cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automating complex wafer manufacturing - beyond lot to tool assignment

The complexities and costs of advanced semiconductor manufacturing dictate that the assignment of individual wafer lots to production equipment must take into consideration multiple variables in order to eliminate operational inefficiencies, exploit toolset capacity, and maintain material priority. Intel's automated lot:tool assignment solution has comprehended the operational complexities of a high volume, leading edge semiconductor factory and has demonstrated cycle time reductions, reduced departure rate variability, and improved effective equipment utilization. This paper discusses the operational complexities that were integrated into the automated solution and the key results achieved through its implementation
Nietzsche's Political Confusion

Abstract Commentators have argued about whether Nietzsche is an aristocratic radical, a postmodern democrat or an anti-political philosopher. Each of these views is correct in that there is some evidence from Nietzsche's texts that speaks in its favor. However, this fact points to a deeper truth, which is that Nietzsche's politics are confused. Nietzsche argues in favor of certain political ideals throughout his works, but these ideals do not hang together to form a coherent political system. The bulk of the evidence in Nietzsche's corpus supports the view that he is an aristocratic radical, and so, in this paper, I argue my point by targeting this view and showing that Nietzsche does not have a complete or coherent aristocratic system.
High case-fatality rates in the Warsaw stroke registry

We studied 1-year survival in 297 patients with first-even-in-lifetime ischemic stroke (FEL-IS) selected from a population-based study of stroke in the Mokotow district of Warsaw. Case fatality rates were 29% at 30 days and 51% at 1 year. These case fatality rates are significantly higher than in other industrialized countries. Early deaths were primarily caused by neurological sequelae of stroke or complications of immobility, whereas late deaths (>30 days) were primarily caused by stroke recurrence or complications of immobility. Predictors of survival were analyzed by life table methods. Adverse predictors of 1-year survival included greater age, low activities of daily living scores, atrial fibrillation, greater weakness, congestive heart failure, and untreated hypertension. Patients with stroke recurrence were more likely to die in the first year. We hypothesize that stroke severity contributes to high case-fatality rates by increasing death caused by both direct neurological sequelae and complications of immobility. Medical comorbidity probably contributes to high case-fatality rates in Poland by increasing stroke recurrence rates and by increasing deaths caused by immobility. We hypothesize that high case-fatality rates in Poland could be reduced by improved rehabilitation of stroke patients to avoid deaths caused by immobility and by better control of medical comorbidity in stroke patients.
Binge drinking and sports participation in college: Patterns among athletes and former athletes

This study draws on a nationally representative sample to examine the relationship between participation in organized sport and alcohol use. We build on prior studies by re-examining the relationship between participation in organized sport and binge drinking and how this varies by both race and gender. We expand upon previous research by analyzing the long-term effects of involvement in organized athletics among both current and former sport participants and how this compares to patterns of binge drinking among the general college student population. To do so, our analysis compares rates of binge drinking among current college athletes, former athletes, and college students who were never involved in interscholastic sport. We find that: (1) organized sports participation is associated with binge drinking; (2) that this relationship holds across racial and gendered lines; (3) that the effects of exposure extend beyond time of involvement. The paper concludes with a discussion of possible explanations for the relationship between binge drinking and athletics, and the long-lasting effect of participation in organized sport. Language: en
Regional mapping of neostriatal neurotransmitter systems as a function of aging

: The purpose of the present investigation was to map chemically the distribution of certain neurotransmitter systems in the neostriatum of rats aged 6, 16, and 26 months. This mapping was carried out by microdissection of discrete striatal regions coupled with radiometric assays for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NA). In all age groups, ChAT, DA, and NA were highest in the rostral relative to the caudal neostriatum. Additionally, ChAT was higher in the lateral than in the medial region, whereas GAD was more homogeneously distributed within the striatum. ChAT activity was decreased significantly primarily in the caudal regions in rats aged 16 and 26 months. DA levels were decreased in the caudal striatum in rats aged 26 months. NA levels were found to be significantly decreased primarily in the rostral neostriatal regions of the otdest rats. GAD activity remained unchanged in all age groups. These regional changes in selected neurotransmitter systems may underlie specific motor and cognitive deficits that often occur during aging.
MEASUREMENT OF INTERFACE DAMAGE HETEROGENEITY

Both stereological and direct experimental procedures of estimating the distribution of interface normal orientations in a polycrystalline material are discussed in connection with the problem of intergranular damage heterogeneity. Two stereological procedures of obtaining the interface normal orientation distribution are compared. The mathematical analysis required in obtaining this distribution from stereological measures is briefly described. It is shown that the stereology incorporating the line length per unit area of interfaces, as seen on a test section, is superior to that which counts intersections per unit length of scan line. A discussion of the advantages and limitations of these techniques is included.
Vertically supported microresonators

