cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low level potentiation of the brain stem laryngeal reflex.

Abstract Trains of electrical stimuli were applied to the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) innervating the upper respiratory tract while evoked potentials were recorded from the recurrent nerve (RN) which innervates the intrinsic laryngeal muscles. Responses of this brain stem reflex (central delay 3.5–5.0 msec) were compared to the post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) of the polysynaptic ventral root response (L 6 -S 1 ) with trains of stimuli applied to the dorsal root of adult cats. Stimulation of the SLN with a train of pulses varying from 10–450/sec evokes an initial depression of the polysynaptic potential from the RN followed by a low but sustained increase in the amplitude of the integrated signal (1.2–1.6 x) lasting 45–130 msec and lacking the early maximum amplitude as seen in the PTP of the polysynaptic spinal reflex. Both the early and late components of the superior laryngeal-recurrent nerve reflex (SLN-RN) demonstrate potentiation whereas the shortest latency components of the spinal reflex account for most of the PTP. Systemic administration of strychnine sulfate (dosage: 0.03–0.45 mg/kg) does not alter the normalized PTP of the SLN-RN reflex despite enhancement of both early and late components of the reflex following control stimuli at 1/sec.
Learning is impaired by activated intentions

Two experiments examined the task interference that sometimes accrues from having an intention. In standard prospective memory tasks, latency is often slower to an ongoing task performed concurrently with having an intention than it is when no intention is given. If the locus of this slowing resulted from different attentional allocation policies in the two cases, we predicted that the process of learning a word list would be impaired if participants had an intention rather than if they did not. Four different event-based prospective memory tasks were used in Experiment 1 to demonstrate that worse free recall of a word list resulted when studied with a concurrent intention than with a control condition that had no intention. In that experiment, linking an intention to a distal context that was to occur after learning did not impair free recall. Two time-based tasks were used in Experiment 2 to demonstrate that possessing a time-based prospective memory also hinders learning, unless the intention is linked to a future context that is expected to occur after the study session. In the latter case, no impairment was obtained.
Purification and characterization of a very high density chromolipoprotein from the hemolymph of Trichoplusia ni (Hübner)

A biliverdin-carrying protein was purified to homogeneity from the larval hemolymph of Trichoplusia ni. The native protein (density = 1.26 g/ml) contains both lipid and covalently bound carbohydrate, as well as 150,000 Mr apolipoproteins. The protein is immunologically related to a similar protein from an insect belonging to the same family but is not related to known proteins from insects of other families. Also, the protein is not immunologically related to any of the other abundant hemolymph proteins found in larval Trichoplusia ni.
Beam induced heating of ferrite magnets

Alerted by impedance measurements of ferrite kicker magnets and by apparent beam-induced pressure increases in the neighborhood of window frame kicker magnets, bench measurements of magnet heating have been done. They confirmed the necessity of interrupting the ferrite yoke. To reduce the impedance to the beam, a diamagnetic barrier in window frame ferrite magnets has proven to be very effective and it is shown that it is necessary for two other reasons, namely, for maintaining the quality of the vacuum and for preserving the magnetic properties of the ferrite. Equipping window frame magnets with a shorted coil, which can be executed rather easily on existing magnets, has been shown to serve the same purpose, although not as effectively as the diamagnetic barrier. >
Both High and Low Doses of Cocaine Derail Normal Maternal Caregiving – Lessons from the Laboratory Rat

and maternal aggression (Zimmerberg and Gray, 1992; Johns et al., 1994, 1998; Kinsley et al., 1994). These studies use dosages and treatment regimes of cocaine that model, to some extent, drug use patterns and dosages reported in the dependent human user. Commonly used dosages in these studies result in peak plasma levels of approximately 200–900 ng/ml of cocaine (10–40 mg/kg injected), closely resembling plasma levels reported for the dependent human user, and associated with subjective reports of “feeling high” (Javaid et al., 1978; Smith et al., 1989). Collectively, these studies in rats leave little doubt that plasma levels of cocaine above 200 ng/ml have profound negative effects on all aspects of maternal caregiving, resulting in the complete cessation of all pup-directed behaviors. Once cocaine leaves the blood, most of the components of maternal caregiving return (Zimmerberg and Gray, 1992; Johns et al., 1994, 1998; Kinsley et al., 1994). However, in females subjected to prolonged cocaine exposure during pregnancy, certain effects on postpartum maternal behavioral can be found in the females long after their cocaine treatment has ended. Additionally in offspring, transgenerational effects independent of their exposure to cocaine can be seen (Johns et al., 1994, 2005; McMurray et al., 2008). The profound effects of these doses of cocaine on pup-caregiving by the postpartum female rat underscores the importance of avoiding cocaine if maternal caregiving is to remain intact and to ensure that the normally large allocation of time and energy by the mother in caregiving continues. This leads us to the conclusion that it is crucial to understand the motivational processes at work during choices among stimuli by the postpartum female rats. Even for humans, this may have real world importance as parents care for their offspring in a world full of other choices for their time and attention, including the choice of highly salient stimuli such as cocaine. Both high and low doses of cocaine derail normal maternal caregiving – lessons from the laboratory rat
Rapid Staining and Enumeration of Small Numbers of Total Bacteria in Water by Solid-Phase Laser Cytometry

