cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The apprenticeship model: Assessing competencies of early intervention practitioners

States and territories participating in Part C services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are required to design and implement a comprehensive system of personnel development. In this article, an apprenticeship model used in one state will be described. The range of factors influencing how this model was implemented and reflections from participating professionals highlight its relative strengths and weaknesses. Specific challenges encountered during implementation and recommendations for the field will be discussed.
Cross‐cultural conflict and harmony in the social construction of the child

Parent-teacher conferences between Latino immigrant parents and their children's elementary school teacher revealed cross-cultural value conflict. Discourse analysis indicated that parents and the teacher often use different criteria to evaluate children's progress; that is, they have different goals for child development. The teacher's goals are usually more individualistic, whereas the parentS' goals are often more collectivistic.
Effect of hypoxia and reoxygenation on regional activity of nitric oxide synthase in brain of newborn piglets

Abstract The activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was measured in homogenates from cortex, striatum, hippocampus, cerebellum, pons, thalamus and midbrain of the brain of newborn piglets and the effects of hypoxia and posthypoxic period on this activity was evaluated. The control activities were 19.7, 31.5, 26.8, 16.7, 33.6, 19.3 and 39.4 pmol/mg protein per min, respectively. A 1 h period of hypoxia (an Fi0 2 of 7%) resulted in statistically significant decreases in the activity of NOS in every region of the brain except for the cortex, where the activity was not significantly altered compared to control. By 2 h of reoxygenation following such a hypoxic episode, the NOS activities increased to above control levels in all regions of the brain, but this increase was statistically significant compared to control only in thalamus. Since hypoxia induced the greatest decrease in NOS activity in the cerebellum, the kinetic constants of the enzyme were measured in homogenates from this region of brain. The decreased activity following the hypoxic episode was associated with an approximately four-fold increase in the apparent affinity ( K M ) for arginine with no significant change in the maximal rate of reaction ( V ax ). The decrease in NOS activity subsequent to a hypoxic episode may contribute to the disturbances in cellular metabolism in the immature brain induced by episodes of hypoxia-reoxygenation.
“ARS Sine Scientia Nihil EST”. Gothic Theory of Architecture at the Cathedral of Milan

The opinion of Viollet-le-Duc, summarized in these words, typifies an approach to the interpretation of Gothic architecture which has held great appeal for the modern student. The evident harmony o...
Fluid Flow Modeling and Simulation for the Coaxial Cable of the LEASAT Antenna System

A preliminary fluid flow modeling, analysis, and simulation of the gas pressure profile within a 259 cm long coaxial cable is presented. This coaxial cable is part of the antenna system of the LEASAT satellite. To eliminate the possibility of any corona or arcing phenomenon inside the coaxial cable during operation of the satellite, it is necessary to not only prove experimentally but also show analytically that the gas pressure inside the cable drops down and stays below 0.01 Ton within 24 hours after the satellite enters into its orbit. In this paper, only the analytical work is discussed. The continuum fluid mechanics and the kinetic theory of gases are applied for modeling and analysis. Computer simulation is done by using an IBM XT and the results are presented.
Electronic structure of substoichiometric Ti-Fe hydride

Abstract We applied the tight-binding coherent potential approximation method to a study of the electronic structure of TiFeHx. The starting point of these calculations was a Slater-Koster fit to the band structure of TiFe at one end of the compositional spectrum and of TiFeH1.0 at the other end. We obtained the densities of states, decomposed per site and also per angular momentum component, as a function of the hydrogen content. These densities of states were used to examine the effect of hydrogenation on both the bonding and antibonding levels as well as on the position of the Fermi level.
Potassium channel of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum is a multi-ion channel

We have characterized mechanisms of ionic permeation in the K channel of canine cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR K channel). Ionic selectivity, as measured by relative permeabilities, followed Eisenman sequence l, a low field strength sequence. Slope conductance measured in symmetrical solutions across the bilayer followed Eisenman sequence V. In all cases, the selectivity characteristics of the prominent subconductance state (O1) were similar to those of the main-state (O2). Further, our studies have revealed that this channel differs in three significant ways from the highly characterized SR K channel of skeletal muscle. First, the ratio of permeabilities Cs+ to K+ was a complex function of ion concentration. Second, the concentration dependence of conductance was not well described by the Michaelis-Menten formalism. Instead, we modeled the observed relations using a more general approach based on classical rate theory. Third, mole fraction experiments (Cs+ with K+) demonstrated a prominent anomalous effect. Certain of our Cs+ data required the Eyring rate theory approach for adequate interpretation. We adopted a symmetrical energy profile incorporating ion-ion interaction and thereby accounted for much of the data. We conclude that the canine cardiac SR K channel is significantly different from that of skeletal muscle, and it may accommodate more than one ion at a time.
Preparing Teachers of American Indian and Alaska Native Students