Vertically supported, comb-shape microresonators with the feasibility of actuation in two perpendicular directions have been demonstrated. The microstructure is made of 2-/spl mu/m thick polysilicon by a standard surface micromachining process and is vertically lifted and fixed with the assistance of locking springs and micro hinges. With DC bias voltage of 10V and AC driving voltage of 10V, peak-to-peak, under atmospheric pressure, the resonator vibrates in parallel to the comb finger direction at 7.75 kHz with measured amplitude of 3.3 /spl mu/m and quality factor of 67. When actuated in the direction normal to the surface of comb finger, the resonator vibrates at 2 kHz with vibration amplitudes of 11.2 /spl mu/m and 10.5 /spl mu/m, respectively for the two opposite, comb-shape microstructures. The potential applications of these vertically supported microresonators are in the areas of MOEMS (Micro-opto-electro-mechanical Systems) devices such as optical systems on a chip.
On protecting integrity and confidentiality of cryptographic file system for outsourced storage

A cryptographic network file system has to guarantee confidentiality and integrity of its files, and also it has to support random access. For this purpose, existing designs mainly rely on(often ad-hoc) combination of Merkle hash tree with a block cipher mode of encryption. In this paper, we propose a new design based on a MAC tree construction which uses a universal-hash based stateful MAC. This new design enables standard model security proof and also better performance compared with Merkle hash tree. We formally define the security notions for file encryption and prove that our scheme provides both confidentiality and integrity. We implement our scheme in coreFS, a user-level network file system, and evaluate the performance in comparison with the standard design. Experimental results confirm that our construction provides integrity protection at a smaller cost.
Is Venus alive

Apart from the earth, the near environment of only one other planet, Venus, has been the subject of sustained in situ investigations from space. Owing to the similarity in the physical characteristics of the two bodies, this is most appropriate in that it provides the opportunity to test the credo that through comparative analysis, planetary exploration holds the promise for better understanding of our earth environment. The Pioneer Venus Orbiter was placed into orbit about Venus in December 1978 and has provided a wealth of observations of the planet surface, its atmosphere and clouds, the ionosphere, and the interaction of the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field with the planetary environment. Among these observations, perhaps the most potentially significant and yet controversial result has been the claimed evidence of extensive lightning and the coupled assertion that the lightning is stimulated by volcanic activity. This lightning- volcanism scenario has become widely publicized in films, books, and numerous journal and magazine articles. Also, these results have had considerable influence in stimulating ongoing research on the basis that active volcanic output might explain otherwise unanswered questions in wide-ranging disciplines, including atmospheric and cloud physics, geology, and plasma physics. Quite naturally, the question of whether Venus is geologically either living or dead is fundamentally significant for comparative planetary analysis.
Second-Order Upwind Differencing in a Recirculating Flow

The accuracy and stability of the second order upwind differencing scheme was investigated. The solution algorithm employed is based on a coupled solution of the nonlinear finite difference equations by the multigrid technique. Calculations have been made of the driven cavity flow for several Reynolds numbers and finite difference grids. In comparison with the hybrid differencing, the second order upwind differencing is somewhat more accurate but it is not monotonically accurate with mesh refinement. Also, the convergence of the solution algorithm deteriorates with the use of the second order upwind differencing.
Donors and Nondonors: Communication and Information

Donors and nondonors from six states were surveyed to determine differences in: 1) socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, 2) knowledge about blood donation, 3) access to information about donating, and 4) motivation to donate. The findings indicate that the present donor pool consists largely of socioeconomically advancing young adults. There was little difference between donors' and nondonors' knowledge of the donating process and access to mass media-disseminated information about blood donation. Nondonors receive more information about donating from friends than do donors and interpersonal influence is an effective means of donor recruitment. The use of motivators other than humanitarianism may also be useful for inducing volunteer donations. Nondonors do lack knowledge about the location of local collection facilities. The present sample is socioeconomically and demographically representative of the U.S. adult population. As such, it provides information useful for developing effective donor recruitment strategies.
Computers and Biotechnical Terminology: Accessing and Integrating Data from Diverse Sources

Biotechnical information on computers presents special terminology challenges for locating and integrating computer data from diverse sources and levels. Standard nomenclature problems such as synonyms, homographs, and name changes are compounded when they arise on computers for names of databases, entities, and variables, as well as data values from multiple independent sources.
Nutrition science from vitamins to molecular biology.

Article de synthese sur l'historique de la nutrition, de la decouverte des vitamines jusqu'a l'avenement de la biologie moleculaire. En administrant differents regimes alimentaires a des animaux et en analysant des extraits d'aliments, mise en evidence des vitamines B, A, D, E, K et de leur necessite, des facteurs de croissance, de l'effet des antibiotiques sur la nutrition. Evolution et besoin en vitamine. Defense des pesticides. Vitamine et therapie. Utilisation veterinaire d'hormone et production animale. Nutrition et sante
Scaling: An Items Module.

