cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Network processes involved in the mediation of short-term habituation in Aplysia: contribution of intrinsic regulation of excitability and synaptic augmentation

Short-term habituation (STH) is the decrease in behavioral responding observed during repeated stimulation at regular intervals. For siphon-elicited siphon withdrawal in Aplysia (S-SWR), we previously showed that the amplitude of responses measured in LFS-type siphon motor neurons (LFS MNs) during training is dependent on the stimulus interval used and is training-site specific. The major source of excitation from siphon stimulation onto the LFS MNs comes from the L29 interneurons. Here we examined the role of the L29s in STH by addressing two questions:1. What are the relative contributions of intrinsic regulation of excitability and network inhibition on L29 activity during STH training? By activating L29s with intracellular current injection, we found that intrinsic changes in excitability occur, but only at short training intervals (1 sec). We also demonstrated that network inhibition is not required for regulating L29 responses during training, indicating that any expression of inhibition is redundant to the excitability changes. 2. How does L29 synaptic plasticity contribute to the maintenance of training site-specificity exhibited in LFS MNs? When training stimuli are delivered 1 sec apart (1 sec ISI), L29 responses decrease in both stimulated (trained) and un-stimulated (untrained) pathways, yet site-specificity of training is maintained in the LFS MNs. Our results suggest that activity-dependent synaptic facilitation (augmentation; AUG) expressed by the L29s acts to compensate for the decreased activity in the untrained pathway. First, we demonstrated that the L29-LFS synapse exhibits significant AUG with L29 activation at a 1 sec ISI. Second, we showed that the induction of AUG prevents the reduction in siphon-evoked LFS responses that is otherwise observed with decreased L29 activity. Collectively, our results support a role for the L29s in regulating network dynamics during STH training, but only at rapid (1 sec ISI) training intervals.
Histochemical analysis of capillary and fiber-type distributions in skeletal muscles of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Abstract Various studies have suggested that hypertension causes a closure and eventual loss of microvessels. In muscle tissue that purported pattern of vascular rarification has been associated with a simultaneous loss of slow twitch fibers. The present study uses histochemical techniques to examine both the capillarization and distribution of fast (FOG) and slow (SO) twitch oxidative fibers, the most vascularized of the fiber types, in five muscles of spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats: adductor magnus (AM), biceps femoris (BF), spinotrapezius (SP), medial gastrocnemius (MG), and soleus (SOL). The results show that FOG and SO tend to be slightly smaller in cross-sectional area in SHR, but that the percentage of those fibers in the total population is not decreased in any of the SHR muscles examined. Capillary/fiber ( C F ) ratios for most fiber categories were not significantly different in the two strains but tended toward slightly higher values in SHR. Since capillary density (C/mm2) is related to both fiber size and C F ratio, density values tended to be higher, rather than lower, in SHR. The data indicate that there is neither an anatomical rarification of capillaries, nor a loss of FOG or SO fibers in spontaneous hypertension.
Optimization-Based Artifact Correction for Electron Microscopy Image Stacks

Investigations of biological ultrastructure, such as comprehensive mapping of connections within a nervous system, increasingly rely on large, high-resolution electron microscopy (EM) image volumes. However, discontinuities between the registered section images from which these volumes are assembled, due to variations in imaging conditions and section thickness, among other artifacts, impede truly 3-D analysis of these volumes. We propose an optimization procedure, called EMISAC (EM Image Stack Artifact Correction), to correct these discontinuities. EMISAC optimizes the parameters of spatially varying linear transformations of the data in order to minimize the squared norm of the gradient along the section axis, subject to detail-preserving regularization.
Marketing Education and Marketing Success: Are They Related?

This article reports the results of a study which investigated the relationship between long-term career success in marketing and possession of a marketing and/or MBA education. Data gathered from a sample of over 1,000 marketing practitioners led the authors to conclude that for the long-run career success of marketing students, the performance of marketing educators may be highly suspect.
Acute Infantile Hemiplegia Associated with Thrombocytosis

SUMMARY Two cases of acute infantile hemiplegia associated with thrombocytosis are presented. On the basis of the clinical and laboratory studies reviewed the authors propose that this association may be causatively significant. RESUME Observations de deux cas d'hemiplegie infantile associee a une thrombocytose. Sur la base des etudes cliniques et des resultats de laboratoires, les auteurs pensent que cette association pourrait avoir une signification causative. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Es werden zwei Falle von akuter Hemiplegie in Verbindung mit Thrombozytolyse beschrieben. Aufgrund der klinischen und Laboratoriumsuntersuchungen nehmen die Autoren an, dass zwischen der Thrombozytolyse und der akuten infantilen Hemiplegie ein atiologischer Zusammenhang besteht. RESUMEN Se comunican dos casos de hemiplejia infantil aguda en asociacion con la trombocitosis. Basandose en un repaso de los estudios clinicos y de laboratorio, los autores sugieren que esta asociacion podria tener una significacion etiologica.
Association of pediatric heart transplant coronary vasculopathy with abnormal hemodynamic measures.

