cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, structural characterization, and properties of chromium(III) complexes containing amidinato ligands and η2-pyrazolato, η2-1,2,4-triazolato, or η1-tetrazolato ligands

Treatment of anhydrous chromium(III) chloride with 2 or 3 equivalents of 1,3-di-tert-butylacetamidinatolithium or 1,3-diisopropylacetamidinatolithium in tetrahydrofuran at ambient temperature afforded Cr(tBuNC(CH3)NtBu)2(Cl)(THF) and Cr(iPrNC(CH3)NiPr)3 in 78% and 65% yields, respectively. Treatment of Cr(tBuNC(CH3)NtBu)2(Cl)(THF) with the potassium salts derived from pyrazoles and 1,2,4-triazoles afforded Cr(tBuNC(CH3)NtBu)2(X), where X = 3,5-disubstituted pyrazolato or 3,5-disubstituted 1,2,4-triazolato ligands, in 65–70% yields. X-Ray crystal structure analyses of Cr(tBuNC(CH3)NtBu)2(Me2pz) (Me2pz = 3,5-dimethylpyrazolato) and Cr(tBuNC(CH3)NtBu)2(Me2trz) (Me2trz = 3,5-dimethyl-1,2,4-triazolato) revealed η2-coordination of the Me2pz and Me2trz ligands. Treatment of Cr(tBuNC(CH3)NtBu)2(Cl)(THF) with trifluoromethyltetrazolatosodium (NaCF3tetz) in the presence of 4-tert-butylpyridine afforded Cr(tBuNC(CH3)NtBu)2(CF3tetz)(4-tBupy) in 30% yield. An X-ray crystal structure determination showed η1-coordination of the tetrazolato ligand through the 2-nitrogen atom. The complexes Cr(iPrNC(CH3)NiPr)3 and Cr(tBuNC(CH3)NtBu)2(X) are volatile and sublime with 300 °C under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen or argon. Due to the good volatility and high thermal stability, these new compounds are promising precursors for the growth of chromium-containing thin films using atomic layer deposition.
1989 and the Politics of Democratic Performativity

In light of the fact—despite a widespread impression to the contrary—that the collapse of Communism in the fall of 1989 did not happen overnight, the paper explores the kind of gradual societal work that had led to the emergence of democratic polities in Central Europe but that had generally escaped the notice not only of policy makers and the leaders of the “free world” but also of theorists. The concept and practices of performative democracy as it manifested itself in the period of late Communism (1970s–1989), but also in South Africa at the dusk of apartheid, and the conditions for political performativity, as well as its main features, are then discussed.
The Political Economy of Eating Idol Meat: Practice, Structure, and Subversion in 1 Corinthians 8 through the Sociological Lens of Pierre Bourdieu

Abstract This paper intends to delve into the political economy of the symbolic practice of eating idol meat in 1 Corinthians 8 from a Bourdieuian perspective. My contention is that Paul attempts to undermine the Roman socioeconomic system by substituting a dietary habitus of abstention for a dietary habitus of consumption. In Bourdieu’s view, the Roman colony of Corinth can be seen as a religious field consisting of a conflict over different capital between the strong and the weak. Through rhetorical strategies, Paul enables the weak to subvert the hierarchical structure as embodied in the practice of idol meat consumption, while simultaneously urging the strong to surrender the claim to their authority. Thus, while deconstructing an old, colonial habitus of consumption, Paul reconstructs a new, postcolonial habitus of abstention.
First-episode, recurrent, and asymptomatic herpes simplex infections

Genital herpes simplex virus infections should be classified into first-episode and recurrent infections. First-episode infections include true primary infections in patients with seronegative results who have never been infected with any type of herpes and nonprimary first-episode infections in patients who have been infected before and have serum antibody and humoral immunity, an example being genital infection with type 2 in adolescence after orolabial infection with type 1 in childhood. First-episode infections show more extensive disease, more systemic symptoms, and greater viral shedding than do recurrent infections. Ten percent to 15% of patients with first-episode primary genital herpes have oropharyngeal infections with the same virus strain. Herpesvirus can be isolated from the urethra in about 30% of male patients with first-episode infections. In recurrent vulvar herpes, virus can be isolated from the cervix in 10% to 15% of patients. Many genital lesions that clinically suggest something else turn out to be herpes; herpes may be diagnosed 5% of the time clinically but cultures are positive 14% of the time. Primary genital herpes type 2 infections recur about 95% of the time whereas type 1 infections recur about 50% of the time. Recurrences are highly unpredictable from patient to patient and time to time. The role of asymptornatic shedding in the spread of herpes is a major area for future study. Antiviral treatment is probably going to change the epidemiology of herpetic infections very little.
A Full Wave Analysis Method for Frequency Selective Surfaces On Ferrite Substrates

