cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parameterization of a Piezoelectric Nanomanipulation Device

Through measurement of hysteresis and drift in a piezoelectrically driven multi-axis multi-positioner nanomanipulator, we have quantified error over ranges of three primary operating parameters: gain, duty cycle, and actuation time. A total of sixty-nine curves were plotted, and error and drift measured in a single operating plane. All data shown were collected on the Zyvex L-100 nanomanipulator operating in an open-loop programmed method, in both coarse (12mm range, 2–5 μm precision) and fine mode (100 μm range, 10–50 nm precision). In general, the normalized error was reduced at larger actuation distances and in coarse mode. These results may be used to define optimum operating conditions for piezoelectrically actuated nanomanipulators and micromanipulators whereby the goal is to find a balance between speed and accuracy. The results also are intended to allow for optimal control in closed-loop operation and for task-oriented and pick-and-place operations.© 2006 ASME
Lattice dynamics of Ni Al 3

The intermetallic compound Ni$_{3}\mathrm{Al}$ orders in the Cu$_{3}\mathrm{Au}$ structure, and it is generally believed to be a weak itinerant ferromagnet. However, the presence of any magnetic inhomogeneities, as suggested by specific-heat measurements, cannot be easily understood within the framework of an itinerant electron theory. In the present work inelastic neutron scattering techniques have been used to study the room-temperature phonon dispersion curves of Ni$_{3}\mathrm{Al}$. The force constants obtained by fitting the experimental data to a three-nearest-neighbor Born-von K\'arm\'an model were used to evaluate the phonon density of states and the lattice specific heat. We find that the electronic specific heat of Ni$_{3}\mathrm{Al}$ (obtained by subtracting the lattice contribution from the measured total specific heat) does not exhibit any anomalous features at low temperature. Thus, within experimental precision, we do not find any evidence for the presence of magnetic inhomogeneities in Ni$_{3}\mathrm{Al}$.
Computing the mechanical index.

A computational nonlinear beam propagation model was used to compute the water path and in situ fields of a phased array transducer operating at 2 MHz. The computational source was matched to the transducer's Z = 10 cm focal plane field. Subsequent computed propagations considered this source operating at source amplitudes up to 1.49 MPa in a water medium and in a tissue medium with an attenuation of 0.3 dB cm -1 MHz -1 . The mechanical index was calculated in three ways based on these computations: extrapolated from one low amplitude water path propagation, extrapolated from a series of water path propagations using the existing Output Display Standard protocol, and directly from a series of tissue path propagations. These computed results suggest that extrapolation from derated measurements of a low level water path field can provide mechanical index estimates which progressively overestimate the in situ values. At the highest source amplitude considered, the linearly extrapolated mechanical index was 29% higher than the mechanical index computed by the tissue path propagations. The Output Display Standard protocol offered improved accuracy but consistently underestimated the in situ values. The maximum error for the Output Display Standard protocol was 8%. A variation of the Output Display Standard protocol in which mechanical index estimates were obtained from the on-axis spatial peak in the derated temporal peak rarefactional curve was also considered. The maximum error for this method was 3%. The results considered here also demonstrated the feasibility of computational investigations of high intensity clinical propagations.
Stereophotocolpography; a method for centralized screening for cervical carcinoma.

Abstract An instrument for stereophotography of the cervix uteri under high magnification is described. This instrument permits a centralized evaluation of stereophotocolpographic pictures by a specialist, so that the physician who examines the patient with this instrument does not need to be specially trained. Stereophotocolpography, a recent development of Hinselmann's colposcopy, can be of help in cancer screening and in the differential diagnosis of cervical lesions.
The impact of morbid obesity on resource utilization after renal transplantation

Background A growing number of renal transplant recipients have a body mass index ≥40. While previous studies have shown that patient and graft survival are significantly decreased in renal transplant recipients with body mass indexes ≥40, less is known about perioperative outcomes and resource utilization in morbidly obese patients. We aimed to analyze the effects of morbid obesity on these parameters in renal transplant. Methods Using a linkage between the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients and the databases of the University HealthSystem Consortium, we identified 29,728 adult renal transplant recipients and divided them into 2 cohorts based on body mass index ( Results Body mass index ≥40 recipients incurred greater direct costs ($84,075 vs $79,580, P Conclusion Morbidly obese renal transplant recipients incur greater costs and readmission rates compared with nonobese patients. Recognition of increased resource utilization should be accompanied by appropriate, risk-adjustment reimbursement.
Playing at Planning: Game Design Patterns from Disaster Response Practice

We draw on years of ethnographic investigation into the disaster response practices of fire emergency response, urban search and rescue, and incident command to inform the design of games. Our objective is to support training disaster responders, yet our findings apply to general game design. We identify critical components of disaster response practice, from which we develop game design patterns: emergent objectives, developing intelligence, and collaborative planning. We expect that, in implementing these patterns, designers can engage players in disaster-response-style planning activities. To support the design patterns, we survey exemplar games, through case studies. The paper contributes a set of game design patterns that support designers in building games that engage players in planning activities. \
Nucleation-controlled freeze casting of preceramic polymers for uniaxial pores in Si-based ceramics

A grain-selection template was applied to freeze casting to control nucleation of pore-forming crystals and achieve ceramics with highly aligned pore structures. A polymethylsiloxane preceramic polymer was freeze cast with cyclohexane as a solvent to produce dendritic pores in SiOC. Image analysis and permeability measurements were performed to quantify the influence of various templates on sample properties. Results show that the percentage of porosity aligned along the freezing axis increased from 13.9% without a template to 92.6% with an optimal template. The Darcian permeability constant increased by more than 6-fold, from 3.4 × 10^(−12) to 2.1 × 10^(−11) m^2.
New Medicine for the U.s. Health Care System: Training Physicians for Structural Interventions.