Scaling is the process of constructing a score scale that associates numbers or other ordered indicators with the performance of examinees. Scaling typically is conducted to aid users in interpreting test results. This module describes different types of raw scores and scale scores, illustrates how to incorporate various sources of information into a score scale, and introduces vertical scaling and its related designs and methodologies as a special type of scaling. After completion of this module, the reader should be able to understand the relationship between various types of raw scores, understand the relationship between raw scores and scale scores, construct a scale with desired properties, evaluate an existing score scale, understand how content and standards information are built into a scale, and understand how vertical scales are developed and used in practice.
Shear, Strain, and Richardson Number Variations in the Thermocline. Part II: Modeling Mixing

Abstract Gregg has provided observational evidence that averaged estimates of dissipation, ϵ, vary approximately as the square of the internal wave field energy level ϵ ∼ E2. He notes that the finding is consistent with a specific model for energy transfer in the internal wave field proposed by Henyey et al. If it is also consistent with a purely statistical breaking model, based on the random superposition of independent waves, support for any particular dynamic scenario vanishes. However, most previous statistical models of the wave breaking process have demonstrated an extreme sensitivity of dissipation to energy level. Doubling E results in an increase of dissipation by a factor of 2 × 105 in the early model of Garrett and Munk and by 103 in the later model of Desaubies and Smith. These mixing models are revisited, attempting to reconcile their predictions with the observations of Gregg. An extensive Doppler sonar (5.5-m vertical resolution) and CTD (5400 profiles to 420 m) dataset, obtained from the ...
Interchurch Couples: The Issue of Acceptance

Although the literature suggests that couples who belong to two different churches or denominations (interchurch marriages) may face lack of acceptance, there is practically no research on this issue. Based on a recent qualitative study, this article explores the ways in which interchurch couples struggle to gain acceptance. Also discussed are the attitudes or factors that relate to level of acceptance, as well as the strategies that interchurch couples utilize to deal with lack of acceptance.
Poverty and Employment in Forest-Dependent Counties

One of the most controversial aspects of federal and state policies aimed at protecting old-growth ecosystems is the potential effect of job losses on local economic conditions. A fundamental question for historically forest-dependent areas is whether these policies will result in local economic stagnation and enduring pockets of poverty. This study uses monthly, multicounty time series data to estimate a vector autoregressive model of the experience of northern California counties during the 1980s and 1990s. It examines the long- run impact of changes in timber-related employment on other employment and participation in major federal poverty programs. It finds that employment base-multiplier effects of timber employment on other county employment are small and state economic conditions rather than local employment conditions are the principal driver behind local poverty. FOR. SCI. 49(5):763-777.
Derived rule-following and transformations of stimulus function in a children's game: An application of PEAK-E with children with developmental disabilities

Abstract Derived relational responding in traditional match-to-sample tasks has been well documented in the behavioral scientific literature utilizing children with developmental disabilities, but less is known regarding derived rule-following and corresponding transformations of stimulus function. The present study evaluated the efficacy of the sequential delivery of rules on children's mutual entailment of synonymous anatomical terms, as well as the transformation of stimulus function in the context of a common board game (i.e., Twister ). The results of the study suggest that rule statements in the form of “ x is the same as y ” and “ y is the same as z ,” where x was a known anatomical term and y and z were unknown synonymous anatomical terms, improved participant game performance when synonymous anatomical terms ( z ) were used. The results expand upon existing research by demonstrating derived rule-following and the transformation of stimulus function with a little researched population.
Seasonal changes in fitness parameters in a world champion rowing crew.

Purpose: To examine variations in physical, physiological, and performance parameters over an annual training cycle in a world champion rowing crew. Methods: Four world-class rowers, all of them members of the men’s heavyweight quadruple sculls squad who are current world rowing champions, were assessed 3 times at regular 4-mo intervals during the 2011 season (November 2010, March 2011, and July 2011). Physical assessments included stature, body mass, body composition, whereas physiological and performance assessments obtained during an incremental rowing ergometer test to exhaustion included maximum oxygen uptake and anaerobic gas-exchange threshold with corresponding power output values. Results: Body mass (∼95 kg) and body composition (∼12% body fat) remained stable over the annual training cycle. Power output at anaerobic gas-exchange threshold increased +16% from November to July, whereas the corresponding oxygen uptake, expressed as a percentage of maximum oxygen uptake, increased from 83% to 90%. M...
Joining Forces: The Status of Military and Veteran Health Care in Nursing Curricula☆

