper(II) tetra­hy­dro­furan solvate, [Cu(CF3O3S)2(C27H34N2O2)]·C4H8O. It is used in a model study for comparing solid-phase and solution-phase catalyst activity.
Deep test hole drilled near fault

In an effort to answer troublesome questions about stresses on the San Andreas fault, a team of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researchers is compiling data from in situ measurements in the deepest hole ever drilled, for scientific purposes, on or near the San Andreas fault. Headed by Mark Zoback, the team recently finished drilling the 1-km hole, made stress measurements, and left fault zone monitoring equipment (seismometer and water level recorder) in place. Located about 40 km south of Palmdale and 3.5 km from the fault, the hole is in a region of real concern to geologists —in the area of the swelling and deflating Palmdale Bulge and at the site of an 1857 earthquake that had an estimated Richter reading of 8.
The Utility of Independent Component Analysis and Machine Learning in the Identification of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Diseased Brain

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease with a lifetime risk of approximately 1 in 2000. Presently diagnosis of ALS relies on clinical assessments for upper motor neuron and lower motor neuron deficits in multiple body segments together with a history of progression of symptoms. In addition, is it common to evaluate lower motor neuron pathology in ALS by electromyography. However, upper motor neuron pathology is solely assessed on clinical grounds hindering diagnosis. In the past decade magnetic resonance methods have been shown to be sensitive to the ALS disease process, namely: resting state connectivity measured with functional MRI, cortical thickness measured by high resolution imaging, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics such as fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD), and more recently magnet resonance spectroscopy measures of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration. In this present work we utilize independent component analysis (ICA) to derive brain networks based on resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging and use those derived networks to build a disease state classify using machine learning (support-vector machine). We show that it is possible to achieve over 71% accuracy for disease state classification. These results are promising for the development of a clinically relevant disease state classifier. Future inclusion of other MR modalities such as high resolution derived cortical thickness, DTI metric and MRS should improve this overall accuracy.
Molecular thermodynamics for fluid‐phase equilibria in aqueous two‐protein systems

With saline water as the continuous medium, a two-component McMillan-Mayer equation of state is used to describe liquid–liquid phase equilibria in a two-protein system. The equation of state is based on a hard-sphere reference with perturbations introduced through a potential of mean force to account for electrostatic forces and for attraction between protein particles. To illustrate the thermodynamic framework, one parameter each is fitted to experimental precipitation data for aqueous saline one-protein systems containing either lysozyme or ovalbumin. A lysozyme–ovalbumin interaction parameter is then introduced to calculate phase behavior in the aqueous two-protein system. These calculations are remarkably similar to classic vapor–liquid equilibrium calculations using an equation of state. For the aqueous two-protein system, calculations give the light-phase composition as well as the lysozyme and ovalbumin partition coefficients for a given dense-phase composition. Agreement with sparse experimental data is reasonable over a range of pH and high ionic strength provided by the common precipitant ammonium sulfate.
Immunohistochemical and histochemical studies of pituitary beta-lipotrophs.

The presence of β-lipotrophin or an immunologically similar substance was demonstrated in the intermediate lobe cells and some basophils of the anterior lobe by both fluorescent and peroxidase-conjugated antibody methods. These basophils were found to be corticotrophs, i.e., reactive with anti-ACTH. ACTH, when added to anti-β-LPH, decreased the fluorescence and peroxidase reactions of intermediate lobe cells and the anterior lobe corticotrophs. The addition of MSH to anti-β-LPH produced a slight decrease in the reaction between the intermediate lobe cells and anti-β-LPH. The intermediate lobe cells also reacted with anti-ACTH. Both Somatotrophs and lactotrophs reacted with anti-β-LPH to give positive fluorescence or peroxidase reactions. However, the addition of STH to anti-β-LPH abolished the reaction between anti-β-LPH and somatotrophs. Similarly, LTH, when added to anti-β-LPH, abolished the positive reaction of lactotrophs to anti-β-LPH. When STH, LTH and ACTH were added to anti-β-LPH, the fluorescence of the somatotrophs and lactotrophs was abolished, whereas the corticotrophs maintained their fluorescence at a reduced intensity. These results indicate that the somatotrophs and lactotrophs do not contain β-LPH and that corticotrophs contain β-LPH.
Plant and mammal diversity in the Paleocene to early Eocene of the Bighorn Basin