Objective. Transplant coronary artery disease (TCAD) is the limiting factor to long-term cardiac allograft survival; however, presymptomatic diagnosis remains challenging. To that concern, we evaluated the association of abnormal catheter-derived filling pressures with TCAD in pediatric heart transplant (HTx) recipients. Design, Patients, Outcome Measures. Data from 52 presymptomatic pediatric HTx patients were analyzed. Catheter-derived right ventricular end-diastolic pressure (RVEDP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were recorded. Biopsies were collected to verify the absence of rejection. Results. TCAD was diagnosed an average of 8.3 years post-HTx in 20 (38%) patients, six of whom died and four of whom underwent retransplantation. Catheter-derived pressure measurements showed that RVEDP was elevated in TCAD compared with non-TCAD patients (9.5 ± 6.0 vs. 5.4 ± 4.7; P= .005), as was the PCWP (12.9 ± 5.7 vs. 9.1 ± 5.7; P= .012). Results from logistic regression analysis showed RVEDP > 10 mm Hg or PCWP > 12 mm Hg was associated with TCAD (OR = 5.2; P= .010). Conclusions. In this series, elevated ventricular filling pressures measured during routine surveillance catheterizations were associated with angiographic TCAD. Recognizing the association between elevated RVEDP/PCWP and TCAD may prompt earlier diagnosis and treatment of this potentially lethal process.
Immunomodulatory gene therapy with interleukin 12 and 4-1BB ligand: Long-term remission of liver metastases in a mouse model

Background: The success of immunomodulatory cancer therapy is frequently hampered by the transient nature of the antitumor immune response. We have shown previously in a mouse model that interleukin 12 (IL-12) generates a strong natural killer (NK) cell-mediated antitumor response and reduces liver metastases induced by a colon carcinoma cell line. However, only a small percentage of the treated animals developed the cytotoxic T-lymphocytic response required for a long-term systemic antitumor immunity. 4-1BB is a co-stimulatory molecule expressed on the surface of activated T cells. Interaction of 4-1BB with its natural ligand (4-1BBL) has been shown to amplify T-cell (especially CD8+)-mediated immunity. In this study, we investigated the effects of adenovirus-mediated gene therapy delivering both IL-12 and 4-1BBL genes on mice with hepatic metastases induced by colon cancer cells. Methods: Syngeneic BALB/c mice received intrahepatic injection of poorly immunogenic MCA26 colon cancer cells. Various combinations of replication-defective adenoviruses expressing IL-12 and 4-1BBL genes were injected into the established liver tumors. Changes in tumor size and animal survival were then monitored. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: The long-term survival rate of mice treated with the combination of IL-12 and 4-1BBL was significantly improved over that of animals in the control group (P = .0001). In vivo depletion of NK cells or CD8+ T cells completely abolished the long-term survival advantage of the IL-12 plus 4-1BBL-treated animals (P<.002). Moreover, the systemic immunity induced by this combination treatment protected these animals against a subcutaneous challenge with parental MCA26 cells. Conclusion: Adenovirus-mediated transfer of IL-12 and 4-1BBL genes directly into liver tumors resulted in tumor regression that required both NK and CD8+ T cells and generated a potent, long-lasting antitumor immunity.
PENILE CALCIPHYLAXIS: RARE NECROTIC LESIONS IN CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE PATIENTS

AbstractPurpose: Calciphylaxis is a rare devastating condition of cutaneous necrosis resulting from calcification of small blood vessels in patients with end stage renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism. We describe 5 patients with penile calciphylaxis at a single institution.Materials and Methods: From 1992 to 1996, 5 patients had penile calciphylaxis. The charts of these patients were reviewed to determine the nature of the lesions, association with hyperparathyroidism and treatment outcomes.Results: All 5 patients had chronic renal failure, secondary hyperparathyroidism and painful necrotic lesions at multiple sites. Radiographs showed stippled calcification of small vessels, which was confirmed histologically. Three patients had undergone parathyroidectomy with a significant decrease in mean calcium x phosphorus ion products from 86.01 to 45.37 mg.2/dl.2 (p <0.001), and in 1 calciphylaxis resolved postoperatively. The penile lesions were treated with debridement and aggressive wound care.Conc...
Effect of intravenous pamidronate therapy on everyday activities in children with osteogenesis imperfecta.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of intravenous pamidronate therapy on everyday activities, well-being, skeletal pain and bone density in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Methods: In a prospective observational study, monthly intravenous pamidronate infusions were given to 43 children (aged 4 months–16 years) with different severity and form of OI. Outcome measures included the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), a score of well-being, registration of days with pain and bone density measured by using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Data were collected before and after the first year of treatment. Results: Self-care and mobility measured by PEDI increased significantly in both the Functional Skill scale and in the Caregiver Assistance scale. The youngest children improved more than the older ones according to the PEDI. The days with skeletal pain were reduced and both well-being and bone density increased. Conclusions: Intravenous treatment with bisphosphonates influenced health status, according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). This group of 43 children experienced beneficial effects on everyday activities, skeletal pain, well-being and bone density.
Function of Ammonium Transporter A in the Initiation of Culmination of Development in Dictyostelium discoideum

