cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The “Buffer” Layer in the Cvd Growth of β-SiC on (001) Silicon

The concept of a “buffer” layer in the epitaxial growth of compound semiconductors on (001) silicon substrate is discussed on the basis of homogeneous and heterogeneous surface nucleation. Experimental results on the nucleation of β-SiC on (001) Si by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) are presented and they are discussed in terms of the model for the growth of the buffer layer.
A simple and sensitive solid-phase radioimmunoassay for the assay of human TSH antibody. Use in screening hybridoma cell lines.

A simple and sensitive radioimmunoassay procedure is described for the screening and detection of specific antibodies in hybridoma cell lines. The specific procedure was developed to screen for antibodies against human thyrotropin (hTSH), but the procedure is applicable to screening for any desired antibodies. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) fraction of goat anti-mouse IgG is used to coat wells of microtiter plates. Anti-hTSH antibodies are measured by incubating antiserum dilutions in the coated wells and detecting the bound IgG with radioiodinated hTSH. Unlabeled hTSH may also be detected by its ability to inhibit binding of125I-hTSH to the coated wells. This assay technique meets the demands of simplicity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and rapidity as a screening assay of hybridoma cell lines capable of secreting anti h-TSH.
Microscopic Fluorescence Studies on Brain Intracellular Ca2+ Responses to Ischemia with and without Ca2+- Channel Blockade

This study presents the experimental results of intracellular calcium responses to ischemia with and without calcium channel blockade with nimodipine in the brain using fluorescence microscopic imaging.
Talking about the Effective Communication in Classroom Teaching

Many factors affect classroom teaching and effective communication is one of the most important one.Effective communication between the teacher and students requires expected feedback after one party sends out the message.Therefore,In order to be effective in teaching students,teachers should build a friendly and harmonious relationship with students by sending verbal and nonverbal information effectively through proper media.
The status of lactoferrin and total iron binding capacity of human parotid saliva in Sjögren's syndrome.

S j o g re n ’ s syndrome (SS) is ch ro n i c salivary gland disorder characterized by a reduction in salivary and lacrimal secretion. Elevation in sali vary lacto ferrin has been reported in SS patients. Fluctuation in the iron binding capaci ty of lactoferrin has been associated with cellular damage. Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of sali vary lactoferrin, total iron, and iron binding c apacity in Sjogre n ’ s syndrome (SS) patients and healthy controls. M e t h o d s . S D S - PAGE was used to examine the presence of lactofer rin in 102 patients and 20 healthy controls. A colorimetric assay was used to examine the level of total salivary iron and iron binding capacity in patients and controls. R e s u l t s . A higher number of SS pat i e n t s exhibited elevated levels of lactofe rri n as compared to controls (86% vs. 20%, re s p e c t ive ly). No significant diffe re n c e was observed in the mean level of total i ron in the saliva between patients and c o n t rols (12.6 µg/100 ml vs. 11.1 µg/ 100 ml, re s p e c t ive ly). Howeve r, t h e total iron binding capacity of lactofe r rin was signifi c a n t ly lower among SS p atients than healthy controls (38.2 µg/100 ml vs. 61.8 µg/100 ml, r e s p e c t ive ly ) , p = 0.019. Conclusion. The overall results of this study suggest a possible impairment of the iron binding capacity of sali va in SS patients. Such impairment may contribute to the cellular damage of the s a l iva ry glands observed in SS patients.
A Missense Mutation in the Selectivity Filter of BK Affects the Channel's Potassium Conductance

Large-conductance Ca2+ activated potassium channels (BK), which are synergistically modulated by voltage and intracellular calcium, play important role in the control of the cell excitability. Here we report data from a de novo missense mutation in KCNMA1, encoding the BK channel α subunit found in a patient with progressive cerebellar ataxia. The mutation changes the residue of glycine 354, in the selectivity filter signature sequence 352-TVGYG-356 in potassium channels, into a serine. We expressed BK and G354S mutant BK (BK-G354S) channels in Xenopus oocytes and we analyzed macroscopic and on-cell single channel potassium currents recorded under voltage clamp. The macroscopic potassium currents are reduced in magnitude by about ten times and are slowly activated in oocytes expressing BK-G354S channels when compared with oocytes injected with cRNA for BK channels. The microscopic single channel conductance in BK-G354S is also depressed to about a tenth of the single channel conductance of BK channels, which suggest that the smaller macroscopic currents recorded with BK-G354S channels is not a mere problem of expression in the membrane. Actually, as revealed by expressing both proteins in mammalian cells and measuring their expression level using immunofluorescence techniques, BK-G354S channels are expressed in comparable levels with the expression of the wild-type BK channels. The mutation G354S in BK channel significantly decreases its potassium conductance, which importantly denotes a phenotype with loss of function. Biophysical data presented here provides crucial information that helps understanding the neurologic pathophysiology in the affected patient and it may also help in designing possible treatments for this and other similar cases. Supported by NIH GM030376, NS094665-01 and NS082788-02.
Intraoperative Monitoring of Evoked Potentials