The nucleic acid stain SYBR Green I was evaluated for use with solid-phase laser cytometry to obtain total bacterial cell counts from several water sources with small bacterial numbers. Results were obtained within 30 min and exceeded or equaled counts on R2A agar plates incubated for 14 days at room temperature.
Polynomial invariants for fibered 3-manifolds and Teichmüller geodesics for foliations

Abstract Let F⊂H 1 (M 3 , R ) be a fibered face of the Thurston norm ball for a hyperbolic 3-manifold M. Any φ∈ R + ·F determines a measured foliation F of M. Generalizing the case of Teichmuller geodesics and fibrations, we show F carries a canonical Riemann surface structure on its leaves, and a transverse Teichmuller flow with pseudo-Anosov expansion factor K(φ)>1. We introduce a polynomial invariant Θ F ∈ Z [H 1 (M, Z )/ torsion ] whose roots determine K(φ). The Newton polygon of ΘF allows one to compute fibered faces in practice, as we illustrate for closed braids in S3. Using fibrations we also obtain a simple proof that the shortest geodesic on moduli space M g has length O(1/g).
What is the Incidence of Kidney Stones after Chemotherapy in Patients with Lymphoproliferative or Myeloproliferative Disorders

Introduction This study describes the incidence and risk factors of de novo nephrolithiasis among patients with lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative diseases who have undergone chemotherapy. Materials and Methods From 2001 to 2011, patients with lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative disorders treated with chemotherapy were retrospectively identified. The incidence of image proven nephrolithiasis after chemotherapy was determined. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded. Patients with a history of nephrolithiasis prior to chemotherapy were excluded. The primary outcome was incidence of nephrolithiasis, and secondary outcomes were risk factors predictive of de novo stone. Comparative statistics were used to compare demographic and disease specific variables for patients who developed de novo stones versus those who did not. Results A total of 1,316 patients were identified and the incidence of de novo nephrolithiasis was 5.5% (72/1316; symptomatic stones 1.8% 24/1316). Among patients with nephrolithiasis, 72.2% had lymphoproliferative disorders, 27.8% had myeloproliferative disorders, and 25% utilized allopurinol. The median urinary pH was 5.5, and the mean serum uric acid, calcium, potassium and phosphorus levels were 7.5, 9.6, 4.3, and 3.8 mg/dL, respectively. In univariate analysis, mean uric acid (p=0.013), calcium (p<0.001)), and potassium (p=0.039) levels were higher in stone formers. Diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), hypertension (p=0.003), and hyperlipidemia (p<0.001) were more common in stone formers. In multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, and hypercalcemia predicted stone. Conclusions We report the incidence of de novo nephrolithiasis in patients who have undergone chemotherapy. Diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, and hypercalcemia are patient-specific risk factors that increase the odds of developing an upper tract stone following chemotherapy.
Insecticide resistance management and integrated mite management in orchards: can they coexist?

At the core of an integrated pest management program for Pennsylvanian apple orchards is an integrated mite management program that is based on a natural enemy, the coccinellid Stethorus punctum punctum (LeConte). The program relies upon the principles of ecological selectivity (e.g. chemical selection, timing, dose and method of application) for the organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. During the last 20 years the tufted apple bud moth (TABM), Platynota idaeusalis (Walker), a direct pest of apple, has developed resistance to these two chemical classes. In an effort to address this growing resistance problem, an intensive research program was initiated in 1986 on how to manage insecticide resistance in TABM while preserving the integrity of the integrated mite management program. One aspect of this research program is the investigation of biochemical and genetic approaches to resistance, including an analysis of detoxification mechanisms, effects of host plant allelochemistry on resistance and detoxification enzyme activities, reversion, gene flow and the isolation and characterization of a gene for glutathione transferase from TABM. Management approaches that have been developed and successfully implemented include pheromone mating disruption, parasitoids, ground-cover management including insecticides, Bacillus thuringiensis Berl. products and insect growth regulators. Resistance management options for TABM are presented.
Schlieren Interferometry. An Optical Method for Determining Temperature and Velocity Distributions in Liquids

Using schlieren interferometric methods and a gas laser source, the temperature distributions near a warm, vertical brass plate immersed in water at a slightly lower temperature (∼2°C) have been determined. For small temperature differences a linear relation between temperature and index of refraction is assumed. Knowledge of the temperature distribution, combined with the hydrodynamic equations for laminar flow, permits calculation of the velocity profiles within the laminar boundary layer.
The Permeability of the Sodium Channel to Organic Cations in Myelinated Nerve

