cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hematologic changes after splenectomy for ovarian cancer debulking surgery, and association with infection and venous thromboembolism.

Introduction The spleen plays a role in the immune and coagulative responses, yet a splenectomy may be required during ovarian cancer surgery to achieve complete cytoreduction. The aim of the study was to correlate hematologic changes with the development of infection and venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing splenectomy. Methods This single-institution retrospective review includes all patients undergoing splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer, March 2001 to December 2016. We compared postoperative hematologic changes (evaluated daily before discharge) in patients developing infection within 30 days9 post-surgery (Infection group) with those who did not (No-Infection group). We also compared patients developing venous thromboembolism with those without. Results A total of 265 patients underwent splenectomy. Median age was 64 years (range 22–88): 146 (55%) patients had stage IIIC and 114 (43%) patients had stage IV. The majority, 201 (76%) patients underwent splenectomy during primary debulking. A total of 132 (50%) patients comprised the Infection group (most common: urinary tract infection, 54%). Median time from surgery to infection was 8 days (range, 0–29). After initial rise in white blood cell count in both groups, the Infection group had a second peak on postoperative day 10 (median 16.6K/mcL, IQR 12.5–21.2) not seen in the No-Infection group (median 12K/mcL, IQR 9.3–16.3). A total of 40 (15%) patients developed venous thromboembolism, median time of 6.5 days (range, 1–43). All patients demonstrated a continuous rise in platelets during postoperative days 0–15. Thrombocytosis was present in 38/40 (95%) patients with venous thromboembolism vs 183/225 (81%) patients without (P=0.036). Median days with thrombocytosis was higher in venous thromboembolism (8 days, range 1–15) vs non groups (6 days, range 1–16, P=0.049). Conclusion We identified initial leukocytosis after splenectomy in all patients. The Infection group had a second peak in white blood cell count on postoperative day 10, not present in the No-Infection group. Among patients with venous thromboembolism, thrombocytosis was more frequent and of longer duration.
Measuring distinct emotional states implicitly: The role of response speed.

Affective science offers many self-report measures, but implicit measures of multiple distinct emotional states are lacking. Prior research (Bartoszek & Cervone, 2017) initiated the development of such an assessment method by examining whether ratings of the emotional content of abstract images reveal raters' emotional states. The current studies were designed to determine whether the speed of these ratings is key to the validity of an implicit emotion measure. To this end, Study 1 exploited naturally occurring variations in response times, whereas Study 2 used time pressure in responding to the implicit measure. Both studies featured a fear-induction and revealed that implicitly assessed fear correlated with psychophysiological (Study 1) and behavioral (Studies 1 and 2) responses even when controlling for self-reported fear. Importantly, results supported the construct, criterion, and incremental validity of the implicit measure only among participants who responded quickly. Study 3 employed a sadness-induction and an experimental manipulation of response times using fast- and slow-paced conditions. The emotion induction affected fast, but not slow, responses to the implicit measure. Overall, findings highlight the importance of response speed in implicit emotion assessment and suggest that the Implicit Measure of Distinct Emotional States can validly differentiate among emotions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Integrating life cycle assessment and electrochemical modeling to study the effects of cell design and operating conditions on the environmental impacts of lithium-ion batteries

Abstract Lithium-ion batteries have been the focus of many life cycle assessment studies in recent years due to the rapid growth in demand for lithium-ion batteries raising concern over their environmental impacts. This work demonstrates a new approach for reverse life cycle assessment of lithium-ion batteries that couples first-principles and semi-empirical electrochemical modeling with traditional battery life cycle assessment methodology. The approach enables systematic evaluation of battery design parameters as well as operating conditions on the environmental impacts of lithium-ion batteries. Results are presented for the effects of electrode thickness, porosity, discharge rate, and ambient temperature on the global warming potential and mineral depletion potential of lithium iron phosphate-graphite batteries. The effect of these design parameters and operating conditions on battery energy density and cycle life are considered for the first time as part of a battery life cycle assessment. The results identify specific values of electrode thickness and porosity that minimize the environmental impacts of lithium iron phosphate batteries, and the dependence of these values on battery discharge rate. Ultimately, it is envisioned that the electrochemical life cycle assessment approach presented in this work will provide a foundation for future studies exploring the effects of battery design and operation on life cycle environmental impacts of a variety of lithium-ion and beyond lithium-ion cell chemistries, such that the environmental impacts of batteries in specific applications can be minimized.
Leadership lessons from administrators, faculty, and students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract Introduction Due to the largescale scope of the COVID-19 pandemic, strain on the higher education system in the United States has been extraordinary. Yet, with any crisis, there is the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop new knowledge and strategies to benefit educational programs moving forward. The purpose of this study is to describe the leadership lessons learned by academic pharmacy during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of administrators, faculty, and students. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of qualitative data provided by three focus groups. Each focus group was composed of one of three distinct college of pharmacy constituencies: (1) members of the college’s executive team, (2) faculty members who currently or in the recent past served in college leadership positions, and (3) students in an elective pharmacy leadership course. Focus groups were semi-structured, and discussion concerned leadership lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. A modified form of inductive content analysis and abstraction was used to assess qualitative data collected during the focus groups. Results Five main themes emerged across all three focus groups, which include open and ongoing communication, staying connected, turning crisis into opportunity, being adaptable/flexible, and finding ways to stay productive. Themes unique to each focus group were also identified. Conclusions Core leadership lessons in emergent situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, including adaptability to the changing environment and communicating accurately and with appropriate frequency, illustrate the need for flexibility during times of crisis and highlight areas of focus for future planning.
Simple “Bedside” Cautery Entropion Repair