The histidine kinase DhkC controls a phosphorelay involved in regulating the slug versus culmination choice during the multicellular developmental program of Dictyostelium discoideum. When the relay is active, slug migration is favored due to the activation of a cyclic AMP (cAMP) phosphodiesterase and the resultant lowering of the intracellular and extracellular levels of cAMP. Ammonia signaling represents one input into the DhkC phosphorelay, and previous studies indicated that the ammonium transporter C inhibits the relay in response to low ammonia levels. Evidence is presented that another member of the family of ammonium transporters, AmtA, also regulates the slug/culmination choice. Under standard conditions of development, the wild-type strain requires a transitional period of 2 to 3 h to go from fingers to culminants, with some slugs forming and migrating briefly prior to culmination. In contrast, amtA null cells, like cells that lack DhkC, possessed a transitional period of only 1 to 2 h and rarely formed slugs. Disruption of amtA in an amtC null strain overcame the slugger phenotype of that strain and restored its ability to culminate. Strains lacking AmtA were insensitive to the ability of ammonia to promote and prolong slug migration. These findings lead to the proposal that AmtA functions in ammonia sensing as an activator of the DhkC phosphorelay in response to perceived high ammonia levels.
Joint multipath-Doppler diversity in fast fading channels

We present a new framework for code-division multiple access (CDMA) communication over fast fading mobile wireless channels. The performance of the RAKE receiver, which is at the heart of existing CDMA systems, degrades substantially under fast fading encountered in many mobile scenarios. Due to the time-varying nature of the fast fading channel, we employ joint time-frequency processing, which is a powerful approach to time-varying signal processing. Whereas the RAKE receiver exploits multipath diversity to combat fading, our framework is based on joint multipath-Doppler diversity facilitated by a fundamental time-frequency decomposition of the channel into independent flat fading channels. Diversity processing is achieved by a time-frequency generalization of the RAKE receiver which can be leveraged into several important aspects of system design. Performance analysis shows that CDMA systems based on the time-frequency RAKE receiver, due to their inherently higher level of diversity, can potentially deliver significant performance gains over existing systems.
Quantitative Assessment of the Timing and Tuning of Visual-Related, Saccade-Related, and Delay Period Activity in Primate Central Thalamus

This study investigates the visuomotor properties of several nuclei within primate central thalamus. These nuclei, which might be considered components of an oculomotor thalamus (OcTh), are found within and at the borders of the internal medullary lamina. These nuclei have extensive anatomical links to numerous cortical and subcortical visuomotor areas including the frontal eye fields, supplementary eye fields, prefrontal cortex, posterior parietal cortex, caudate, and substantia nigra pars reticulata. Previous single-unit recordings have shown that neurons in OcTh respond during self-paced spontaneous saccades and to visual stimuli in the absence of any specific behavioral requirement, but a thorough account of the activity of these areas in association with voluntary, goal-directed movement is lacking. We recorded activity from single neurons in primate central thalamus during performance of a visually guided delayed saccade task. The sample consisted primarily of neurons from the centrolateral and paracentral intralaminar nuclei and paralaminar regions of the ventral anterior and ventral lateral nuclei. Neurons responsive to sensory, delay, and motor phases of the task were observed in each region, with many neurons modulated during multiple task periods. Across the population, variation in the quality and timing of saccade-contingent activity suggested participation in functions ranging from generating a saccade (presaccadic) to registering its consequences (e.g., efference copy). Finally, many neurons were found to carry spatial information during the delay period, suggesting a role for central thalamus in higher-order aspects of visuomotor control.
Biomedical sensors in interventional systems: present problems and future strategies

The authors consider important problems in biomedical sensor development, including physical configuration, packaging connection to the remaining system, power supply, simultaneous sensing of multiple variables, signal processing, and costs. In addition to using conventional sensing technologies, biomedical sensors have recently incorporated microelectronic, signal processing, and optical techniques. Traditional sensing approaches have been used in ways, and novel technologies have been developed for biomedical sensors. >
Customizing parallel formulations of backpropagation learning algorithm to neural network architectures: a summary of result