The relative permeability of sodium channels to 21 organic cations was studied in myelinated nerve fibers. Ionic currents under voltage-clamp conditions were measured in sodium-free solutions containing the test cation. The measured reversal potential and the Goldman equation were used to calculate relative permeabilities. The permeability sequence was: sodium ≈ hydroxylamine > hydrazine > ammonium ≈ formamidine ≈ guanidine ≈ hydroxyguanidine > aminoguanididine >> methylamine. The cations of the following compounds were not measurably permeant: N-methylhydroxylamine, methylhydrazine, methylamine, methylguanidine, acetamidine, dimethylamine, tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, ethanolamine, choline, tris(hydroxymethyl)amino methane, imidazole, biguanide, and triaminoguanidine. Thus methyl and methylene groups render cations impermeant. The results can be explained on geometrical grounds by assuming that the sodium channel is an oxygen-lined pore about 3 A by 5 A in cross-section. One pair of oxygens is assumed to be an ionized carboxylic acid. Methyl and amino groups are wider than the 3 A width of the channel. Nevertheless, cations containing amino groups can slide through the channel by making hydrogen bonds to the oxygens. However, methyl groups, being unable to form hydrogen bonds, are too wide to pass through.
Energy-Field Optimization and Haptic-Based Molecular Docking and Assembly Search System for Computer-Aided Molecular Design (CAMD)

This paper presents a new system using a haptic device with an automatic molecular docking and assembly search method for the problems of molecular docking and molecular assembly in computer-aided molecular design (CAMD). The developed haptic force-torque feedback provides the users an intuitive tool for understanding the interactions among molecules while an automatic docking and assembly search method, NanoDAS, assists the user on determining the docking and assembly feasibility. The proposed system can be used as a tool to screen out candidate molecules that are infeasible, in terms of geometry and energy, to dock or assemble into a larger molecule. This identification of feasible molecules can significantly improve and accelerate the discovery and design of new pharmaceutical drugs and nanoscale devices in CAMD. Computer implementation and illustrative examples are also presented in this paper.
The Martial Arts and Buddhist Philosophy

My topic concerns the martial arts – or at least the East Asian martial arts, such as karatedo, taekwondo, kendo, wushu. To what extent what I have to say applies to other martial arts, such as boxing, silat, capoeira, I leave as an open question. I will illustrate much of what I have to say with reference to karatedo, since that is the art with which I am most familiar; but I am sure that matters are much the same with other East Asian martial arts.
ABCA1-Deficient Mice. Insights Into the Role of Monocyte Lipid Efflux in HDL Formation and Inflammation

Studies with ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA1)-deficient mice have been critical in demonstrating the relation between ABCA1 expression, cellular lipid efflux, and HDL metabolism. The phenotype of the ABCA1-deficient mouse parallels the phenotype observed in human Tangier disease, including substantial reductions in both apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein AI with confounding affects on atherosclerosis.
Transmission Electron Diffraction at 200 eV and Damage Thresholds below the Carbon K Edge

Transmission electron diffraction patterns from ultra-thin aromatic and aliphatic organic films at beam energies of 200 eV-1 keV have been recorded in a custom low energy electron transmission (LEET) chamber. A significant reduction of the molecular damage cross-section, measured by fading of diffraction spots, was found for thin films of the aromatic perylene when the beam energy was reduced from 400 to 200 eV. The corresponding measurements for the aliphatic tetracontane showed a smaller "threshold energy" and the differences are discussed. Electron beam damage from other aromatic materials has also been studied at low energy. Comparison of the carbon K shell ionization cross-section and the measured damage cross-sections show that carbon K-shell ionization is strongly correlated with the damage observed in aromatics at beam energies higher than 284 eV. Calculation of the minimum number of unit cells needed for imaging a single molecule, and comparison of calculated elastic with measured damage cross-sections both indicate new possibilities for imaging biomolecules with low energy electrons.
Sibling Jealousy in a Triadic Context with Mothers and Fathers

The current study focused on jealousy between toddler and preschool siblings. Sixty-two families participated in triadic interaction sessions, in which mothers and then fathers were instructed to focus on one child (older sibling or toddler) while encouraging the other child to play with other toys in the room. Results indicated that child jealousy reactions differed between mothers and fathers, and parents behaved differently with older and younger siblings. Although older and younger siblings showed jealousy, older children were better than their toddler-age siblings at regulating jealousy responses and engaging in focused play. Further, younger siblings showed differences in jealous behavior when interacting with each parent, whereas older siblings showed somewhat greater behavioral consistency across parents, indicating internalization of emotion regulation style. Mothers expressed more happiness than fathers, and parents responded differently to older versus younger siblings’ behaviors. Findings underscore the importance of examining emotion regulation processes within salient family relationships and of considering sibling interaction as a socialization context in which young children learn to negotiate emotional challenges.
Observed and Unobserved Preference Heterogeneity in Brand-Choice Models