This is a simple and effective “bedside” procedure for someone unwilling or unable to undergo surgery in the operating room. Following injection of local anesthetic (lidocaine/epinephrine) and topical anesthetic drops, insert a lid plate into the inferior fornix for globe protection. Using your finger, downwardly displace the roll of orbicularis adjacent to the lid margin, rolling the lid outward. With a disposable hand-held cautery, make multiple vertical stab incisions through the lid down to the lid plate so that, when finished, you have six or so vertical stab incisions charred burns longitudinally along the middle part (over the tarsus) of the lid, from medial towards the lateral canthal area. Apply your favorite antibiotic/steroid ointment. No patch is required, but patients need reassurance that the burn marks will totally disappear.
BACTERIOLOGIC EXAMINATION OF GASTRIC ASPIRATE (GA) AS A SCREEN FOR NEONATAL SEPSIS

213 of 508 consecutive neonatal ICU admissions (Jan-June, 1983) had gastric aspirate cultures for prolonged rupture of membranes (>18 hrs), maternal fever, or respiratory distress at birth. To evaluate the use of GA cultures as a screen for neonatal sepsis or pneumonia, we compared GA culture results with clinical outcome, autopsy findings, radiologic diagnosis of pneumonia, and results of cultures from other sites. 18 of the 213 infants had confirmed sepsis or pneumonia, with positive and negative GA cultures distributed as shown in the table: 7 of 18 GA cultures (39%) in newborns with serious infections, including 6 of 8 (75%) in newborns with bacteremia, were positive for the specific pathogen found at other sites. 13 of 195 GA cultures (7%) gave "false positive" results in newborns with no subsequent evidence of neonatal infection. 182 of 195 infants (93%) evaluated for infection because of perinatal risk factors, but with no subsequent supporting evidence for perinatal infection, had negative GA cultures. GA is easily obtained for culture and microscopic examination at birth. Bacteriologic examination of GA has a low rate of false positive results and may permit early recognition of bacterial pathogens in some newborns with serious perinatal infections.
Effects of cumulative trauma load on perceptions of health, blood pressure and resting heart rate in urban African American youth

Purpose This study examined relationships between cumulative trauma (CT) and urban African American (AA) adolescents' blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and perceptions of health. Design and Method A correlational design using secondary data analysis studied effects of CT, health outcomes, and perceptions of health. Participants were 175 urban AA youth (11–16 years) who completed structured surveys and physiological measures of HR and BP before and after exercise. Results AA youth were experiencing high levels of CT. Negative correlations were obtained between AA females' perceptions of their health and systolic BP with levels of trauma. No gender differences were found in HR or BP. Practice Implications AA females with high CT may perceive themselves as less healthy and can be at risk for health problems.
Phosphorylation of the Ras nucleotide exchange factor son of sevenless by mitogen-activated protein kinase

Son of sevenless-1 and -2 (Sos-1 and -2) are guanosine nucleotide exchange factors implicated in the activation of Ras by both the insulin and epidermal growth factor signal transduction pathways. Ras appears to function by initiating the activation of cellular protein kinases including mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. Sos proteins contain numerous sequences in their carboxyl-terminal regions which correspond to consensus sites for MAP kinase phosphorylation. To examine whether these sites are substrates for MAP kinases, the cDNA encoding Drosophila Sos (dSos) was tagged with sequences encoding the major antigenic epitope of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) to create a dSosHA fusion construct. dSosHA was transiently expressed in COS-1 cells and immunoprecipitated with anti-HA antibodies. When immune complexes were incubated with purified MAP kinase and [gamma-32P]ATP, a phosphorylated band of 180 kDa was observed when analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This band was not present in immunoprecipitations from cells transfected with vector alone. No phosphorylation of the 180 kDa band was seen when immunoprecipitates were incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP in the absence of MAP kinase. Two dimensional analysis of tryptic peptides from dSosHA phosphorylated by MAP kinase in vitro revealed two major phosphorylated species that were also found in dSosHA isolated from COS-1 cells labeled with 32Pi. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that a feedback loop exists wherein growth factor-activated MAP kinases phosphorylate and regulate Sos proteins.
The Structure of the Bovine Pancreatic Secretory Trypsin Inhibitor—Kazal's Inhibitor II. THE ORDER OF THE TRYPTIC PEPTIDES

Abstract The tryptic peptides of bovine pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (Greene, L. J., and Giordano, J. S., Jr., J. Biol. Chem., 244, 285 (1969)) have been ordered in a unique sequence by a series of specific chemical and limited enzymatic cleavages of the performic acid-oxidized derivative. The amino acid sequence is [see PDF for sequence].
DNA-hybridization electron microscopy tertiary structure of 16 S rRNA.