Evoked potentials (EPs), the electrophysiologic responses of the nervous system to stimulation, permit monitoring of the functional integrity of neurologic pathways when clinical monitoring is hampered by general anesthesia or coma. Intraoperative EP monitoring is now commonplace in many medical centers throughout the world. To use these techniques to best advantage, one must appreciate several important principles. This paper reviews key concepts in monitoring and describes key criteria for assessing EPs as monitors in the operating room. In conclusion, guidelines for avoiding “false positives” and “false negatives” are outlined.
Exploring the Assessment of the DSM–5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders With the Personality Assessment Inventory

ABSTRACTSection III of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed. [DSM–5]; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) contains an alternative model for the diagnosis of personality disorder involving the assessment of 25 traits and a global level of overall personality functioning. There is hope that this model will be increasingly used in clinical and research settings, and the ability to apply established instruments to assess these concepts could facilitate this process. This study sought to develop scoring algorithms for these alternative model concepts using scales from the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). A multiple regression strategy used to predict scores in 2 undergraduate samples on DSM–5 alternative model instruments: the Personality Inventory for the DSM–5 (PID–5) and the General Personality Pathology scale (GPP; Morey et al., 2011). These regression functions resulted in scores that demonstrated promising convergent and discriminant validity across the alternative...
Hinterland transport chains: Determinant effects on chain choice

Abstract A hinterland is the landward side of a seaport, whereas a seaport (dry port) is the sea node (inland node) of a hinterland transport chain, i.e. the hinterland transport network over which cargo moves. A hinterland transport chain is jointly determined by seaports, dry ports, intermodal carriers, importers and exporters. A mathematical model is proposed to model this joint choice. Analysis of the model shows that the impact of the seaport's and dry port's throughput, intermodal carriers’ profit, importers’ and exporters’ logistics costs on the hinterland chain choice can either be amplified or extenuated, depending on the existence of what we refer to as indirect effects.
Anode Modes in Vacuum Arcs: Update

This paper discusses the seven different anode discharge modes which can occur in a vacuum arc. These modes are diffuse arc (low current, with or without anode sputtering), footpoint and plume (intermediate current), plus anode spot (two types), and intense arc (high current). The plume and Type 2 anode spot modes may occur just for certain materials, since they have been seen only with CuCr electrodes. Descriptions of the various spot modes are presented, based primarily on experimental results. The effects of external magnetic fields on anode modes are briefly stated. Arc column modes are also discussed, but only as they correspond to anode modes.
Cognitive Function and Kidney Disease: Baseline Data From the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT).

Background Chronic kidney disease is common and is associated with cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cognitive function, although the nature of this relationship remains uncertain. Study Design Cross-sectional cohort using baseline data from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT). Setting & Participants Participants in SPRINT, a randomized clinical trial of blood pressure targets in older community-dwelling adults with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or high cardiovascular disease risk and without diabetes or known stroke, who underwent detailed neurocognitive testing in the cognition substudy, SPRINT−Memory and Cognition in Decreased Hypertension (SPRINT-MIND). Predictors Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Outcomes Cognitive function, a priori defined as 5 cognitive domains based on 11 cognitive tests using z scores, and abnormal white matter volume quantified by brain magnetic resonance imaging. Results Of 9,361 SPRINT participants, 2,800 participated in SPRINT-MIND and 2,707 had complete data; 637 had brain imaging. Mean age was 68 years, 37% were women, 30% were black, and 20% had known cardiovascular disease. Mean eGFR was 70.8±20.9mL/min/1.73m 2 and median urine ACR was 9.7 (IQR, 5.7-22.5) mg/g. In adjusted analyses, higher ACR was associated with worse global cognitive function, executive function, memory, and attention, such that each doubling of urine ACR had the same association with cognitive performance as being 7, 10, 6, and 14 months older, respectively. Lower eGFR was independently associated with worse global cognitive function and memory. In adjusted models, higher ACR, but not eGFR, was associated with larger abnormal white matter volume. Limitations Cross-sectional only, no patients with diabetes were included. Conclusions In older adults, higher urine ACR and lower eGFR have independent associations with global cognitive performance with different affected domains. Albuminuria concurrently identifies a higher burden of abnormal brain white matter disease, suggesting that vascular disease may mediate these relationships.
Reaching 10-years of battery life for industrial IoT wireless sensor networks

In this paper we present methods to reach 10-years of battery life for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) wireless sensor network (WSN) using a platform called the I3Mote. I3Mote provides connected sensor nodes for tough industrial environment and a number of I3Motes can form a large-scale coverage of data collectors or actuators. The goal is to achieve 10-years network life time for all the connected battery powered nodes with a duty cycle of data collection (uplink traffic) in 10 seconds. Due to the ubiquitous optimization of hardware (sensors, connectivity, MCU, HMI and PM), protocol, localized data process, etc. we see a light through the tunnel. This paper will go through techniques of power optimization at device and network level to extend the battery life to industry standard of 10 years.
The Struggle to Legitimate Political Regimes in Venezuela: From Pérez Jiménez to Maduro