Structural competency provides a language and theoretical framework to promote institutional-level interventions by clinical practitioners working with community organizations, non-health-sector institutions, and policy makers. The special collection of articles on structural competency in this issue of Academic Medicine addresses the need to move from theory to an appraisal of core educational interventions that operationalize the goals of and foster structural competency. In this Commentary, the authors review the role of clinical practitioners in enhancing population-level health outcomes through collaborations with professionals in fields outside medicine, including the social sciences and law. They describe the core elements of structural competency in preclinical and clinical education, as illustrated by the articles of this special collection: perceiving the structural causes of patients' disease, envisioning structural interventions, and cultivating alliances with non-health-sector agencies that can implement structural interventions. Finally, the authors argue that preparing trainees to form partnerships will empower them to influence the social determinants of their patients' health and reduce health inequalities.
Precipitation strengthening in aluminum-zirconium-vanadium alloys

Abstract Atom probe tomography (APT) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to study the co-precipitation and coarsening mechanisms of Al 3 (Zr 1 -x ,V x ) precipitates formed in Al-Zr-V alloys. The strengthening mechanism that is operative in properly aged Al-Zr-V alloys are determined, and the antiphase boundary (APB) energy between the α-Al matrix and the Al 3 Zr precipitates and between the α-Al matrix and the Al 3 (Zr 1 -x ,V x ) precipitates is indirectly determined.
Point of care testing: regulation and accreditation.

Objective To provide an overview of point of care testing (POCT) regulatory and accrediting agencies and their requirements. Data sources Current literature and the author's experience. Data synthesis To develop and successfully run a POCT program that meets the federally mandated standards evaluated by accrediting agencies with Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) status, requires that participants are aware of CLIA '88 requirements. Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation (CQLA) are the 3 principal organizations currently inspecting and accrediting POCT programs. They have included all CLIA '88 requirements on their inspection checklists. This paper covers requirements of JCAHO and CAP. In order to successfully meet the accreditation requirements of HFCA and their deeming agencies, JCAHO and CAP, these issues must be addressed: direction and supervision of the program, procedures performed, proficiency testing, quality assurance, quality control, procedure manuals, specimen handling, results reporting, reagents, calibration and standards, instrument selection and maintenance, personnel training and competence, and safety. Conclusion CLIA '88 states that all testing is site neutral, therefore the same regulations apply regardless of where the test is performed. All POCT programs must apply for a CLIA certificate and choose an appropriate accreditation agency for their needs. All accreditation agencies must follow the requirements listed in the federal register; some agencies are more stringent than others.
Patient-predicted sleep position vs. HST data: a tendency to underestimate supine sleep

The purpose of this study is to measure people’s accuracy when they estimate what proportion of their nightly sleep at home is supine vs. non-supine. A series of patients referred for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) evaluation were asked if they “knew with confidence” how they slept with regard to their body position. “Yes” responders were then asked to estimate what percentage of their sleep was supine vs. non-supine. This value was compared with the actual proportion of supine vs. non-supine sleep that they exhibited in a home sleep test (HST) that followed. We obtained data from 49 subjects who expressed that they “knew with confidence” how they sleep in terms of body position. Subjects in aggregate underestimated their proportion of supine sleep by 21.6% (p < .001). Thirty-nine subjects (80%) slept supine more in the HST whereas 8 (16%) slept supine less compared to their pre-test estimates. Using a common classification of OSA severity, 9 subjects (18%) demonstrated a more severe degree of OSA than would have occurred had they slept as they had predicted. Subjects in this study frequently underestimated their proportion of supine sleep compared to values measured in an HST. Because of the increased supine sleep they exhibited, the severity of their OSA was often greater in the test than it would have been had the subjects slept as they predicted. Sleep physicians should take into account the tendency of people to underestimate supine sleep. If patients with positional sleep apnea assert that they “always sleep laterally” when at home, they may be underestimating their true night-by-night OSA disease burden.
Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli and Ruminant Diets: A Match Made in Heaven?

Abstract Shiga toxin-producing Esherichia coli (STEC) are also known as enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), which are pathogenic bacteria that can cause serious illnesses in humans who consume contaminated foods or water. This pathogen is commonly associated with cattle, and it can survive within the intestinal tract and be transmitted between pen and herd mates. Much of this relationship is due to coevolution of the organism with its host, and this convergence has profound implications on how we can utilize the ecology of the gastrointestinal tract to reduce EHEC populations entering the food chain.
The attention training technique causally reduces self-focus following worry provocation and reduces cognitive anxiety among self-focused individuals.