Abstract Seven regions of 16 S rRNA have been located on the surface of the 30 S ribosomal subunit by DNA-hybridization electron microscopy. This information has been incorporated into a model for the tertiary structure of 16 S rRNA, accounting for approximately 40% of the total 16 S rRNA. A structure labeled the platform ring is proposed for a region of rRNA within the central domain. This structure rings the edges of the platform and includes regions 655–751 and 769–810. Another region, the recognition complex, consists of nucleotides 500 to 545, and occupies a region on the exterior surface of the subunit near the elongation factor Tu binding site. Ribosomal proteins that have been mapped by immunoelectron microscopy are superimposed onto the model in order to examine possible regions of interaction. Good correlation between the model locations of ribosomal proteins, and regions of rRNA protected by ribosomal proteins provide independent support for this model.
The Design and Evaluation of a Mobile Location-Aware Handheld Event Planner

The problem of designing and evaluating mobile computing applications is of growing concern in the HCI community, due in part to the difficulty of applying traditional design and evaluation methods to increasingly informal and unstructured usage contexts. We describe the design and evaluation of an integrated location-aware event and meeting planner built to work in a PDA form factor. We discuss the limitations and possibilities of location technology on mobile devices and how it can be used to create useful, usable, and elegant applications. We outline major design decisions, the results of qualitative formative evaluation performed with a small number of participants, and the second iteration of the design. Finally, we offer a number of general considerations on the design process and on specific issues related to mobile handheld applications, including reference metrics for design assessment, user training and cross-over effects from desktop systems.
Unit testing: test early, test often

Testing is a critical part of good software development, but often gets only minimal coverage in introductory programming courses. Unit testing and selected aspects of test-driven development can be used to improve learning and encourage emphasis on quality and correctness. Tools like JUnit significantly simplify the generation of test cases. An additional benefit for instructors is that these tools can also be used to automate project grading.
Analysis of 104 Cases of Carcinoma of the Large Intestine

The purpose of this paper is to report on an analysis of 104 cases of proved carcinoma of the large intestine admitted to Lakeside Hospital in the ten years ending in 1931. The material was obtained by resections, autopsies, and biopsies. In that period no instances of sarcoma or melanoblastoma were observed. Age Incidence Age incidence covers a wide range, but there is no doubt that the greatest number of cancers of the colon occur between the ages of forty-one and sixty. In Kauffmann's series of 320 cases the incidence was slightly higher in the sixth than in the fifth decade, but in Anschutz' series of 128 cases it was slightly higher in the fifth decade. In our much smaller series the fourth and fifth decades showed about equal incidence, with a slight reduction in the sixth. Hayden and Shedden found that in 303 cases of carcinoma of the rectum the greatest incidence was in the sixth decade, with the seventh next and the fifth next. This is true, also, of Miles' 587 cases. In our series the incidence was about the same in these three decades. It is noteworthy that carcinoma of the colon occurs at a somewhat earlier period than carcinoma of the rectum, as can be seen by a comparison of Graphs 1 and 2.
The use of linear models for the efficient and accurate testing of A/D converters

Three new methods are presented for using linear models to generate confidence intervals for ADC nonlinearity. The methods are based on the servo loop method the tally and weight method and the code density method.
Text, Role, and Context: Special roles: Literacy practitioners as campus mediators and researchers

The role of literacy in academic life has remained largely transparent – unexamined (Russell, 1991, p. 7). The development of socioliteracies requires interaction and analysis using a variety of texts, roles, and contexts. If we are to encourage socioliterate practices among our students, we must model for them the ways in which these interactions can take place. We must carve out for ourselves unusual, mediating roles, which ensure collaboration with faculty and administrators, promote student and faculty literacy research, and encourage projects that require all faculty to take responsibility for student literacy growth. There are obstacles to be surmounted in these mediating and research efforts; however, if we promote our goals in ways that are consistent with those of influential faculty and campus administrators, we can recruit powerful partners in our literacy efforts. This chapter addresses the following questions relating to our roles as mediators within academic contexts: What obstacles stand in the way of involving discipline-specific (DS) faculty in the promotion of socioliteracy? What are some of the ways in which we can involve DS faculty in literacy research? In what ways can literacy and DS faculty join in pedagogical endeavors? How are the WAC/LAC programs designed to promote faculty interest in literacies? Obstacles to campus innovation Good teaching unrewarded In many academic settings, DS faculty are not particularly interested in changing their approaches to teaching in order to improve student literacies or critical thinking. Why is this the case? There are a number of reasons. The first is that faculty tend to behave in their classrooms in ways that are comfortable and familiar. When they were university students, their teachers lectured, so they lecture; their own university classes required textbooks, so they require them as well. They were examined through in-class essays or multiple-choice questions, so they examine their students in the same way.
Algorithm for determining LO-phonon-mode parameters from optical-reflectance data: Application to high- T c cuprates