Several generic parallel formulations of the backpropagation learning algorithm have been proposed recently. Further speedups are possible by customizing parallel formulations to the architecture of the neural network. The paper addresses the issue of customizing parallel formulations of the backpropagation learning algorithm to a given neural network architecture on multiprocessors with hypercube-like communication topology. We introduce a new parallel formulation called rectangular checkerboarding which adapts to the network architecture and can provide performance gains for non-uniform neural networks, where the number of nodes vary across the layers. Algebraic analysis shows that each instance of rectangular checkerboarding (using a specific rectangular processor grid) is optimal for an important family of network architectures. Experiments on CM-5 show that customizing to network architecture can provide significant (/spl sim/50%) performance gains for many interesting non-uniform neural network architectures, which are currently used in important applications. We also introduce the staircase framework, which can use different processor grids for different layers of a neural network. >
The effect of preoperative radiotherapy on complication rate after microsurgical head and neck reconstruction

Summary Background The introduction of radiotherapy (XRT) has resulted in increased survival of patients diagnosed with head and neck malignancies. However, the potentially deleterious impact of radiotherapy on reconstructive efforts continues to be the subject of intense debate. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of preoperative XRT on complication rates in patients undergoing microsurgical reconstruction of head and neck defects after oncosurgical resection. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients who underwent immediate microsurgical reconstruction of post-ablative defects over a 3-year period. Study subjects were divided into two groups: (1) those who did not receive XRT and (2) those who received preoperative XRT. Clinical variables examined and analysed included age, gender, co-morbid conditions, tobacco history, the presence of recurrent disease and ischaemia time. Outcomes of interest included length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay and postoperative complications. Complications were further classified as flap-related as well as ‘medical'. Results A total of 60 patients were included in this study (group 1: 26 patients; group 2: 34 patients). Results were similar between the study groups with the exception of a higher rate of flap-related complications in patients undergoing XRT. Overall, 19 patients (31.7%) experienced flap-related complications, with 12% of the patients being in group 1 ( N =3) versus 47% of patients being in group 2 ( N =16) ( p =0.003). Conclusions Our data suggest that preoperative radiotherapy is associated with a significant increase in postoperative flap-related complications. However, these did not result in a prolonged hospital stay, reflecting the fact that the majority of flap-related complications can be managed on an outpatient basis. Although microsurgical reconstruction is frequently successful, patients with a history of XRT should be informed preoperatively about their increased risk of complications.
Learning Tactic-Based Motion Models of a Moving Object with Particle Filtering

Learning motion models of a moving object is a challenge for autonomous robots. We address the particular instance of parameter learning when tracking object motions in a switching multi-model system. We present a general algorithm of joint parameter-state estimation based on multi-model particle filter. We apply the approach to a specific ball-tracking problem and extend the algorithm to learn model parameters in a dynamic Bayesian network (DBN). We show empirical results in simulation and in a team robot soccer environment, as a substrate for applying the learned models to object tracking in a team. The learning capability allow the tracker to much more effectively track mobile objects.
EFFECT OF FREQUENT CLIPPING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN GRASS SEEDLINGS.

The study reported here deals with the effects of the removal of tops upon the development of various species of grass seedlings. Not only the establishment but also the yield and nutritive value of range and pasture grasses are dependent to a great extent upon the manner and frequency with which the tops are removed. Winter-killing and lowered vitality, with attendant decreased yield, result from improper utilization of the herbage. In native pastures and range lands, undesirable species increase when there is early grazing and overstocking (8). Although the relation of harvesting practices to the development of grassland is known in a general way from observation, and more definitely for a few species from experiment, there is still a definite need for further experimental work. Graber (7) has shown that frequent removal of tops limits root development. This in turn may lessen drought resistance and absorptive capacity, and result in increased injury from low temperature and insects. Since most of the foods used as reserves in roots are synthesized above ground, frequent harvesting necessarily limits these reserves. Internal food reserves as well as a supply of nutrients are factors in productivity. In addition, frequent removal of tops promotes a deficiency of nitrogen in the soil (7). Dicotyledonous plants are similarly weakened by too early or too frequent harvesting. Pruning reduces the root spread of almond trees (3). Cutting of immature alfalfa increases invasion of weeds and may cause winter-killing. The specific gravity of alfalfa roots decreases slightly after each cutting. Cutting when the plants are mature gives more reserve food and higher yield with less winter-killing and a longer life of crop, whether grass or alfalfa (1). Sampson and Malmsten (16) found that harvesting range grasses twice each season increased the yield with but slight injury to the roots. Yield tends to vary inversely with frequency of clipping in bluestem pastures of Kansas. Disappearance of valuable species is proportional to frequency of cutting. The higher nutritive value gained from frequent harvesting does not compensate for loss in yield (2). The deleterious effect of frequent cutting may be offset partially by cutting the plants at a greater height above the ground (2, 9, 18). Reseeding of western range land is successful only when grazing is delayed until late in the
Retinal Dystrophy and Optic Nerve Pathology in the Mouse Model of Mucolipidosis IV