This essay reviews the following works: Chavez’s Legacy: The Transformation from Democracy to a Mafia State. By Ari Chaplin. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 2014. Pp. vii + 230. $35.00 cloth. ISBN: 9780761862659. Dragon in the Tropics: Venezuela and the Legacy of Hugo Chavez, 2nd ed. By Javier Corrales and Mark Penfold. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution Press, 2015. Pp. ix + 237. $27.00 paper. ISBN: 9780815725930. Poder, petroleo y pobreza. By Jose Antonio Gil Yepes. Caracas: Libros Marcadores, 2015. Pp. 367. Paper. ISBN: 9789804080395. Venezuela: What Everyone Needs to Know. By Miguel Tinker Salas. New York: Oxford University Press, 2015. Pp. xi + 241. $16.95 paper. ISBN: 9780199783281. We Are the State! Barrio Activism in Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution. By Cristobal Valencia. Tucson: University of the Arizona Press, 2015. Pp. vii + 229. $55.00 cloth. ISBN: 9780816531561. Barrio Rising: Urban Popular Politics and the Making of Modern Venezuela. By Alejandro Velasco. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2015. Pp. vii + 344. $29.95 paper. ISBN: 9780520283329.
Corrosion monitoring of NiTi alloy with small-amplitude potential intermodulation technique

The effects of thermal cycling on corrosion resistivity of Nickel-titanium shape memory alloy are studied. The corrosion properties of material has been studied with small-amplitude potential intermodulation technique at various temperatures from 0°C to 70°C. The corrosion properties has been determined from the system responses to a potential distortion to two sinusoidal waves. The Tafel slopes and corrosion rate at each temperature have been compared with the results of Linear Polarization Resistance (LPR), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. System response time for each technique and deviation from steady state conditions has been compared with obtained polarization resistance (Rp) values from EIS method. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is used to determine the forward and reverse martensitic transformation temperatures. DSC graph shows martensitic phase at room temperature and temperature regime for experimental (from 0°C to 70°C).
Linear Reaction-Convection-Diffusion Equation

In this chapter, we discuss the control problem of the linear reaction-convectiondiffusion equation $$\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} = \mu \nabla^{2} u + \nabla \cdot (u\mathbf{v}) + au.$$ (4.1) Depending on a particular real problem, u can represent a temperature or the concentration of a chemical species. The constant μ > 0 is the diffusivity of the temperature or the species, the vector v(x) = (v 1(x), …, vn(x)) is the velocity field of a fluid flow, and a(x) is a reaction rate. ∇2 is defined by $$\nabla^{2} u = \frac{\partial^{2}u}{\partial x_{1}^{2}} + \ldots + \frac{\partial^{2} u}{\partial x_{n}^{2}},$$ $$\nabla u = \left(\frac{\partial u}{\partial x_{1}}, \ldots, \frac{\partial u}{\partial x_{n}}\right).$$ \(\nabla \cdot (u\mathbf{v}) = {\rm div} (u\mathbf{v}) = \sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^{n} \frac{\partial (uv_{i})}{\partial x_{i}}\) denotes the divergence of the vector u v.
Beyond Ashworth: Electrophysiologic Quantification of Spasticity

Spasticity is a hallmark of upper motor neuron lesion, which is easily identified but is difficult to quantify and treat. The Ashworth scale lacks reliability. Available biomechanical and electrophysiologic studies offer a more reliable measure of spastic hypertonia but have limited clinical utility. A uniformly acceptable, reliable, and practical measure of spasticity continues to elude the clinician. This chapter reviews the basic neuroanatomy and physiology of the stretch reflex and the pathophysiology of the spasticity. Current biomechanical and electrophysiological techniques are used to quantify spasticity.
The Oxidative Metabolism of the Aromatic A-Ring of Steroidal Estrogens

The pathways of oxidative metabolism of the aromatic A-ring of steroidal estrogens such as estradiol involve initial hydroxylation reactions at C-2 and C-4. Estrogen 2-/4-hydroxylase activities, which catalyze the formation of the resulting catechol estrogen products, are found in microsomes from a variety of mammalian tissues. The relatively high rate of catechol estrogen formation in the liver has generally been regarded as a deactivating reaction because the catechol products were considered to be biologically inert. Recently, however, there has been a resurgence of interest in 2- and 4-hydroxy-estradiol due to their potential biological activities when they are formed within tissues, since these catechols are further metabolized extremely rapidly when they are administered to animals or humans. It has also become evident from differences between some of the biological activities of 2- and 4-hydroxy-estrogens that it is no longer appropriate to consider catechol estrogens as a single class of compounds.
How International Human Rights Transformed the U.S. Constitution