An algorithm is proposed to derive the longitudinal-optic-phonon-mode parameters from reflectance spectra applicable when the mode damping is moderate to weak. The algorithm, which can easily be performed using commercial software for a personal computer, leads to a unique set of mode parameter values that satisfy both the generalized Lyddane-Sachs-Teller relation and the sum rule. As examples, we apply our algorithm to optical-reflectance data on ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ and ${\mathrm{Nd}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ and obtain values for the transverse and longitudinal frequencies and associated damping. The results are compared with other methods commonly used in the literature.
Model-Free Video Detection and Tracking of Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Pedestrian and bicycle monitoring is quickly becoming an avid area of interest as information regarding pedestrian and bicycle flow is needed not only for developing competent access to particular urban corridors and trails, but also for system optimization scenarios, such as transit system operations and intersection controls. In this paper, the authors present a simple, yet effective method for tracking pedestrian and bicycle objects in a relatively large surveillance area, using ordinary uncalibrated video images. Object extraction is accomplished via background subtraction, while tracking is accomplished through an inherent characteristic cost function. Composite objects are used as a means of dealing with occlusions. The algorithm is implemented using Microsoft Visual C# and was tested on numerous scenes of varying complexity, resulting in an average count rate of 92.7% at the specified checkpoints.
Tolerance of Acyclic Residues in the β-Peptide 12-Helix: Access to Diverse Side-Chain Arrays for Biological Applications

Oligomeric backbones with well-defined conformational propensities can serve as scaffolds for displaying sets of functional groups in specific three-dimensional arrangements. β-Peptides are particularly interesting in this regard because several distinct secondary structures can be induced by appropriate choice of β-amino acid substitution pattern.3 The β-peptide 12-helix (defined by 12-membered ring CO(i)- -H−N(i + 3) hydrogen bonds) is of particular interest because this helix resembles the α-helix. To date 12-helices have been observed in β-peptides comprised exclusively of residues containing a five-membered ring constraint. Here we show that 12-helical propensity is maintained when some cyclic β-amino acid residues are replaced with more flexible acyclic residues. This result is important because use of acyclic residues greatly facilitates introduction of diverse side chains at specific sites along the 12-helix. We demonstrate the utility of this advance in the context of antibiotic design.
Possible Mechanisms of Crystalline Silica-Induced Lung Disease

Abstract Some crystalline silicas cause pulmonary fibrosis and tumors in rats. Work from our laboratory and others has focused on whether these lesions reflect unique or similar responses of lung fibroblasts and epithelial cells to silica in comparison to a number of insoluble particles (e.g., carbon black, shale, titanium dioxide, etc.) also associated with fibrotic and carcinogenic responses in rat inhalation models. Inhalation of asbestos and silica, as well as nuisance dusts at overload concentrations, also causes marked and prolonged inflammation in the lung. The elaboration of active oxygen species and other inflammatory mediators by these minerals may be intrinsic to the disease process. Elevated and protracted induction of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes is observed after inhalation of asbestos or cristobalite silica. These studies indicate that cells of the lung respond defensively to inflammatory particles. Oxidant stress can be important to the development of genotoxicity, cell proliferation...
Finite element analysis of laminar flow in a vertical channel with fin array

A finite element model of mixed convection is described for a periodically fully developed flow in a parallel-plate vertical channel whose heated wall is lined with fins placed at regular intervals. The opposite wall is kept cold and has no extended surfaces. The effect of the entrance region is neglected because it is comparatively short in comparison to that in which the flow is fully developed. The periodically fully developed condition provides a mathematical simplification that allows the area of interest to be reduced to a single section defined by the longitudinal boundaries between two consecutive fins. This section is broken into several triangular finite elements within which the mathematical solution is expressed in terms of nodal values and interpolation functions. Using Galerkin's method of weighted residuals, the conservation equations are turned into a set of algebraic equations from which the solution is obtained by an iterative procedure. The effects of Reynolds number, Grashof number, and fin height and pitch are assessed.
Comparison of Techniques for Implantation of Aortic Valve Allografts

