cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Static Scaling and the Evolution of Extreme Canine Size in a Saber-Toothed Cat (Smilodon fatalis).

The canines of saber-toothed cats are a classic example of an extreme morphology, yet important questions pertaining to their evolution remain unanswered. Recent analyses suggest these structures functioned as tools of intrasexual combat where trait size acts as both a weapon of battle and signal of competitive ability. However, classic skeletal reconstructions suggest saber-tooth canines evolved as specialized hunting tools. Either scenario could have led to the evolution of extreme canine size and distinguishing between these hypotheses is therefore difficult. This is made more challenging by the fact that natural observation of saber-toothed cats is impossible, and biologists must rely on measures of static morphology to study the patterns of selection that favored extreme canine size. Here I analyze the static intraspecific scaling relationship between canine size and body size in the saber-toothed cat, Smilodon fatalis, to determine whether or not extreme canine size functioned as a sexually selected signal. I review the literature surrounding the evolution of sexually selected signals and the methods recently established by O'Brien et al. (2018), show how static scaling relationships can be useful, reliable tools for inferring patterns of selection, especially in fossil organisms, and provide evidence that extreme canine size in saber-toothed cats was not the product of selection for effective sexual signals, but instead evolved as either a pure intrasexually selected weapon or a hunting tool.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibition with Panobinostat Combined with Intensive Induction Chemotherapy in Older Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Phase I Study Results

Purpose: The histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor panobinostat potentiates anthracycline and cytarabine cytotoxicity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. We hypothesized that panobinostat prior to and during induction chemotherapy would be tolerable and augment response in patients showing increased histone acetylation. Experimental Design: Patients received panobinostat 20-60 mg oral daily on days 1, 3, 5, and 8 with daunorubicin 60 mg/m2/day intravenously on days 3 to 5 and cytarabine 100 mg/m2/day intravenously by continuous infusion on days 3 to 9 ("7+3"). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated for HDAC expression and histone acetylation changes. Results: Twenty-five patients aged 60-85 years (median 69) were treated. Fifteen patients had de novo AML, 6 AML with myelodysplasia-related changes, 2 AML with prior myeloproliferative neoplasm, 1 therapy-related myeloid neoplasm, and 1 MDS with excess blasts-2. No dose-limiting toxicities occurred in dose-escalation cohorts. In dose expansion, 6 patients received panobinostat at 60 mg and 9 patients at 50 mg due to recurrent grade 1 bradycardia at the 60 mg dose. The CR/CRi rate was 32%. Median overall survival was 10 months; 23 months with CR/CRi versus 7.8 months without CR/CRi (Log-rank P=0.02). Median relapse-free survival was 8.2 months. Increased histone acetylation 4 and 24 hours after panobinostat was significantly associated with CR/CRi. Conclusions: Panobinostat with "7+3" for older AML patients was well tolerated. Panobinostat 50 mg on days 1, 3, 5, and 8 starting 2 days prior to "7+3" is recommended for future studies. Panobinostat-induced increases in histone acetylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells predicted CR/CRi.
Using Skip Graphs for Increased NUMA Locality

We present a data partitioning technique performed over skip graphs that promotes significant quantitative and qualitative improvements on NUMA locality in concurrent data structures, as well as reduced contention. We build on previous techniques of thread-local indexing and laziness, and, at a high level, our design consists of a partitioned skip graph, well-integrated with thread-local sequential maps, operating without contention. As a proof-of-concept, we implemented map and relaxed priority queue ADTs using our technique. Maps were conceived using lazy and non-lazy approaches to insertions and removals, and our implementations are shown to be competitive with state-of-the-art maps. We observe a 6x higher CAS locality, a 68.6% reduction on the number of remote CAS operations, and a increase from 88.3% to 99% CAS success rate when using a lazy skip graph as compared to a control skip list (subject to the same codebase, optimizations, and implementation practices). Qualitatively speaking, remote memory accesses are not only reduced in number, but the larger the NUMA distance between threads, the larger the reduction is. We consider two alternative implementations of relaxed priority queues that further take advantage of our data partitioning over skip graphs: (a) using ``spraying'', a well-known random-walk technique usually performed over skip lists, but now performed over skip graphs; and (b) a custom protocol that traverses the skip graph deterministically, marking elements along this traversal. We provide formal arguments indicating that the first approach is more \emph{relaxed}, that is, that the span of removed keys is larger, while the second approach has smaller contention. Experimental results indicate that the approach based on spraying performs better on skip graphs, yet both seem to scale appropriately.
Developing a Mastery Learning Curriculum