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 23 million veterans living in the United States. In 2012, the Joining Forces initiative highlighted the need to enhance nursing education for the military and veteran population. With the drawdown of 2 long, large-scale conflicts, a young cohort of veterans presented new challenges in health care. Although not necessarily a traditional vulnerable population, given their emergent health care needs, they are vulnerable. Purnell's Model for Cultural Competence provided a framework for this exploratory descriptive study. A national on-line survey of 123 nursing programs that pledged to support Joining Forces responded as to how they addressed the initiatives, curricular content, and facilitators and barriers to the process. The findings suggest that some schools/colleges of nursing have exceeded the initiative goals, some who have implemented little, whereas most are in the process. Respondents shared approaches used to enhance courses and curricula. Faculty who were veterans were a strength to program enhancement. The majority felt that incorporating this content was important, although lack of time and a content-laden curriculum were common barriers. Nurse educators have an ethical obligation to teach culturally sensitive care. Making the pledge was only the first step.
Finding the original meaning of nursing care

At the end of the 20th century, a return to the true origin of health care appears, even though this has occurred only in a few services such as those which care for the elderly; when nurses confront dilemmas related to the fundamental questions of life and death; or before the impotence of some treatments, for example AIDS. In a parallel vein, work carried out over these past few years allows us to find the roots of health care and to recuperate its original meaning. Care and treatment are universal and all appear and are elaborated around the two great moments in life: birth and death.
Developing Countries which Benefit from G.S.P.

A major prerequisite for putting the system of generalised preferences into operation is to determine which countries would be the recipients of the special tariff rates. Since the system is based on preferential treatment, at least two groups of countries must be identified — those whose exports would benefit and those whose exports would not.
Crossbreeding and special handling of genetically nervous dogs.

In studies of a healthy (A) and a nervous (E) genetic strain of pointer dogs, two techniques were utilized to determine environmental and hereditary influences. These were (1) reciprocal crossbreeding to females from each strain, and (2) split litters with special handling and human attention to one-half of each litter of nervous strain origin from birth through age six months.
Proteome complexity and the forces that drive proteome imbalance

The cellular proteome is a complex microcosm of structural and regulatory networks that requires continuous surveillance and modification to meet the dynamic needs of the cell. It is therefore crucial that the protein flux of the cell remains in balance to ensure proper cell function. Genetic alterations that range from chromosome imbalance to oncogene activation can affect the speed, fidelity and capacity of protein biogenesis and degradation systems, which often results in proteome imbalance. An improved understanding of the causes and consequences of proteome imbalance is helping to reveal how these systems can be targeted to treat diseases such as cancer.
Actual 10-year survivors following resection of adrenocortical carcinoma

Author(s): Tran, Thuy B; Postlewait, Lauren M; Maithel, Shishir K; Prescott, Jason D; Wang, Tracy S; Glenn, Jason; Phay, John E; Keplinger, Kara; Fields, Ryan C; Jin, Linda X; Weber, Sharon M; Salem, Ahmed; Sicklick, Jason K; Gad, Shady; Yopp, Adam C; Mansour, John C; Duh, Quan-Yang; Seiser, Natalie; Solorzano, Carmen C; Kiernan, Colleen M; Votanopoulos, Konstantinos I; Levine, Edward A; Hatzaras, Ioannis; Shenoy, Rivfka; Pawlik, Timothy M; Norton, Jeffrey A; Poultsides, George A | Abstract: BackgroundAdrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with limited therapeutic options beyond surgical resection. The characteristics of actual long-term survivors following surgical resection for ACC have not been previously reported.MethodPatients who underwent resection for ACC at one of 13 academic institutions participating in the US Adrenocortical Carcinoma Group from 1993 to 2014 were analyzed. Patients were stratified into four groups: early mortality (died within 2 years), late mortality (died within 2-5 years), actual 5-year survivor (survived at least 5 years), and actual 10-year survivor (survived at least 10 years). Patients with less than 5 years of follow-up were excluded.ResultsAmong the 180 patients available for analysis, there were 49 actual 5-year survivors (27%) and 12 actual 10-year survivors (7%). Patients who experienced early mortality had higher rates of cortisol-secreting tumors, nodal metastasis, synchronous distant metastasis, and R1 or R2 resections (all P l 0.05). The need for multi-visceral resection, perioperative blood transfusion, and adjuvant therapy correlated with early mortality. However, nodal involvement, distant metastasis, and R1 resection did not preclude patients from becoming actual 10-year survivors. Ten of twelve actual 10-year survivors were women, and of the seven 10-year survivors who experienced disease recurrence, five had undergone repeat surgery to resect the recurrence.ConclusionSurgery for ACC can offer a 1 in 4 chance of actual 5-year survival and a 1 in 15 chance of actual 10-year survival. Long-term survival was often achieved with repeat resection for local or distant recurrence, further underscoring the important role of surgery in managing patients with ACC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:971-976. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Compact and portable 100-GHz microresonator-based optical frequency comb generation system for dense wavelength division multiplexing fiber optic communication