Background. Various implantation techniques for allograft aortic valve replacement have evolved over the years. Our objective was to examine the effects of different implantation methods on subsequent valve performance and durability. Methods. Between May 1985 and January 1994, 137 patients underwent allograft aortic valve replacement. The first 59 aortic valve allografts were inserted by the freehand scalloped technique with removal of the aortic sinuses, and the last 78 valves were inserted by the cylinder technique, in which the aortic sinuses and sinotubular junction were retained. The mean age of the 91 men and 46 women was 53.7 years (range, 18 to 83 years). Preoperative diagnoses were aortic stenosis (n = 57), aortic regurgitation (AR, n=40) and aortic stenosis/AR (n = 40); 27 patients had prior aortic valve operations and 1 patient had a previous heart transplantation. Active endocarditis was present in 29 patients. Associated procedures included coronary artery bypass (n = 33), ascending aneurysm repair (n = 4), left ventricular aneurysmectomy (n = 3), repair of atrial septal defect (n = 2), mitral valve repair or replacement (n = 6), and aortic root enlargement (n = 24). Follow-up was complete in 133 patients (97%) a mean of 4.9 years (range, 1 day to 9.8 years) after allograft aortic valve replacement. Results. Operative mortality was 6.5% for all patients but only 1.9% for patients without infection having isolated aortic valve replacement. Early echocardiography (mean of 8.4 days postoperatively) demonstrated no AR or mild AR and a mean gradient of 10.6 ± 6.2 mm Hg in all patients. The cumulative risk of development of grade III or IV AR at 7 years postoperatively was 26.2% ± 6.3% in the scallop group and 12.4% ± 5.6% in the cylinder group ( p = 0.4). Late postoperatively, transvalvular gradient by echocardiography was 13.1 ± 9.4 mm Hg, and was similar in the two study groups. Late AR led to reoperation in 13 patients (22%) who had initial implantation with the scallop method and only 4 patients (5.4%) who had the valve inserted with the cylinder method. However, because duration of follow-up was longer for patients in the scallop group, cumulative risk of reoperation was similar at 5 years postoperatively (scallop, 13.7% [95% confidence interval, 76.7% to 95.8%]; cylinder, 11.5% [95% confidence interval, 75.5% to 99.1%]). Conclusions. The insertion of an aortic valve allograft as a cylinder, retaining the sinotubular junction, appears to result in less aortic regurgitation at 7 years postoperatively, and with additional follow-up may result in less reoperation for AR.
Human Adenine Phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) Deficiency: Single Mutant Allele Common to the Japanese

Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) is a purine salvage enzyme, which catalyzes the conversion of adenine to adenylic acid in the presence of phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (PRPP). In a complete APRT deficient subject, accumulated adenine is oxidized to 2, 8-dihydroxyadenine (2, 8-DHA) by xanthine oxidase. 2, 8-DHA excreted into urine precipitates and then forms a urinary stone.1 Partial deficiency develops no clinical symptoms. APRT deficiency is a common genetic disorder caused by a defective APRT gene on chromosome 16 and inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The APRT gene, which is approximately 2.6 kb in length, consists of five exons and four introns. The frequency of heterozygotes has been estimated to be 0.4% – 1.2%.
Doing materials science with a supercomputer: on the road to 1000 atom systems

Abstract Within the past several years, algorithms for realistic descriptions of materials have been developed and implemented on supercomputers. It is reasonable to expect this trend to continue and, most likely, accelerate. The consequences of this “megatrend” will be accurate numerical experiments which will supplement, and in some cases supplement, laboratory experiments. We review briefly how pseudopotential methods have played an important role in this trend and how such methods are likely to play a leading role in the development of new algorithms. Recent “experiments” on supercomputers for the structure of amorphous solids, and liquids will be used to illustrate how materials science can be done on the computer.
Energy as a determinant of investment behaviour

Abstract Studies of the determinants of investment behaviour have so far failed to consider the effects of changing energy prices. This paper aims to remedy this omission. After reviewing the theory of investment analysis, the author presents an econometric examination of the role of energy prices in US investment activity. He finds that the price of energy is an important factor in adequately explaining investment decisions and that its importance is likely to grow.
Reduced body size and cub recruitment in polar bears associated with sea ice decline

Rates of reproduction and survival are dependent upon adequate body size and condition of individuals. Declines in size and condition have provided early indicators of population decline in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) near the southern extreme of their range. We tested whether patterns in body size, condition, and cub recruitment of polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea of Alaska were related to the availability of preferred sea ice habitats and whether these measures and habitat availability exhibited trends over time, between 1982 and 2006. The mean skull size and body length of all polar bears over three years of age declined over time, corresponding with long-term declines in the spatial and temporal availability of sea ice habitat. Body size of young, growing bears declined over time and was smaller after years when sea ice availability was reduced. Reduced litter mass and numbers of yearlings per female following years with lower availability of optimal sea ice habitat, suggest reduced reproductive output and juvenile survival. These results, based on analysis of a long-term data set, suggest that declining sea ice is associated with nutritional limitations that reduced body size and reproduction in this population.
Teaching quality improvement in the midst of performance measurement pressures: mixed messages?