This paper extends the scanner-based choice literature by explicitly incorporating individual-level brand-preference data. We illustrate our model using a unique data set that combines survey and scanner data collected from the same individuals. The addition of individual-specific brand-preference information significantly improves fit and prediction. Furthermore, this “observed” heterogeneity better explains choice than does “unobserved” heterogeneity in the standard scanner model's parameters. More importantly, we find that the standard model underestimates the importance of consumers' brand preferences and overestimates both brand loyalties and price sensitivities. Brand loyalty is overestimated because models without preference information confound state dependence, heterogeneity, and preference effects. Price sensitivities are inflated because the “average” preference-based consumer is implicitly assumed to be more willing to switch from his preferred brand than is the “real” preference-based consumer. Further, standard models overestimate the heterogeneity in price and loyalty sensitivities and misidentify both price- and loyalty-sensitive consumers. The managerial implications of our findings and the applicability of our methodology when survey data are collected infrequently and for only a subsample of consumers are pursued. We demonstrate that even under these circumstances better populationwide pricing and promotion decisions are identified and more accurate targeting results.
A simple real-time digital video noise reduction system

In this paper a simple system is presented that significantly reduces standard video noise in important applications such as closed-circuit, video recording, and cable TV. The crux of the system is a scalar predictive coding algorithm that acts both as a preprocessor on the transmitter side and a postprocessor on the receiver side. A real-time digital implementation of the system was obtained. Test results using real-world TV signals indicate a significant improvement in the picture quality. System design constraints are discussed and an optimum parameter selection process is considered. Extension of the system to vectorized bandwidth compression is possible. >
Energy Harvesting From Vibration With Alternate Scavenging Circuitry and Tapered Cantilever Beam

Piezoelectric transducers are increasingly being used to harvest energy from environmental vibrations in order to either power remote sensors or charge batteries that power the sensors. In this paper, a new voltage compensation scheme for high-voltage-based (> 100 V) energy harvesting is introduced, and its fundamental concepts, as well as the operation details, are elaborated. This scheme, when applied to the voltage inversion method [synchronized switch harvesting on inductor (SSHI)], provides an increase of over 14% in harvested power when compared to the parallel inversion method (parallel SSHI) alone and more than 50% in the case of series inversion method (series SSHI). Second, tapered cantilever beams were shown to be more effective in generating a uniform strain profile over rectangular and trapezoidal beams if they are precisely shaped, resulting in a significant increase in harvested power over available methods in the literature from laboratory experimental tests. In addition, a simplified method to design such a beam is introduced. Finally, a field test of the proposed tapered beam is conducted by using a dozer for earth-moving applications, and experimental results are discussed.
Spatial patterns in land cover of exurbanizing watersheds in southeastern Michigan

Recent research into landscape composition and configuration, or pattern, seeks to identify a core set of metrics and determine whether these describe unique gradients or dimensions of pattern across diverse settings. Prior work generally has examined relatively large units, and it is uncertain whether this approach will prove useful with small (50-100 km2) landscape units such as the sub-catchment of headwater streams. We estimated 25 pattern variables for the 109 sub-catchment of the Huron and Raisin river basins in southeastern Michigan, which are similar in terrain but represent, respectively, urbanizing and agricultural conditions. Three principal components analyses (PCA) performed on sub-watersheds within the combined area, and for each basin separately, identified five axes that explained ~80% of the variation in landscape pattern. The first and strongest component described a fragmentation gradient ranging from landscapes dominated by a single land cover type to more diverse, patchy landscapes, and was similar in all three analyses. Variables quantifying variation in patch size were related to the second component in each analysis. Components three through five quantified different gradients in land cover pattern among the analyses, suggesting that gradients of variation in land cover spatial patterns quantified by later components are unique to each landscape. Pattern metrics were correlated with proportion of land in a land cover class, especially for proportion agricultural and proportion urban land, which exhibited the broadest land cover gradients in the study area. Moreover, a number of relationships were non-linear, indicating that the same value for a variable could occur in two different landscapes. Overall, we find that a suite of commonly used landscape metrics typically applied to large landscape units provides a similar basis for the quantitative description of the major gradients of variation in land cover spatial patterns when applied to small landscape units.
Design and implementation of an underlay control channel for cognitive radios

Construction of a cognitive radio network presents a number of challenges, among them communication of the control signals that will allow dynamic spectrum allocation/access (DSA) in the network. The available spectral bands may be retrieved from geolocation databases or the nodes within the cognitive radio network examine the spectra for the primary users activities, thus, identify the white spaces in the spectrum. In any case, communications/hand-shakings among cognitive nodes are necessary.
Matching pursuits with time-frequency dictionaries