Abstract Background and Objectives The attention training technique (ATT) is a component of metacognitive therapy developed to interrupt self-focused, threat-based processing underlying anxiety disorders. Whereas extant research supports the benefits of ATT, including in relation to anxiety reduction, study findings lead to equivocal conclusions as to whether ATT causally interrupts self-focused attention (SFA) as intended. An additional gap in the literature relates to investigating if ATT is especially effective for reducing anxiety among individuals experiencing a heightened self-focused state. The present study sought to address those two gaps in the literature. Method Participants scoring high on a measure of general worry severity completed a worry provocation that increased SFA and then were randomized to ATT (n = 45), a mindfulness task (n = 44), or a distraction task (n = 44). Results ATT caused large reductions in SFA, whereas there were no changes in focus of attention following the mindfulness or distraction task. Anxiety reduction was found in relation to all three tasks; however, ATT, relative to distraction, was found to cause greater reduction in cognitive anxiety for individuals highly self-focused before the task. Limitations The present study used an analogue sample and the design did not allow for an examination of the long-term benefit of ATT. Conclusions Results support ATT causally interrupting self-focused states and that ATT is particularly effective in reducing cognitive anxiety among individuals who are self-focused.
Loyalty, tolerance, and recognition : aspects of morality in a multicultural society

Definisant les caracteristiques possibles d'une morale pour la societe contemporaine multiculturelle, l'A. compare les formes traditionnelles et les formes modernes de la vie morale, l'une fondee sur la valeur de la coutume et l'autre sur les pratiques politiques pluralistes. Examinant l'idee de fidelite aux croyances des ancetres, celle de tolerance face aux differentes croyances morales et religieuses, et celle de la reconnaissance de la valeur intrinseque des multiples modes de vie, l'A. defend une ethique multiculturelle au seuil de la critique nietzscheenne et de la critique psychanalytique de la morale
Runtime Efficiency-Accuracy Tradeoff Using Configurable Floating Point Multiplier

Many applications, such as machine learning and sensor data analysis, are statistical in nature and can tolerate some level of inaccuracy in their computation. Approximate computing is a viable method to save energy and increase performance by controllably trading off energy for accuracy. In this paper, we propose a tiered approximate floating point multiplier, called CFPU, which significantly reduces energy consumption and improves the performance of multiplication at a slight cost in accuracy. The floating point multiplication is approximated by replacing the costly mantissa multiplication step of the operation with lower energy alternatives. We process the data by using one of the three modes: a basic approximate mode, an intermediate approximate mode, or on the exact hardware, depending on the accuracy requirements. We evaluate the efficiency of the proposed CFPU on a wide range of applications including twelve general OpenCL ones and three machine learning applications. Our results show that using the first CFPU approximation mode results in $3.5\times $ energy-delay product (EDP) improvement, compared to a GPU using traditional floating point units (FPUs), while ensuring less than 10% average relative error. Adding the second mode further increases the EDP improvement to $4.1\times $ , compared to an unmodified FPU, for less than 10% error. In addition, our results show that the proposed CFPU can achieve $2.8\times $ EDP improvement for multiply operations as compared to state-of-the-art approximate multipliers.
Twenty-first century bootlegging: unlawful wine shipments and direct-to-consumer laws

Direct to consumer (DTC) shipping has been a burgeoning segment of the wine industry for some time. However, regulatory policy has not kept pace with the growing reach and availability of these win...
A subtype of oral, laryngeal, esophageal, and lung, squamous cell carcinoma with high levels of TrkB-T1 neurotrophin receptor mRNA

The NTRK2 genetic locus encodes neurotrophin membrane receptors that play an important role in normal neural tissue plasticity, growth, and survival. One NTRK2-encoded protein is TrkB-FL, which can regulate multiple pathways relevant to cancer. A second NTRK2 gene mRNA isoform encodes TrkB-T1, a receptor that has a different cytoplasmic domain encoded in a mRNA with a unique 3′ terminal exon. Tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other studies were classified according to the expression of a single form of NTRK2 mRNA, TrkB-T1, identified by its unique 3′ terminal exon. Analysis of differentially expressed genes in TrkB-T1 high expressers was done to determine if tumors enriched for TrkB-T1 mRNA were a uniform group independent of anatomic site. The mRNA for TrkB-T1 is the most abundant NTRK2 gene mRNA in all squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in the TCGA database. Comparison of larynx SCC high TrkB-T1 RNA expressers to low expressers (n = 96) revealed gene expression differences consistent with the high TrkB-T1 tumors being more neural-like. The upregulated genes in the TrkB-T1 RNA high expressers also showed enrichment of pathways involved in retinol metabolism, hedgehog signaling, and the Nfe2l2 response, among other pathways. An examination of oral, esophagus, and lung SCCs (n = 284, 97, 501) showed induction of the same pathways among tumors that expressed high levels of TrkB-T1 mRNA. Proteins associated with regulation of the sonic hedgehog pathway, and the Nfe2l2 response, Tp63, and Keap1 and p62/SQSTM1 proteins, showed differential expression in larynx, oral and lung high TrkB1-T1 expresser SCCs. Unexpectantly, the relationship of high level TrkB-T1 expression to patient outcomes was SCC anatomic site specific. High TrkB-T1 mRNA levels in laryngeal SCC correlated with poor survival, but the opposite was true for lung SCC. This may be because pathways enriched in the TrkB high expressers, like those involving oncogenes NFE2L2, PIK3CA, and SOX2, are known to have SCC anatomic site-specific effects on progression. High level TrkB-T1 mRNA is a marker of a distinct SCC subtype enriched for at least 3 pathways relevant to tumor progression: Nfe2l2 response, retinol metabolism, and hedgehog signaling.
Effect of Infiltration on Performance of Ni-YSZ Fuel Electrodes