A compact and portable microresonator-based optical frequency comb generation system was developed to provide an array of multiwavelength laser sources for dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) fiber optic communication. The reported comb generation system was capable of producing comb lines after 7 km of travel without environmental control, indicating the effectiveness of the packaging. The comb spacing is about 98.3 GHz (i.e., ∼0.79 nm around 1553 nm), thus the comb line frequencies coincide nicely with 100-GHz DWDM channel frequencies, assuming the suggested channel bandwidth is 0.3 nm. The quality of selected comb lines was evaluated individually based on error vector magnitude (EVM) measurements along with RF spectrum measurements. An average EVM value observed is as low as 3.8%, close to typical EVM values of less than 3% used for fiber optic communication.
Radiation treatment of brain tumors: concepts and strategies.

Ionizing radiation has demonstrated clinical value for a multitude of CNS tumors. Application of the different physical modalities available has made it possible for the radiotherapist to concentrate the radiation in the region of the tumor with relative sparing of the surrounding normal tissues. Correlation of radiation dose with effect on cranial soft tissues, normal brain, and tumor has shown increasing effect with increasing dose. By using different physical modalities to alter the distribution of radiation dose, it is possible to increase the dose to the tumor and reduce the dose to the normal tissues. Alteration of the volume irradiated and the dose delivered to cranial soft tissues, normal brain, and tumor are strategies that have been effective in improving survival and decreasing complications. The quest for therapeutic gain using hyperbaric oxygen, neutrons, radiation sensitizers, chemotherapeutic agents, and BNCT has met with limited success. Both neoplastic and normal cells are affected simultaneously by all modalities of treatment, including ionizing radiation. Consequently, one is unable to totally depopulate a tumor without irreversibly damaging the normal tissues. In the case of radiation, it is the brain that limits delivery of curative doses, and in the case of chemical additives, it is othermore » organ systems, such as bone marrow, liver, lung, kidneys, and peripheral nerves. Thus, the major obstacle in the treatment of malignant gliomas is our inability to preferentially affect the tumor with the modalities available. Until it is possible to directly target the neoplastic cell without affecting so many of the adjacent normal cells, the quest for therapeutic gain will go unrealized.72 references.« less
CEMENTED FEMORAL FIXATION: THE TIME-HONOURED SOLUTION

In the 1960s Sir John Charnley introduced to clinical practice his low friction arthroplasty with a highly polished cemented femoral stem. The satisfactory long term results of this and other cemented stems support the use of cement for fixation. The constituents of acrylic cement remained virtually unchanged since the 1960s. However, in the last three decades, advances in the understanding of cement fixation, mixing techniques, application, pressurization, stem materials and design provided further improvements in the clinical results. The technical changes in cementing technique that proved to be beneficial include femoral preparation to diminish interface bleeding, careful lavage, reduced cement porosity by vacuum mixing, a cement restrictor, pre-heating of the stem and polymer, retrograde canal filling and pressurization with a cement gun, stem centralization and stem geometries that increase the intramedullary pressure and intrusion into the bone of the cement. Some other changes proved to be detrimental and were abandoned, such as the use of Boneloc cement that polymerised at a low temperature, and roughening and pre-coating of stem surface. In recent years there has been a tendency towards an increased use of cementless femoral fixation for primary hip arthroplasty. The shift in the type of fixation followed the consistent, durable fixation obtained with uncemented acetabular cups, ease of implantation and the poor results of cemented femoral fixation of rough and precoated stems. Unlike cementless femoral fixation, modern cemented femoral fixation has numerous advantages: it9s versatile, durable and can be used regardless of the diagnosis, proximal femoral geometry, natural neck version, and bone quality. It can be used in combination with antibiotics in patients with a history or predisposition for infection. Intraoperative femoral fractures and postoperative thigh pain are extremely rare. Survivorship has not been surpassed by uncemented femoral fixation and it continues to be my preferred form of fixation. However, heavy, young male patients may exhibit a slightly higher aseptic loosening rate.
Donor Organ Preservation and Surgical Considerations in Heart Transplantation