Frequency selective surfaces (FSS) have numerous applications in microwave and optical systems. In this work, instead of traditional dielectric substrates, ferrite substrates are used. By using ferrite materials, one can change the spectral properties of these structures without physically altering them. The transmission matrices for the ferrite substrate and the air, above and below the ferrite substrate, are derived here. By combining these transmission matrices along with the boundary conditions, the spectral domain Green's function is obtained. This process can be carried out for both the in-plane and perpendicular bias of the ferrite. Several results are presented to show the tunability of frequency selective surfaces with ferrite substrates as a function of the applied dc bias. Some special treatment is used in the transmission matrix to avoid its singularity for some evanescent modes.
Employment Outcomes After Burn Injury: A Comparison of Those Burned at Work and Those Burned Outside of Work

This study compares employment rates and barriers to return to work in subjects burned at work with those burned outside of work. Further, this study examines the influence of electrical etiology on return to work outcomes. The electronic records of burn survivors treated at a Regional Burn Center outpatient clinic from 2001 to 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria included employment at the time of burn injury and age of 18 years or older. Demographic and medical data were collected. Documentation of barriers to return to work was reviewed and classified into eight categories. Return to employment was grouped into four time intervals: 0 to 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12, and greater than 12 months after injury. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of unemployment at greater than 1 year for subjects burned at work, outside of work, and those burned at work without electric injury. The authors identified 197 patients for inclusion in the study. Their age was 37 ± 0.8 years (mean ± SEM), and TBSA burned was 16 ± 1%. Fifty percent of subjects were burned at work. Electric etiology was seen only in those burned at work (n = 24). Forty-four percent (n = 43) of subjects injured at work remained unemployed at 1 year compared with 22% (n = 22) of subjects injured outside of work. The most frequent employment barriers included pain (72%), neurologic problems (62%), and psychiatric problems (53%) for those burned at work; and pain (63%), neurologic problems (59%), and impaired mobility (54%) for those burned outside of work. Significant predictors of unemployment at greater than 12 months included burn at work, pain, impaired mobility, other medical problems, and inpatient rehabilitation (P < .05). When the electrical injury subjects are removed from the analysis, significant predictors of unemployment at 12 months include burn at work, pain, inpatient rehabilitation, and length of stay (P < .05). Burn survivors experience multiple complex barriers in returning to work. Burn at work is a significant predictor of unemployment at 1 year even after controlling for electric etiology. Further study is required to better understand the influence of work setting on employment outcomes.
CLEAVAGE OF S-(1,2-DICHLOROVINYL)-L-CYSTEINE BY ESCHERICHIA COLI B.

Abstract Through the use of the S 35 - and 3-C 14 -labeled compounds, it was shown that the CS bond of the cysteine moiety of S -(1,2-dichlorovinyl)- l -cysteine (DCVC) is subject to rapid cleavage by intact cells of E. coli B. Of the fragments produced, the S-containing moiety becomes attached much more extensively than the C 14 -containing fragment to various fractions of the organism, particularly the protein. Cell-free preparations made from acetone powders or fresh E. coli cells produce a similar reaction which is enzymic and which can be restored to full activity by pyridoxal phosphate after dialysis against hydroxylamine. The nature of the very reactive sulfur-containing fragment is not known. Pyruvic acid, ammonia, and chloride are also products of cleavage of DCVC.
Soft-tissue rheumatism: Diagnosis and treatment

Soft tissue rheumatism is one of the most common and most misunderstood categories of disorders facing the primary care physician. Among the more common types are subacromial bursitis, epicondylitis, trochanteric bursitis, anserine bursitis, and fibromyalgia. The keys to the diagnosis of soft-tissue rheumatism are the history and, more importantly, the physical examination. Extensive laboratory testing and radiographs are not as helpful in evaluating patients with these complaints. Treatment consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and nonnarcotic analgesics. Especially in patients with localized disorders, intralesional injections of corticosteroids are particularly effective and safe and should be part of the armamentarium of the primary care practitioner. Fibromyalgia is a particularly challenging form of nonarticular rheumatism. The clinical presentation is rather characteristic, with the patient typically being a woman 30-60 years of age who presents with diffuse somatic pain. Patients often give a history of sleep disturbance, may be depressed, and show characteristic tender areas, or trigger points. Laboratory findings are normal. Management includes reassurance, correction of the underlying sleep disturbance with low doses of a tricyclic antidepressant, treatment with muscle relaxants and nonnarcotic analgesics or NSAIDs, and an exercise program with a strong aerobic component.
Introduction to Special Issue: The Plus Ultra of Empirical Research:

Recent advances in cognitive science and neuroscience (CSN) have allowed scientists to begin to address questions that were heretofore considered the province of the humanities. Growing out of a 20...
Toxic Doxa in Baudelaire: “À celle qui est trop gaie” and “Une charogne”

Baudelaire derogatorily equates woman with nature in such misogynist statements as “La femme estnaturelle, c’est-a-dire abominable” (Baudelaire's emphasis). This equation exists in his poetry as well; however, certain poems both use and undermine it. A detailed analysis of the metaphor established between the woman and the natural landscape in “A celle qui est trop gaie” reveals it to be an empty commonplace of doxa that aggressively invades the poet and contaminates him. The poet then reacts violently to this invasion in an attempt to destroy the cliche and to give to the woman, his sœur, a new self-consciousness like his own. A brief analysis of “Une charogne” reveals a similar undermining of this cliche and an analogous equation between the woman and the poet. In these poems, Baudelaire revolts against the emptiness of his culture and reveals a desire to awaken others, however violently, to a melancholic awareness of it.
Bladder diaries and voiding patterns in older adults.