Abstract Too often in the past, Indian education ignored the “Indian voice” and designed to teach Indian children to be discontented with their traditional values. Even today, teacher certification requirements give little if any attention to these values as they relate to cultural approaches to learning. This article argues that there is research-based knowledge that teachers of American Indian and Alaska Native students should know that is usually not provided in teacher preparation programs. We suggest research from both Native and non-Native sources about which all Indian educators should be aware, with the hope that teacher preparation programs will lead to more opportunities for Indian children to live in and contribute to both their local and their global communities in ways that honor the wisdom of their cultural values.
Hand held instruments for landmine detection: View from radiation dosimetry

Abstract Hand held instruments have been proposed and widely studied for landmine detection. However, the operator is not included in these design studies. In this paper, the dose rate received by an operator of a hand held instrument for landmine detection is analyzed using a computational phantom model with Monte Carlo simulations for different source types and source-to-operator distances. The analysis is performed for bare and shielded sources in order to assess the impact of shielding on the operator dose. Additionally, the impact of having soil with varying moisture content has also been investigated. The analysis results, based on Monte Carlo simulations, showed that in addition to source properties, energy, shielding, and source-to-operator distance, the dose received by the operator also depends on soil characteristics. Furthermore, although the effective dose decreases as a function of source-to-operator distance, the absorbed and equivalent dose to some organs at radiogenic risk; e.g. the lungs, thyroid, and stomach, increases with source-to-operator distances, up to 125 cm.
Variability of brain lithium levels during maintenance treatment: a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.

In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to determine the relationship between serum and brain lithium levels in bipolar patients (n = 25). Over the broad range of serum lithium levels observed, the correlation ( r = .68) with brain lithium levels was high. This correlation was much weaker ( r = .39) when limited to only those patients with serum lithium levels in the range of 0.6–1.0 mmol/l. This variability may account for failure of lithium prophylaxis in some patients who have serum lithium levels in the therapeutic range.
Detection of antipersonnel land mines based on waterjet-induced thermal images

The shape and thermal properties of buried objects can result in a variation in the temperature profile on the surface of the ground. IR imaging has been used to exploit this variation to detect the presence of buried objects. The thermal signature in such cases is normally induced by natural means such as diurnal cycles. This method requires observation at specific times of day and has not in general allowed reliable detection and discrimination, especially for small antipersonnel mines. We have developed a process that uses an array of heated waterjets to rapidly induce a thermal signature of buried objects in the region of interest. The high-pressure, small diameter waterjets penetrate the soil but are deflected by a formed buried objects. A temperature profile on the ground surface is formed due to the radiation and conduction of heat from the water blocked and reflected by the surface of the buried object and the heating of the object itself due to heat transferred from the object to a blurred 2D IR image of the surface. Deblurring and other physics-based image processing techniques are used to correct for the heat diffusion and an estimate can be made of the 3D shape of the part of the buried object which is covered by the waterjet. A time history of the thermal profile is also available when several IR images are acquired after the waterjets are applied. This allows further analysis of the nature of the properties of the buried objects. Known properties of land mines can be used to discriminate them from other buried objects. Shape feature properties based on Fourier descriptors have been developed to allow discrimination of objects.
Bipartite structure of the proximal promoter of a human H4 histone gene

The proximal promoter of the human H4 histone gene FO108 contains two regions of in vivo protein-DNA interaction, Sites I and II. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using a radiolabeled DNA probe revealed that several proteins present in HeLa cell nuclear extracts bound specifically to Site I (nt-125 to nt-86). The most prominent complex, designated HiNF-C, and a complex of greater mobility, HiNF-C′, were specifically compatable by an Sp1 consensus oligonucleotide. Fractionation of HiNF-C using wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography suggested that, like Sp1, HiNF-C contains N-acetylglucosamine moieties. Two minor complexes of even greater mobility, designated HiNF-E and F, were compatable by ATF consensus oligonucleotides. A DNA probe carrying a site-specific mutation in the distal portion of Site I failed to bind HiNF-E, indicating that this protein associated specifically to this region. UV cross-linking analysis showed that several proteins of different molecular weights interact specifically with Site I. These data indicate that Site I possesses a bipartite structure and that multiple proteins present in HeLa cell nuclear extracts specifically with Site I sequences.
Extraneural manifestations of prion infection in GPI-anchorless transgenic mice

Earlier studies indicated that transgenic (tg) mice engineered to express prion protein (PrP) lacking the glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI−/−) membrane anchor formed abnormal proteinase-resistant prion (PrPsc) amyloid deposits in their brains and hearts when infected with the RML strain of murine scrapie. In contrast, RML scrapie infection of normal mice with a GPI-anchored PrP did not deposit amyloid with PrPsc in the brain or the heart. Here we report that scrapie-infected GPI−/− PrP tg mice also deposit PrP and transmissible infectious material in the gut, kidneys, and islets of Langerhans. Similar to previously reported amyloid deposits in the brain and heart, amyloid deposits were found in the gut; however, no amyloid deposited in the islets. By high-resolution electron microscopy, we show PrP is located primarily in α cells and also β cells. Islets contain abundant insulin and there is no abnormality in glucose metabolism in infected GPI−/− PrP tg mice.
Spectral analysis methods for neurological signals