Abstract Abundant plant and vertebrate fossils have been recovered from fluvial sediments deposited in the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, during the first 13 m.y. of the Tertiary. Here we outline and discuss changes in the composition and diversity of floras and faunas during this period, which includes the recovery of terrestrial ecosystems from the K/T boundary extinctions, and later, during the Paleocene-Eocene transition, the greatest global warming of the Cenozoic. Floral diversity has been studied at three levels of spatial resolution: sub-local (at individual collecting sites), local (along a single bed or stratigraphic horizon), and basin-wide (regional). Sub-local diversity shows a moderate increase from the early to late Paleocene, followed by a decrease across the Paleocene/Eocene boundary, then an increase into the later early Eocene. Local heterogeneity was lower in Paleocene backswamp floras, although distinct groups of species dominated in different local fluvial settings such as backswamps and alluvial ridges. Heterogeneity of backswamp forests increased by about 65% from the early to late Wasatchian (early Eocene). The number of plant species inferred from the Bighorn Basin dataset rose gradually from the Puercan to an early Clarkforkian peak of about 40 species, declined sharply to about 25 species by the Clarkforkian/Wasatchian boundary, then rose through the Wasatchian to about 50 species. A regional analysis of mammalian genera shows high turnover and a rapidly increasing number of genera within a million years of the K/T boundary (10–50 genera), a slight decline to 40 genera by the early Clarkforkian, then an increase from 40 to 75 genera by the late Wasatchian. Our analyses found no major extinctions in mammals during the Paleocene and early Eocene in the Bighorn Basin, but a one-third decrease in the number of plant species at about the Paleocene/Eocene boundary. Rates of taxonomic turnover were much higher for mammals than plants. The diversity trends for plants and mammals show little congruence, implying that the two groups responded in a very different manner to post K/T extinction opportunities. There is also little congruence between plant diversity levels and change in mean annual temperature (MAT) as inferred from foliar physiognomy.
New Developments in Adolescent Health Care

Shakespeare’s description of youth is scarcely less precise a definition of adolescence than those in vogue today. A critical period of biologic, psychological, and social changes, adolescence is more a stage than an age, during which the child struggles through the complex transition to adulthood.‘~2 Earlier physical maturation, increasing complexity of the industrialized world, diminishing social assistance, and increased mobility of the family, regardless of socioeconomic and demographic factors, have made adolescence a particularly vulnerable period today.3 Most children weather the transition to adulthood relatively well and manifest a positive self-image, good impulse control, and healthy acceptance of the anatomic and physiologic changes of adolescence.4 In addition, most adolescents are healthy and few suffer from a health-related limitation of activity.5* 6 However, this generally healthy status is being steadily eroded by illness and injury associated with substance abuse, sexual activity, and violence.
Phenotype specific treatment of asthma in childhood.

Abstract The term "asthma syndrome" encompasses a range of disorders, all characterised clinically by combinations of cough, wheeze and breathlessness. In older children, evidence of variable airway obstruction is manifest by change in peak flow over time or with treatment, reduction in peak flow on exercise, and a positive methacholine challenge. The underlying pathology includes combinations of bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR), airway inflammation and alterations in underlying baseline airway calibre or compliance. This is not merely of academic importance, but is fundamental to organizing appropriate treatment. In children with symptoms with viral colds and also between colds, and in particular if they are atopic, the underlying abnormality is likely to be T-cell driven, eosinophil-mediated airway inflammation. There is compelling evidence that early treatment with inhaled corticosteroids is essential if airway remodelling is to be avoided and optimum long-term lung function is to be achieved. The pathophysiology of wheezing with viral colds in the non-atopic infant is completely different; such infants have evidence of abnormal lung function soon after birth and before their first episode of viral wheeze, and no evidence of either bronchial hyperreactivity or airflow inflammation. Response to inhaled steroids is very poor. For most infants with wheeze, it is currently not possible to predict whether they will go on to the picture of established asthma. Post-bronchiolitic asthma syndrome also does not respond to inhaled steroids, because prolonged symptoms are likely due to abnormal pre-morbid airway function, albeit worsened by atopy. Phenotype-specific treatment is also important in older children who have severer asthma and do not respond to high dose inhaled steroids. We have delineated a group with marked BHR but no evidence of inflammation who respond to subcutaneous terbutaline, and a second group with steroid resistant inflammation who may do better with cyclosporin. A phenotype-specific treatment approach may also help to delineate which add on therapy (long-acting beta agonist, leukotriene receptor antagonist, theophylline) is best for children with moderate asthma not controlled by moderate dose (400mcg/day) inhaled corticosteroids. Asthma is not one disease but many, and attention to delineating clinical phenotypes, rather than being obsessed with guidelines based on large heterogeneous groups, may allow rational individual treatment.