Abstract Urinary incontinence is one chronic health problem that many older adults experience. Assessment is the first step in approaching a urinary elimination problem and forms the basis for determining potential management modalities. The bladder diary, one type of fluid intake and output record, is helpful in describing an individual's voiding pattern and is an integral component of urinary assessment. Bladder diaries also can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions initiated to manage incontinence. This article describes the procedure for using bladder diaries within the context of a research study conducted with residents of retirement settings.
CREM deficiency in mice alters the response of bone to intermittent parathyroid hormone treatment

Abstract CREM belongs to the ATF/CREB family of basic leucine zipper transcription factors. We previously showed that PTH induces ICER (inducible cAMP early repressor) in osteoblasts. ICER proteins, which are transcribed from the P2 promoter of the Crem gene, act as transcriptional attenuators. The objective of this study was to determine whether the Crem gene plays a role in the response of bone to intermittent PTH. Adult Crem knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) male mice were given daily subcutaneous injections of vehicle or hPTH(1–34) (160 μg/kg) for 10 days. Bone mineral content and density (BMC and BMD, respectively) were measured in femur and tibia by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Bone morphometry was analyzed by X-ray computed microtomography (microCT) and histomorphometry. Serum bone turnover markers were measured. In vitro osteoclast formation assays were performed in bone marrow cultures treated with PTH or the combination of RANKL and M-CSF. KO mice had slightly higher basal bone mass than wild type mice. PTH treatment increased tibial BMC and BMD to a greater extent in WT mice compared to KO mice. PTH increased both cortical area and trabecular bone area in WT but not in KO femurs. PTH increased the bone formation rate and percent osteoblast surface to the same extent in femurs of WT and KO mice but increased osteoclast parameters and calvarial porosity to a greater extent in KO mice. PTH increased serum osteocalcin levels to the same extent in WT and KO mice. PTH-induced osteoclast formation was 2-fold greater in bone marrow cultures from KO mice. Collectively, our data suggest that the CREM deficiency in mice alters the response of bone to intermittent PTH treatment such that osteoclastogenesis is increased. Crem gene may specify the anabolic response to intermittent PTH treatment by restraining PTH-induced osteoclastogenesis.
Development and evaluation of BioScore: a biomarker panel to enhance prognostic algorithms for clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The authors previously showed that increased tumor expression levels of B7-H1, survivin, and Ki-67 are independent predictors of poor outcome for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In the current study, they described the creation of a scoring system based on this panel of biomarkers that can be used in tandem with existing clinicopathologic features and algorithms to improve ccRCC outcome prediction. METHODS: The authors used immunohistochemistry to determine tumor expression levels of B7-H1, survivin, and Ki-67 for 634 consecutive ccRCC patients. A multivariate model verified that each biomarker was independently associated with RCC-specific death after adjusting for the remaining 2. A biomarker-based panel, termed BioScore, was generated to predict the likelihood of RCC-specific death. BioScore was tested for its ability to enhance the performance of several clinicopathologic features and algorithms. RESULTS: Patients with high BioScores were 5 times more likely to die from RCC compared with patients with low BioScores (hazard ratio, 5.03; 95% confidence interval, 3.82-6.61; P < .001). Multivariate adjustment for individual clinicopathologic features or existing prognostic algorithms failed to attenuate this positive association. Moreover, an examination of concordance indexes revealed that BioScore significantly enhanced the prognostic ability of each of the individual prognostic features or algorithms studied. CONCLUSIONS: The authors described the creation of BioScore, a biomarker-based scoring system that can be used in tandem with established prognostic algorithms to further enhance ccRCC outcome prediction. The need for external validation notwithstanding, they envision that BioScore can be readily updated as new biomarkers are identified. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Clinical performance of a newly developed spectrophotometric system on tooth color reproduction