This paper reviews some novel spectral analysis techniques that are useful for neurological signals in general and EEG signals in particular. First, some drawbacks and limitations of the commonly used Fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) are presented, and then alternative algorithms are outlined. An auto-regressive (AR) modeling based spectral estimation procedure is presented to overcome the problems of lower resolution and 'leakage' effects inherent in the FFT algorithm. For signals which are transient in nature or rapidly time-varying, two alternative algorithms are presented. The first is an adaptive AR parameter estimation algorithm and the second is a wavelet based time-frequency representation algorithm. Finally, a Spectral Distance measure and the Itakura distance measure are presented to quantify the differences between the spectra of two signals in a succinct manner. The application and performance of all the algorithms is illustrated using electroencephalograms (EEGs) recorded in animals during hypoxic asphyxic injury to brain.
Brief note: viscoelastic modelling of cantilever vibration absorbers

Abstract Internal damping is considered in a cantilever beam supported on a single degree-of-freedom vibrating system. The internal damping mechanism is modelled by a Voigt viscoelastic coefficient in the stress-strain law. The governing equations reduce to a partial differential equation with time-dependent boundary conditions. The solution yields expressions for the amplitude ratio in terms of the tuning and frequency ratios, as well as the viscoelastic damping coefficient. These results are simulated numerically on the computer to obtain three different plots of the frequency response. The first plot has parametric values of the number of cantilevers. In the second plot, three parametric values of the internal damping coefficient are portrayed; the third plot shows the frequency response with various values of the natural frequency of the main system. These results show advantages in using cantilever beams with internal damping as dynamic vibration absorbers.
A sequential perspective on searching for static targets

We present a sequential approach to detect static targets with imperfect sensors, which range from tower-mounted cameras to satellites. The scenario is operationally relevant to many military, homeland security, search and rescue, environmental engineering, counter-narcotics, and law enforcement applications. The idea is to stop the search as soon as there is enough probabilistic evidence about the targets’ locations, given an operator-prescribed error tolerance, knowledge of the sensors’ parameters, and a sequence of detection signals from the sensors. By stopping the search as soon as possible, we promote efficiency by freeing up sensors and operators to perform other tasks. The model we develop has the added benefits of decreasing operator workload and providing negative information as a search progresses.
Deterministic and Statistical-Based Channel Models in the MIMO Link Evaluation

This letter studies the performance of a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) link in a macrocell environment, with emphasis on the effects of the antenna parameters as applied in different channel models. Two types of channel models are used in this evaluation. The first is a deterministic electromagnetic-based channel model that physically describes the antennas within the channel environment, capturing their detailed effects on the link performance. The second is a standardized statistical-based model where the 3GPP spatial channel model (SCM) is investigated. The antenna effects in this channel are roughly included through the radiation patterns of isolated dipoles. The differences between the channel model types as applied to the antenna parameters are discussed. Our analyses show that understanding the assumptions made in the different channel models is important in the evaluation of a system, especially in multiple-antenna systems.
Varicella pneumonia in pregnancy

Pregnant patients with varicella infections have an increased risk of life threatening pulmonary complications. Prompt diagnosis and aggressive early therapy with acyclovir are important aspects of treating varicella pneumonia. The stress of severe hypoxia usually necessitates delivery by cesarean section. Preoperative evaluation of pulmonary function and choice of anesthetic are critical to intraoperative management. This paper presents the successful treatment of varicella pneumonia in the third trimester of pregnancy with survival of both mother and infant.
Enhancing sensitivity of quadrupolar nuclei in solid-state NMR with multiple rotor assisted population transfers.

Rotor-assisted population transfer (RAPT) was developed as a method for enhancing MAS NMR sensitivity of quadrupolar nuclei by transferring polarization associated with satellite transitions to the central m ¼ 1 - � 1 transition. After a single RAPT transfer, there still remains polarization in the satellite transitions that can be transferred to the central transition. This polarization is available without having to wait for the spin system to return to thermal equilibrium. We describe a new RAPT scheme that uses the remaining polarization of the satellites to obtain a further enhancement of the central transition by performing RAPTenhanced experiments multiple times before waiting for re-equilibration of the spin system. For 27 Al ðI ¼ 5=2Þ in albite we obtain a multiple RAPT enhancement of 3.02, a 48% increase over single RAPT. For 93 Nb ðI ¼ 9=2Þ in NaNbO3 we obtain a multiple RAPT enhancement of 5.76, an 89% increase over single RAPT. We also describe a data processing procedure for
Synergy Between Penicillins and Low Concentrations of Gentamicin in the Killing of Group B Streptococci