Mucolipidosis IV is a debilitating developmental lysosomal storage disorder characterized by severe neuromotor retardation and progressive loss of vision, leading to blindness by the second decade of life. Mucolipidosis IV is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the MCOLN1 gene, which encodes the transient receptor potential channel protein mucolipin-1. Ophthalmic pathology in patients includes corneal haze and progressive retinal and optic nerve atrophy. Herein, we report ocular pathology in Mcoln1(-/-) mouse, a good phenotypic model of the disease. Early, but non-progressive, thinning of the photoreceptor layer, reduced levels of rhodopsin, disrupted rod outer segments, and widespread accumulation of the typical storage inclusion bodies were the major histological findings in the Mcoln1(-/-) retina. Electroretinograms showed significantly decreased functional response (scotopic a- and b-wave amplitudes) in the Mcoln1(-/-) mice. At the ultrastructural level, we observed formation of axonal spheroids and decreased density of axons in the optic nerve of the aged (6-month-old) Mcoln1(-/-) mice, which indicates progressive axonal degeneration. Our data suggest that mucolipin-1 plays a role in postnatal development of photoreceptors and provides a set of outcome measures that can be used for ocular therapy development for mucolipidosis IV.
Poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels with cell cleavable groups for autonomous cell delivery.

Cell-responsive hydrogels hold tremendous potential as cell delivery devices in regenerative medicine. In this study, we developed a hydrogel-based cell delivery vehicle, in which the encapsulated cell cargo control its own release from the vehicle in a protease-independent manner. Specifically, we have synthesized a modified poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel that undergoes degradation responding to cell-secreted molecules by incorporating disulfide moieties onto the backbone of the hydrogel precursor. Our results show the disulfide-modified PEG hydrogels disintegrate seamlessly into solution in presence of cells without any external stimuli. The rate of hydrogel degradation, which ranges from hours to months, is found to be dependent upon the type of encapsulated cells, cell number, and fraction of disulfide moieties present in the hydrogel backbone. The differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stem cells released from the hydrogels is maintained in vitro. The in vivo analysis of these cell-laden hydrogels, through a dorsal window chamber and intramuscular implantation, demonstrated autonomous release of cells to the host environment. The hydrogel-mediated implantation of cells resulted in higher cell retention within the host tissue when compared to that without a biomaterial support. Biomaterials that function as a shield to protect cell cargos and assist their delivery in response to signals from the encapsulated cells could have a wide utility in cell transplantation and could improve the therapeutic outcomes of cell-based therapies.
Machine-intelligent robots: a hierarchical control approach

Intelligent Machines capable of performing autonomously in uncertain environments, have imposed new design requirements for modern engineers. New concepts, drawn from areas like Artificial Intelligence, Operations Research and Control Theory, are required in order to implement anthropomorphic tasks with minimum intervention of an operator. This work deals with the definition of Hierarchically Intelligent Control and the Principle of Decreasing Precision with Increasing Intelligence. A three level structure representing Organization, Coordination and Execution will be developed as a probabilistic model of such a system and the approaches necessary to implement each one of them will be discussed. Finally, Entropy will be proposed as a common measure of all three levels and the problem of Intelligent Control will be cast as the mathematical programming solution that minimizes the total Entropy.
Some algorithms for large-scale linear and convex minimization in relative scale

This thesis is concerned with the study of algorithms for approximately solving large-scale linear and nonsmooth convex minimization problems within a prescribed relative error δ of the optimum. The methods we propose converge in O(1/δ2) or O(1/δ) iterations of a first-order type. While the theoretical lower iteration bound for approximately solving (in the absolute sense) nonsmooth convex minimization problems in the black-box computational model of complexity is O(1/e 2), the algorithms developed in this thesis are able to perform better by effectively utilizing the information about the structure of the problems. Chapter 1 contains a brief account of the relevant part of complexity theory for convex optimization problems. This is done in order to be able to better communicate the proper setting of our work within the current literature. We finish with concise synopses of the following chapters. In Chapter 2 we study the general problem of unconstrained convex minimization in relative scale. Algorithms of this type are hard to find in the literature and are known perhaps only for a narrow class of specialized transportation problems. It was recently suggested by Nesterov [23], [22] that this problem can be efficiently treated via a conic reformulation and by utilizing the information gained from the computation of a pair of John ellipsoids for the subdifferential of the objective function evaluated at the origin. Our main contribution is the improvement of the theoretical performance of the algorithms in the cited papers by incorporating a simple bisection idea. We also show that it is possible to design potentially more practical "nonrestarting" versions of these methods at no or only negligible cost in their theoretical guarantees. In Chapter 3 we consider the geometric problem of finding the intersection of a line and a centrally symmetric convex body Q given as the convex hull of a collection of points. Our algorithms produce a sequence of ellipsoids inscribed in Q , "converging" towards the intersection points. It turns out that in doing so we simultaneously solve a number of closely related problems such as the problem of finding the minimum e1 norm solution of a full rank underdetermined linear system, minimizing the maximum of absolute values of linear functions, or linear optimization over the polytope polar to Q . We finish the discussion by describing applications to truss topology design and optimal design of statistical experiments.
Primary care providers' experiences caring for complex patients in primary care: a qualitative study.