Statement of problem Matching a natural maxillary central incisor to a metal ceramic crown is one of the most difficult challenges in clinical dentistry due to the limitations of dental shade guides and the subjectivity of perceptual evaluation. Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of a spectrophotometric shade-matching system on tooth color reproduction. Material and methods Two metal ceramic crowns were fabricated for a maxillary central incisor for 36 patients using 2 shade-matching techniques. The first technique was conventional visual matching using 3 shade guide systems, and the second was an instrument-based color-matching technique using a new spectrophotometric system. Color difference (ΔE) values between the contralateral natural tooth and each of the 2 crowns were calculated in the cervical, middle, and incisal regions. The ΔE values were compared using a Student's t test (α=.05). Three calibrated examiners evaluated the color match by ranking it from 1 to 10 (10 = perfect match; 1=no match; ≤8, accepted; ≥7, rejected). McNemar's test was used to calculate the odds ratio of accepting restorations fabricated using a spectrophotometric system to conventional methods. Results Results revealed that the mean ΔE values of crowns matched with the spectrophotometer were significantly lower than those using a conventional technique ( P P Conclusions In this clinical study, crowns fabricated using a dedicated spectrophotometer had a significantly better color match and a lower rate of rejection due to shade mismatch compared to crowns fabricated with a conventional shade-matching method. (J Prosthet Dent 2008;99:361-368)
A unique device for controlled electrospinning.

The purpose of this research was to develop a system for controlled electrospinning of fibro-porous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications and to use this system to assess mesh architecture sensitivity to manufacturing parameters. The intent was to achieve scaffolds with well-controlled fiber diameters and inter-fiber spacing. To accomplish these objectives, a custom, closed-loop controlled, electrospinning system was built. The system was unique in that it had a collection surface that was independent of the electrodes. The system allowed independent manipulation and analysis of a number of manufacturing parameters: distance between the electrodes, distance from the nozzle to the collection surface, applied voltage, temperature of the melt, collection surface dielectric strength, and collection surface area. Morphological analysis of fabricated meshes showed that all test parameters significantly affected fiber diameter and inter-fiber spacing. Further, contrary to what is generally accepted in the electrospinning literature, voltage and temperature (inversely related to viscosity) were not the most significant parameters. Features of the collection surface, including dielectric strength and surface area, were more significant. This dominance is, in part, a reflection of the unique electrospinning system used. The collection surface, which was not connected to either of the electrodes, substantially altered the electric field between the electrodes. Using the developed controlled electrospinning system, thermoplastic polyurethane meshes with fiber diameters ranging from 5 to 18 μm with variability less than 1.8% were made; inter-fiber spacing ranged from 4 to 90 μm with variability less than 20.2%. The system has potential use in biomedical applications where meshes with controlled fiber diameter and inter-fiber spacing are of interest. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
A dual propagation contours technique for semi-automated assessment of systolic and diastolic cardiac function by CMR.

Although cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is frequently performed to measure accurate LV volumes and ejection fractions, LV volume-time curves (VTC) derived ejection and filling rates are not routinely calculated due to lack of robust LV segmentation techniques. VTC derived peak filling rates can be used to accurately assess LV diastolic function, an important clinical parameter. We developed a novel geometry-independent dual-contour propagation technique, making use of LV endocardial contours manually drawn at end systole and end diastole, to compute VTC and measured LV ejection and filling rates in hypertensive patients and normal volunteers. 39 normal volunteers and 49 hypertensive patients underwent CMR. LV contours were manually drawn on all time frames in 18 normal volunteers. The dual-contour propagation algorithm was used to propagate contours throughout the cardiac cycle. The results were compared to those obtained with single-contour propagation (using either end-diastolic or end-systolic contours) and commercially available software. We then used the dual-contour propagation technique to measure peak ejection rate (PER) and peak early diastolic and late diastolic filling rates (ePFR and aPFR) in all normal volunteers and hypertensive patients. Compared to single-contour propagation methods and the commercial method, VTC by dual-contour propagation showed significantly better agreement with manually-derived VTC. Ejection and filling rates by dual-contour propagation agreed with manual (dual-contour – manual PER: -0.12 ± 0.08; ePFR: -0.07 ± 0.07; aPFR: 0.06 ± 0.03 EDV/s, all P = NS). However, the time for the manual method was ~4 hours per study versus ~7 minutes for dual-contour propagation. LV systolic function measured by LVEF and PER did not differ between normal volunteers and hypertensive patients. However, ePFR was lower in hypertensive patients vs. normal volunteers, while aPFR was higher, indicative of altered diastolic filling rates in hypertensive patients. Dual-propagated contours can accurately measure both systolic and diastolic volumetric indices that can be applied in a routine clinical CMR environment. With dual-contour propagation, the user interaction that is routinely performed to measure LVEF is leveraged to obtain additional clinically relevant parameters.
Ultraviolet Radiation and the Snow Alga Chlamydomonas nivalis (Bauer) Wille