Antimicrobial sensitivity, synergy, and timed-killing assays were determined for 20 strains of group B streptococci isolated from cultures of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of infected neonates. The mean minimal inhibitory concentrations by the tube-dilution method were as follows: penicillin, 0.02 microgram/ml; ampicillin, 0.05 microgram/ml; and gentamicin, 4.5 micrograms/ml. No synergy was detected with any combination of penicillin or ampicillin and gentamicin by the checkerboard titration method. Killing kinetics were determined for combinations of penicillin or ampicillin and gentamicin at low concentrations of these antibiotics comparable to those attained in the CSF following systemic administration of these antibiotics. Addition of 0.1 microgram and 0.5 microgram of gentamicin/ml to penicillin or ampicillin significantly accelerated the killing of group B streptococci. Despite the "poor" permeation of gentamicin into the CSF, the accelerated killing of streptococci at low concentrations of this antibiotic provides a rationale for the initial use of a combination of penicillin or ampicillin and gentamicin in the treatment of group B streptococcal meningitis.
Synthesis of Emergency Evacuation Communication System for Disaster Detection and Information Dissemination

Since conditions in an emergency situation are altogether different from normal circumstances, it's possible to render the regular communication mechanisms completely unavailable in facilitating evacuation operations. The breakdown of normal communication networks requires alternative modes of communication between the emergency control center and first responders. In this paper, a novel communication system for evacuation operation and three scenarios to efficiently reach out to evacuees in the case of emergencies are presented.
Estimating laser transit anemometry noise performance capabilities

A Monte Carlo based LTA (laser transit anemometry) simulation system has been used to perform a detailed devaluation of a set of processing algorithms proposed by W.T. Mayo and A.E. Smart (1984) for the extraction of two-dimensional flow parameters from LTR data sets collected in a plane normal to the optical axis of the system. The present evaluation includes data ensembles containing 0.0, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0% background noise levels in the constituent correlograms. The results of these evaluations indicate that for turbulence levels of up to 10.0% the processing system is able to extract the necessary flow parameters accurately from the LTA data sets. Mean velocity magnitude and flow angle are measurable to within +2.0% for turbulence intensity levels of up to 14.0% and the background noise levels mentioned. Standard deviations are measurable to within +10.0% over a turbulence range of 3.0% to 10.0% and the same noise levels. The correlation coefficient between the u and nu components of velocity is measurable to within a few percent for coefficients greater than 0.4. However, for values of the correlation coefficient less than 0.4, the accuracy of the measurements is noticeably worse due to the geometrical method used to determine the higher-order moment flow parameters. These results indicate that the algorithms described have applications in fluid flow surveys. >
Recurrent Parotitis as a Presentation of Primary Pediatric Sjögren Syndrome

Parotitis is a common condition seen in the pediatric population, usually as an isolated occurrence associated with viral or bacterial infection. The differential diagnosis expands when recurrent parotitis is encountered. One etiology is primary pediatric Sjogren syndrome (SS), an autoimmune condition typically associated with dryness of the eyes and mouth in adults. Pediatric patients often present with isolated recurrent bilateral parotitis, however, and we describe 4 such cases in children aged 9 to 17 years at presentation. Despite lack of ocular complaints, 3 of these patients had ocular findings on ophthalmologic exam. Our patients also exhibited classic laboratory abnormalities, including positive antinuclear antibody, SS A, and SS B antibodies; presence of rheumatoid factor; and hypergammaglobulinemia. Consideration of SS in the child with recurrent parotitis is important for timely and appropriate referral and treatment. We review the differential diagnosis of parotitis in children as well as the salient features of pediatric SS.
Building scalable software systems in the multicore era

Software systems must face two challenges today: growing complexity and increasing parallelism in the underlying computational models. The problem of increased complexity is often solved by dividing systems into modules in a way that permits analysis of these modules in isolation. The problem of lack of concurrency is often tackled by dividing system execution into tasks that permits execution of these tasks in isolation. The key challenge in software design is to manage the explicit and implicit dependence between modules that decreases modularity. The key challenge for concurrency is to manage the explicit and implicit dependence between tasks that decreases parallelism. Even though these challenges appear to be strikingly similar, current software design practices and languages do not take advantage of this similarity. The net effect is that the modularity and concurrency goals are often tackled mutually exclusively. Making progress towards one goal does not naturally contribute towards the other. My position is that for programmers that are not formally and rigorously trained in the concurrency discipline the safest and most productive way to get scalability in their software is by improving modularity of their software using programming language features and design practices that reconcile modularity and concurrency goals. I briefly discuss preliminary efforts of my group, but we have only touched the tip of the iceberg.
Who is Sensitive to Extremes of Temperature?: A Case-Only Analysis