Adoption of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights created a new international norm prohibiting racial discrimination. That anti-discrimination norm had been a part of the paper Constitution in the United States since adoption of the Fourteenth Amendment. However, it did not become a part of the living Constitution until the Fourteenth Amendment was subjected to the magnetic pull of international human rights law. Adoption of the Charter sparked a chain of events culminating in the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which heralded the end of apartheid in the United States. Many Americans think that modern anti-discrimination law was a U.S. invention that we exported to the rest of the world. In fact, U.S. anti-discrimination law is properly understood as an outgrowth of the creation of modern international human rights law.
Brave Spaces: Places Where a Breakaway is Possible

One question I enjoy discussing is, “What does this mean?” The question is a strong pedagogical prompt for clarification and reflection. People ask this in every sector of society and in every aspe...
Simvastatin, at clinically relevant concentrations, affects human uterine leiomyoma growth and extracellular matrix production.

Objective To observe the antifibroid effects of therapeutic concentrations of simvastatin, which interferes with cholesterol biosynthesis, a known precursor of five major classes of steroid hormones, including progesterone and estrogen, which play a major role in the development and growth of uterine leiomyomas. Design Two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell culture study of immortalized human leiomyoma and patient-matched myometrium cells treated with simvastatin. Setting University laboratory. Patient(s) None. Interventions(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Cell proliferation, alteration in apoptotic signaling pathways, and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein production. Result(s) Simvastatin demonstrated a concentration-dependent antiproliferative effect on both the leiomyoma cells and the patient-matched myometrium cells, but a higher inhibitory effect at lower concentrations of simvastatin was observed in leiomyoma cells. Simvastatin also regulated leiomyoma cell apoptosis through a concentration-dependent increase in activity of caspase-3. Simvastatin significantly inhibited expression of major ECM proteins collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, versican, and brevican in leiomyoma cells at concentrations as low as 10−9 mol/L within 48 hours of exposure. Conclusion(s) Simvastatin induces apoptosis in uterine leiomyoma cells at low concentrations, as evidenced by increased active caspase levels. Furthermore, inhibited production of the ECM proteins may lead to reduction in tumor size. Simvastatin may represent a novel therapeutic treatment strategy for uterine leiomyomas.
Abstract 176: To Stay or to Go? Utilization of a Mobile Interventional Stroke Team Shortens Time to Treatment in Large Vessel Occlusion

Objective: To compare outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) presenting to a single primary stroke center (PSC). MT was performed either by a mobile ...
Increased O-GlcNAcylation rapidly decreases GABAAR currents in hippocampus yet depresses neuronal output

O-GlcNAcylation, a post-translational modification involving O-linkage of β-N-acetylglucosamine to Ser/Thr residues on target proteins, is increasingly recognized as a critical regulator of brain function in health and disease. Enzymes that catalyze O-GlcNAcylation are found at both presynaptic and postsynaptic sites, and O-GlcNAcylated proteins localize to synaptosomes. Acute increase in O-GlcNAcylation induces long-term depression (LTD) of excitatory transmission at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses, and depresses hyperexcitable circuits in vitro and in vivo. Yet, no study has investigated how O-GlcNAcylation modulates the efficacy of inhibitory neurotransmission. Here we show an acute increase in O-GlcNAc dampens GABAergic currents onto principal cells in rodent hippocampus likely through a postsynaptic mechanism, and increases the excitation/inhibition balance. However, the overall effect of increased O-GlcNAc is reduced synaptically-driven spike probability via decreased intrinsic excitability and synaptic depression. Our results position O-GlcNAcylation as a novel regulator of the excitation/inhibition balance and neuronal output.
ENZYME TYPES OF ATLANTIC COD STOCKS ON THE NORTH AMERICAN BANKS

ABSTRACT . Population samples of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., collected off the North American coast were examined for genetic variations at four genetic loci. This census of cod genes is part of a larger current research project using genetic tags to delimit breeding units in cod fisheries. The loci gave the following information.
Compressive sensing for channeled polarimetry: applications in spectropolarimetry and imaging polarimetry

This paper will present an overview of compressive sensing for channeled polarimetry. We frame the reconstruction of the Stokes parameters as an underdetermined problem, where we solve for 3N unknowns from N measurements. We discuss two types of polarimeters: channeled spectropolarimeters and channeled linear imaging polarimeters. The polarimeters may differ in a few aspects: the output may be signals or images, the optical elements may vary, and the dimensions may be spatial or spectral. Our algorithms work with existing polarimeters and require no change in optical elements or measurement procedure. The purpose of this work is to present this framework and describe how it applies across different types of polarimeters. Both simulations and experiments show that our algorithms produce more accurate reconstructions with less artifacts than frequency domain filtering
Effect of noise on extreme events probability in a one-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation

Abstract We report a numerical observation that multiplicative random forcing (noise) significantly increases the probability of formation of extreme events in the one-dimensional, focusing nonlinear Schrodinger equation. Furthermore, this phenomenon is sensitive to the noise's spatial correlation length. Highly correlated multiplicative noise may increase the probability of extreme events even when the average nonlinearity of the system is weak. On the contrary, noise with short spatial correlations substantially increases the probability of extreme events only for sufficiently strong average nonlinearity.
The Role of the Medicaid Expansion in the Use of Preventive Health Care Services in California Men.