Aplanospores of Chlamydomonas nivalis are frequently found in high-altitude, persistent snowfields where they are photosynthetically active despite cold temperatures and high levels of visible and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The goals of this work were to characterize the UV environment of the cells in the snow and to investigate the existence and localization of screening compounds that might prevent UV damage. UV irradiance decreased precipitously in snow, with UV radiation of wavelengths 280-315 nm and UV radiation of wavelengths 315-400 nm dropping to 50% of incident levels in the top 1 and 2 cm, respectively. Isolated cell walls exhibited UV absorbance, possibly by sporopollenin, but this absorbance was weak in images of broken or plasmolyzed cells observed through a UV microscope. The cells also contained UV-absorbing cytoplasmic compounds, with the extrachloroplastic carotenoid astaxanthin providing most of the screening. Additional screening compound(s) soluble in aqueous methanol with an absorption maximum at 335 nm played a minor role. Thus, cells are protected against potentially high levels of UV radiation by the snow itself when they live several centimeters beneath the surface, and they rely on cellular screening compounds, chiefly astaxanthin, when located near the surface where UV fluxes are high.
Enhancing channel utilization and performance of STANAG 5066

NATO Standardization Agreement 5066 (STANAG 5066, or S5066) defines a Data Link Protocol Profile for exchanging digital information over HF radio. As more S5066 deployments are made, problems arise in two important areas: channel contention among multiple nodes on shared frequency, and poor ARQ performance on payloads under 5000 bytes. These two areas impact the ability of S5066 networks to efficiently transfer many types of traffic, most especially those seen over IP networks. This paper takes a closer look at these areas, examining how the current S5066 standard addresses them, and examines the measured performance seen on a five node network. The tests involve focusing on the issue of collision avoidance, and what steps can be taken to reduce the likelihood. In addition, an improved channel access scheme is presented, that demonstrates measurable increases in channel utilization by the reduction of on-air collisions.
Scheduling real time parallel structure on cluster computing

Scheduling a large number of high performance computing applications on a cluster-computing environment is a complex task. This becomes more critical in real time systems. Efficient scheduling strategies are critically important to achieving good performance. A cluster scheduler without enough knowledge of the state of the cluster and the scheduled tasks cannot adequately manage the cluster resources. Accordingly, the available processing power of the participating nodes may experience uncontrolled fragmentation. Thus, some of the submitted applications may be rejected due to tasks missing their deadlines. The literature on scheduling real-time task graphs is much less extensive, especially for providing timing guarantees while maximizing the processing power utilization. In this paper, we present a framework for allocating and scheduling real-time applications represented as parallel task graphs on a cluster. We utilize the available processing power on each processor to accommodate as many tasks as possible while satisfying the required deadline of each task. The algorithm also reduces the communication cost among tasks and the possibility of processing power fragmentation.
Damping of weakly nonlinear shallow-water waves

Boundary-layer damping of one-dimensional gravity waves of slowly varying amplitude a ( t ), characteristic wavenumber k , and characteristic frequency ω in water of depth d and kinematic viscosity v is calculated for a [Lt ] d , d [Lt ] 1/ k and (2ν/ω) ½ [Lt ] d . General results are given for the temporal evolution of the power spectral density determined by either a Fourier-integral (spatially aperiodic) or Fourier-series (spatially periodic) representation of the wave. Solitary and cnoidal waves are considered as examples. Keulegan's (1948) inverse-fourth-power decay for the solitary wave is recovered, and the numerical parameter therein is evaluated by reduction to a Riemann zeta function. A universal decay curve is obtained for the Stokes-scaled amplitude S = a/k 2 d 3 of the cnoidal wave as a function of the boundary-layer-scaled time (νω) ½ t / d ; the result is both more flexible and more compact than that obtained by Isaacson (1976). The decay is within 5% of that for a solitary wave (inverse fourth power) for S > 2 or that for an infinitesimal wave (exponential) for S S > 1 to the exponential approximation for S
Immunization of neural networks against hardware faults

A methodology and set of computer-aided design tools for measuring and improving the fault tolerance characteristics of neural networks are presented. Two analysis programs developed using realistic fault networks appropriate for emulating potential hardware failures are discussed. It is demonstrated how functionally identical neural networks can have significantly different reliability characteristics. Criteria for selection of an optimal architecture and trained state are discussed. A modified training strategy which reduces the network's sensitivity to faults is introduced. The process involves the deliberate injection of faults into the network during its training phase. The proposed scheme is analogous to viral immunization in the biological domain because it is the neural network's own adaptive capability which is utilized to improve its fault tolerance characteristics. >
Brain Imaging Studies of PTSD

The last decade has witnessed a major transformation in the concepts of mental function and behavior. Dualistic models, such as mental versus physical or psychological versus biological, are giving way to more integrative views of the functional organism, where function and structure are interrelated and affect each other. New concepts of neuroplasticity and improved tools of visualization have both provided a conceptual frame and demonstrated this structure-function interaction. These developments also offer a new conceptualization of psychiatric disorders, which were traditionally seen as psychological or functional in nature. In traditional dualistic terms, post-traumatic stress disorder has been considered a preeminently functional disorder. However, in 1987 Lawrence Kolb (1987) proposed a neuropsychological hypothesis for PTSD, suggesting that neuroanatomical changes as a result of stress and stress-related neuroendocrine changes might underlie symptoms of PTSD. Since then, multiple lines of evidence have demonstrated stress-related neurobiological changes and neuroanatomical sequelae of traumatic exposure. Accordingly, an increasing number of investigators are actively pursuing possible structural or functional neuroanatomical abnormalities that are associated with PTSD or that underlie PTSD symptomatology.
Making the Investment Count: Revision of the Minimum Data Set for Nursing Homes, MDS 3.0