Background: Extremes of temperature are well known to be associated with excess mortality. Less is known about the characteristics of persons that put them at higher risk, particularly the role of medical conditions. Methods: To investigate these effects, I used a case-only approach to analyze 160,062 deaths in Wayne County, Michigan, among persons who were 65 years of age or older, who were covered by Medicare, and who had a previous hospital admission for heart and lung disease. Using their unique Medicare identification number, I traced deaths through Medicare hospital admission records to identify primary and secondary diagnoses for all admissions before death. I investigated the role of diabetes, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia as modifiers of the risk of dying on an extreme temperature day. Hot days were defined as those greater than the 99th percentile of all days and cold days as those less than the 1st percentile. I also examined the role of sex, age (85 years of age and older), and nonwhite race as modifiers. Results: I found that patients with diabetes had a higher risk of dying on hot days than other subjects (odds ratio 1.17; 95% confidence interval 1.04‐1.32). Persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had elevated risks of dying on cold days (1.19; 1.07‐1.33). Nonwhites had greater risks on both hot (1.22; 1.09‐ 1.37) and cold (1.25; 1.12‐1.40) days, and women had elevated risks on cold days (1.14; 1.02‐1.26). The other conditions conveyed no higher risks than average. Conclusions: Sociodemographic characteristics and medical conditions can increase the likelihood of death associated with temperature extremes. (Epidemiology 2005;16: 67‐72)
Sire-Daughter and Dam-Daughter Paths: Research Geneticists’ View

Abstract The sire-daughter path of genetic improvement dominates the dam-daughter path. Within-herd management practices intended to enhance genetic progress should thus concentrate on the sire-daughter path. Studies of genetic progress via the sire-daughter path from historic and recent estimates show that rates for milk yield have increased in recent years; however, rates are still only half to two-thirds that theoretically possible from single-trait selection. Perceived importance of linear type traits, registry status, and reproductive management considerations influence genetic merit of service sires. Establishment of herd breeding goals and management of the breeding herd by fertility groups appear to be useful approaches to improve genetic merit of service sires. Impact of proposed changes in sire selection methods on demand for proven bulls and sample sires is discussed.
Ischemia alters the electrical activity of pacemaker cells isolated from the rabbit sinoatrial node.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms responsible for ischemia-induced changes in spontaneous electrical activity. An ischemic-like Tyrode solution (pH 6.6) reversibly depolar...
CFRP truss for the CCAT 25 m diameter submillimeter-wave telescope

CCAT will be a 25 m diameter submillimeter-wave telescope that will operate inside a dome located on Cerro Chajnantor in the Atacama Desert. The telescope must have high aperture efficiency at a wavelength of 350 microns and good performance out to a wavelength of 200 microns. A conceptual design for a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) truss and primary reflector support truss has been developed. This design yields a telescope with a net A�Â½ wave front error of <10 microns using a lookup table to adjust the segment actuators to compensate for gravitational deflections. Minor corrections may be required to compensate for the expected 20 C temperature excursions. These can be handled using a coarse lookup table.
Delay Estimation and Sizing of CMOS Logic Using Logical Effort With Slope Correction

This brief presents an improved logical-effort model to account for the slope mismatch between the input and output of a gate. The model has a simple formulation in which only one additional parameter is needed, making the analysis suitable for hand calculations. Using 65- and 90-nm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technologies, the model maintains less than 5% error in gate-delay estimations compared to Spectre simulations even under large variations between the input and output slopes. Using this model, a circuit optimization tool is written to optimize an adder synthesized with a 65-nm standard-cell library. The estimation error for the adder is also within the modeling accuracy of 5%, whereas the original logical-effort model and the synthesis timing libraries have errors of up to 40% and 20%, respectively.
Evaluation of bilateral vocal fold dysfunction: paralysis versus fixation, superior versus recurrent, and distal versus proximal to the laryngeal nerves.

The initial finding of reduced movement or immobility of the bilateral vocal folds may be caused by different etiologies. Bilateral vocal fold dysfunction (BVFD) could originate from neurological, myogenic, or articular causes, each treated by routine examination and completely different surgical procedures. In clinical practice, laryngoscopy rarely indicates the underlying causes of BVFD. Cases with straightforward etiologies may undergo changes in pathophysiologic status and present more complex clinical pictures. A battery of methods have been used to evaluate BVFD including fiberoptic laryngoscopy, videostroboscopy, spirometry, laryngeal electromyography (LEMG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). LEMG plays an important role in determining the diagnosis in terms of laryngeal paralysis, laryngeal joint fixation or dislocation, or posterior commisure synechiae. Bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP), though uncommon, has a multitude of etiologies and is a potentially life-threatening condition. BVFP is often caused by iatrogenic lesions in adults and by congenital anomalies in infants and children. Neurological lesions are the second most common cause of BVFP in adu1ts.l
Evaluation of Liquid DL-Methionine Sodium Salt in Broiler Diets

Abstract Studies were conducted to evaluate the biological value of liquid methionine sodium salt for broiler chickens. This product was compared to DL-methionine in corn-soybean meal type diets. Results indicated that at equimolar levels of added methionine the liquid methionine sodium salt was fully equal to DL-methionine for broiler chickens.
Abstract 20359: Long Term Valvular Outcomes With Patients Supported With HVAD and HeatMate II LVADS