Men’s use of preventive care services may be constrained due to a number of factors including lack of health care insurance. California used the Medicaid expansion provisions of the Affordable Care...
Variation in colectomy rates for benign polyp and colorectal cancer.

Removal of pre-cancerous polyps on screening colonoscopy is a mainstay of colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention. Complex polyps may require surgical removal with colectomy, an operation with a 17% morbidity and 1.5% mortality rate. Recently, advanced endoscopic techniques have allowed some patients with complex polyps to avoid the morbidity of colectomy. However, the rate of colectomy for benign polyp in the United States is unclear, and variation in this rate across geographic regions has not been studied. We compared regional variation in colectomy rates for CRC versus benign polyp. We performed a retrospective population-based study of Medicare beneficiaries undergoing colectomy for CRC or benign polyp, using the 100% Medicare Provider Analysis and Review files from 2010 to 2015. We used multivariable linear regression to obtain population-based colectomy rates for CRC and benign polyp at the hospital referral region (HRR) level, adjusted for age, sex, and race. Of 280,815 patients, 157,802 (65.8%) underwent colectomy for CRC compared to 81,937 (34.2%) for benign polyp. Across HRRs, colectomy rates varied 5.8-fold for cancer (0.32–1.84 per 1000 beneficiaries). However, there was a 69-fold variation for benign polyp (0.01–0.69). While the rate of colectomy for CRC was correlated with the rate of colectomy for benign polyp (slope = 0.61, 95% CI 0.48–0.75), HRRs with the lowest or highest rates of colectomy for CRC did not necessarily have similarly low or high rates for benign polyp. The use of colectomy for benign polyp is much more variable compared to CRC, suggesting overuse of colectomy for benign polyp in some regions. This variation may stem from provider-level differences, such as endoscopists’ referral practice or skill or surgeons’ decision to perform colectomy, or from limited access to advanced endoscopists. Interventions to increase endoscopic resection of benign polyps may spare some patients the morbidity and cost of surgery.
Are Environmental DNA Methods Ready for Aquatic Invasive Species Management

Multiple studies have demonstrated environmental (e)DNA detections of rare and invasive species. However, invasive species managers struggle with using eDNA results because detections might not indicate species presence. We evaluated whether eDNA methods have matured to a point where they can be widely applied to aquatic invasive species management. We have found that eDNA methods meet legal standards for being admissible as evidence in most courts, suggesting eDNA method reliability is not the problem. Rather, we suggest the interface between results and management needs attention since there are few tools for integrating uncertainty into decision-making. Solutions include decision-support trees based on molecular best practices that integrate the temporal and spatial trends in eDNA positives relative to human risk tolerance.
Can oligodendrocyte precursor cells be a therapeutic target for mitigating cognitive decline in cerebrovascular disease

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) give rise to mature myelin-forming oligodendrocytes during white matter development. In adult brains, some populations of OPCs remain to renew oligodendrocyte pools and myelin. Two recent studies highlight the importance of OPCs in white matter homeostasis. Genetic tracing studies suggest that age-related decline in OPCs may contribute to diminished myelin renewal and memory deficits in mouse models. Single cell transcriptomics and imaging may now define specific subsets of OPCs involved in process elaboration, motility and myelination. These advances raise the possibility of pursuing OPCs as novel therapeutic targets for vascular cognitive impairment.
User experience for manual injection of 2 mL viscous solutions is enhanced by a new prefillable syringe with a staked 8 mm ultra-thin wall needle.

User experience was compared between a new pre-fillable 2.25 mL glass syringe equipped with an ultra-thin-wall (UTW) 8 mm stacked needle and a marketed BD Neopak™ syringe equipped with a special-th...
Benzene Adsorbed on Activated Carbon: A Comprehensive Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study of Interactions with the Pore Surface and Molecular Motions

Benzene-d6 and cyclohexane-d12 have been adsorbed on the surface within the pores of high-surface-area activated carbon (AC). Their molecular motions have been characterized by variable-temperature...
109. USING QI METHODOLOGY TO DECREASE UTILIZATION DRIFT OF THERAPEUTIC HYPOTHERMIA