Abstract Background The Minimum Data Set (MDS) is a potentially powerful tool for implementing standardized assessment in nursing homes (NHs). Its content has implications for residents, families, providers, researchers, and policymakers, all of whom have expressed concerns about the reliability, validity, and relevance of MDS 2.0. Some argue that because MDS 2.0 fails to include items that rely on direct resident interview, it fails to obtain critical information and effectively disenfranchises many residents from the assessment process. Purpose Design a major revision of the MDS, MDS 3.0, and evaluate whether the revision improves reliability, validity, resident input, clinical utility, and decreases collection burden. Design and Methods In the form design phase, we gathered information from a wide range of experts, synthesized existing literature, worked with a national consortium of VA researchers to revise and test eight sections, pilot tested a draft MDS 3.0 and revised the draft based on results from the pilot. In the national validation and evaluation phase, we tested MDS 3.0 in 71 community NHs and 19 VHA NHs, regionally distributed throughout the United States. The sample was selected based on scheduled MDS 2.0 assessments. Comatose residents were excluded. A total 3822 residents of community NHs in eight states were included. The evaluation was designed to test and analyze inter-rater agreement (reliability) between research nurses and between facility staff and research nurses, validity of key sections, response rates for interview items, anonymous feedback on changes from participating nurses, and time to complete the MDS assessment. Results The reliability for research nurse to research nurse and for research nurse to facility staff was good or excellent for most items. Response rates for the resident interview sections were high: 90% for cognitive, 86% for mood, 85% for preferences, and 87% for pain. Staff survey responses showed increased satisfaction with clinical relevance, validity and clarity compared with MDS 2.0. The test version of the MDS 3.0 took 45% less time for facilities to complete. Implications Improving the reliability, accuracy, and usefulness of the MDS has profound implications for NH care and public policy. Enhanced accuracy supports the primary legislative intent that MDS be a tool to improve clinical assessment and supports the credibility of programs that rely on MDS.
Effects of device scaling and geometry on MOS radiation hardness assurance

The effects of transistor scaling and geometry on radiation hardness are investigated. The total-dose response is shown to depend strongly on transistor channel length. Specifically, transistors with shorter gate lengths tend to show more negative threshold-voltage shifts under irradiation than transistors with longer gate lengths. Similarly, transistors with longer gate lengths tend to show more positive threshold-voltage shifts during postirradiation annealing. It will be important to factor these differences in radiation response into test-structure-to-IC correlations necessary to support cost-effective qualified manufacturers list hardness assurance. Transistors with minimum gate length will have a larger effect on standby power supply current for an IC at high dose rates, such as in a weapon environment, where worst-case response is associated with negative threshold-voltage shifts during irradiation. On the other hand, transistors with maximum gate length will have a larger effect on the timing parameters of an IC at low dose rates, such as in a space environment. >
An Object-Oriented Model for Simulating Milking Parlor Operations

Abstract A milking operation simulation model was developed using an object-oriented approach. Six object classes were defined: things, living things, animals, operator, cow, and parlor. Operator, cow, and parlor classes were the basic units of the model. Each object in the model is a self-contained unit that represents its real world counterpart. The model operation and events were scheduled by sending messages among the objects. Messages caused operator and cows to move between locations inside the parlor and caused changes in the model status. An algorithm for a discrete event simulation that was message-oriented was used to resolve possible conflicts among objects, thus empowering all objects in the model with decision-making capability. The method was designed as a teaching and research tool. Proper milking routine can be demonstrated with this model. Also, various milking situations can be created in the model to study effects that would be difficult to evaluate otherwise. The model closely simulated real milking operations. Correlations between observed and simulated throughput indices, such as steady-state number of cows milked per hour, steady-state number of cows milked per labor hour, chore time number of cows milked per hour, and chore time number of cows milked per labor hour are .921, .893, 901, and 386, respectively. Correlations were lower for milking activities such as detachment of milking unit, operator idle, operator miscellaneous activity, and milking cycle time.
Epigenetic control of Agrobacterium T-DNA integration☆

To genetically transform plants, Agrobacterium transfers its T-DNA into the host cell and integrates it into the plant genome, resulting in neoplastic growths. Over the past 2 decades, a great deal has been learned about the molecular mechanism by which Agrobacterium produces T-DNA and transports it into the host nucleus. However, T-DNA integration, which is the limiting, hence, the most critical step of the transformation process, largely remains an enigma. Increasing evidence suggests that Agrobacterium utilizes the host DNA repair machinery to facilitate T-DNA integration. Meanwhile, it is well known that chromatin modifications, including the phosphorylation of histone H2AX, play an important role in DNA repair. Thus, by implication, such epigenetic codes in chromatin may also have a considerable impact on T-DNA integration, although the direct evidence to demonstrate this hypothesis is still lacking. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in our understanding of Agrobacterium T-DNA integration and discuss the potential link between this process and the epigenetic information in the host chromatin. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Epigenetic Control of cellular and developmental processes in plants.
Generating functions associated to highest weight representations