BACKGROUND While the importance of teaching quality improvement (QI) is recognized, formal opportunities to teach it are limited and are not always successful at getting physician trainee buy-in. We summarize findings that emerged from a QI curriculum designed to promote physician trainee insights into the evaluation and improvement of quality of care. METHODS Grounded-theory approaches to thematic coding of responses from 24 trainees to open-ended items about aspects of a QI curriculum. The 24 trainees were subsequently divided into 9 teams that provided group responses to open-ended items about assessing quality care. Coding was also informed by notes from group discussions. RESULTS Successes associated with QI projects reflected several aspects of optimizing care such as approaches to improving processes and enabling providers. Counterproductive themes included aspects of compromising care such as creating blinders and complicating care delivery. Themes about assessing care included absolute versus process trade-offs, time frame, documentation completeness, and the underrecognized role of the patient/provider dynamic. CONCLUSIONS Our mapping of the themes provides a useful summary of issues and ways to approach the potential lack of buy-in from physician trainees about the value of QI and the "mixed-messages" regarding inconsistencies in the application of presumed objective performance measures.
Biomarkers in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

Despite recent advances in the treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), relapse remains common and patients often experience a variable clinical course after initial treatment. New biomarkers are needed to aid the management of these complex diseases. Discoveries regarding the pathogenesis of AAV, from the importance both of activated B and T cells and the alternative complement pathway to genomic data, may lay the groundwork for identification of novel biomarkers.
Frequency of authorship in the Journal of Experimental Psychology

A sample of authors of articles in the Journal of Experimental Psychology showed that 67% of the authors published only one article in that journal during the period 1950-1969. Sixteen percent of the authors produced 46% of the articles.
In vivo quantification of dopamine D2 receptor parameters in nonhuman primates with [123I]iodobenzofuran and single photon emission computerized tomography

[123I]Iodobenzofuran ([123I]IBF) is a new single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) tracer for visualization of the dopamine D2 receptors. A tracer constant infusion paradigm was developed to measure the binding potential, density (Bmax) and affinity (KD) of the dopamine D2 receptor in baboons. Three baboons underwent both a single bolus and a constant infusion study. For the single bolus experiment, the striatal binding potential (134 +/- 24 ml g-1, mean +/- S.D.) was derived by kinetic analysis. For the constant infusion experiments, the striatal binding potential (127 +/- 16 ml g-1) was derived by equilibrium analysis. The two sets of experiments thus provided consistent data. Low specific activity constant infusion experiments were performed to measure KD (0.08 nM) and Bmax (12.7 nM). In vitro experiments carried out at 37 degrees C with [125I]IBF on rat striatal homogenate membranes provided results in agreement with the SPECT data. These studies suggested the feasibility of quantitation of dopamine D2 receptor parameters with [123I]IBF SPECT imaging.
Heterogeneous oxidation of Fe(II) on ferric oxide at neutral pH and a low partial pressure of O2.

The objective of this study was to identify the rate and mechanism of abiotic oxidation of ferrous iron at the water−ferric oxide interface (heterogeneous oxidation) at neutral pH. Oxidation was co...
A discontinuous output feedback controller and velocity observer for nonlinear mechanical systems

In this paper, we develop a new discontinuous output feedback tracking controller for a class of uncertain, nonlinear, multi-input/multi-output, mechanical systems whose dynamics are first-order differentiable. A novel filter design and Lyapunov-type stability analysis are used to prove semi-global asymptotic tracking. As a by-product of the proposed framework, we also present the design of a new simple, discontinuous velocity observer that ensures global asymptotic velocity observation.
Concrete microstructural responses to the interaction of natural microfines and potassium acetate based deicer

Abstract This study investigates the chemical interactions and microstructural changes natural microfines induce in concrete laboratory specimens subjected to potassium acetate deicer. Microfines (material smaller than 75 μm) from 5 aggregate sources around the US were characterized and methodically added to concrete. Microscopy and petrographic testing were conducted with the goal of determining why the combination of the microfines and deicer causes deterioration of concrete. Microfines containing a high content of phyllosilicates showed the greatest impact on the concrete structure when exposed to potassium acetate deicers. In all cases, crystals of potassium sulfate were found in abundance throughout the system. ASR gel was not found to be the major form of deterioration although the degradation mechanism mimicked these effects.
Identification of Growth Arrest and DNA-Damage-Inducible Gene β (GADD45β) as a Novel Tumor Suppressor in Pituitary Gonadotrope Tumors