Purpose: The natural history of mitral and tricuspid insufficiency at LVAD implantation and the progression of aortic insufficiency (AI) with continuous flow cfLVADs may alter the effectiveness of prolonged VAD support. To date, no study has examined differences in valvular outcomes between different cfLVADs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed echocardiographic assessments from primary HeartMate II (HMII) or HVAD LVAD implants between 1/16/09 and 5/24/13. We estimated the effect of cfLVADs on valvular function by calculating the change in valve dysfunction from the preoperative to the last postoperative assessment. A chi-square test was used for categorical variables and a t-test was used for continuous variables. Results: The average follow up in days for HMII patients (n=151) was 307.3 +/- 310.8and 208.1 +/- 235.6 for HVAD patients (n=21) (p=0.102). The average age was 55.5 +/- 13.5 and 59.0 +/- 12.1 for HMII and HVAD respectively (p=0.093). Pulmonary artery systolic pressures (PASP) were not different between the groups at implant. Post implantation, a significantly lower percentage of HVAD patients experienced worsened AI with a total of 20.0% progressing 1 (10.0%) or 2 (10.0%) grades vs a total of 38.8% in the HMII group progressed by 1 (8.3%), 2 (27.1%), and 3 (3.5%) grades (p=0.03). No difference was seen between devices regarding the change in mitral or tricuspid valve function (p=0.38 and p=0.42, respectively). No patient in either group underwent isolated procedures for AI. Post implant, both devices significantly improved PASP (p=0.00001), with HVAD (n=14) further reducing PASP (24.0 +/- 8.6 mmHg) compared to HMII (n=117) mean PASP of 31.2 +/- 10.7 mmHg (p= 0.01). Conclusions: Progression of AI was significantly less in HVAD patients compared to HMII patients. Mitral insufficiency did not differ between the groups, but PASP was reduced further in HVAD patients suggesting greater unloading was achieved. The reason for the observed differences is not clear but may be related to mechanistic differences between pumps, differences in outflow graft sizes, or aortic anastomosis induced turbulence in the aortic root.
TGRL Lipolysis Products Induce Stress Protein ATF3 via the TGF-β Receptor Pathway in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells

Studies have suggested a link between the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) signaling cascade and the stress-inducible activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). We have demonstrated that triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRL) lipolysis products activate MAP kinase stress associated JNK/c-Jun pathways resulting in up-regulation of ATF3, pro-inflammatory genes and induction of apoptosis in human aortic endothelial cells. Here we demonstrate increased release of active TGF-β at 15 min, phosphorylation of Smad2 and translocation of co-Smad4 from cytosol to nucleus after a 1.5 h treatment with lipolysis products. Activation and translocation of Smad2 and 4 was blocked by addition of SB431542 (10 μM), a specific inhibitor of TGF-β-activin receptor ALKs 4, 5, 7. Both ALK receptor inhibition and anti TGF-β1 antibody prevented lipolysis product induced up-regulation of ATF3 mRNA and protein. ALK inhibition prevented lipolysis product-induced nuclear accumulation of ATF3. ALKs 4, 5, 7 inhibition also prevented phosphorylation of c-Jun and TGRL lipolysis product-induced p53 and caspase-3 protein expression. These findings demonstrate that TGRL lipolysis products cause release of active TGF-β and lipolysis product-induced apoptosis is dependent on TGF-β signaling. Furthermore, signaling through the stress associated JNK/c-Jun pathway is dependent on TGF-β signaling suggesting that TGF-β signaling is necessary for nuclear accumulation of the ATF3/cJun transcription complex and induction of pro-inflammatory responses.
Ab Initio Calculations Related to Glucagon

Glucagon is a polypeptide (29 residues) hormone that regulates gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis in the liver. Its effects are mediated by cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate), which is synthesized in a reaction catalyzed by membrane-bound adenylate cyclase. As discovered by Earl Sutherland in the 1950s, glucagon binds to receptors on the surface of liver cells, and there they trigger the formation of cAMP. While the hormone itself is thought not to penetrate the cell, cAMP mediates the intracellular effects, serving thus as a second messenger to the hormone, which is the first messenger.
CD40 ligand triggered interleukin-6 secretion in multiple myeloma

Previous studies have suggested that interleukin-6 (IL-6) may mediate growth of multiple myeloma (MM) in either an autocrine or paracrine growth mechanism. However, those molecules which can trigger IL-6 secretion either by tumor cells or non-MM marrow cells are not well characterized. In the present study, we have examined the expression and functional significance of CD40 on MM and plasma cell leukemia (PCL) cells and derived cell lines, as well as long-term bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and derived cell lines. CD40 was expressed on the majority of MM cells (> 90%) and BMSCs (> 70%). Triggering via CD40 using NIH3T3 CD40 ligand transfectant (CD40LT) cells increased (> 30%) cell surface CD80, CD18, CD11a, CD11b, and CD11c expression on MM cell lines. Culture with either fresh or paraformaldehyde fixed NIH3T3 CD40LT cells upregulates IL-6 secretion in MM cells and MM-derived cell lines, as well as normal and MM bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs), BMSCs, and BMSC lines; this effect can be specifically blocked by anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody (MoAb). BMMCs and BMSCs from patients with MM secreted significantly more IL-6 than those from healthy donors (n = 3, P < .001); moreover, after stimulation using CD40L, IL-6 secretion was fourfold greater (n = 3, P < .001) from MM BMMCs and BMSCs than from normal BMMCs and BMSCs. Myeloma (CD38+CD45RA-) cells and non-MM (CD38+CD45RA+, CD38-CD45RA+, and CD38-CD45RA-) BMMCs were separated by dual fluorescence cell sorting. The latter secreted fourfold more IL-6 than the former (n = 2, P < .001). Increased IL-6 secretion (up to 28-fold) and proliferation (Stimulation index 10) by CD38+CD45RA-MM cells was triggered by culture with NIH3T3 CD40LT cells. Finally, anti-CD40MoAb partially (30%) blocked tumor cell to BMSC adhesion-induced IL-6 secretion. These studies support the view that CD40L may trigger IL-6 secretion by both MM cells and BMSCs and that IL-6-mediated autocrine and paracrine growth mechanisms may be possible in MM.
STRAIN SPECIFIC COMPLEMENT-FIXATION DIFFERENTIATION OF INFLUENZA B VIRUSES ISOLATED IN TISSUE CULTURE.