The traditional model of educating healthcare providers involves passing determined by a bell-shaped curve and subjective evaluations from mentors. Using this model, many healthcare providers advance despite below average performance. In fact, this method has proven to be ineffective to ensure providers deliver patient care without harm. Curriculum development grounded in mastery learning ensures all healthcare providers can deliver a high level of patient care uniformly. In this chapter we integrate the Thomas six-step model for healthcare provider curriculum development with the seven features of mastery learning to develop mastery learning curricula. We provide an example of how an Advanced Cardiac Life Support training curriculum was developed and evaluated. Knowledge about how to apply mastery learning to healthcare training curricula ensures excellence for all providers, patients, and other stakeholders.
A Framework for Quantifying Effects of Characterization Error on the Predicted Local Elastic Response in Polycrystalline Materials

Three-dimensional microstructural information has become increasingly important to advanced computational modeling, and future developments in the field rely on continued maturation of the technology. In this work, a framework for analyzing the error associated with the collection of 3D data sets is proposed. The framework allows users to evaluate errors introduced into the data collection process through the selection of various experimental parameters. Synthetically generated microstructures, called phantoms, are used as a baseline. A simple model for microstructural data collection via electron backscatter diffraction is established. This model is used to simulate data collection from the phantom microstructures, in order to make observations about the effects of individual characterization parameter selection. By comparing simulations to the original phantoms, direct error measurements can be made. Results show how resolution, sample size, and noise can affect the quality of data sets. Finally, the framework is used to show how errors in computational models based on reconstructed microstructures are dependent on the choice of characterization parameters used to generate these microstructures.
Analysis of cerebrovascular dysfunction caused by chronic social defeat in mice

Psychological stress and affective disorders are clinically associated with hypertension and vascular disease, but the biological links between the conditions have not been fully explored. To examine this relationship, we used chronic social defeat (CSD) stress, which produces anxiety-like and depressive-like behavioral declines in susceptible mice. In such mice, CSD also produces cerebrovascular microbleeds in scattered locations. Here, we showed further evidence of vascular pathology and blood-brain barrier breakdown by visualizing plasma immunoglobulins and erythrocytes within the parenchyma and perivascular spaces of CSD brains. To further characterize the impact of stress on the cerebrovasculature, brain endothelial cells (bECs) were isolated, and global gene expression profiles were generated. Bioinformatic analysis of CSD-induced transcriptional changes in bECs showed enrichment in pathways that delineate the vascular response to injury. These pathways followed a temporal sequence of inflammation, oxidative stress, growth factor signaling, and wound healing (i.e., platelet aggregation, hemostasis, fibrinogen deposition, and angiogenesis). Immunohistochemical staining for markers of fibrinogen deposition and angiogenesis confirmed the existence of the markers at the sites of vascular disruptions. Recovery after CSD cessation was marked by recruitment of leukocytes perhaps participating in vascular repair. The data suggest that co-morbidity of affective disorders and vascular diseases may be attributed in part to a common link in altered endothelial cell function.
Parent Self‐Compassion and Supportive Responses to Child Difficult Emotion: An Intergenerational Theoretical Model Rooted in Attachment

Self-compassion is an adaptive way of self-relating that entails tending to one's emotional pain with understanding and care. In this paper, we propose an intergenerational model explaining how self-compassion develops within the context of the parent-child relationship. Specifically, we posit that parents who have had supportive experiences with their own childhood caregivers develop a secure attachment and a high level of self-compassion. In turn, we propose that high self-compassion in parents promotes the parents' capacity to support their child when he or she experiences difficult emotions (e.g., anger, sadness). These responses promote the child's secure attachment, high self-compassion development and positive behavioral outcomes. A key area for future research is examining the potential link between parent self-compassion and responses to difficult emotions in the child. Given self-compassion can be enhanced through intervention, support for this model will have broad implications for interrupting intergenerational cycles of dysfunction caused by insecure attachment.
Risk Factors for Surgical Shunting in a Large Cohort With Ischemic Priapism.

BACKGROUND Ischemic priapism is treated with a stepwise algorithm, but some patients may benefit from immediate shunt placement. AIM To identify risk factors for surgical shunt placement in a large series of patients with ischemic priapism. METHODS We identified all patients presenting to our institution with ischemic priapism from January 2010 to December 2018. Multivariable was performed to assess risk factors for surgical shunting. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (Youden Index) was used to assess which cutoff time for the duration of priapism was most predictive requiring shunting. OUTCOMES We assess risk factors for surgical shunting and what duration of priapism was most predictive of requiring a shunt. RESULTS We identified a total of 169 ischemic priapism encounters from 143 unique patients, of which 26 (15%) encounters resulted in a surgical shunt. Patients treated with a shunt had longer priapism durations than those without (median 36 vs 10 hours, P < .001). Independent predictors of a surgical shunt on multivariate logistic regression were the duration of priapism in hours (odds ratio: 1.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.10; P < .001) and history of prior priapism (odds ratio: 3.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-9.60; P = .045). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis using priapism duration to predict the need for shunt generated an area under curve of 0.83. A duration of 24 hours correlated to a sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity of 0.90. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS These results can be used to counsel future patients and assist in the decision-making process for providers. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS This is one of the largest series of priapism in the literature. Most (74%) of the priapism were due to intracavernosal injections so the results may not be generalizable to populations with different priapism etiologies. CONCLUSION In this study of 169 priapism encounters, we found that the priapism duration and history of prior priapism were independent predictors of surgical shunt placement. These results can aid urologists in the counseling and decision-making process of these challenging cases. Zhao H, Dallas K, Masterson J, et al. Risk Factors for Surgical Shunting in a Large Cohort With Ischemic Priapism. J Sex Med 2020;17:2472-2477.
On maximal green sequences for type $$\mathbb {A}$$A quivers