Ni-YSZ electrodes for solid oxide cells (SOCs) can have a diverse range of compositions, porosities, and particle sizes – factors that impact electrochemical performance. A typical Ni-YSZ structure in an anode-supported cell fired at 1400oC has feature sizes of ~ 0.5 μm that yield desirably low polarization resistance values < 0.1 Ω cm2 at 800oC in H2-H2O fuel, along with good stability. Decreasing feature size increases three-phase boundary density, thereby reducing polarization resistance and improving low-temperature cell performance. However, the feature size that can be reached in anode-supported cells is limited by the relatively high co-firing temperature. Furthermore, decreased feature sizes can exacerbate coarsening effects that degrade performance. This paper discusses an alternative method for enhancing the low-temperature performance of Ni-YSZ anodes – infiltration of Gd-doped Ceria (GDC). Since GDC is introduced after the high-temperature firing, nano-scale particles can be achieved. A single-step GDC infiltration into Ni-YSZ is studied with different solution concentrations. The optimal infiltration is found to reduce polarization resistance by a factor of 3 times at 600oC.
Application of an orcinol-ferric chloride colorimetric assay in barley and wheat accessions for water-extractable and total arabinoxylan

Abstract Arabinoxylan is an important hemicellulose potentially affecting wheat baking qualities, barley malt quality, and may impart prebiotic benefits. Water-extractable (WEAX) and total arabinoxylan (TOAX) were characterized in 204 wheat and barley accessions, respectively, using an orcinol-ferric chloride assay. WEAX measurement accuracy was optimum when glucose concentration was greater than 12–13 times pentose concentration. The modified method removed enough excess glucose spectral absorbance to make the corrected and uncorrected lines different, but still significantly correlated (p = 0.009, R = 0.94). Mean WEAX (expressed as percentage WEAX of TOAX) for the wheat accessions was 15.90%, ranging from 8.82% to 24.87%, and for barley accessions WEAX the mean was 7.10%, and ranged from 2.98% to 13.86%. Conclusions are 1) the assay is useful for a breeding program because of its semi-high throughput design for the simultaneous analysis of 16 (WEAX) to 40 (TOAX) barley lines or 24 (WEAX) to 40 (TOAX) wheat lines, 2) the trichromatic measurement reduces the impact of glucose, and 3) the broad range of WEAX measured showed that barley and wheat accessions vary in their extractable and unextractable components.
Chronic Pain (Somatic Symptom Disorder with Predominant Pain)

The consultation-liaison psychiatrist is consulted fairly often for problems related to pain. This may vary substantially, however, depending on the presence of pain specialists from other disciplines, typically anesthesiology, and the consultation-liaison psychiatrist’s interest in and comfort with pain problems. If the consultation-liaison psychiatrist accept these consults, however, and is considered knowledgeable, requests for help will be frequent.
Writing Reflections for Study Abroad Classes

This chapter considers the connection between low stake reflective activities and essay reflections as crucial components to study abroad courses. I argue by incorporating reflective exercises students are required to make knowledge and think critically as they experience a location.
Ambient and Nitrogen Environment Friction Data for Various Materials & Surface Treatments for Space Applications

A multivariate tribological evaluation of candidate materials, surface treatments and dry film lubricants is needed for design of moving mechanical components that function reliably in extreme conditions, including for long-duration space missions. In this study, linear reciprocating or unidirectional sliding friction data was collected using ball-on-flat tests. The balls were hardened 440C stainless steel (either uncoated or sputtered with MoS2) and flat surfaces were 440C stainless steel, Nitronic 60 stainless steel or Ti6Al4V titanium alloy with various surface treatments and/or dry film lubricants. Surface treatments included anodizing, nitriding and electrical discharge machining. The dry film lubricants included Microseal 200-1, sputtered MoS2 and a nano-composite coating i-Kote. The data contains applied normal load, measured friction force, calculated coefficient of friction, ball position, ambient temperature and relative humidity during testing. Tests were performed at different peak Hertzian contact pressure conditions ranging from 300 to 2000 MPa. Data is also available for flat surfaces that were vacuum baked at 150 °C after surface treatment and dry film coating as well as samples tested in inert gas (nitrogen) environment. This data can be used both to fundamentally understand the tribological properties of different material systems as well as to enable design of components for specific applications, conditions and duty cycles.
Motion and Strength Analysis of 2-Tine Staple and K-Wire Fixation in Scapholunate Ligament Stabilization in a Cadaver Model