A bounded linear map Θ defined on an L 2-space with values in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space is necessarily given as an integral operator with kernel K Θ. We discuss in general how the adjoint of K Θ is the generating function associated to a basis of the domain space. Our primary applications are the highest weight representations for a Hermitian group G modeled by the geometric realization. We obtain new formulas relating the generating function to the action of an Abelian subalgebra &#x1d52d; −⊂&#x1d524;ℂ, where &#x1d524; ℂ is the complexification of the Lie algebra of G.
Effects of contralateral masking on high-frequency bone-conduction thresholds.

The present study reports effects of contralateral masking on high-frequency threshold force levels in 28 normal-hearing subjects. High-frequency air- and bone-conduction thresholds were measured with a high-frequency auditory evaluation system using matched Koss HV/1A earphones and the Pracitronic KH 70/5 bone vibrator. Measurements were made for both unmasked and masked bone-conduction thresholds at the ipsilateral mastoid of the better ear. The contralateral masked condition was performed using 30-dB-SL 400-Hz narrow-band masking noise centered at frequency of test tone. The results demonstrated that masked high-frequency bone-conduction thresholds were 1.5 to 3.4 dB poorer than the unmasked thresholds and that these differences were statistically significant at 0.01 level of confidence except at 12 kHz. ANSI and ISO standards for bone-conduction threshold force levels for frequencies below 8.0 kHz have been established with contralateral masking stimuli. This study supports the need to use effective c...
Rationale for reduced pressure reaming when stabilizing actual or impending pathological femoral fractures: a review of the literature

Surgical treatment for impending or actual pathologic femoral fractures due to metastatic carcinoma has been shown to improve pain and quality of life. Surgery usually involves manipulation of the intramedullary (IM) portion of the femur to provide adequate stability and to restore function. IM nailing is generally considered the preferred treatment over plate osteosynthesis for most areas of the femur due to load sharing capabilities. Several reports have shown a high incidence of oxygen desaturation, hypotension, fat or air embolism, and mortality in the surgical treatment of femoral metastatic disease. The patient with a metastatic lesion in the femur is at risk for cardiopulmonary complications associated with entering the IM canal. Complications and mortality reported in the literature are varied. Benefits of IM nailing of femoral lesions and associated complications in the literature are discussed. The theoretical benefit of aspiration and irrigation while reaming is also reviewed. Reaming while irrigating under negative pressure provided through suction may potentially minimize cardiopulmonary and oncologic complications.
Tumor-derived pancreatic stellate cells promote pancreatic cancer cell invasion through release of thrombospondin-2.

Background Tumor derived pancreatic stellate cells (TDPS) cells are key cellular components of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. These stellate cells can release growth factors, proteases, and extracellular matrix proteins that may stimulate the spread of pancreatic cancer. We sought to determine whether TDPS cells promote the local invasion of pancreatic cancer cells and mechanisms involved. Methods TDPS and panc-1 cells were grown in coculture to determine directional migration and panc-1 invasiveness was quantified using Matrigel invasion chambers, comparing TDPS cells to human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs). ELISA was used to determine the secretion of growth factors, proteases, and extracellular matrix proteins from TDPS cells and HFFs, and then siRNAs used to knockdown expression of factors. Results In coculture panc-1 cells migrate toward TDPS cells, creating nests of cancer cells within the stromal cells. TDPS cells promote the invasion of panc-1 cells and release thrombospondin 2 (TSP-2), whereas HFFs did not. When TSP-2 expression is reduced in TDPS cells using selective siRNAs, pancreatic cancer cell invasion was inhibited. Conclusion Tumor-derived pancreatic stellate cells stimulate pancreatic cancer cell invasion, likely through release of TSP-2. Targeting pro-invasive elements, such as TSP-2, within the tumor microenvironment may inhibit local invasion, thus permitting more patients to undergo curative resection of pancreatic cancer.
Beyond Two Decades of Motivation: A Review of the Research and Practice in Instructional Design and Human Performance Technology

Existing models and methods of instructional design and performance improvement offer promise for enhancement in nearly every area of human resource development. However, they fall short of potential in addressing human motivation in ways that enable workplace performers and their organizations to thrive. This article reviews dominant models for instructional design and human performance technology currently in use, and compares their treatment of motivation in light of recent research in human motivation. The review illustrates an implementation gap between what research demonstrates about human motivation and what current instructional design models make available for use in workplace learning and development. It further underscores the need for a new, integrative, systemic model of motivation to aid in designing instruction by implementing recent research principles in workplace contexts. It calls for a new model of motivation for instructional design that is current, comprehensive, integrative, and flexible to meet the demands of new paradigm human resource development.
Anticonvulsant medications for panic disorder: a review and synthesis of the evidence.