Given a framed quiver, i.e., one with a frozen vertex associated with each mutable vertex, there is a concept of green mutation, as introduced by Keller. Maximal sequences of such mutations, known as maximal green sequences, are important in representation theory and physics as they have numerous applications, including the computations of spectrums of BPS states, Donaldson---Thomas invariants, tilting of hearts in derived categories, and quantum dilogarithm identities. In this paper, we study such sequences and construct a maximal green sequence for every quiver mutation equivalent to an orientation of a type $$\mathbb {A}$$A Dynkin diagram.
States of Resistance: The REAL ID ACT and Constitutional Limits Upon Federal Deputization of State Agencies In The Regulation of Non-Citizens

Since the passage of the REAL ID Act in 2005, federal and state governments have clashed over implementation of the law's sweeping and prohibitively expensive changes to states' motorist licensing schemes. The REAL ID Act would affect all 56 U.S. jurisdictions and more than 240 million driver's license applicants or holders.The Article discusses the design flaws of the REAL ID Act within the context of the nation's traditional "immigration federalism" framework in regulating non-citizens, and evaluates the viability of legal challenges on the grounds of equal protection, due process, federalism principles, and international law. Part I discusses states’ authority over non-citizens and the history of “immigration federalism” jurisprudence. Part II explores key provisions of the REAL ID Act, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and similar attempts by the federal government to deputize states to engage in citizenship-policing and immigration enforcement. It describes the acute social and economic segregation that the denial of driver’s licenses to non-citizens engenders, and examines a number of theories that attempt to capture the impact of the current immigration federalism framework or prescribe alternate approaches. Part III discusses previous legal challenges under the Equal Protection Clause involving similar measures and the viability of potential challenges under the Tenth Amendment and international human rights laws. The Tenth Amendment discussion in particular elaborates on the “dual sovereignty” framework for federalism in the immigration context that the Supreme Court articulated in Printz v. United States, and questions the fate of future Congressional legislation that may be described as irrational, xenophobic, and untethered to political accountability.
When Political Domination Becomes Racial Discrimination: NAACP v. McCrory and the Inextricable Problem of Race in Politics

In North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP v. McCrory, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit struck down North Carolina's 2013 omnibus voting law due to its discriminatory effect and the fact it was passed with an intent to abridge the ability of African Americans to vote. This decision represents a landmark victory for voting rights advocates against strict voter identification laws and other similar regulations that foster voter suppression. It also represents a remarkable and extraordinary use of the Arlington Heights doctrine to address the race or politics problem in election law. This Article examines the McCrory decision with an eye towards parsing out how the court arrived at this due care approach. It then confronts the uncertain future of McCrory considering the difficulties in distinguishing impermissible racial motives and permissible political motives, the uncertain judicial future of the post-Shelby County Voting Rights Act, and the academic literature disfavoring race-conscious remedies. The Article concludes optimistically by noting that whether McCrory represents a momentary victory in the larger attack against the Voting Rights Act or whether it stands as good law for the foreseeable future, the opinion offers a well-reasoned approach that accomplishes the ends of the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act through offering a race-conscious intersectional approach grounded in the reality of voter suppression in North Carolina.
Far-UV Fe emission as proxy of Eddington ratios

The Eddington ratio is a key parameter that governs the diversity of quasar properties. It can be scaled with a strong anti-correlation between optical Fe II and [O III] emission. In search of such indicators in the far-UV band, the HST far-UV spectra of 150 low-redshift quasars are analyzed in combination with their optical SDSS counterparts. The strength of Fe II+Fe III 1123 emission is significantly correlated with that of optical Fe II. A moderate correlation may also exist between Fe II 1071 and optical Fe II. The finding opens the possibility that far-UV Fe II emission may serve as a new gauge of the Eddington ratios. The high- and low-ionization lines in the far-UV band display different patterns: for the quasars with higher Eddington ratios, the low-ionization UV lines are stronger, and the high-ionization lines are broader and weaker.
Decision making: Making sense of non-sensory neurons

Decisions can be made internally and implicitly, without being expressed explicitly. A new study reveals how implicit decisions might engage the enigmatic 'non-sensory' neurons in sensory cortex.
Working on purpose: 6 steps to employment and a framework for planning