Purpose Previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of 2- and 4-tine staple fixation in scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) reconstruction, including improved rotational control and avoidance of the articular surface. This study compared scaphoid and lunate kinematics after SLIL fixation with traditional Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation or 2-tine staple fixation. Methods Eight fresh frozen cadaver arms with normal scapholunate (SL) intervals were included. Infrared motion capture was used to assess kinematics between the scaphoid and lunate as the wrists were moved through a simulated dart-throw motion. Kinematic data were recorded for each wrist in 4 states: SLIL intact, SLIL sectioned, K-wire fixation across SL interval and scaphocapitate joint, and 2-tine Nitinol staple fixation across SL interval. Strength of the SL staple fixation was evaluated using an axial load machine to assess load to failure of the staple construct. Results Range of motion of the scaphoid and lunate with SLIL intact and SLIL sectioned were similar. K-wire fixation across the SL interval significantly decreased the overall wrist range of motion as well as scaphoid and lunate motion in all planes except for scaphoid flexion. Conversely, scaphoid and lunate motion after staple fixation was similar to that in normal wrists, except for a significant decrease in scaphoid extension. Under axial load simulating a ground-level fall, 3 of 8 arms demonstrated no failure, and none of the failures was due to direct failure of the 2-tine staple. Conclusions This study demonstrates 2-tine staple fixation across the SL interval is effective in providing initial stability and maintaining physiologic motion of the scaphoid and lunate compared with K-wire fixation after SLIL injury. Clinical relevance This study demonstrates an alternate technique for the stabilization of the SL interval in repair of acute SLIL injuries using 2-tine staple fixation, which maintains near physiologic motion of the scaphoid and lunate after SLIL injury.
The use of a next-generation sequencing-derived machine-learning risk-prediction model (OncoCast-MPM) for malignant pleural mesothelioma: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND Current risk stratification for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma based on disease stage and histology is inadequate. For some individuals with early-stage epithelioid tumours, a good prognosis by current guidelines can progress rapidly; for others with advanced sarcomatoid cancers, a poor prognosis can progress slowly. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a machine-learning tool-known as OncoCast-MPM-that could create a model for patient prognosis. METHODS We did a retrospective study looking at malignant pleural mesothelioma tumours using next-generation sequencing from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets (MSK-IMPACT). We collected clinical, pathological, and routine next-generation sequencing data from consecutive patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma treated at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY, USA), as well as the MSK-IMPACT data. Together, these data comprised the MSK-IMPACT cohort. Using OncoCast-MPM, an open-source, web-accessible, machine-learning risk-prediction model, we integrated available data to create risk scores that stratified patients into low-risk and high-risk groups. Risk stratification of the MSK-IMPACT cohort was then validated using publicly available malignant pleural mesothelioma data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (ie, the TCGA cohort). FINDINGS Between Feb 15, 2014, and Jan 28, 2019, we collected MSK-IMPACT data from the tumour tissue of 194 patients in the MSK-IMPACT cohort. The median overall survival was higher in the low-risk group than in the high-risk group as determined by OncoCast-MPM (30·8 months [95% CI 22·7-36·2] vs 13·9 months [10·7-18·0]; hazard ratio [HR] 3·0 [95% CI 2·0-4·5]; p<0·0001). No single factor or gene alteration drove risk differentiation. OncoCast-MPM was validated against the TCGA cohort, which consisted of 74 patients. The median overall survival was higher in the low-risk group than in the high-risk group (23·6 months [95% CI 15·1-28·4] vs 13·6 months [9·8-17·9]; HR 2·3 [95% CI 1·3-3·8]; p=0·0019). Although stage-based risk stratification was unable to differentiate survival among risk groups at 3 years in the MSK-IMPACT cohort (31% for early-stage disease vs 30% for advanced-stage disease; p=0·90), the OncoCast-MPM-derived 3-year survival was significantly higher in the low-risk group than in the high-risk group (40% vs 7%; p=0·0052). INTERPRETATION OncoCast-MPM generated accurate, individual patient-level risk assessment scores. After prospective validation with the TCGA cohort, OncoCast-MPM might offer new opportunities for enhanced risk stratification of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma in clinical trials and drug development. FUNDING US National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute.
Transgender health education for pharmacy students and its effect on student knowledge and attitudes.