Human heart transplantation represents one of the seminal accomplishments for the field of cardiac surgery. The first successful human heart implant was performed on December 3, 1967 by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in Cape Town, South Africa. Several weeks later, Dr. Norman E. Shumwayof Stanford University performed the first adult heart transplant in the United States. Since the era of these early pioneers, nearly all elements of the procedure have undergone significant modification and refinement. In this chapter we review donor selection, organ procurement and preservation, and techniques for implantation.
Understanding self-report Multidimensional Attitudes Scale Toward People with Disabilities: An exploratory analysis.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the factor structure of the Multidimensional Attitudes Scale Toward People With Disabilities (MAS) using participants from South Korea and assess the impact of participants' social desirability on this South Korean version of the MAS (MAS-K). Research Method/Design: One hundred eighty-nine college students without disabilities from 4 universities in South Korea completed an online survey. Among them, 75 were females. Participants completed the MAS-K and a social desirability scale. We used principal axis factoring with promax rotation to examine the factor structure of the MAS-K, and correlations between factors and social desirability measure. RESULTS We obtained a 27-item 4-factor MAS-K. Four factors were negative affect (α = .89), ease-unease (α = .75), positive cognition (α = .86), and avoidant behavior (α = .88). The interfactor correlations ranged from .18 to .61. The correlations between the social desirability measure and the 4 factors in the MAS-K ranged from -.23 to -.33. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS The MAS-K retrieved from this study may help researchers identify unique attitudinal factors that need to be addressed to promote social inclusion of PWD in South Korea. Moreover, the emergence of the MAS-K highlights the necessity to develop culturally relevant versions of the MAS. This line of research will facilitate researchers' worldwide investigations regarding attitudes toward PWD and discussions about the rights of PWD. Finally, this study also pointed out the potential impact of social desirability on attitude measurement using the MAS. (PsycINFO Database Record
Knowledge of Appropriate Outpatient Pediatric Echocardiogram Ordering in Primary Care Physicians and Trainees

Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for the initial use of outpatient pediatric echocardiography were established to aid all clinicians in the evaluation of children with possible heart disease, and limit low diagnostic yield studies. We sought to (1) assess PCPs' and trainees' awareness of the AUC document; (2) compare their knowledge of appropriate echocardiogram ordering with that of pediatric cardiologists; and (3) identify additional medical and nonmedical factors affecting PCP echocardiogram ordering. An online survey with clinical scenarios derived from the AUC guidelines was distributed to PCPs and trainees in Arkansas, and pediatric cardiologists from Arkansas Children's Hospital and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Respondents were also asked to rate whether additional medical and nonmedical factors have “no,” “mild,” “moderate,” or “major” impact on PCP echocardiogram ordering. Survey data were collected from 148 respondents. Awareness of the AUC was significantly lower in PCPs (21.4%) and trainees (14%) than in pediatric cardiologists (90.5%, p
Chemistry of Ruthenium Diketonate Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) Precursors on Metal Surfaces

The thermal chemistry of tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato)ruthenium(III) (Ru(tmhd)3), a potential precursor for the chemical deposition of ruthenium -containing films, on Ni(110) single-crystal surfaces was characterized by using a combination of temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and reflection–absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). Additional characterization of the surface chemistry of the protonated ligand, Htmhd, was evaluated as well for reference. It was found that the molecularly adsorbed ruthenium compound reacts readily by approximately 310 K, loosing its ligands to both the gas phase and the surface as the central ion is reduced to its Ru0 metallic state. The diketonate ligand, now bonded to the nickel surface, starts to decompose at around 400 K, and generates gas-phase carbon monoxide and molecular hydrogen in TPD peaks at 435 K. More extensive decomposition is seen at 535 K, yielding 2,2-dimethyl-3-oxopentanal, isobutene, ketene, an...
OBDD-based universal planning for multiple synchronized agents in non-deterministic domains

Model checking representation and search techniques were recently shown to be efficiently applicable to planning, in particular to non-deterministic planning. Ordered Binary Decision Diagrams (OBDDs) encode a planning domain as a non-deterministic finite automaton (NFA) and fast algorithms from model checking search for a solution plan. With proper encodings. OBDDs can effectively scale and can provide universal plans for complex planning domains. We are particularly interested in addressing the complexities arising in non-deterministic, multi-agent domains. In this paper, we present UMOP, a new universal OBDD-based planning framework applicable to non-deterministic and multi-agent domains. We introduce a new planning domain description language, NADL, to include the specification or such non-deterministic, multi-agent domains. The language contributes the explicit definition of controllable agents and uncontrollable environment agents. We describe the syntax and semantics of NADL and show how to build an efficient OBDD-based representation of an NADL description. The UMOP planning systems uses NADL and it includes the previously developed strong and strong cyclic planning algorithms (Cimatti et al., 1998a, 1998b). In addition, we introduce a new optimistic planning algorithm, which relaxes optimality guarantees and generates plausible universal plans in some domains where no strong or strong cyclic solution exists. We present empirical results in a previously tested non-deterministic domains. We also introduce three new multi-agent domains with complex environment actions. UMOP is shown to be a rich and efficient planning system.
Preoperative embolization in carotid body tumor surgery: is it required?

ObjectivesWe compared estimated blood loss (EBL) in patients who underwent surgical excision of carotid body tumors (CBTs) after preoperative superselective angiography with embolization (PSE) with...
Regulators of G-protein signaling 2 and 4 differentially regulate cocaine-induced rewarding effects.