AbstractObjectives. Currently, there are no guidelines for when to use an antiepileptic drug (AED) in nonepileptic panic disorder (PD) patients. We conducted this review to ascertain what guidance available literature can provide as to when to consider AEDs for PD patients. Methods. The primary data sources were PubMed and Google-Scholars. Search was limited to “English” and “Humans”. Only papers addressing use of nonbenzodiazepine AEDs in PD were included. Data regarding study subjects, the AED utilized, and clinical responses were collected. EEG data were used to classify reports of patients with abnormal versus those with normal and/or no EEG work-up. Results. Ten reports were identified for use of AEDs in PD patients with abnormal EEGs with a total of 20 patients (17 responders). None of the 10 reports were controlled studies. Eighteen reports were identified for use of AEDs in panic patients with either normal EEGs or unselected groups (no EEG work-up). Out of the 18 reports, three were controlled st...
Smoothing spline Gaussian regression: more scalable computation via efficient approximation

Summary. Smoothing splines via the penalized least squares method provide versatile and effective nonparametric models for regression with Gaussian responses. The computation of smoothing splines is generally of the order O(n3), n being the sample size, which severely limits its practical applicability. We study more scalable computation of smoothing spline regression via certain low dimensional approximations that are asymptotically as efficient. A simple algorithm is presented and the Bayes model that is associated with the approximations is derived, with the latter guiding the porting of Bayesian confidence intervals. The practical choice of the dimension of the approximating space is determined through simulation studies, and empirical comparisons of the approximations with the exact solution are presented. Also evaluated is a simple modification of the generalized cross-validation method for smoothing parameter selection, which to a large extent fixes the occasional undersmoothing problem that is suffered by generalized cross-validation.
Chances and Choices: Cold Spring Harbor 1944–1955

The author describes the circumstances and events that led her to begin graduate work in genetics at Columbia University in 1941 and to spend the summer of 1944 and the years 1945-1955 at the Department of Genetics of the Carnegie Institution of Washington at Cold Spring Harbor. She then recalls incidents and recounts anecdotes meant to convey something of the atmosphere of that place during those memorable years.
Feasibility of collaborative care treatment of opioid use disorders with buprenorphine during pregnancy

ABSTRACTBackground: Medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine or methadone is recommended for pregnant patients with opioid use disorders (OUDs) to minimize adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Collaborative care approaches have been successfully utilized with office-based opioid treatment with buprenorphine in primary care settings, but research is significantly limited in the obstetric setting. Our aim with this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of a collaborative care model for pregnant patients with opioid use disorder. Methods: This is a case series of 16 pregnancies in 14 women initiated on office-based opioid treatment with buprenorphine in a perinatal mental health service embedded in 2 obstetric clinics. Patients are treated by a psychiatrist alongside their prenatal care provider and followed for up to 6 months postpartum and referred to ongoing substance abuse treatment to a community prescriber. Results: The average age of the patients was 30.3 years, and an average gestational...
Legal Highway Robbery: The Mbo Strategy

There is need for changed rules protecting shareholders from arbitrary decisions that require that they sell when they would rather hold in a MBO (managerial buyout). A conflict of interests occurs when a private equity firm and the top management of a firm decide that the firm's stock equity would be more valuable if the firm were taken private, rather than continuing as a public entity, and they take the firm private. It is well understood that all the shareholders of the common stock of a firm think the stock's value is equal to or larger than the market price. Shareholders who think the value is less than the market price have sold or shortly will sell. There may be tax effects that affect the marginal values that are required for sale, but the basic fact is that most shareholders of a firm expect the stock's future value to exceed the current market price. If a majority of a firm's shareholders vote to accept a buyout offer from management, then the minority shareholders are sold out at a price that might be less than they think the shares are worth. It is far from clear that the present procedure for a MBO is fair to the reluctant to sell shareholders. The situation is in need for change of some type to prevent the exploitation of the minority shareholders (those not wanting to sell) at the hands of private equity and top management of a firm going private.
The impact of maternal, child, and family characteristics on the daily well-being and parenting experiences of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

This study utilized a daily diaries method to explore the global factors that impact daily general affect and daily parenting interactions of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Eighty-three mothers of a child with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 3 and 13 years completed global assessments of maternal depressive symptoms, child autism spectrum disorder symptom severity, and family functioning. Mothers then reported on their daily negative and positive affect as well as their daily positive and frustrating parenting interactions for 14 consecutive days. The results indicated that higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms were related to decreased daily positive affect, whereas greater child social motivation impairments were related to increased daily positive affect. Only maternal depressive symptoms were associated with increased daily negative affect. Furthermore, higher levels of family cohesion were related to increased daily positive parenting interactions. Finally, higher maternal depressive symptoms as well as family rigidity were related to increased daily frustrating parenting interactions. Implications for interventions focused on the family system are discussed.