The authors introduce an algorithm, called matching pursuit, that decomposes any signal into a linear expansion of waveforms that are selected from a redundant dictionary of functions. These waveforms are chosen in order to best match the signal structures. Matching pursuits are general procedures to compute adaptive signal representations. With a dictionary of Gabor functions a matching pursuit defines an adaptive time-frequency transform. They derive a signal energy distribution in the time-frequency plane, which does not include interference terms, unlike Wigner and Cohen class distributions. A matching pursuit isolates the signal structures that are coherent with respect to a given dictionary. An application to pattern extraction from noisy signals is described. They compare a matching pursuit decomposition with a signal expansion over an optimized wavepacket orthonormal basis, selected with the algorithm of Coifman and Wickerhauser see (IEEE Trans. Informat. Theory, vol. 38, Mar. 1992). >
Optimal thermoelectric figure of merit of a molecular junction

We show that a molecular junction can give large values of the thermoelectric figure of merit $ZT$, and so it could be used as a solid-state energy-conversion device that operates close to the Carnot efficiency. The mechanism is similar to the Mahan-Sofo model for bulk thermoelectrics\char22{}the Lorenz number goes to zero violating the Wiedemann-Franz law while the thermopower remains nonzero. The molecular state through which charge is transported must be weakly coupled to the leads, and the energy level of the state must be of order ${k}_{B}T$ away from the Fermi energy of the leads. In practice, the figure of merit is limited by the phonon thermal conductance; we show that the largest possible $ZT\ensuremath{\sim}{({\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{G}}_{\text{th}}^{\text{ph}})}^{\ensuremath{-}1/2}$, where ${\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{G}}_{\text{th}}^{\text{ph}}$ is the phonon thermal conductance divided by the thermal conductance quantum.
Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Assessment of Transposition of the Great Arteries in the Adult

We studied 11 adult patients with dextro-transposition and 5 adult patients with levo-transposition (corrected transposition) of the great arteries with real time two-dimensional (2DTTE) and live/real time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE). All patients with dextro-transposition underwent a Mustard or Senning procedure during infancy. Incremental findings provided by 3DTTE and not delineated by 2DTTE were (a) comprehensive examination of all three leaflets of the tricuspid valve including the detection and measurement of anatomic defects in the leaflets and the assessment of systolic noncoaptation and segmental prolapse; (b) en face viewing and measurement of vena contracta areas of the valvular regurgitation jets and the assessment of regurgitant volumes; (c) en face viewing of the intra-atrial baffle and localization and measurement of baffle defects as well as the measurement of vena contractas of the baffle leaks; (d) recognition of a bicuspid pulmonary valve; and (e) the quantitative assessment of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. 3DTTE appears to be a useful noninvasive modality which could supplement 2DTTE in the comprehensive assessment of adult patients with transposition of the great arteries.
Measuring short-range repulsive forces by imaging directed magnetic-particle assembly title

We present the use of video microscopy of magnetic colloidal particles to measure short range repulsive forces between surfaces. The forces between the particles can be directly measured by monitoring the inter-centroid distances between the particles at various magnetic field strengths. Using a chain consisting of a minimum of 35 micron-sized particles, a distance resolution of ∼0.21 nm is achieved. Measurements of the interactions between charged colloids agree well with predicted force interactions calculated using DLVO theory. We also report the first measurements of the force versus distance relationship between very short (<75 bases) oligonucleotide-coated surfaces. The interactions between oligonucleotide-coated surfaces agree well with Milner's polymer brush theory for strands greater than 50 bases but deviate for strands less than 35 bases.
Treatment of atrial flutter

After atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter is the most important and most common atrial tachyarrhythmia. Although it was first described 80 years ago, techniques for its diagnosis and management have changed little for decades. The diagnosis rested almost entirely with the 12 lead ECG, and treatment options included only the use of a digitalis compound to slow and control the ventricular response rate, and/or the use of either quinidine or procainamide in an attempt to convert the rhythm to sinus rhythm or to prevent recurrence of atrial flutter once sinus rhythm was established. The past 25 years have produced major changes. A series of studies has advanced our understanding of the mechanism(s) of atrial flutter. Old techniques to diagnose atrial flutter have been significantly refined, and new diagnostic techniques have been developed. Beginning with the advent of DC cardioversion in the 1960s, major advances in the treatment of atrial flutter have occurred. β Blockers and calcium channel blockers are now available for use as an adjunct to or in lieu of digitalis treatment to control the ventricular response rate. New antiarrhythmic agents are available for use to suppress atrial flutter or convert it to sinus rhythm. Atrial pacing techniques to interrupt or suppress atrial flutter have evolved. Catheter ablation techniques either to cure atrial flutter or to control the ventricular response rate have been developed, and related surgical treatments are available. Even automatic low energy cardioversion of atrial flutter to sinus rhythm has been developed. Most of the advances in our understanding of atrial flutter have come from our understanding its mechanism. There is a long history, summarised recently,1 of studies in animal models which have contributed to our understanding of atrial flutter. While those studies have been and continue to be most helpful, a series of studies in patients—principally …
Consumer Attitudes Toward Alternative Health Care Services