Abstract There is a need to identify new therapeutic targets for the treatment of cocaine addiction due to the rise in cocaine abuse and deaths due to cocaine overdose. Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins such as RGS2 and RGS4 are widely distributed in brain regions that play a role in drug reward. Importantly, RGS2 and RGS4 negatively regulate G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathways of monoaminergic neurotransmitters that play a role in the rewarding effects of cocaine by enhancing the rate of hydrolysis of Gα-bound guanine nucleotide triphosphate. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cocaine on conditioned place preference (CPP) and locomotor activity in mice that lacked either RGS2 or RGS4 (i.e. knockout (KO) mice) and their wildtype (WT) littermates. Moreover recent studies have reported influence of sex on RGS functioning and hence studies were conducted in both male and female mice. Cocaine-induced CPP was attenuated in male, but not female RGS4 KO mice compared to respective RGS4 WT mice. Cocaine-induced CPP was not influenced by deletion of RGS2 in either male or female mice. Similarly, cocaine-induced locomotor activity was not influenced by deletion of either RGS2 or RGS4 irrespective of sex. Together, the data indicate that the rewarding effects of cocaine were attenuated in the absence of RGS4 expression, but not in the absence of RGS2 expression in a sex-dependent manner. Importantly, these data suggest that RGS4 can serve as a potential target for medications that can be used to treat cocaine addiction.
Association of left ventricular hypertrophy with cognitive decline and dementia risk over 20 years: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities-Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS).

Background Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an indicator of organ damage largely due to hypertension. We assessed whether LVH was associated with dementia and cognitive function in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Methods Our analysis included 12,665 individuals (23% black race, 56% female, mean age 57) who attended visit 2 in 1990-1992. Cornell voltage (SV3 + RaVL) was derived from 12-lead electrocardiograms and dichotomized as LVH using sex-specific criteria (>28 mm men; >22 mm women). Incident dementia was defined by expert review using a predetermined algorithm, and cognitive function was measured longitudinally using 3 tests. A Cox model was used to evaluate the association between time-dependent LVH and dementia adjusted for time-varying covariates from 1990 to 2013. Linear regression models fit with generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate LVH with cognitive function. Results During a mean follow-up of 18 years, we identified 544 participants with LVH and 1,195 dementia cases. LVH was associated with a higher risk of dementia: multivariable hazard ratio = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.47-2.44. Those with LVH had lower cognitive scores at baseline; however, there was no difference in the rate of cognitive decline over 20 years in those with LVH versus those without LVH. Conclusions In this population-based study, LVH measured during midlife was associated with an increased risk of incident dementia; however, LVH was not associated with additional cognitive decline. These results underscore the need for hypertension control to prevent subclinical brain injury.
Deeply bound ( 24 D J + 5 S 1 / 2 ) Rb 87 and Rb 85 molecules for eight spin couplings

We observe long-range $^{85}\mathrm{Rb}$ and $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ ($24{D}_{J}+5{S}_{1/2}$) Rydberg molecules for eight different spin couplings, with binding energies up to 440 MHz and subpercent relative uncertainty. Isotopic effects of the molecular binding energies arise from the different masses and nuclear spins. Because the vibrational states involve different spin configurations and cover a wide range of internuclear separations, the states have different dependencies on the $s$-wave and $p$-wave scattering phase shifts for singlet and triplet scattering. Fitting the spectroscopic data, we comprehensively determine all four scattering length functions over the relevant energy range as well as the zero-energy scattering lengths of the two $s$-wave channels. Our unusually high temperature and low density (180 $\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{K}$, $1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{11}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}{\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$) suggest that the molecule excitation occurs through photoassisted collisions.
Moving the needle on colorectal cancer genetics: it takes more than two to TANGO.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality. It is well known that an important fraction of CRC risk is accounted by genetic factors. Identifying and characterising such factors may aid in identifying high-risk individuals who will benefit from effective preventive interventions.
Progressing from transient to stable packaging cell lines for continuous production of lentiviral and gammaretroviral vectors

Lentivirus and other retroviral vectors are useful tools to engineer chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells which are designed to target tumor cells in the growing field of gene therapy. Several efforts have been made to improve vector packaging systems including plasmid systems and envelopes and develop stable packaging cell lines (PCLs) in order to improve the productivity and safety by eliminating cytotoxicity of HIV-1 genes and unnecessary homologous genomic regions. In this paper, we explored stable PCLs developed to date for the production of both lentiviral and retroviral vectors and addressed key features of the viral vector production systems and how the features can be further utilized and modified to meet the growing demand in clinical trials.
Perspectives on Network Systems and Mathematical Sociology