Working on Purpose: 6 Steps to Employment and a Framework for Planning is a unique blend of integrated employment and person-centered planning theories packaged in one practical resource. It provides a value-based step-by-step process for supporting individuals with disabilities explore, discover and experience meaningful community inclusion and productive civic engagement and contribution. This paper is a synthesis of material that was presented at the 2013 National APSE conference in Indianapolis, Indiana in June. In addition to learning the content that is represented here conference participants received a hard copy version of the Working on Purpose workbook and planning templates.
Quality of Life in Treatment-Resistant Hypertension

Treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH) is an increasingly common and clinically challenging hypertension phenotype associated with adverse impact on cardiovascular events and death. Recent evidence, although limited, suggests that TRH may also adversely affect health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and other patient-reported outcomes. However, the precise mechanisms for this link remain unknown. A number of recent studies focusing on both the general hypertensive population and those with TRH suggest that patient awareness of difficult-to-control blood pressure, chronically elevated blood pressure levels, and the use of aggressive medication regimens with attendant cumulative adverse effects may play significant roles. This review summarizes the existing literature on HrQoL in persons with TRH, highlights literature from the general hypertensive population with relevance to TRH, and discusses important remaining questions regarding HrQoL in persons with TRH.
Bacteriophage HK97 Head Assembly: A Protein Ballet

Publisher Summary When biologists first began to think about how a structure like a bacteriophage virion might assemble from its macromolecular parts, it seemed to be mostly a problem of mustering enough specific bonding interactions among all of the participating components and giving them time to find one another and stick together. The individual proteins were generally seen as rigid and unchanging objects, much like the bricks with which one might assemble a house. The overview presented in this chapter is a much more dynamic one, especially at the level of the conformational flexibility of individual proteins. Considering only the structural transitions that is characterized in HK97 head shell assembly, the conformational versatility can be ascribe to the head subunit is quite remarkable. The subunit initially assembles alternatively into two kinds of oligomers, pentamers, and hexamers, and those assemble into shells. At some point during that process the hexamers become dramatically skewed, presumably requiring additional, and substantially different conformations and intersubunit interactions. The chapter presents the full performance of the HK97 ballet as viewed through the optics, compares the HK97 program with those of other viruses and other proteins, and speculates on the causes and purposes of the individual steps and what they reveal about how proteins work. The mechanisms used by HK97 to control head shell assembly and maturation appear in many ways to differ from those used by other phages, but these differences can be reconciled with a set of common themes that govern the action and function of scaffolds, proteolysis, and expansion in bacteriophage capsid assembly.
A framework for managing the solution life cycle of event-driven pervasive applications

Event-driven, embedded applications that embody the composition of many disparate components are emerging as an important class of pervasive applications. For such applications, realizing solutions often requires a breadth of expertise. Consequently, managing the solution life cycle can be a very complex, time-intensive process. In this paper, we present a framework that eases the complexity of managing the life cycle of event-driven, pervasive solutions. We call this framework Rapid Integrated Solution Enablement or RISE. Component composition and software reuse are two central concepts of RISE, where solutions are graphically composed from reusable components using a visual editor. We describe the RISE architecture and discuss an initial prototype implementation that leverages open source technologies, such as Eclipse. Additionally, we illustrate the efficacy of RISE with an example solution for RFID supply chain logistics
Impact of the emerging discipline of information technology on computing curricula: some experiences

Information technology (IT) has recently emerged as a separate academic discipline. The IT discipline is related to, but distinct from, computer science, information systems, and software engineering. Given this relationship to existing computing programs, one should expect the driving factors that have energized the emergence of the IT discipline to have some impact on the previously existing programs as well. In this paper we report some experiences at three institutions that illustrate some of the ways the new IT discipline has influenced curricular choices. After examining these three cases, we suggest that they may help frame the curricular questions that many institutions will consider as they assess the impact of the emerging discipline of IT on their programs.
Effects of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor on the Nigrostriatal Dopamine System in Rodents and Nonhuman Primates

Publisher Summary Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been found to play an important role in the survival and development of a variety of cell types throughout the body. This chapter has focused on analyzing its effects on the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in rodents and nonhuman primates. The in vivo effects of GDNF on midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons in normal adult rats and rhesus monkeys have been shown to increase nigral DA levels over threefold. Striatal DA turnover has been significantly elevated. GDNF also displays neuroprotective properties when given prior to the administration of dopaminergic toxins. Intranigral GDNF administration prevents nigral DA depletion. Adjacent dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area have also been protected from the neurotoxin. In addition to pronounced neuroprotective effects, GDNF also exhibits neurorestorative properties. The neurochemical effects of GDNF in rhesus monkeys with MPTP-induced parkinsonian features, demonstrate its antiparkinsonian properties. Thus, the studies demonstrated in this chapter suggest that GDNF is a potent dopaminergic trophic factor for midbrain DA neurons in both normal and parkinsonian animals. GDNF's long-term effects on the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system also suggest that it may prove useful in therapeutic strategies for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy of lipids, peptides, and proteins in aqueous monolayers