SummaryFive strains of influenza B virus isolated in monkey kidney tissue cultures from 5 separate influenza outbreaks in the Midwest of the United States during the winter of 1961–62 were studied for antigenic variations. These strains were analyzed by the strain specific CF test and the standard HI test. The sera used were obtained during the acute and convalescent phases from 8 patients who had influenza B infection confirmed by virus isolation. The CF test could detect antigenic differences among influenza strains isolated from the same locale as well as from different geographic areas. These differences were not detectable by the HI test.
Removal of Annual Plants from the Desert Ecosystem by Western Harvester Ants, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis

Rate and pattern of removal of annual plants from nest areas by western harvester ants, Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (Cresson), near Reno, Nev., were found to vary among nests. The rate of plant removal from mounds is initially rapid, but decreases as the season progresses. Plant removal appears to be a density-dependent function. As plant numbers decrease during the season so does the chance of encounter and the rate of cutting by the ants. Ninety-seven percent of the annual plants present during the study were cut down by the ants. Plant removal rates also differ during the season. They are essentially equal for the 4 cardinal compass directions, but are significantly different among nests. Numbers of annual plants cut are estimated at 157–226 million/ha/year for the areas studied.
Weak order, hyperplane arrangements, and the Tamari lattice

One of the most elegant ways in which the Eulerian numbers and the Narayana numbers arise is in the counting of faces of polytopes. These polytopes are related to certain poset structures on, respectively, the set of all permutations of [n] and on the set of 231-avoiding permutations of [n] (or any set of Catalan objects). These posets are known as the weak order and the Tamari lattice, respectively. Our study of the weak order leads naturally to a side trip into the realm of hyperplane arrangements. This geometric perspective will be useful to have in later parts of the book.
Continuous EEG Monitoring in Critically Ill Patients with CNS Infections

The prevalence, predictors, and clinical significance of electrographic seizures (ESz) or periodic epileptiform discharges (PEDs) recorded during continuous electroencephalographic monitoring in critically ill patients with CNS infections were evaluated in a study at Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY.
Treatment of Kawasaki disease patients with non-responsiveness to high-dose gamma-globulin therapy

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment plan of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG)non-responsive Kawasaki disease(KD).Methods A total of 140 KD patients with non-responsiveness to high-dose gamma-globulin therapy hospitalized from January 2007 to December 2009 were included in the study.All the KD patients were divided into 4 groups.The control group took aspirin orally only.The IVIG group were given intravenous immunoglobulin at 2 g·kg-1·d-1.The prednisone group were given intravenous meprednisone at 20-30 mg·kg-1·d-1.The ulinastatin group were given intravenous ulinastatin 5 000 U·kg-1.The clinical characteristics and therapeutic effect were analysed.Results The therapeutic effect rate in the control group was lower than that of the other groups.The incidence rate of coronary artery lesion was higher in the control group than the other groups.But there was no difference between the 3 groups in the effective rate and the incidence rate.Conclusion KD patients with IVIG non-responsiveness are vulnerable to coronary artery lesion and severe complications.Additional IVIG,steroid therapy and ulinastatin therapy may be used for IVIG non-responsive KD patients.
Oncogenes and human neoplasia.