Results of an empirical study of consumer attitudes toward alternative health care services (hospitals, home health care, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics) are reported. Attitudes toward the services are examined along ten attributes such as quality of medical service, convenience, and cost. Respondents’ attitudes of the services along the ten dimensions are presented, along with results of tests for statistical significance. Attitudes of two groups—the elderly and non-elderly—are compared. Implications for the formulation of marketing strategies for health care services are discussed.
Review of Introductory Mechanics

Classical mechanics has traditionally been broken into three subdisciplines: kinematics, dynamics, and statics. Kinematics is the study of how motion is described in general, and thus has to be discussed before examining dynamics, the study of the laws which determine what motion actually occurs. In this text statics is treated as a special case of dynamics.
Carfilzomib and Dexamethasone in untreated symptomatic multiple myeloma

Introduction: Treatment of refractory B cell malignancies with engineered T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) directed against CD19 has shown dramatic anti-tumor activity. CS1 (CD319) is a highly expressed surface glycoprotein on malignant plasma cells (mPCs) and promotes their adhesion to the bone marrow niche,making it a relevant target forCARtherapy inmultiplemyeloma (MM). The present work addresses the feasibility of CAR T cell generation fromMM patients after intense chemotherapy and an analysis of their therapeutic potential against primary mPCs. Materials and methods: We designed a CS1 specific CAR with an antigen-binding domain derived from the humanized monoclonal antibody elotuzumab (HuLuc63), comprising a signaling module of CD3 zeta and CD28. CS1 CAR gene constructs were lentivirally transferred to patient bulk CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. Results: We confirmed prevalently high CS1 antigen expression on mPCs in all patients. Absolute T cell counts in peripheral blood (PB) from pre-treated MM patients were lower compared to healthy donors, with predominant drop in CD4+ T cell counts. Max 50 ml of PB were sufficient for successful generation of CS1 CAR T cells in all (n 1⁄4 5) patients, and expansion to therapeutic doses within 2 weeks. In vitro functional testing of CAR T cells showed production of IL-2 and IFNg, proliferation in response to antigen recognition and specific lysis of MM cell lines. In a FACS based cytotoxicity assay, co-culture of mPCs with autologous or allogeneic CS1 CAR T cells resulted in rapid destruction of up to 90% of mPCs in 4 hours, whereas control T cells (untransduced and CD19 CAR T cells) had no effect. In a mouse xenograft myeloma model (NSG/MM1.S) patient-derived CS1 CAR T cells showed dramatic anti-myeloma activity, comparable to CS1 CAR T cells from healthy donors. As we observed CS1 expression also on lymphocyte subsets (B, T, NK) in MM patients, the potential ability of CS1 directed CAR T cell therapy to induce fratricide towards CS1+ lymphocytes remains a concern and is focus of ongoing research. Conclusion: Our data illustrate the preclinical feasibility to generate aCS1CARTcell productwith an excellent effector function against primarymPCs, requiring only small volumes of patients’ PB and clinically acceptable lead times. Determining the optimal setting for clinical translation however still warrants careful considerations with regards to possible induction regimens and supportive care. RS-003 Carfilzomib and Dexamethasone in untreated symptomatic multiple myeloma P. Forsberg, A. Rossi, R. Pearse, A. Perry, K. Pekle, D. Jayabalan, S. Ely, M. Coleman, R. Niesvizky, T.M. Mark Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology / Oncology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pathology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
Pseudohypoglycemia in adult victims of adolescent incest.

Two patients with complaints of hypoglycemia came for evaluation, and both complained of intermittent episodes of mental dullness, disorientation, confusion, and palpitations relieved by eating. Plasma glucose levels at the time of symptoms were always above 70 mg/dL. Initial onset of symptoms was within 1 to 2 years after cessation of repeated incest, and on recognition of this, both patients associated the onset of episodes of similar feelings with the acts of incest. Recognition of this connection did not decrease the frequency of episodes. Both persistently refer to the episodes as "hypoglycemia" despite recognition that no glucose level below 70 mg/dL has been recorded during an episode. Recurrent episodes of derealization and depersonalization in both patients appear to be sequelae of adolescent incest experiences, but these patients cling to the label "hypoglycemia," perhaps in part because they are unwilling to accept a psychiatric diagnosis for their episodes. Language: en
Energy Decay in H 2 × L 2 for Semilinear Plates with Nonlinear Boundary Dissipation Acting via Moments Only