Abstract Infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) provides a unique means of monitoring the chain conformation and orientation of lipids as well as the secondary structure and orientation of peptides and proteins in situ in monolayers at the air/water interface. This chapter describes the experimental approaches and instrumentation used to acquire IRRAS spectra. Spectra-structure correlations are reviewed. Several applications of the technique are discussed, including determinations of lipid chain conformation, lipid headgroup interactions, and protein and peptide secondary structure. Whereas the measured IRRAS frequencies may be correlated with molecular structure information in the usual way, determination of molecular orientation requires a detailed analysis of the reflected light intensities. Simulations included in this chapter show that the infrared (IR) bands may be distorted from their transmission spectroscopy bandshapes, especially when measurements are made at angles of incidence near the Brewster angle. The measured intensities have been quantitatively used to monitor the tilt angle of the hydrophobic pulmonary surfactant protein SP-C in lipid monolayers. Additional applications to peptide orientation are reviewed.
Pick‐up locations and bus allocation for transit‐based evacuation planning with demand uncertainty

SUMMARY This paper develops a decision-support model for transit-based evacuation planning under demand uncertainty. Demand uncertainty refers to the uncertainty associated with the number of transit-dependent evacuees. A robust optimization model is proposed to determine the optimal pick-up points for evacuees to assemble, and allocate available buses to transport the assembled evacuees between the pick-up locations and different public shelters. The model is formulated as a mixed-integer linear program and is solved via a cutting plane scheme. The numerical example based on the Sioux Falls network demonstrates that the robust plan yields lower total evacuation time and is reliable in serving the realized evacuee demand. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties of Reliability Functions of Discrete Distributions

In this article, we discuss the reliability functions, namely, the failure rate, mean residual life function and the variance residual life function, for discrete variables. Their monotonicity and relationships are investigated. Similar functions for the past life are considered. The hazard rates and the reversed hazard rates for the series and parallel systems are also considered.
ET-1 contributes to age-dependent G protein impairment after brain injury.

Previous studies have observed that endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentration is elevated in CSF and contributes to impaired cerebral hemodynamics following fluid percussion brain injury (FPI) in an age-dependent manner. This study was designed to characterize the effects of FPI on the vascular activity of two activators of a pertussin toxin-sensitive G protein, mastoparan and mastoparan-7, as a function of age and the role of ET-1 in such effects in newborn (1-5 days old) and juvenile (3-4 weeks old) pigs equipped with a closed cranial window. Mastoparan (10-8, 10-6 M) elicited pial artery dilation that was blunted more by FPI in newborn versus juvenile pigs (9 ± 1 and 16 ± 1 vs. 3 ± 1 and 5 ± 1%, newborn; 9 ± 1 and 15 ± 1 vs. 6 ± 1 and 9 ± 1%, juvenile). Similar results were observed for mastoparan-7, but the inactive analogue mastoparan-17 had no effect on pial diameter. BQ123 (10-6 M), an ET-1 antagonist, partially restored impaired mastoparan dilation after FPI in the newborn but not in the juvenile (3 ± 1 a...
Comparative effectiveness of instructional methods: oral and pharyngeal cancer examination.

This study compared the effectiveness of different methods of instruction for the oral and pharyngeal cancer examination. A group of thirty sophomore students at the University of Florida College of Dentistry were randomly assigned to three training groups: video instruction, a faculty-led hands-on instruction, or both video and hands-on instruction. The training intervention involved attending two sessions spaced two weeks apart. The first session used a pretest to assess students’ baseline didactic knowledge and clinical examination technique. The second session utilized two posttests to assess the comparative effectiveness of the training methods on didactic knowledge and clinical technique. The key findings were that students performed the clinical examination significantly better with the combination of video and faculty-led hands-on instruction (p
Mechanism of Biaxial Alignment of Oxide Thin Films during Ion‐Beam‐Assisted Deposition

The mechanism of biaxial alignment was examined for yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and La1−xCaxMnO3 (LCMO) films that were fabricated by ion-beam-assisted deposition (IBAD). Films that were deposited with both dual-ion-beam deposition and ion-assisted electron-beam evaporation were studied. The film texture formation was mostly dependent on the ratio of ion bombardment to molecule arrival and on the angle of the incident ions with respect to the substrate. Results were not dependent on the deposition technique. The observed IBAD YSZ and IBAD LCMO biaxial alignment did not occur because of ion channeling. It has been shown that the preferred film orientation develops because of anisotropy of ion-induced damage on various crystal surfaces.
Ground and excited states of CaSH through electron propagator calculations