Complex patients are increasingly common in primary care and often have poor clinical outcomes. Healthcare system barriers to effective care for complex patients have been previously described, but less is known about the potential impact and meaning of caring for complex patients on a daily basis for primary care providers (PCPs). Our objective was to describe PCPs’ experiences providing care for complex patients, including their experiences of health system barriers and facilitators and their strategies to enhance provision of effective care. Using a general inductive approach, our qualitative research study was guided by an interpretive epistemology, or way of knowing. Our method for understanding included semi-structured in-depth interviews with internal medicine PCPs from two university-based and three community health clinics. We developed an interview guide, which included questions on PCPs’ experiences, perceived system barriers and facilitators, and strategies to improve their ability to effectively treat complex patients. To focus interviews on real cases, providers were asked to bring de-identified clinical notes from patients they considered complex to the interview. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed to develop categories from the raw data, which were then conceptualized into broad themes after team-based discussion. PCPs (N = 15) described complex patients with multidimensional needs, such as socio-economic, medical, and mental health. A vision of optimal care emerged from the data, which included coordinating care, preventing hospitalizations, and developing patient trust. PCPs relied on professional values and individual care strategies to overcome local and system barriers. Team based approaches were endorsed to improve the management of complex patients. Given the barriers to effective care described by PCPs, individual PCP efforts alone are unlikely to meet the needs of complex patients. To fulfill PCP’s expressed concepts of optimal care, implementation of effective systemic approaches should be considered.
Detection of Barrett's esophagus superimposed by esophageal cancer by FDG positron emission tomography

Barrett's esophagus is present in approximately 10% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this condition, the normal squamous epithelium of the esophagus is replaced by a metaplastic columnar (intestinal type) epithelium. Regarded as a precancerous lesion, adenocarcinoma will develop in as many as 10% of patients with Barrett's esophagus. Positron emission tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG PET) is used to detect various neoplasms. However, the detection of cancer and its precancerous lesion by FDG PET in the same patient has not been reported. The authors describe a patient in whom adenocarcinoma and its precancerous condition (Barrett's esophagus) were identified by FDG PET.
Dismantling of the star machine: New media and the shifting balance of performance and production in piano competitions

The piano competition, once held under aristocratic patronage, evolved into a mechanized system as the industry clamored for objective evaluations to create bona fide piano stars. Critics and fans pushed back, complaining that the homogenizing system of production crushed individuality. The piano competition is evolving again, as the social media and interactive technologies have presented new latitudes to various actors. The subsequent reposturing by them has led to the emergence of a new type of competition, wherein the focus is not on the final product (the winning pianist) but on the selection process, which has become a highly publicized spectacle that is profitable for the organizers and rewarding to other actors including contestants who do not win. This shift dispels the tension between production and performance by turning the stage into the star of the show, effectively freeing pianists to express their musicality by appealing directly to the audience.
MEASUREMENT IDENTITY IN THE LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF LEGISLATIVE VOTING

Recent advances in data processing technology have made it possible for the political scientist to extend the coordinates of his research space across political systems as well as through time. Without the present-day capacity to retrieve and process speedily the large banks of data accumulated through comparative analyses, such studies would be prohibitively time-consuming, and probably not done at all. As it is the technical hurdles are diminishing in importance, only to be replaced in our attention by the methodological barriers to comparative analysis. In this paper the focus is on one of the basic problems of comparative analysis: the achievement and validation of measurement identity. Measurement identity refers to the content equivalence of two or more measures and is a key consideration in comparative studies whether the comparison is cross-cultural or historical. Unless there are clear indications of the identity of the measures on which the comparisons are based, such comparisons are meaningless. For the political scientist engaged in cross-cultural research, the problem of measurement identity virtually thrusts itself upon him, since he is already sensitive to differences between culturally different political systems. In contrast, the historical researcher who is working within a single cultural context, and is attuned to the continuity of historical themes, may neglect the measurement identity requirements of his research. The purpose of this paper is to give visibility to this measurement issue as it confronts historical research in the field of legislative behavior. My specific referent is the longitudinal study of legislative voting behavior.' A model for the validation of measurement identity will be presented, and subsequently applied to a longitudinal analysis of roll call voting in the United States House of Representatives.
High Temperature Gas Phases Reactions of Trimethylgallium with Ammonia and Trimethylamine