Background The use of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is neuroprotective in patients with moderate or severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). We previously identified drift away from the standard of care guideline leading to the overuse of TH. This utilization drift has been attributed to gaps in medical documentation and lack of guideline awareness. Aim Statement Our aim was to increase the number of appropriate TH cases between each misuse TH case by December 2018. Interventions We conducted a QI project in our level IV NICU. A multidisciplinary QI team was formed including physicians, nurses, and ancillary providers. The patient population included all infants who received TH from 1/1/16 to 1/10/20. We developed a key driver diagram to determine the interventions to target which included EMR smartphrase implementation, provider education, and data sharing. Measures Our outcome measure was the number of appropriate TH cases between each misuse TH case. Our process measure was the percent of cases with complete documentation of the modified Sarnat score. Balancing measures were the number of cases where TH was underutilized and hospital length of stay. A geometric means chart (G chart) was created to analyze our outcome measure given that the time between each HIE case is rare. Results Special cause improvement was achieved in the number of appropriate TH cases between each misuse TH case after the 3 interventions were performed. Following implementation of EMR smartphrases, there was an improvement in overall modified Sarnat score documentation. Currently the EMR smartphrase is used in 76% of cases. Balancing measures remain unchanged. Conclusions and Next Steps Following interventions of EMR smartphrase implementation, education, and data sharing there was an increase in the number of appropriate TH cases between each misuse TH case. Next steps of enacting EMR Best Practice Alerts may help further increase appropriate TH use for patients with HIE.
Goal Attainment Scaling: A Framework for Research and Practice in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Field

Goal setting and attainment is often a targeted outcome in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field; however, standardizing the measurement of attainment of individualized goals is challenging. The purpose of this article is to introduce a four-domain framework that provides a series of questions to research and evaluation teams in planning for the use of goal attainment scaling (GAS) as an outcome measure at the individual or aggregate level. We intend to stimulate discussion and ongoing work to further systematize how GAS is used in (a) intervention research to establish evidence-based practices and (b) practice to assess the extent to which interventions and supports lead to intended outcomes. The goal is to promote a clear planning process to inform data collection on individualized goal attainment outcomes that are rooted in goals and outcomes valued by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Autonomous State Inference for Data-Driven Optimization of Neural Modulation

Neural modulation is a fundamental tool for treating neurological diseases and understanding their mechanisms. One of the challenges in neural modulation includes selecting stimulation parameters, as parameter spaces are very large and their induced effects can exhibit complex behavior. Moreover, the effect of stimulation may depend on the underlying neural state, which can be difficult or impossible to quantify a priori. In this study, we first use an unsupervised learning approach to demonstrate that the effect of medial septum optogenetic stimulation on hippocampal activity differs between awake and anesthetized behavioral states. We then use these data to construct a simulation model of a neural modulation experiment and demonstrate a novel Bayesian optimization method that automatically learns the subject-specific relationship between neural state and its effect on modulation. This approach outperformed standard Bayesian optimization and identified ground-truth optimal parameters of the simulation model, suggesting that this method can efficiently explore complex state-dependent relationships of parameter spaces to improve neural modulation.
Optimal dynamic incentive scheduling for Hawk-Dove evolutionary games

The Hawk-Dove mathematical game offers a paradigm of the trade-offs associated with aggressive and passive behaviors. When two (or more) populations of players (animals, insect populations, countries in military conflict, economic competitors, microbial communities, populations of co-evolving tumor cells, or reinforcement learners adopting different strategies) compete, their success or failure can be measured by their frequency in the population (successful behavior is reinforced, unsuccessful behavior is not), and the system is governed by the replicator dynamical system. We develop a time-dependent optimal-adaptive control theory for this nonlinear dynamical system in which the payoffs of the Hawk-Dove payoff matrix are dynamically altered (dynamic incentives) to produce (bang-bang) control schedules that (i) maximize the aggressive population at the end of time T, and (ii) minimize the aggressive population at the end of time T. These two distinct time-dependent strategies produce upper and lower bounds on the outcomes from all strategies since they represent two extremizers of the cost function using the Pontryagin maximum (minimum) principle. We extend the results forward to times nT (n = 1, ..., 5) in an adaptive way that uses the optimal value at the end of time nT to produce the new schedule for time (n+1)T. Two special schedules and initial conditions are identified that produce absolute maximizers and minimizers over an arbitrary number of cycles for $0 \le T \le 3$. For T > 3, our optimum schedules can drive either population to extinction or fixation. The method described can be used to produce optimal dynamic incentive schedules for many different applications in which the 2 x 2 replicator dynamics is used as a governing model.
Mammalian dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase.

Abstract Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) catalyzes the two-electron reduction of pyrimidine bases uracil and thymine as the first step in pyrimidine catabolism. The enzyme achieves this simple chemistry using a complex cofactor set including two flavins and four Fe4S4 centers. The flavins, FAD and FMN, interact with respective NADPH and pyrimidine substrates and the iron-sulfur centers form an electron transfer wire that links the two active sites that are separated by 56 A. DPD accepts the common antineoplastic agent 5-fluorouracil as a substrate and so undermines the establishment of efficacious toxicity. Though studied for multiple decades, a precise description of the behavior of the enzyme had remained elusive. It was recently shown that the active form of DPD has the cofactor set of FAD-4(Fe4S4)-FMNH2. This two-electron reduced state is consistent with fewer mechanistic possibilities and data suggests that the instigating and rate determining step in the catalytic cycle is reduction of the pyrimidine substrate that is followed by relatively rapid oxidation of NADPH at the FAD that, via the electron conduit of the 4(Fe4S4) centers, reinstates the FMNH2 cofactor for subsequent catalytic turnover.
Guidance laws, obstacle avoidance and artificial potential functions