Abstract Background and purpose Increased student pharmacist education on health issues and concerns of the underserved Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) population is needed. We incorporated pharmacy-specific, transgender-focused education into the curriculum and sought to identify whether pharmacy students' knowledge and attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals were affected by: (1) required online module or in-class lecture and (2) student demographics. Educational activity and setting: Pharmacy student attitudes and perceptions towards transgender individuals and the LGBTQ population were assessed before and after online (video) and in-person education using a modification of the Attitudes towards Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Patients Scale. Wilcoxon test for non-parametric paired data was used to test for statistically significant changes between the pre- and post-education surveys, while two-way analysis of variance was used to analyze correlations between student demographics and responses. Findings Changes in students' knowledge and attitudes were observed after exposure to either online or in-person education. Increases in students' perceived competence to provide care to patients identifying as LGBTQ were associated with both teaching methods. Significant demographic associations were seen with specific attitudes; female students and students who knew a transgender person were more likely to strongly disagree that discussing sexual behavior with LGBTQ patients is challenging. Summary Delivery of transgender-focused education produced observable changes in student pharmacist perceptions and attitudes towards working with the LGBTQ patient population. Demographic characteristics, such as being female or knowing a transgender individual, positively correlated with student pharmacists' feeling more comfortable discussing sexual behavior with LGBTQ persons.
Pocket guide to clinical immunology

This publication will do for the field of clinical laboratory immunology what the Pocket Guide to Clinical Microbiology has done for clinical microbiology. Intended as a convenient guide to the use and interpretation of immunologic tests, it covers immunologic diseases and other diseases in which immunologic tests are useful for diagnosis and focuses on the appropriate use of such tests. Providing a ready reference to the most common immunological tests in use today, it allows the reader to judge the suitability and appropriateness of tests ordered and aids in their interpretation. Suggestions for auxiliary tests are also offered. A Quick Reference is provided at the beginning of each topic, leading to a more detailed description of each point. A list of common abbreviations used in clinical immunology and a thorough glossary are also included. Electronic only, 280 pages, full-color insert, glossary, index.
Hyac: a hybrid structural sat based atpg for crosstalk

As technology evolves into the deep sub-micron era, signal integrity problems are growing into a major challenge. An important source of signal integrity problems is the crosstalk noise generated by coupling capacitances between wires. Test vectors that activate and propagate crosstalk noise effects are becoming an essential part of design verification and manufacturing test. However, deriving such vectors is a complex task. In this paper, we propose HyAC, a fast yet accurate hybrid ATPG method targeting multiple-aggressor induced crosstalk errors. Given a victim and a set of aggressors, the proposed ATPG method searches for test vectors to activate and propagate a crosstalk error for the victim. Due to logic constraints, it may not be possible to trigger all aggressors simultaneously. Therefore, firstly we use an implication graph (IG) that consists of logic variables and structural information to check for logic conflicts. If the current set of aggressors is not feasible, our algorithm automatically searches for the next-best subset of aggressors (resulting in the largest noise). After a set of feasible aggressors is identified, we use a modified PODEM [21] algorithm to search for test vectors. This hybrid structural SAT-based ATPG method inherits advantages from both Boolean- satisfiabilitity based methods and structural-based methods to achieve flexibility and efficiency. We demonstrate the accuracy, high quality, and run time efficiency of HyAC through experiments conducted on several benchmark circuits as well as a circuit from a commercial processor.
Crop and Soil Responses to Rates of Lime

Grain producers in Iowa are interested in the effects of liming rates on crops and soils in corn/soybean rotations. Without forage legumes in a rotation, a soil must be properly fertilized to grow profitable, top yields. This is important for corn because a large amount of nitrogen (N) fertilizer is needed. Soil acidification from N fertilizer occurs at a rate that consumes 185 lbs of pure calcium carbonate/100 lbs N.
Growth of epitaxial CoSi2 on SiGe(001)

A technique for achieving epitaxial growth of (001)-oriented CoSi2 on strained epitaxial layers of Si1−xGex(001) is described. The technique is based on a variation of the template method, and is designed to control the local environment of Co atoms at the CoSi2/SiGe interface. The effects of the Co–Ge interactions on the interfacial reaction and the epitaxial orientation and the morphology of the silicide film were investigated. This reaction was found to cause pitting in (001)-oriented CoSi2 films, and to stabilize the (221¯) orientation for films codeposited under conditions where CoSi2(001) growth is achieved on Si(001) substrates. The (221¯)-oriented CoSi2 films were islanded after annealing at 700 °C. The islands were terminated by (1¯11) and (110) facets inclined at 15.8° and 19.5°, respectively, from CoSi2 [221¯] towards CoSi2 [114]. These results were interpreted in terms of reduction of interfacial and surface energies, and geometric effects. Silicide films up to 730-A-thick were deposited and a...
FS/spl I.bar/SFS: a novel feature selection method for support vector machines

This paper presents a novel feature selection method which is named filtered and supported sequential forward search (FS/spl I.bar/SFS) in the context of support vector machines (SVM). In comparison with conventional wrapper methods employing the sequential forward search (SFS) strategy, it has two important properties that reduce the computation time of SVM training during the feature selection process. First, instead of utilizing all the training samples to obtain the classifier, FS/spl I.bar/SFS, by taking advantage of the existence of support vectors in SVM, dynamically maintains an active data set for each SVM to be trained on. In this way, the computational demand of a single SVM training decreases. Secondly, a new criterion, in which the discriminant ability of individual features and the correlation between them are both taken into consideration, is proposed to effectively filter out non-essential features before every SFS iteration begins. As a result, the total amount of training is significantly reduced. The proposed approach is tested on both synthetic and real data to demonstrate its effectiveness and efficiency.
The Case for Kojeve in His Dispute with Leo Strauss