Abstract Electron propagator calculations of electron affinities of CaSH + produce ground and excited state energies at the optimized, C s minimum of the neutral ground state and at a C ∞v geometry. Feynman-Dyson amplitudes (FDAs) describe the distribution of the least bound electron in various states. The neutral ground state differs from the cation by the occupation of a one-electron state dominated by Ca s functions. Described by FDAs with Ca-S π pseudosymmetry, corresponding excited states have unpaired electrons in orbitals displaying interference between Ca p and d functions. Above these lies a σ pseudosymmetry FDA with principal contributions from Ca d functions. Two FDAs with σ pseudosymmetry follow. Higher excited states exhibit considerable delocalization onto S.
Validation of spectral radiance assignments to integrating sphere radiance standards for the Advanced Baseline Imager

The Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) is the next-generation imaging sensor for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) operational meteorological satellites in geostationary orbit. One pathway for traceability to reference standards of the visible and near-infrared radiometric response for ABI is to a 1.65 m diameter integrating sphere source standard of spectral radiance. This source illuminates the full entrance pupil via the ABI Earth-view port, thus determining the absolute spectral radiance responsivity in the visible and shortwave infrared. The spectral radiance values of the large sphere are assigned by Exelis using a double monochromator and a 15.24 cm diameter integrating sphere source standard that is calibrated by NIST. As part of the ABI program, Exelis was required by NASA to have the spectral radiance values assigned by Exelis to the large sphere be validated by NIST. Here we report the results of that activity, which took place in April, 2013. During the week of April 8, Exelis calibrated the 1.65 m diameter sphere at all 24 levels that correspond to the ABI calibration protocol. During the week of April 15, the NIST validation exercise for five selected levels took place. NIST deployed a portable spectral radiance source, a filter radiometer restricted to the visible and near-infrared, and two spectroradiometers that covered from 350 nm to 2500 nm. The NIST sphere source served as the validation standard. The comparison results, which are reported at the ABI bands, agreed to within the combined uncertainties. We describe the methodology, results, and uncertainty estimates related to this effort.
Industrial location and regional change: The United States and New York State

Young R. C. (1986) Industrial location and regional change: the United States and New York State, Reg. Studies 20, 341–369. A systematic evaluation of industrial location factors derived from cost-minimizing theory is made for the forty-eight contiguous United States and for fifty-two New York counties. In both cases this theory is found wanting. Rather, macro-theories of regional change provide better explanations. Industry is dispersing from the larger, older cities of the industrial heartland and going to ‘empty’ areas that provide a ‘clean slate’ of industrial, political and economic relations. Ageing areas result in a push away from the aged infrastructure, social pathology, and high costs of older urban areas. New regions and nonmetropolitan areas free from these are attractive if they are accessible by highway to urban services. In addition, exports are found to be of importance in both the states and the counties. Massive flows of government help to the South have led to what is best characterized...
Neural network and statistical modeling techniques for electronic stress prediction

Electronic components are constantly under stress due to factors such as signal density, temperature, humidity, and high current and voltage. There has been relatively little emphasis on stress level prediction under voltage stress. The purpose of this study was to develop an electronic temperature profile model for stress level prediction utilizing neural network and statistical approaches, such as multivariate regression models. Electronic components were removed from boards, subjected to different levels of stress, then replaced. An infrared camera was then used to capture information about component temperature changes over time under normal operating conditions. Neural network and statistical approaches were used to model temperature change profiles for components that had been stressed at different levels, and their predictive ability was compared. Separate data sets were used for model development and model verification. Neural network prediction rates were around 70%, compared to 30% for the statistical approach. Experiments were also conducted to evaluate the noise-tolerance of the neural network model. The neural network accommodated the presence of noise much more easily than statistical approaches. Resilient back propagation learning functions performed better than functions studied. A 3-2-1 topology performed better than 3-3-1 or 3-2-2-1 topologies.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dynamics of Microvillus Extension and Tether Formation in Rolling Leukocytes

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) binding to P-selectin mediates leukocyte rolling under conditions of flow. In human neutrophils, a type of leukocyte belonging to the innate immune system, PSGL-1 molecules are located on the neutrophil’s surface ruffles, called microvilli. Each newly formed P-selectin–PSGL-1 bond can become load bearing, imposing on its microvillus a pulling force that deforms the microvillus. Depending on the magnitude of the bond force, a microvillus can be extended, or a thin membrane cylinder (a tether) can be formed at the tip of the microvillus. Here we propose a Kelvin–Voigt viscoelastic material as an improved model for microvillus extension. Using a modified version of our Event-Tracking Model of Adhesion (ETMA), we demonstrate how P-selectin–PSGL-1 load-bearing bonds shape microvillus deformation during neutrophil rolling at low shear (wall shear rate of 50 s−1, P-selectin site density of 150 molecules μm−2). We also discuss the impact of microvillus deformability on neutrophil rolling. We find that the average microvillus extension constitutes 65% of the total microvillus–tether complex extension, and that the rolling neutrophil may never fully rest. A quantitative comparison with the corresponding non-deformable microvilli case supports a concept that the ability of the microvillus to deform stabilizes cell rolling.
Absence of serotonergic influence on apomorphine-induced stereotypy.