Gonadotrope and null cell pituitary tumors cause significant morbidity, often presenting with signs of hypogonadism together with visual disturbances due to mass effects. Surgery and radiation are the only therapeutic options to date. To identify dysregulated genes and pathways that may play a role in tumorigenesis and/or progression, molecular profiling was performed on 14 gonadotrope tumors, with nine normal human pituitaries obtained at autopsy serving as controls. Bioinformatic analysis identified putative downstream effectors of tumor protein 53 (p53) that were consistently repressed in gonadotrope pituitary tumors, including RPRM, P21, and PMAIP1, with concomitant inhibition of the upstream p53 regulator, PLAGL1(Zac1). Further analysis of the growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible (GADD45) family revealed no change in the p53 target, GADD45α, but identified repression of GADD45β in pituitary tumors in addition to the previously reported inhibition of GADD45γ. Overexpression of GADD45β in LβT2 mouse gonadotrope cells blocked tumor cell proliferation and increased rates of apoptosis in response to growth factor withdrawal. Stable gonadotrope cell transfectants expressing increased GADD45β showed decreased colony formation in soft agar, confirming its normal role as a tumor suppressor. Unlike previous studies of GADD45γ in pituitary tumors and α and β in other tumors, bisulfite sequencing showed no evidence of hypermethylation of the GADD45β promoter in human pituitary tumor samples to explain the repression of its expression. Thus, GADD45β is a novel pituitary tumor suppressor whose reexpression blocks proliferation, survival, and tumorigenesis. Together these studies identify new targets and mechanisms to explore in pituitary tumor initiation and progression.
Measuring three-dimensional soil deformation☆

Abstract A laboratory system has been developed in which controlled surface loading can be applied to a constructed soil profile and the resultant deformation can be measured accurately in three dimensions. The system utilizes a 10m × 0.9m × 1.3 m rectangular bin composed of ten modular sections. A hydraulically powered carriage controlled by a microcomputer is used to construct soil profiles and apply surface loading via a pneumatic wheel. Soil deformation is measured by placing 6.4mm(diameter)x25.4mm white polypropylene markers in the soil at prescribed three-dimensional coordinates during profile construction and then determining their corresponding coordinates after deformation by means of a sonic digitizer. Experiments were conducted to determine: (a) the accuracy of measurement of marker coordinate dimensions and (b) the accuracy of initial placement of markers during soil profile construction. The 95% confidence interval of measurement accuracy for the sonic digitizer was ± 0.2 mm for the x and y coordinate directions and ± 0.8 mm for the z direction (parallel to the direction of wheel travel). The 95% confidence interval for marker placement accuracy was ± 2.0 mm, ± 3.4 mm, and ± 7.1 mm for the x, y, and z coordinate directions, respectively. The mean marker dislocation for the x and y directions was approximately equivalent to the accuracy limit of the sonic digitizer, whereas that of the z direction was an order of magnitude greater.
Case Study of Occupant Costs in Roof Management

AbstractA failed or failing roof system represents a heightened opportunity for failure in the building envelope and inherently increases the risk of additional costs. A leaking roof system also imposes costs on building occupants. Present roof asset management practice typically ignores user or occupant costs in making replacement decisions, basing roof management decisions on fixed intervals, inspection results, maintenance issues, and, occasionally, failure risk. This paper presents a process for valuating occupant costs with respect to roof system failures and then considers the impact of those costs in the roof management decision process. Feedback from occupants at Carnegie Mellon University regarding the impact of approximately 1,800 reported roof leaks over a period of 9 years was used to estimate occupant cost model parameters. Results found that the occupant costs coping with leaks exceed roof maintenance and repair costs in a typical year but are smaller than the average annual roof replacement...
Assessing industrial buyers' perceptions of quality and their effects on satisfaction

Abstract Identifying and measuring the dimensions of perceived quality and their influence on customer satisfaction are important aspects of a firm's quality management efforts. In this study, we develop and test a framework for assessing the perceptions held by industrial buyers from different functional areas (e.g., engineering, purchasing) and the link between those perceptions and customer satisfaction. A procedure for identifying the dimensions of quality and using them to target the industrial marketer's quality improvements is discussed, and the results of testing this methodology are presented. The results suggest that a potentially unique set of quality factors can be used to assess each vendor and that these factors vary across functional area.
Exposing disk layout to compiler for reducing energy consumption of parallel disk based systems

Disk subsystem is known to be a major contributor to overall power consumption of high-end parallel systems. Past research proposed several architectural level techniques to reduce disk power by taking advantage of idle periods experienced by disks. While such techniques have been known to be effective in certain cases, they share a common drawback: they operate in a reactive manner; i.e., they control disk power by observing past disk activity (e.g., idle and active periods) and estimating future ones. Consequently, they can miss opportunities for saving power and incur significant performance penalties, due to inaccuracies in predicting idle and active times. Motivated by this observation, this paper proposes and evaluates a compiler-driven approach to reducing disk power consumption of array-based scientific applications executing on parallel architectures. The proposed approach exposes disk layout information to the compiler, allowing it to derive disk access pattern, i.e., the order in which parallel disks are accessed. This paper demonstrates two uses of this information. First, we can do proactive disk power management, i.e., we can select the most appropriate power-saving strategy and disk preactivation strategy based on the compiler-predicted future idle and active periods of parallel disks. Second, we can restructure the application code to increase length of idle periods, which leads to better exploitation of available power-saving capabilities. We implemented both these approaches within an optimizing compiler and tested their effectiveness using a set of benchmark codes from the Spec2000 suite and a disk power simulator. Our results show that the compiler-driven disk power management is very promising. The experimental results also reveal that, while proactive disk power management is very effective, code restructuring for disk power achieves the best energy savings across all the benchmarks tested.
Single-shot, repetitive, and lifetime high-voltage testing of capacitors