In the context of autonomy for underwater vehicles, we assume that a usual suite of feedback controllers are present in the form of autopilot functions that provide for the regulation of vehicle speed, heading and depth or altitude. In this chapter. we consider the topic of guidance laws, obstacle avoidance and the use of artificial potential functions (APFs). This topic deals with the computations required to plan and develop paths and commands, which are used by these autopilots. Simple guidance laws such as 'proportional guidance' have been used for many years in missiles to provide interception with targets. Lateral accelerations are commanded proportional to the rate of change of line of sight. So long as the chaser vehicle has a speed advantage over the non-manoeuvring target, simply reducing the angle of line of sight (LOS) to zero will result in an interception. For applications with unmanned underwater vehicles, guidance laws allow vehicles to follow paths constructed in conjunction with mission objectives.
Serum Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 in Childhood Malignancy

Levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were measured in serum samples taken at diagnosis from pediatric patients with Hodgkin's disease (n = 69), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 28), Wilms' tumor (n = 20), osteosarcoma (n = 17), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 18), or Ewing's sarcoma (n = 15). Median levels of serum ICAM-1 were significantly higher in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Hodgkin's disease than in controls and other malignancies. Levels were positively correlated with disease stage for patients with Hodgkin's disease, Ewing's sarcoma or Wilms' tumor, and with the frequency of relapse in Hodgkin's disease (P = .016). Serum levels were normal in all of 76 patients tested in remission. It remains to be determined whether increased serum ICAM-1 levels simply reflect a greater tumor burden or whether this molecule contributes directly to the progression of childhood malignancies.
Multiphoton absorption in laser modified sites of fused silica substrates

We have conducted transmission measurements in laser modified and pristine sites of fused silica substrates at 355 nm, 532 nm and 1064 nm. Multiphoton absorption at 355 nm was considerably stronger in the modified regions compared to pristine sites and was strongly dependent on the excitation wavelength.
Combat-related PTSD nightmares and imagery rehearsal: nightmare characteristics and relation to treatment outcome.

The characteristics of nightmares of 48 male U.S. Vietnam war veterans with combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as revised dream scripts developed in the course of Imagery Rehearsal therapy, were examined in relation to pretreatment symptomatology and treatment outcome. Features, content, and themes of nightmares and rescripted dreams were coded by 2 independent raters. Nightmares were replete with scenes of death and violence and were predominantly replays of actual combat events in which the veteran was under attack and feared for his life. Although addressing or resolving the nightmare theme with rescripting was associated with a reduction in sleep disturbance, references to violence in the rescripted dream were related to poorer treatment outcome in nightmare frequency; B = 5.69 (SE = 1.14). The experience of olfactory sensations in nightmares, a possible index of nightmare intensity, was also related to poorer treatment response; B = 2.95 (SE = 1.06). Imagery rehearsal for individuals with severe, chronic PTSD and fairly replicative nightmares may be most effective when the rescripted dream incorporates a resolution of the nightmare theme and excludes violent details.
New studies of Čerenkov radiation in extensive air showers

New experimental studies of the angular, spectral and temporal properties of Cerenkov light produced in cosmic-ray extensive air showers (EAS) are reported. These data appear to be best explained by a two-component model for the origin of the Cerenkov light with production occurring not only (predominantly) at the electron maximum but also at greater atmospheric depths from unscattered, nearly «onaxis» particles, such as expected in the EAS core. Monte Carlo calculations to be published of EAS cores support this hypothesis. An individual EAS may thus be detected at its maximum of electromagnetic development and at its core simultaneously. New experiments employing these techniques are discussed and the important implications for the possible identification of the primary particle initiating the EAS detected are considered. Experiments are now in progress using the methods reported here to search for cosmic γ-ray sources as well as to study the primary cosmic-ray mass spectrum at energiesE0⋧1012eV.
Mapping XSD to OO schemas

This paper presents algorithms that make it possible to process XML data that conforms to XML Schema (XSD) in a mainstream object-oriented programming language. These algorithms are based on our object-oriented view of the core of XSD. The novelty of this view is that it is intellectually manageable for object-oriented programmers while still capturing the complexity of the core structural properties of XSD. This paper develops two mappings based on this view. The first one is specified by a set of rules that map a source XSD schema into its object-oriented schema. The second one maps XML instances that conform to an XSD schema to their representation as objects. In addition to mapping elements and attributes, these mappings reflect correctly the particle structures including different types of groups, and type derivation by restriction and extension. The structural properties of identity constraints are also mapped correctly. Formally defined mappings or algorithms of this sort have not been available so far, and existing industrial tools typically do not handle the level of complexity of XSD that our mappings do.
The Business of Pain Medicine: The Present Mirrors Antiquity