This essay will attempt to make the best case possible for why Kojeve won the debate with Strauss — or at least did not lose that debate. In the first part of the essay, we will examine how Kojeve saw and framed the debate. In the second part, we will lay out their areas of agreement. Although this is often overlooked in the debate, Kojeve and Strauss shared a broad, common understanding about several fundamental issues, in particular about the character of wisdom as a (if not the) qualification to rule, and about politics and philosophy being the two most serious contenders for the claim to be the highest ways of life. In the third part of the essay, we will discuss how well Strauss responds to some of Kojeve’s most serious objections (as well as examine how serious those objections are), including subjective certainty, the nature of a truly just society, and the philosopher’s pedagogic activity (among others).
Idiopathic Intracerebral Hypertension (IIH)/Pseudotumor: Removing Less CSF Is Best (I9-1.006)

OBJECTIVE: To establish desired cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) volume removal when using lumbar puncture (LP) as a therapeutic modality in Idiopathic Intracerebral Hypertension(IIH)/Pseudotumor for best clinical outcomes and pain relief. BACKGROUND: While LPs are used in the diagnosis of IIH, they often provide extended headache relief as well. However, low pressure headache soon after LP can be debilitating. “High-normal” closing pressure is considered the goal for best outcomes. DESIGN/METHODS: Outpatient fluoroscopic LPs from 10/2011 through 10/2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients had preexisting diagnoses of IIH, or the LP (in clinical context) was diagnostic for IIH. Patient demographics and LP procedure parameters were collected. Post-LP follow-up calls to patients asked whether headache was worse, the same, or better. RESULTS: 41 patients met inclusion criteria, and they were all women. Mean age was 34.3±10.3(standard deviation) and mean BMI was 37.8±8.0. Twelve LPs were performed at L2-3, seventeen at L3-4, twelve at L4-5, and one at L5-S1. Mean opening (OP) and closing (CP) pressures were 29.8±5.8 and 16.2±2.9 cm H2O, respectively. Mean volume removed was 9.9±3.9, and the ratio of (OP-CP)/volume removed was 1.50±0.73. There was no correlation between OP and BMI, nor OP and interlaminar level of LP. Headache symptoms at follow-up were improved in 24 patients, worse in six patients, the same in four patients, and seven patients could not be contacted. CONCLUSIONS: Desired CP in IIH is 15-20 cm H2O, to avoid extended low pressure symptoms, and possible admission or blood patch. Though clinically variable, our data suggests that for every 1 mL of CSF removed, the CP comes down approximately 1.5 cm H2O. To avoid low CP, practitioners should first remove 1 mL for every 1 cm H20 reduction desired, and then recheck pressure. The traditional 20 mL removal for diagnostic LPs may lead to excessive low pressure symptoms. Disclosure: Dr. Fiorito-Torres has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rayhill has nothing to disclose. Dr. Perloff has nothing to disclose.
Identification of a bacteriophage containing a silent staphylococcal variant enterotoxin gene (sezA

A variant enterotoxin gene, referred to as sezA+, has been identified. Staphylococcus aureus FRI1106, a staphylococcal enterotoxin type D producer (Sed+), contained HindIII fragments of 3.8 and 9.4 kilobase pairs (kbp) that hybridized in Southern blot analysis to a probe containing only staphylococcal enterotoxin type A structural gene sequences. Presumably, probe A-624 hybridized to the 9.4-kbp HindIII fragment because of the sequence homology between sea+ and sed+. This 9.4-kbp HindIII fragment, which was part of a staphylococcal plasmid, was isolated and ligated into an Escherichia coli plasmid vector; Sed+ E. coli recombinant clones were isolated. The 3.8-kbp HindIII fragment was shown to be part of a viable lysogenic bacteriophage, and it contained sezA+. This sezA(+)-containing fragment was cloned into E. coli, and its DNA sequence was determined. Examination of the nucleotide sequence revealed a 771-bp region that contained an open reading frame with 85 and 77% nucleotide and derived amino acid sequence identifies with sea+ and staphylococcal enterotoxin type A, respectively. This open reading frame has 83 to 50% nucleotide sequence identities with the other types of staphylococcal enterotoxin genes. sezA+ was shown to be transcribed into stable mRNA. However, the sezA+ mRNA was not translated into an enterotoxinlike protein because it lacks an appropriate translation initiation codon.
Kinetic and crystallographic studies of the role of tyrosine 7 in the active site of human carbonic anhydrase II.