Abstract Since reserpine, but not α-methyl-p-tyrosine, potentiates apomorphine-induced stereotypy in rats, the possibility of a serotonergic influence on apomorphine stereotypy was examined. Methysergide, p-chlorophenylalanine and tryptophan all failed to influence the intensity or duration of apomorphine stereotypy. This implies that serotonin is not involved in the regulation of apomorphine stereotypy.
Neural and Extraneural Expression of the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses Genes CLN1, CLN2, and CLN3: Functional Implications for CLN3

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are the most common neurodegenerative disorders of childhood. We have examined mRNA levels of the CLN1, CLN2, and CLN3 genes, which are associated with the infantile, late infantile, and juvenile forms of NCL in 64 different human tissues, and have grouped the results into gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, glandular/secretory, muscle, and carcinoma tissue types. mRNA levels for CLN3 are highest in gastrointestinal tissue and are also high in glandular/secretory tissue, whereas mRNA levels for CLN1 and CLN2 do not appear to be preferentially elevated in any tissue type. The significance of extraneural expression of CLN3 is reviewed in the context of the function of the protein.
Value increasing business model for e-hospital

This paper developed a business value increasing model for electronic hospital (e-hospital) based on electronic value chain analysis. From this model, 58 hospital electronic business (e-business) solutions were developed. Additionally, this paper investigated the adoption patterns of these 58 e-business solutions within six US leading hospitals. The findings show that only 36 of 58 or 62% of the e-business solutions are fully or partially implemented within the six hospitals. Ultimately, the research results will be beneficial to managers and executives for accelerating e-business adoptions for e-hospital.
Inhibition of human aldehyde dehydrogenase isozymes by propiolaldehyde.

Propiolaldehyde–a metabolite of pargytine (Shirota et al., 1979) can function as an inhibitor or as a substrate of human aldehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.3), dependent on conditions. In the presence of high concentration of NAD, propiolaldehyde is a substrate for both the cytoplasmic E, isozyme and the mitochondrial E2 isozyme. The K. values are comparable to those with other short chain aldehydes; the maximal velocity is also similar for E2 but lower by about threefold for E. Preincubation with propiolaldehyde in the absence of NAD produces inactivation with K values of 1.6 μM for E, and 1.8 μ for E2. NAD, but not propanal, protects both isozymes against inactivation with propiolaldehyde.
Seebeck measurements and their interpretation in high-resistivity materials — the case of semiconducting V2O3

A method for measuring and interpreting the Seebeck coefficient in high resistivity (≧ 105 Ωcm) materials is discussed; the technique is applied to pure V2O3 between 50 and 300 K. The results indicate that the low temperature phase of V2O3 is a band-type semiconductor. Eine Methode fur die Messung und Interpretation des Seebeckkoeffizienten in hochohmigen (≧ 105 Ωcm) Materialien wird diskutiert; diese Technik wird auf reines V2O3 zwischen 50 und 300 K angewendet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, das die Tieftemperaturphase von V2O3 ein Banderhalbleiter ist.
Characterization of spontaneous excitatory synaptic currents in salamander retinal ganglion cells.

1. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) were recorded under voltage-clamp conditions. Consistent with activation of non-NMDA-type glutamate receptors, the sEPSCs reversed at potentials above 0 mV, were blocked by 1 microM CNQX and prolonged by 2 mM aniracetam. 2. The peak conductance of the averaged sEPSCs (n = 70-400) was 130 +/- 60 pS (mean +/- S.D.; 17 cells, ranging from 70 to 290 pS). Amplitude distributions were skewed towards larger amplitudes. 3. The decay of individual and mean sEPSCs was exponential with a mean time constant (tau d) of 3.75 +/- 0.84 ms (n = 13), which was voltage independent. The 10-90% rise time of the sEPSCs was 1.30 +/- 0.44 ms (n = 13). There was no correlation between sEPSC rise time and tau d suggesting that dendritic filtering alone did not shape the time course of sEPSCs. 4. Light-evoked EPSCs in these retinal ganglion cells are mediated by concomitant activation of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors; however, no NMDA component was discerned in the sEPSCs, even when recording at -96 mV in Mg(2+)-free solutions. The decay time course was not altered by 20 microM AP7, an NMDA antagonist, nor was an NMDA component unmasked by adding glycine or D-serine. These results suggest that NMDA and non-NMDA receptors are not coactivated by a single vesicle of transmitter during spontaneous release, and thus are probably not colocalized in the postsynaptic membrane at the sites of spontaneous release. 5. The sEPSCs were an order of magnitude faster than the non-NMDA receptor-mediated EPSCs evoked by light stimuli, and it is proposed that the EPSC time course is determined largely by the extended time course of release of synaptic vesicles from bipolar cells. The quantal content of a light-evoked non-NMDA receptor-mediated EPSC in an on-off cell is about 200 quanta.
Micronutrients in the Kootenai River Valley of Northern Idaho. II. Use of cluster and discriminant analyses to evaluate soil micronutrient status