Nonlinear boundary stabilization for semilinear Euler-Bernoulli equations is considered. The main new feature of the problem is that the nonlinear stabilization is achieved via boundary moments only and the decay rates are established in the natural energy space associated with the model. This is in contrast with previous literature, where the control of moments and displacements was necessary for stabilization and, moreover, the obtained decay rates were obtained in the sense of distributions.
Expletives: Usurpers of Space and Emphasis

Now that I have your attention, let me first admit that I refer not to expletives as in expletive deleted but as in the it verb and there verb constructions that run rampant in much legal writing.
Brain network properties in depressed patients receiving seizure therapy: A graph theoretical analysis of peri-treatment resting EEG

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), the most efficacious antidepressant therapy for treatment-resistant depression, has been reported to alter functional brain network architecture by down-regulating connectivity in frontotemporal circuitry. Magnetic seizure therapy (MST), which induces therapeutic seizures with high dose repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, has been introduced to improve the seizure therapy risk/benefit ratio. Unfortunately, there is limited understanding of seizure therapy's underlying mechanisms of action. In this study, we apply graph theory-based connectivity analysis to peri-treatment, resting-state, topographical electroencephalography (EEG) in patients with depression receiving seizure therapy. Functional connectivity was assessed using the de-biased weighted phase lag index, a measure of EEG phase synchronization. Brain network structure was quantified using graph theory metrics, including betweenness centrality, clustering coefficient, network density, and characteristic path length. We found a significant reduction in the phase synchronization and aberration of the small-world architecture in the beta frequency band, which could be related to acute clinical and cognitive effects of seizure therapy.
Early modern controversies about the one-sex model.

This essay traces the opposition to the Galenic notion of a homology between male and female genitalia (the ``one-sex model'') and identifies the French physician Andre Dulaurens as the first outspoken opponent. After Dulaurens, the German physician Johann Peter Lotichius makes the opposition to that model more clearly an argument that may be called ``feminist.''
Abderhalden's biological test of pregnancy

SummaryThe use of Abderhalden's test for pregnancy, employing the dialysis method and the ninhydrin color reaction has given positive results with each of 28 sera from pregnant women and with eight from women in the post-partum period, including one abortion. The test has never been negative in a known pregnancy. On the other hand, the serum of pregnancy reacts with tissues (kidney, heart, uterus) other than placenta. Also sera of two cases of nephritis, one of tabes and one of infection (carbuncle), and occasionally of some individuals in apparent perfect health have given the reaction with placenta and other tissues.In the use of Abderhalden's dialysis method we have found the ninhydrin reaction far superior to the biuret reaction. It is also important that Schleicher and Schull's smaller dialysis sacks should be used rather than the fish skin membranes originally recommended.Results as satisfactory as those obtained by dialysis are obtained by mixing tissue and serum in tubes and after incubating for 2...
Operationalizing Transformative Parent Engagement in Latino School Communities: A Case Study

The article examines a model for transformative parent engagement in predominantly Latino and ethnically diverse school communities. A case study illustrates the initial phases of the five-level process and the challenges of actualizing the parent engagement process. The author's challenge commonly accepted boundaries of bicultural parent involvement. A case study provides a real-life example of a large urban school district that has introduced community school-based reform to create and apply the hopeful vision of what authentic and democratic parent engagement can become, and how parents can be transformative change agents for their children and their schools. The authors outline challenges and provide recommendations to operationalize transformative parent engagement in predominantly Latino communities.
Multiscale Framework for Imaging Radiolabeled Therapeutics

The resistance of a tumor to a drug is the result of bulk properties of the tumor tissue as well as phenotypic variations displayed by single cells. Here, we show that radioisotopic detection methods, commonly used for tracking the tissue distribution of drug compounds, can be extended to the single-cell level to image the same molecule over a range of physical scales. The anticancer drug rituximab was labeled with short-lived radionuclides ((89)Zr/(64)Cu) and its accumulation at the organ level was imaged using PET in a humanized transgenic mouse model of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. To capture the distribution of the drug at a finer scale, tissue sections and single living cells were imaged using radioluminescence microscopy (RLM), a novel method that can detect radionuclides with single-cell resolution. In vivo PET images (24 h postinjection) showed that [(89)Zr]rituximab targeted the intended site of human CD20 expression, the spleen. Within this organ, RLM was used to resolve radiotracer accumulation in the splenic red pulp. In a separate study, RLM highlighted marked differences between single cells, with binding of the radiolabeled antibody ranging from background levels to 1200 radionuclides per cell. Overall, RLM images demonstrated significantly higher spatial resolution and sensitivity than conventional storage-phosphor autoradiography. In conclusion, this combination of PET and RLM provides a unique opportunity for exploring the molecular mechanism of drugs by tracking the same molecule over multiple physical scales, ranging from single living cells to organs substructures and entire living subjects.
Screening for Syphilis Infection in Nonpregnant Adults and Adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