The practice of pain medicine is often considered a fledgling field, as are the economic, business, and related ethical issues associated with providing these services. This article first traces the history of pain care and its relationships to industry and business, as well as the impact of government regulations over the ages. The authors challenge the view that the commonly discussed health care issues facing pain medicine are new by tracing the business and regulatory-related antecedents of pain care practice from the first through 21st century. The controversies associated with the practice of delivering pain-related health care services in an ethical manner are discussed with specific reference to the early work of clinicians, health care activists, and policy makers. The early activities of noteworthy individuals such as Pliny the Great, Hua T'o, John Locke, Benjamin Franklin, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., William Morton, Henry and William James, Heinrick Dresser, and other recent health care activists are reviewed. Issues of practitioner liability and regulatory restrictions on practice are also discussed in a historical context. The authors conclude that familiar ethical dilemmas commonly arose in past centuries, and history may be repeating itself with respect to the concerns now being discussed within our field. These arguments are reflected against the pain medicine Ethics Charters of the American Academy of Pain Medicine throughout the document. Finally, we outline the challenges for the present and future. With an understanding of these eight historical events as a backdrop, we may be at an opportune time to better address these issues in a manner that could provide the most effective pain care in our society.
Culture of Politics, Politics of Cultures: Re-visioning Latin American Social Movements

Culture of Politics, Politics of Cultures: Re-visioning Latin American Social Movements. Sonia E. Alvarez. Evelina Dagnino. and Arturo Escobar. eds. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1998.459 pp.
Temperature-dependence of the template-directed synthesis of oligoguanylates.

The oligomerization of (guanosine 5 -phosphor)-2-methylimidazolide on a poly(C) template proceeds efficiently at temperature as high as 37 deg, although the helical complex formed by the template and substrate melts at a much lower temperature. At higher temperature, oligomerization depends on the template-independent formation of short oligomeric initiators, which then elongate on the template. The rate of elongation is only slightly dependent on oligomer length for lengths greater than that of the initiator.
Progress in coupling models of coastline and fluvial dynamics

The morphology and depositional history of wave-influenced deltas reflects the interplay between the fluvial and coastal domains. Here we present initial results of the coupling of stand-alone coastal and terrestrial models within the Community Surface Dynamics Modeling System (CSDMS) Component Modeling Tool (CMT), applied to study the evolution of wave-influenced deltas. The coastal domain is modeled using the Coastline Evolution Model (CEM), which simulates plan-view shoreline evolution due to wave-driven alongshore sediment transport, with fluvial influence incorporated by adding sediment along the coastline. The first application involves one-way coupling of the climate-driven hydrological transport model HydroTrend with CEM to investigate how fluctuations in sediment input rates due to climate change may affect the plan-view delta morphology and evolution. Simulations reveal that sediment discharge variability can have a significant effect on delta morphology if fluvial delivery of sediment temporarily exceeds the capacity for alongshore sediment transport to remove sediment from regions proximal to the river mouth. The second application involves two-way coupling of CEM with a river with multiple active distributary channels. In this case, changes to the coastline affect the apportionment of discharge flowing out of coeval distributaries through a two-way feedback. Model simulations where distributary length affects sediment discharge demonstrate how the dynamics of one distributary can control the sediment discharge of another. Wave-influenced deltas exhibiting strong channel feedbacks may prograde delta lobes faster than those without feedback. These preliminary model experiments demonstrate the capability of CMT to bidirectionally couple models that represent different process domains and were developed and designed independently (i.e. without the intentions of such coupling), offering the potential for further numerical studies of interactions taking place at the intersection of different process realms.
Wing Movements of Calling Katydids: Fiddling Finesse

Stridulating Uhler's katydids produce the most complex song known for insects. Series of four types of sounds are made in stereotyped sequence. Sound-synchronized high-speed photography reveals that each type of sound is produced by a distinctively different wing-movement cycle. The most complex of these cycles includes a two-step closure and a nearly silent close-open movement.
Temperature effects on burrowing behaviors and performance in a freshwater mussel

Despite the limited mobility of freshwater mussels, locomotion, especially burrowing, may be a critical part of their ecology. The effects of temperature on burrowing activities in freshwater mussels have not received much attention. In the laboratory, we studied the effects of three temperatures (ca. 10, 20, and 30°C) on mussel burrowing behaviors and performance. Behaviors assessed include latency to valve opening, latency until the foot becomes extended, and latency until burrowing. We also quantified burrowing performance by measuring burrowing duration. Mussels were significantly more likely to extend their foot and ultimately burrow at the highest experimental temperature. Burrowing performance was not significantly impacted, with burrowing duration being largely unaffected by temperature. This pattern suggests a hypothetical mechanism, whereby if some temperature threshold is reached that allows burrowing, the animal burrows normally. If that threshold is not attained, the mussel will not explore i...