Abstract Crops grown in the Kootenai River Valley of northern Idaho are showing an increasing tendency toward micronutrient deficiencies. The soils are generally high in organic carbon (OC) and slightly alkaline. Soil pH has been increasing at the rate of 0.2 units every 10 years for the last 30 years. Cluster and discriminant analyses provide quantitative tools to measure differences and classify data into distinct groups. The objectives of this study were to: (1) categorize major soil mapping units based on contents of Mn, Cu, Zn and the soil properties of pH and organic carbon (OC) content using cluster analysis, and (2) determine the similarity of these soil mapping units by discriminant analysis. One hundred fifty‐four soil samples were collected from 0–30 cm of soils in six soil mapping units in eleven drainage districts of Kootenai River Valley of Boundary county, Idaho. Soil pH, OC, and DTPA‐extractable Cu, Mn, and Zn were determined for each collected sample. Cluster analysis classified soils in ...
Induction of Aseptic Sporangial Formation in Phytophthora cinnamomi By Metabolic Diffusates of Soil Micro-Organisms

Induction of Aseptic Sporangial Formation in Phytophthora cinnamomi By Metabolic Diffusates of Soil Micro-Organisms
Redefining the preoperative evaluation process and the role of the anesthesiologist

Abstract Study Objective: To assess the effects of implementing an ambulatory and same-day surgery preoperative evaluation patient triage system over a 3-year period. Design: Retrospective analysis of 63,941 ambulatory surgical patients presenting for elective surgery. Setting: Tertiary care, academic medical institution. Interventions: The following preoperative evaluation model components were implemented over a 3-year period: HealthQuest © , which is an outpatient preoperative assessment computer program developed by the Department of General Anesthesiology; a general internal medicine clinic designated specifically for preoperative evaluation and medical optimization; disease specific algorithms for both preoperative patient assessment and management; and a preoperative anesthesia clinic that no longer performs preoperative medical optimization. Measurements and Main Results: During the 3-year study period ambulatory and same-day surgical case volume increased 34.7%. A total of 50,967 patients used HealthQuest © as part of their preoperative evaluation. Of these patients 22,744 (35.6%) did not need to see an anesthesiologist until the day of surgery as guided by both a computer-assigned HealthQuest © score and surgical classification scheme. Also, 41,197 patients were evaluated in our anesthesia preoperative clinic with a cost per evaluation of $24.86, which increased only 0.9% per year. In addition, both patient interview time and patient dissatisfaction with the preoperative process decreased over the 3-year period. There were 20,088 patient encounters in the general internal medicine clinic for patient medical evaluation and optimization. The average monthly preoperative surgical delay rate decreased 49% during the study period. Finally, significant monetary saving resulted due to decreased unnecessary laboratory testing. Conclusions: Efficient, cost-effective patient care can be provided by using this preoperative evaluation model. Some institutions may find portions of this preoperative model applicable to their current situation.
Cosmetic Analysis Following Breast-Conserving Surgery and Adjuvant High-Dose-Rate Interstitial Brachytherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Prospective Clinical Study

Purpose To prospectively evaluate cosmetic outcomes in women treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation using high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for early-stage breast cancer. Methods and Materials Between 2004 and 2008, 151 patients with early-stage breast cancer were enrolled in a phase 2 prospective clinical trial. Eligible patients had stage Tis-T2 tumors of ≤3 cm that were excised with negative margins and with no nodal involvement. Patients received 3.4 Gy twice daily to a total dose of 34 Gy. Both the patients and the treating radiation oncologist qualitatively rated cosmesis as excellent, good, fair, or poor over time and ascribed a cause for changes in cosmesis. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated quantitatively by percentage of breast retraction assessment (pBRA). Patients also reported their satisfaction with treatment over time. Results Median follow-up was 55 months. The rates of excellent-to-good cosmesis reported by patients and the treating radiation oncologist were 92% and 97% pretreatment, 91% and 97% at 3 to 4 months' follow-up, 87% and 94% at 2 years, and 92% and 94% at 3 years, respectively. Breast infection and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent predictors of a fair-to-poor cosmetic outcome at 3 years. Compared to pretreatment pBRA (7.35), there was no significant change in pBRA over time. The volume receiving more than 150 Gy (V150) was the only significant predictor of pBRA. The majority of patients (86.6%) were completely satisfied with their treatment. Conclusions Patients and the treating physician reported a high rate of excellent-to-good cosmetic outcomes at all follow-up time points. Acute breast infection and chemotherapy were associated with worse cosmetic outcomes. Multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy does not significantly change breast size as measured by pBRA.