This chapter reviews selected topics in network systems and mathematical sociology. We first review classic results on Perron–Frobenius and algebraic graph theory. We then focus on mathematical sociology and describe models of opinion dynamics in social influence systems, including the classic French–Harary–DeGroot and the Friedkin–Johnsen models. Based on recent controlled experiments, we present recent empirical results on opinion dynamics along single issues and sequences of issues. Finally, motivated by these empirical results, we describe some mathematical models for the evolution of social power and influence systems via the reflected appraisal mechanism.
Insight Silicon Valley – Faktoren zur erfolgreichen Transformation

Das Silicon Valley, als Wiege von Innovation und Fortschritt, hat auch im Zeitalter der Digitalen Transformation nichts von seiner Anziehungskraft und Vorreiterrolle verloren. Nach der digitalen Revolution im Rahmen der Ausbreitung der Computer, und dem wortwortlich zu nehmenden Begriff des Silicon Valley als innovativstem Mekka fur Chiphersteller, wird auch die Digitale Transformation wegweisend von hier aus voran getrieben. Software als der neue Rohstoff, Erfolg durch den Focus auf den Menschen und seine Bedurfnisse, Nachhaltigkeit als Postulat nachfolgender Konsumentengenerationen: der Alltag der Menschen im Silicon Valley ist weitgehend digital gepragt. Die Unternehmen, die sich der Digitalen Transformation entziehen, geraten ins Hintertreffen. Die Unternehmen, sie sie vollziehen, konnen wertvolle Hinweise uber ihre Erkenntnisse auf dem Weg dorthin liefern.
Differences in Grade 3 Reading by the Economic Status of Students of Color: Much Cause for Concern

The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which the economic status (i.e., Economically Disadvantaged, Not Economically Disadvantaged) of Grade 3 Hispanic students and Black students was related to their reading achievement. Texas statewide data on the state-mandated reading assessment for the 2015-2016 school year were analyzed. Inferential statistical procedures, used on statewide archival data, revealed statistically significant differences as a function of poverty for Hispanic and Black students. Statistically significantly lower percentages of students of color who were economically disadvantaged met the three Phase-in standards on the state-mandated reading assessment than their counterparts who were not economically disadvantaged. Given the importance of strong reading skills at Grade 3, our results are cause for concern. Implications of these findings and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Effects of Maryland’s Affordable Care Act Medicaid Health Home Waiver on Quality of Cardiovascular Care Among People with Serious Mental Illness

Nineteen US states and D.C. have used the Affordable Care Act Medicaid health home waiver to create behavioral health home (BHH) programs for Medicaid beneficiaries with serious mental illness (SMI). BHH programs integrate physical healthcare management and coordination into specialty mental health programs. No studies have evaluated the effects of a BHH program created through the Affordable Care Act waiver on cardiovascular care quality among people with SMI. To study the effects of Maryland’s Medicaid health home waiver BHH program, implemented October 1, 2013, on quality of cardiovascular care among individuals with SMI. Retrospective cohort analysis using Maryland Medicaid administrative claims data from July 1, 2010, to September 30, 2016. We used marginal structural modeling with inverse probability of treatment weighting to account for censoring and potential time-dependent confounding. Maryland Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetes or cardiovascular disease (CVD) participating in psychiatric rehabilitation programs, the setting in which BHHs were implemented. To qualify for psychiatric rehabilitation programs, individuals must have SMI. The analytic sample included BHH and non-BHH participants, N = 2605 with diabetes and N = 1899 with CVD. Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures of cardiovascular care quality including annual receipt of diabetic eye and foot exams; HbA1c, diabetic nephropathy, and cholesterol testing; and statin therapy receipt and adherence among individuals with diabetes, as well as HEDIS measures of annual receipt of cholesterol testing and statin therapy and adherence among individuals with CVD. Relative to non-enrollment, enrollment in Maryland’s BHH program was associated with increased likelihood of eye exam receipt among individuals with SMI and co-morbid diabetes, but no changes in other care quality measures. Additional financing, infrastructure, and implementation supports may be needed to realize the full potential of Maryland’s BHH to improve cardiovascular care for people with SMI.
A tabu search approach to the cargo prioritisation and terminal allocation problem

To mitigate inland waterway disruption impacts, we develop a tabu search (TS) approach to solve the cargo prioritisation and terminal allocation problem (CPTAP) to minimise the total value loss of disrupted barge cargoes by offloading the cargoes to the land transportation modes. CPTAP is formulated as a nonlinear binary integer program, and problems of realistic size can be efficiently and effectively solved with an efficient heuristic approach. Given different neighbourhood structures, multiple TS variants are attempted and compared. Solving CPTAP with our TS heuristic leads to the lowest cargo value loss and the shortest response time for the disrupted barges compared to a genetic algorithm approach and a na
Entering Research Learning Assessment (ERLA): Validity Evidence for an Instrument to Measure Undergraduate and Graduate Research Trainee Development

The Entering Research Learning Assessment (ERLA) measures undergraduate and graduate research trainee learning gains in the seven areas of trainee development described in the Entering Research con...