Four different types of capacitors have been tested to determine the maximum usable high voltage. Ceramic, drop-dipped film, molded-mylar tubulars, and polyester/foil capacitors of different values and different nominal voltages were tested in four modes: the single-shot mode, the repetitive mode, the lifetime dc voltage mode, and the group mode. Experiments have shown that the breakdown voltage for all types of the capacitors tested is ten to seventeen times higher than the nominal voltage. The energy stored in the capacitors for a short time under overstress conditions is from 100 to 250 times higher their normal energy. Data are given for the limitations for single capacitors, and for two, three, and four capacitors connected in parallel.
Are Aβ and Its Derivatives Causative Agents or Innocent Bystanders in AD

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by neurodegeneration in neocortical regions of the brain. Currently, Aβ-based theories, including amyloid depositions and soluble Aβ, form the basis of most t
Implementing Lanczos-like algorithms on hypercube architectures

Abstract This paper discusses the Lanczos algorithm for large symmetric eigenvalue problems and its implementation on the Intel hypercube distributed-memory, message-passing parallel computer system.
Older-Generation Antihistamines and Cough Due to Upper Airway Cough Syndrome (UACS): Efficacy and Mechanism

Older-generation H1 antihistamines are recommended in empiric protocols for the treatment of cough due to upper airway cough syndrome (UACS). Data from double-blind placebo-controlled trials that support the use of older-generation antihistamines in UACS are limited to a single study of cough due to the common cold. However, several empiric trials strongly support efficacy of older-generation antihistamines in patients with chronic cough. Data from a variety of studies support the concept that newer-generation H1 antihistamines are not useful in the treatment of cough due to UACS. The mechanism of action of older-generation H1 antihistamines has been proposed to be anticholinergic activity, but the rank order potency of these drugs as muscarinic receptor antagonists is not consistent with this hypothesis. Actions of these drugs on histamine H1 and/or nonhistaminergic receptors in the central nervous system remain a possible explanation for their effects on cough due to UACS. The effects of older H1 antihistamines may also be molecule specific, rather than attributable to the entire class of compounds. Additional studies should be performed to document the activity of these drugs in double-blind placebo-controlled trials.
Research issues in genomic signal processing

Genomic signal processing (GSP) concerns the processing of genomic signals. It may be defined as the analysis, processing, and use of genomic signals to gain biological knowledge and the translation of that knowledge into systems-based applications. In this article, the authors discuss the key research issues for GSP. It is important to recognize that "genomic signal processing" is not a name for genomic bioinformatics nor for the application of signal processing methods in genomics. We note that the research issues pertaining to GSP fit within the overall challenges confronting research in the area of multimodal biomedical systems.
Phenotypic Spectrum of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous syndrome, with several underlying etiologic and pathophysiologic factors. The heterogeneity of the HFpEF syndrome may explain why (1) diagnosing and treating HFpEF is so challenging and (2) clinical trials in HFpEF have failed thus far. Here we describe 4 ways of categorizing HFpEF based on pathophysiology, clinical/etiologic subtype, type of clinical presentation, and quantitative phenomics (phenomapping analysis). Regardless of the classification method used, improved phenotypic characterization of HFpEF, and matching targeted therapies with specific HFpEF subtypes, will be a critical step towards improving outcomes in this increasingly prevalent syndrome.
IκB kinase complex (IKK) triggers detachment-induced autophagy in mammary epithelial cells independently of the PI3K-AKT-MTORC1 pathway

Adherent cells require proper integrin-mediated extracellular matrix (ECM) engagement for growth and survival; normal cells deprived of proper ECM contact undergo anoikis. At the same time, autophagy is induced as a survival pathway in both fibroblasts and epithelial cells upon ECM detachment. Here, we further define the intracellular signals that mediate detachment-induced autophagy and uncover an important role for the IκB kinase (IKK) complex in the induction of autophagy in mammary epithelial cells (MECs) deprived of ECM contact. Whereas the PI3K-AKT-MTORC1 pathway activation potently inhibits autophagy in ECM-detached fibroblasts, enforced activation of this pathway is not sufficient to suppress detachment-induced autophagy in MECs. Instead, inhibition of IKK, as well as its upstream regulator, MAP3K7/TAK1, significantly attenuates detachment-induced autophagy in MECs. Furthermore, function-blocking experiments corroborate that both IKK activation and autophagy induction result from decreased ITGA3-I...