The use of trimethylgallium-trimethylamine (TMG:TMN) adduct as alternative cation precursor for MOVPE of GaN was studied by means of in-situ mass spectroscopy in an isothermal flow tube reactor. The temperature, pressure and reaction time were chosen to emulate the gas phase environment typical of the metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) of GaN. Dynamic changes in the mass spectra are reported for the gas phase reactions between trimethylgallium (TMG) and TMN in hydrogen (H2 / D2) and ammonia (NH3 / ND3) ambients. Evidence is presented for the high temperature TMG:TMN adduct formation, followed by ethane elimination. The strength of the adduct bonding is comparable to that of TMG:NH3 and thus suppresses TMN displacement by ammonia. The thermal stability of TMG:TMN was found to be higher in ammonia ambient than it is in hydrogen. Kinetic parameters for some of the decomposition processes are given.
Modelling demand response in organized wholesale energy markets

We propose a bi-level optimization model for demand response in organized wholesale energy markets. In this model, the lower level performs the economic dispatch of energy and generates the price and the upper level minimizes the total amount of demand response subject to a net benefit requirement. In an economic sense, demand response is a trade of ‘consuming rights’ instead of a sale of energy. Therefore it must be traded separately from the energy market. Although a bi-level optimization model is very hard to solve in general, we demonstrate that realistic power networks have characteristics that can be exploited to reduce the effective size of the problem instance. In particular, we transform the nonconvex net benefit test constraint to an equivalent linear form, and reformulate the nonconvex complementarity conditions of doubly bounded variables using SOS2 constraints. For realistic instances of the MPEC, we employ a three-phase approach that exploits the fast local solution from a nonlinear programming solver as well as LP-based bound strengthening within a mixed integer/SOS2 formulation. The model is tested against various data cases and settings, and generates useful insight for demand response dispatch operations in practice.
The Compares Between the Juristical Thought of Concept and Type

The concept and the type are all expressive forms of criterion of object on law.Basing on different characteristic between them,there are two different forms of the thoughts on law or applicable forms on law.the criterion of object which is expressed by concept usually is called factual constitutional factors,and they are certain and stable.But the juristical thought of concept,that is usually called logistic inclusion,egregiously pays attention to factual classify or formal justice in the judicial judgment.So it ignored the justice for single case. The criterion of object which is expressed by type emphasizes particularly on setting certain central value,whose range is on-limits. Accordingly,the type thought is a valuable oriented one,and it pays attention to the content association between the law ane the fact. Thereby it pays attention to the justice for single case.There is important significance on methodology doing comparative research between the two forms of thought.
BIBFRAME beginnings at UT Austin

Staff from UT Libraries, the Harry Ransom Center, and the Tarlton Law Library have been collaborating in discussion group activities during the last year to develop knowledge and skills in anticipation of life after MARC, investigating the brave new world of linked data in libraries with a focus on the Library of Congress Bibliographic Framework (BIBFRAME) initiative. Our group efforts to better understand BIBFRAME and linked data for libraries include in-depth discussions of current literature, webcasts, and presentations; strategic application of Zepheira’s Practical Practitioner training; and hands-on experimentation transforming local metadata in various formats for various resource types to BIBFRAME. Our analysis of the resulting transformations has helped us gain insight on mapping complexities, data loss, false transformations, potential new metadata displays, and the limitations of the tools involved. The experimentation process overall has afforded us the opportunity to ask targeted questions about what is needed to move towards linked data and to gain a better view of the frontier of Technical Services staff skillsets. In this panel presentation, we’ll share details about our approaches to maximizing the group learning experience, and lessons learned from grappling with new concepts, data models, terminology, and tools. Representatives from our experimentation teams will report on the initial experience of transforming MARC and non-MARC data sets to BIBFRAME, and what we see as emerging questions and next steps.
Cosmic X-ray Background from Self-absorbed Low Luminosity AGNs

A model is proposed for the origin of the diffuse cosmic x-ray background whereby it is primarily due to the contribution of low luminosity active galactic nuclei which are increasingly self-absorbed at low luminosities. Strong self-absorption for low luminosity objects allows the observed background spectrum to be flatter in the ~2-20 keV band than the asymptotic spectrum, assumed to have mean index γ ~ -0.7 up to a high energy cutoff at ~125 keV. The model can account for the spectral shape and intensity of the background spectrum, as well as its possible fluctuations, if the AGN undergo modest density evolution and the bulk of the CXB arises from AGNs at redshifts z ~ 1-3. The model can be tested with AXAF observations of low luminosity AGNs at 5-10 keV and sensitive new hard x-ray observations.
The Nuclear Necessity Principle: Making U.S. Targeting Policy Conform with Ethics & the Laws of War