Abstract The rate limiting step in catalysis of bicarbonate dehydration by human carbonic anhydrase II (HCA II) is an intramolecular proton transfer from His64 to the zinc-bound hydroxide. We have examined the role of Tyr7 using site-specific mutagenesis and measuring catalysis by the 18 O exchange method using membrane inlet mass spectrometry. The side chain of Tyr7 in HCA II extends into the active-site cavity about 7 A from the catalytic zinc atom. Replacement of Tyr7 with eight other amino acids had no effect on the interconversion of bicarbonate and CO 2 , but in some cases caused enhancements in the rate constant of proton transfer by nearly 10-fold. The variant Y7I HCA II enhanced intramolecular proton transfer approximately twofold; its structure was determined by X-ray crystallography at 1.5 A resolution. No changes were observed in the ordered solvent structure in the active-site cavity or in the conformation of the side chain of the proton shuttle His64. However, the first 11 residues of the amino-terminal chain in Y7I HCA II assumed an alternate conformation compared with the wild type. Differential scanning calorimetry showed variants at position 7 had a melting temperature approximately 8 °C lower than that of the wild type.
Neural Networks: A New Tool for Predicting Thrift Failures

A neural network model that processes input data consisting of financial ratios is developed to predict the financial health of thrift institutions. The network's ability to discriminate between healthy and failed institutions is compared to a traditional statistical model. The differences and similarities in the two modelling approaches are discussed. The neural network, which uses the same financial data, requires fewer assumptions, achieves a higher degree of prediction accuracy, and is more robust.
The Role of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract Advances in understanding of the molecular basis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are finally beginning to allow tailoring of therapy for patients based on relapse risk. Although remission-induction therapy for most patients today remains predominantly “one-fits-all” cytarabine-based chemotherapy, postremission treatments are becoming more individualized based on cytogenetic or molecular markers of disease. Successive cooperative group trials over the past decade have helped to clarify a role for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for patients with AML in first remission based on cytogenetic risk stratification. More recently, molecular risk stratification has also been helpful in identifying patients who benefit from early transplantation. Herein, we review the current state of allogeneic and autologous HSCT in AML, discuss the role for transplantation in patients with normal-karyotype leukemia, and provide practical recommendations for postremission strategies for AML in first complete remission. We also discuss the role for HSCT in advanced AML, for patients lacking suitable donors, and in older adults with reduced-intensity conditioning.
Bacterial abundance and production in the western Black Sea

Abstract The unusual stability and vertical extent of the oxic–anoxic interface of the central Black Sea water column facilitate studying microbially mediated redox processes. Bacterial abundance, cell volume, 3 H-thymidine and -leucine incorporation were measured in the Black Sea during May–June 2001. Sampling was conducted along a shelf–gyre transect, and was focused at the suboxic–anoxic interface at the deep stations. Bacterial variables (abundance, incorporation rates, biomass, production, and specific growth rates) were significantly higher on the northwest shelf compared to the Southwestern Gyre, and were generally intermediate at shelf-break stations. Mean bacterial abundances ranged from 1.4 to 2.9×10 9 cells l −1 in the mixed layer along the shelf–gyre transect, while isotope incorporation rates ranged from 7 to 74 pM-TdR h −1 and 60 to 209 pM-Leu h −1 . Bacterial biomass ranged from 6.7 to 13.5 μg C l −1 , bacterial production rates ranged from 2.3 to 7.7 μg C l −1 d −1 , and specific growth rates ranged from 0.2 to 1.5 d −1 . In the Southwestern Gyre, surface bacterial production was equivalent to about 50% of 14 C-primary production. In the oxycline layer, mean bacterial abundance (0.38×10 9 cells l −1 ), leucine incorporation (4.1 pM-Leu h −1 ), and bacterial production (0.15 μg C l −1 d −1 ) were significantly greater compared to the suboxic and anoxic layers, while cell volume and biomass increased with depth. Large filamentous bacteria (>10 μm in length) were present below the suboxic boundary, and comprised up to 10% of the total bacterial abundance and up to 53% of the total bacterial biomass. Approximately 60% of the surface primary production was consumed above the suboxic–anoxic interface.
The influence of left bundle branch block on the clinical result following aortic commissurotomy.

Abstract Left bundle branch block is a well-established electrocardiographic entity. Early investigators 1,5 considered the abnormality a poor prognostic sign, although more recent reports do not share this view. 6,10 Various reviews over the past two decades have analyzed the influence of left bundle branch block on the risks attending major surgery. Again, opinions vary as to whether it seriously alters the mortality and morbidity following general surgical procedures. 11–13 The pertinent question now arises whether this condition alters the risk of or response to surgery on the heart itself. With this inquiry in mind the present communication summarizes experiences in 8 patients with left bundle branch block who underwent aortic commissurotomy for rheumatic aortic stenosis by the transaortic or transventricular routes.
Impact of Developmental Factors on Motivating the School Achievement of Young Adolescents: Theory and Implications for Practice

Recent writing on school motivation has prescribed techniques to be used, but has failed to tailor such techniques to the developmental level of the young adolescent. This article addresses the following motivational techniques and indicates aspects of the developmental stage of early adolescence that are relevant to their application: (a) use of behavorist incentives; (b) evocation of facilitative expectations and causal attributions; (c) use of social incentives; (d) use of competition; and (e) enhancement of intrinsic motivation.