Genes whose products are directly involved in the transformation of a normal to a neoplastic cell are present in most but not all oncogenic viruses. Counterparts to such genes found in oncogenic RNA viruses (retroviruses) have also been found in normal cells, their coding sequences highly conserved in evolution. Such viral genes (v-onc) are expressed at high levels in infected cells. “Activation” of cellular homologues of v-onc genes (c-one) may occur by a variety of mechanisms leading to an abnormal and/or increased expression of such activated c-one genes in malignant cells. Although oncogene activation appears to be a critical step in the neoplastic transformation induced by oncogenic viruses, the role of this process in the development of chemical and radiation-induced neoplasia is not yet clear.
The Distribution, Habitat Use, and Conservation Status of Three Atlantic Forest Monkeys ( Sapajus xanthosternos , Callicebus melanochir , Callithrix sp.) in an Agroforestry/Forest Mosaic in Southern Bahia, Brazil

If we are to develop effective conservation strategies for primates in heavily disturbed biomes, we must understand why they persist or perish in human-dominated landscapes. I investigated the potential of an agroforestry/forest mosaic in the Atlantic forest of Bahia, Brazil to sustain populations of three monkey species —capuchins (Sapajus xanthosternos), titi monkeys (Callicebus melanochir), and marmosets (Callithrix sp.)— sampling the primates in three forest and four agroforestry landscapes across a 1000 km2 landscape during a 17-yr study. I used 754 km of transects, reconnaissance walks, semistructured interviews, and key informant reports to collect information on the monkeys. Capuchins and titi monkeys are mostly restricted to the largest forests, with titi monkeys widely distributed and capuchins nearly extinct. Both species are absent from the Attalea funifera forests, but a few capuchins persist in the Brodiguesia santosii forests. Marmosets live throughout the landscape and are the only species inhabiting the agroforestry lands. The abundance data indicate that the disturbed forests characteristic of the landscape provide adequate habitat for all three species, but chronic hunting suppresses titi and capuchin populations and limits their distributions. Data from the Reserva Ecologica Michelin show that protected monkey populations can reach abundances equal to those at other protected sites, and that capuchins and titi monkeys enter agroforestry lands when protected. Long-term data indicate that deforestation rates are low and that illegal logging and hunting pressure are declining. The creation of reserves and the relatively large amount of forest left make the regional landscape a vital part of the strategy to conserve these species. This study demonstrates that agroforestry/forest landscapes can play an important role in primate conservation when large blocks of contiguous forest with adequate escape space for hunted primates remain, but that the potential conservation value of agroforestry habitats and small forest fragments for hunted species will be realized only if hunting is controlled.
Layer-Controlled Chemical Vapor Deposition Growth of MoS2 Vertical Heterostructures via van der Waals Epitaxy

The fascinating semiconducting and optical properties of monolayer and few-layer transition metal dichalcogenides, as exemplified by MoS2, have made them promising candidates for optoelectronic applications. Controllable growth of heterostructures based on these layered materials is critical for their successful device applications. Here, we report a direct low temperature chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis of MoS2 monolayer/multilayer vertical heterostructures with layer-controlled growth on a variety of layered materials (SnS2, TaS2, and graphene) via van der Waals epitaxy. Through precise control of the partial pressures of the MoCl5 and elemental sulfur precursors, reaction temperatures, and careful tracking of the ambient humidity, we have successfully and reproducibly grown MoS2 vertical heterostructures from 1 to 6 layers over a large area. The monolayer MoS2 heterostructure was verified using cross-sectional high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) while Raman and photolumin...
Atom Probe Tomography Analysis of Ag Doping in 2D Layered Material (PbSe)5(Bi2Se3)3

Impurity doping in two-dimensional (2D) materials can provide a route to tuning electronic properties, so it is important to be able to determine the distribution of dopant atoms within and between layers. Here we report the tomographic mapping of dopants in layered 2D materials with atomic sensitivity and subnanometer spatial resolution using atom probe tomography (APT). APT analysis shows that Ag dopes both Bi2Se3 and PbSe layers in (PbSe)5(Bi2Se3)3, and correlations in the position of Ag atoms suggest a pairing across neighboring Bi2Se3 and PbSe layers. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm the favorability of substitutional doping for both Pb and Bi and provide insights into the observed spatial correlations in dopant locations.
A Situation Judgment Test for Military Multicultural Decision-Making: Initial Psychometric Studies:

Like other organizations with a global reach, the US military faces challenges associated with multicultural teaming. Cultural differences in norms for work and social relationships may impair decision-making. This article reports the initial stages of the development of a Situation Judgment Test (SJT) for multicultural decision-making ability. SJTs may have greater validity than self-reports of competence. An initial SJT was developed on the basis of critical incidents in multinational operations recounted by military Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Study 1 examined psychometric properties of the SJT in an internet sample of 250 predominantly civilian respondents. Study 2 collected data from 61 US and coalition partner Warfighters participating in a joint exercise. Findings confirmed the reliability of the assessment across different populations, and established a gradation of item difficulty. Civilian and military samples show somewhat similar response patterns suggesting that multicultural decision-maki...
Illusory Statistical Power in Time Series Analysis

Preprocessing of time series data with moving average and autoregressive processes serves a useful purpose in time series analysis; but the further use of the preprocessed series for computing probability in hypothesis tests or for constructing confidence intervals requires a correction to the degrees of freedom imposed on the filtered series by multiplicity. Multiplicity derives from repeated use of the same data item in the source data series for the computation of multiple items in the filtered series. A procedure for estimating multiplicity and the effective degrees of freedom implied by multiplicity is proposed and its utility is demonstrated with examples. It is found that without a multiplicity correction the filtered series can show an illusory increase in statistical power.