Importance In 2014, 19 999 cases of syphilis were reported in the United States. Left untreated, syphilis can progress to late-stage disease in about 15% of persons who are infected. Late-stage syphilis can lead to development of inflammatory lesions throughout the body, which can lead to cardiovascular or organ dysfunction. Syphilis infection also increases the risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV infection. Objective To update the 2004 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for syphilis infection in nonpregnant adults. Screening for syphilis in pregnant women was updated in a separate recommendation statement in 2009 (A recommendation). Evidence Review The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on screening for syphilis infection in asymptomatic, nonpregnant adults and adolescents, including patients coinfected with other sexually transmitted infections (such as HIV). Findings The USPSTF found convincing evidence that screening for syphilis infection in asymptomatic, nonpregnant persons at increased risk for infection provides substantial benefit. Accurate screening tests are available to identify syphilis infection in populations at increased risk. Effective treatment with antibiotics can prevent progression to late-stage disease, with small associated harms, providing an overall substantial health benefit. Conclusions and Recommendation The USPSTF recommends screening for syphilis infection in persons who are at increased risk for infection. (A recommendation)
Plastic Consolidation of Metal Matrix Composites by Pressure Cycling

Creating metal‐ceramic composites by plastic deformation driven by compression is the most versatile method as it can nearly preserve the microstructure of the metal phase and a variety of reinforcements and morphologies can be used. The great limitation of this process is that very high pressures are needed for effective consolidation (usually about 3 times the flow stress of the metal phase). If, however, plastic deformation can be developed by some other renewable and repeatable means, a relatively small global and external pressure can drive the material to a fully‐consolidated state. Phase transformations, thermal expansion mismatch and the volumetric changes produced by a remote pressure can drive local deviatoric stresses in the vicinity of the particles that provide plastic deformation and if these strains are renewed a small remote external pressure can be used to consolidate the composite. This paper shows that pressure cycling of heterogeneous composites with a compressibility mismatch is a particularly simple and effective way to develop composites of high density in the solid state.
A Day Late and A Dollar Short? A Study of Budget Passage in New York State

Passing a budget is an attribute of sovereignty. This research highlights the fusion of multiple forces in the broader context — economic factors, political factors, budget rules, and leadership stability — in which budget negotiation takes place. Through an in‐depth case study of New York State from 1970 to 2012 and extensive interviews with prior and current key participants in the budgeting process, this research found that a divided government contributes to a late budget only when budget rules are not controlled. In addition, legal clarity of authorities among the key budget negotiators, their willingness to compromise, as well as effective executive leadership in bringing people to budget negotiation, hold the potential to reduce the extent of budget delays in an increasingly contentious and turbulent budgeting environment.
Micromachined Ultrasonic Ophthalmic Microsurgical Tool with Integrated Pressure Sensor

We report on a silicon microsurgical transducer that not only cuts tissue ultrasonically but also senses pressure and liquid flow rate during cutting. Horn-shaped silicon needles with integrated piezoresistive pressure sensors were fabricated using bulk micromachining technology. The needles were driven ultrasonically by bonded PZT-4 plates. The device can be driven at its longitudinal resonance to cut and sense pressure, while cut tissues are aspirated through the needle by an external pump. The integration of pressure sensor onto ultrasonic eye-surgery tool provides the potential of making phacoemulsification, the most popular cataract removal procedure, safer.
Visualizing and modeling partial incomplete ranking data

Analyzing ranking data is an essential component in a wide range of important applications including web-search and recommendation systems. Rankings are difficult to visualize or model due to the computational difficulties associated with the large number of items. On the other hand, partial or incomplete rankings induce more difficulties since approaches that adapt well to typical types of rankings cannot apply generally to all types. While analyzing ranking data has a long history in statistics, construction of an efficient framework to analyze incomplete ranking data (with or without ties) is currently an open problem. This thesis addresses the problem of scalability for visualizing and modeling partial incomplete rankings. In particular, we propose a distance measure for top-k rankings with the following three properties: (1) metric, (2) emphasis on top ranks, and (3) computational efficiency. Given the distance measure, the data can be projected into a low dimensional continuous vector space via multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) for easy visualization. We further propose a non-parametric model for estimating distributions of partial incomplete rankings. For the non-parametric estimator, we use a triangular kernel that is a direct analogue of the Euclidean triangular kernel. The computational difficulties for large n are simplified using combinatorial properties and generating functions associated with symmetric groups. We show that our estimator is computational efficient for rankings of arbitrary incompleteness and tie structure. Moreover, we propose an efficient learning algorithm to construct a preference elicitation system from partial incomplete rankings, which can be used to solve the cold-start problems in ranking recommendations. The proposed approaches are examined in experiments with real search engine and movie recommendation data.