In 2013, Obama administration spokesmen stated that all U.S. nuclear war plans “apply the principles of distinction and proportionality and seek to minimize collateral damage to civilian populations and civilian objects.” We analyze U.S. nuclear policy documents and argue that major changes must be made if U.S. nuclear war plans are to conform to these principles of just war doctrine and the law of armed conflict. We propose that the U.S. president announce a commitment to a “principle of necessity,” committing the United States not to use nuclear weapons against any military target that can be destroyed with reasonable probability of success by a conventional weapon. Such a doctrinal change would reduce collateral damage from any nuclear strike or retaliation by the United States and would, we argue, make our deterrent threats more credible and thus more effective.
N-ethylformamide dimer. A β-turn model peptide in the gas phase

Reported here are CP-FTMW experiments on N-ethylformamide (NEF), previously studied by pure rotational spectroscopy in the gas phase by Hirota and co-workers (2005). Two conformers of the monomer (trans sc and cis ac), the trans-trans sc dimer, and several NEF-water complexes have been detected. (Only trans sc was observed in the earlier experiments.) Of these species, the trans-trans sc dimer is the most interesting since its three-dimensional structure bears a striking resemblance to β-turns in folded peptides. The well-known anti-parallel β-sheet structures would be expected to have near-zero dipole moments and are therefore discriminated against by the CP-FTMW method.
A spot of bother

In reply to Robert P Crease's article "The spot in the shadow" (February p16, http://ow.ly/ulHSX).
Open-cellular metal implant design and fabrication for biomechanical compatibility with bone using electron beam melting ☆

Implant history extends more than 4000 years in antiquity, with biocompatible alloy implants extending over only 70 years. Over the past several decades, total hip and knee replacements of Ti-6Al-4V and Co-Cr-Mo alloys have exhibited post implantation life spans extending over 15 years; limited by infection, loosening, stress-shielding-related bone resorption and other mechanical failures. With the advent of additive manufacturing technologies, such as electron beam melting (EBM) over the past decade, personalized, patient-specific; porous (open-cellular) implant components can be manufactured, and the integration of chemical, biological and mechanical methods is able to optimize strategies for improving long-term clinical outcomes. This review outlines these strategies, which include enhanced osseointegration and vascularization prospects, and provides some evidence for, and examples of, clinical trials representative of millions of implant surgeries world-wide.
Finding the Right Fit: Three Art Teachers Discover Their Mentorship Style.

If teaching were a one-size-fits-all profession, it would be simple to hand novice educators the pattern for success. Eisner argues that teaching is an artistic practice that, like all arts learnin...
Structural changes induced by high-pressure processing in micellar casein and milk protein concentrates

Reconstituted micellar casein concentrates and milk protein concentrates of 2.5 and 10% (wt/vol) protein concentration were subjected to high-pressure processing at pressures from 150 to 450 MPa, for 15 min, at ambient temperature. The structural changes induced in milk proteins by high-pressure processing were investigated using a range of physical, physicochemical, and chemical methods, including dynamic light scattering, rheology, mid-infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, proteomics, and soluble mineral analyses. The experimental data clearly indicate pressure-induced changes of casein micelles, as well as denaturation of serum proteins. Calcium-binding αS1- and αS2-casein levels increased in the soluble phase after all pressure treatments. Pressurization up to 350 MPa also increased levels of soluble calcium and phosphorus, in all samples and concentrations, whereas treatment at 450 MPa reduced the levels of soluble Ca and P. Experimental data suggest dissociation of calcium phosphate and subsequent casein micelle destabilization as a result of pressure treatment. Treatment of 10% micellar casein concentrate and 10% milk protein concentrate samples at 450 MPa resulted in weak, physical gels, which featured aggregates of uniformly distributed, casein substructures of 15 to 20 nm in diameter. Serum proteins were significantly denatured by pressures above 250 MPa. These results provide information on pressure-induced changes in high-concentration protein systems, and may inform the development on new milk protein-based foods with novel textures and potentially high nutritional quality, of particular interest being the soft gel structures formed at high pressure levels.
Dynamic Looping Interactions: Setting the 3D Stage for the Macrophage

The mechanisms by which 3D chromatin looping interactions mediate cell type-specific gene expression are an active area of investigation. In this issue of Molecular Cell, Phanstiel et al. (2017) annotate five classes of loops during macrophage development and predict candidate factors involved in their regulation.
Estimating the elasticity of supply of housing space rather than units

Abstract Microeconomic theory suggests that consumers do not consume and suppliers do not supply housing units. Housing units are an artifact of the way in which individuals cluster in residential real estate. The most fundamental measure of willingness to pay on the part of consumers and cost of production experienced by producers is interior space. Empirical literature on housing supply in cities has been based on counts of housing units primarily because counts of units are readily available, across time and space. This paper shows how to produce estimates of aggregate square feet of housing. A theory section then demonstrates that measuring supply elasticities using counts of units are biased downward compared to results using interior space. Finally empirical tests confirm the theoretical evidence that housing supply estimates based on counts of units are too small.